WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE BULLETIN

2003 Corinth Avenue Los Angeles, California 90025

(310) 477-7274 Fax (310) 477-6674

Vol. 48, No. 1 & 2 January - February 2005

2005 – The Year of the Cock

ありがたや Arigata ya!

衾の雪も Fusuma no yuki mo

浄土から Jōdo kara. - Issa How very welcome! Even snowflakes on bedding Are from the Pure Land. When Issa died this poem was found under the pillow of his bed. The Pure Land (Jōdo) is the Buddhist paradise. The poet, who was very poor, lived in a wretched hut. Through cracks in the window and wall, snow often drifted in and fell on the bedding and floor. Yet Issa maintained his cheerful spirit. (from One Hundred Famous Haiku, Daniel C. Buchanan)

“Happy New Year!” from the 2004 Bulletin staff

Reverend Harold Oda (to October 31)

Reverend Fumiaki Usuki (from November 1) Advisor

Reverend Ensei Nekoda Religious – Japanese Mas Sasaki Printing

Sei Shohara Managing Editor Richard Stambul Assistant Editor Yasuko Shohara Computer Processing - English

Ted & Betty Takahashi Business & Mailing Toshiko Uyekubo Calendar - Japanese

Rev. Usuki’s Page

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Rev. Patti and I would like to extend our heart-felt HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you while expressing our appreciation for your gracious welcome. As I sit in the office with Haru Matsumune, your office manager, admiring the view of the beautiful garden and the street, I reflect on my new life at this temple. I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying the honor of being your new minister. In the coming days and months, I hope I will have the opportunity to personally meet all of you to share in this joy, so if you are in the neighborhood please stop by the office.

In the short time I have been here, your temple leaders and I have met continually to discuss my role as your minister, with a view to continuing in the great West Los Angeles Tem-ple tradition. First, I owe a special thanks to Oda Sensei and Mrs. Oda for their support and graciousness in making my transition very comfortable. I am also thankful to Nekoda Sensei for his help with the services, and to all the temple leaders for their wonderful guidance. I have learned a great deal about this temple, and knowing that I have the support of every-one makes my job much easier than anticipated.

This temple is made up of wonderful, hard working members with varied backgrounds and talents who graciously accept any duty that is necessary to sustain its continued life. The history of this temple goes back to your family history when your parents and grandparents were the founding members. The photos of the past board members and ministers that hang in the office hallway reflect this proud history and heritage. Much more, I hope that you are comfortable and will continue to enjoy coming here with your family and friends, making the temple a central part of your life. As we con-tinue to be challenged by the changing times and the needs of the new generations, we must also be prepared to change and to meet these challenges. I count on you for support.

Beginning on January 9, we will have a regular Sunday Service for both Dharma School chil-

dren and all adults. This will be followed by an adult study session where we will discuss many topics and pertinent issues in Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu. I hope all of you can spend this time to reflect on your spiritual and reli-gious needs as well as to raise the many ques-tions you may have. In addition, I will conduct a weekly study class on Thursdays at 1:00 pm. At this time these classes will be in English, but hopefully we can add Japanese study ses-sions in the future. On Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm we will start a full scale recreational TAIKO class. It is open to all ages, including seniors. As this will be a brand new class, we will learn to make our own taiko and equip-ment so please join us for this exciting new venture. You may sign up for the class at the temple or call the office.

Well, as you can see I am very excited to be here and look forward to developing new pro-grams to strengthen our temple. However, this aspiration can only become a reality with the participation and support of the entire Sangha. A minister does not have ownership or com-mand of a temple but is considered to be the religious leader and “caretaker” of the facility and the Sangha. This means that during my stay here we will try to walk the path of Onem-butsu together, guided by the teachings of Shinran Shonin, so that we can enjoy its many benefits. Our Jodo Shinshu temples have al-ways provided for the religious and community needs of those generations who pioneered be-fore us, and they continue to do so today. I hope all of you will see how valuable this tem-ple can be to you and your family, and I hope each and every one of you will renew your vigor so that your children and their children can follow in this great tradition.

Again, Rev. Patti and I hope the New Year will bring much happiness and awareness to you and your family in the life of Onembutsu.

In Gassho.

Rev. Fumiaki Usuki

SHINSHU CORNER

Just Right You, as you are, you are just right Your face, body, name, surname For you, they are just right

Whether poor or rich Your parents, your children, your daughter-in-law, your grandchildren They are, all for you, just right.

Happiness, unhappiness, joy and even sorrow For you, they are just right

The life that you have walked, is neither good nor bad For you, it is just right

Whether you go to hell or to the Pure Land Wherever you go is just right.

Nothing to boast about, nothing to feel bad about, Nothing above, nothing below. Even the day and month that you die, Even they are just right.

The Life in which you walk together with Amida, There is no way that it can’t be just right.

When you receive your life as just right Then a deep and profound faith opens up.

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WELCOME REV. PATRICIA KANAYA USUKI

(EDITOR’S NOTE: In the last issue of this Bulletin, we intro-duced our new resident minister to our readers by publishing his biography. In this issue, we likewise introduce his spouse known affectionately as Rev. Patti. Rev. Patti was appointed as resident minister of San Fer-nando Valley Hongwanji Bud-dhist Temple a few months be-fore her husband was appointed to our Temple. The reader is

also advised to read an article written by Rev. Patti for the Southern District Newsletter quarterly that appears elsewhere in this issue.)

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Rev. Patti is a sansei, born and raised in To-ronto. Her mother still lives there and her fa-ther passed away three years ago. Her mother's clan in Hiroshima-ken are devout Shin Bud-dhists, and her father's side in Oita-ken has a Nishi Hongwanji temple.

The ministry is Rev. Patti’s second career. By one of those fascinating coincidences that il-lustrate how our lives are interconnected, it was Mrs. Oda's nephew, Rev. Grant Ikuta of Toronto Buddhist Church, and his father, for-mer Bishop Ikuta of the Buddhist Churches of Canada, who set her feet on the ministerial path. She completed Buddhist studies at Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin in Kyoto (Honka graduation in 2002) and the Graduate Theological Union (MA degree in 2004), with which the Institute of Buddhist Studies is affiliated. She received her Tokudo and Kyoshi ordinations at Jodo Shin-shu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto (the mother Temple of our Jodo Shinshu sect) in 2001 and 2002 respectively.

After receiving her BA in Modern Languages and Literature in 1975 from University of To-ronto, Rev. Patti had a distinguished career in the Canadian Government, eventually rising to the lofty position of advising the Prime Minis-ter, members of his Cabinet and senior minis-

try officials on economic policy issues related to Energy, Science and Technology. Some of her duties along the way included serving as the Canadian Customs Representative at the office of the Canadian Consulate General in New York City, and performing diplomatic duties at the Canadian Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.

From1988 to 1993, she was granted an official leave of absence from the Government of Can-ada, after which she left government service. During this period and until she entered Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin in 2001, she pursued many interests. She served for two years as the Di-rector of the Asia Pacific Group of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa, Canada (the capitol city of Canada), where she directed an international division responsible for Canadian trade programs with Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ja-pan, Korea and Southeast Asia. She branched out into the Education field by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education and teaching certificate from University of Ottawa, and then teaching elementary school in Toronto for two years, including French. She also taught Eng-lish in Japan for many years. Finally, a year before she entered Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin, she worked at Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto editing English translations and trans-lating from European languages. Besides Eng-lish and Japanese, Rev. Patti is competent in French, Spanish, Italian, and German. The main project she worked on was the book Jodo Shinshu: A Guide which BCA recently distributed to every one of its members.

Because Rev. Patti has her own temple to min-ister, we will not be seeing her around as often as we might otherwise. However, barring an emergency, we expect she will be present at our annual New Year Party on Sunday, January 9. This year, the New Year Party is also a Welcome Party for the Usuki’s, so please come out and meet Rev. Patti and give her a warm welcome to WLA. Details of the party are summarized below.

NEW YEAR AND WELCOME PARTY FOR REVS. FUMIAKI & PATRICIA USUKI

Everyone welcome. No ticket purchase necessary.

When? January 9, following Sunday Service starting 11:00 a.m.

Food Menu: Pot Luck

Tell Temple Office (310) 477-7274 what you are bringing: main dish, rice dish, salad or vegetables.

Questions?

Call Chiyo Nitta at (310) 828-7857.

NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR Adult Service Every Sunday Study Class Each Week Taiko Class Each Week

There will be a Sunday Service each Sunday for adults as well as Dharma School students.

Followed by a short study session for adults to discuss issues in Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu.

In English.

Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.

Open to children and adults, including senior citizens.

Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. beginning January 5 in Social Hall basement.

Sign up in the Temple Office or call (310) 477-7274. Although you need not be a Temple member, members will have priority.

LEAVING THE SCENE Dr. Jack Fujimoto

2004 was a year of toil and gratitude inasmuch as there was much analysis, change, and inno-vation. I was grateful for the Board of Direc-tors hanging together to attend not only the regular Board meetings but also, semi-monthly Executive Board meetings. I realize that two meetings a month caused undue hardship on some of our Temple leaders. However, I am gratified that much good came from those extra meetings.

Improvements During the Year

Hi Tech in the Temple. Thanks to the design and implementation of a hi-tech system in the Hondo and Social Hall by Vance Nishimoto and funding from the Tanomoshi through Bob Matsumoto, Sangha members seated in the Social Hall because of overflow in the Hondo can now witness services and sermons taking place in the Hondo clearly on a large screen. In addition, members can view movies, amateur videotapes, and PowerPoint presentations with the same system. Having a minister like Rev. Usuki, who is steeped in hi-tech, helps considerably.

Windows Open in the Hondo. At the insis-tence of Rev. Oda, windows were installed during the summer to dissipate the incense smoke because many complained that they were feeling ill rather than spiritually liberated during services.

Involvement and Inclusiveness. More Sangha members continue to participate in scheduled activities. A Sangha Growth Committee, chaired by Marty Tachiki, has produced a “white paper” that will form the basis for fur-ther discussions leading to a Temple vision and mission statement.

Obon Structures and Operations Improved. An AdHoc Committee, chaired by Tosh Ishi-oka, listened to the late Steve Soda and ex-perimented successfully with scrip in lieu of cash. Tosh also replaced many steel pipe booths with push-up tents. This will be extended to remaining booths in 2005.

Working Capital Imbalance Studied. One significant issue addressed was the deficit of working capital required to operate the Temple. The AdHoc Committee on Temple Finances, led by Sho Matsumi, will continue to operate during 2005 to balance the “intake” and “outgo” equation. One recent outcome of working this equation resulted in raising regu-lar Temple membership dues from $80 to $120 per member in 2005 because BCA dues we must pay will exceed $80 per member in 2005.

The study of Temple security of resources resulted in opening a study of resource protec-tion through self-insurance as well as paid in-surance. The Task Force on Temple Safety and Security, led by Rick Stambul, addressed several issues. The tasks were completed and from that fallout, the Insurance Committee and Altar Oversight Committee were born.

The Ministerial Transition Project resulted in a fond farewell party for Rev. Oda, a scheduled welcome party for Rev. Usuki, and much work by the Ministerial Affairs Committee of Sei Shohara, Tom Ikkanda, and Ichiro Ouchi.

I have pointed out some of the highlights of the year and yet, recognize that there are many others not mentioned to whom gratitude is due.

Closing Another Chapter

Thanks for the opportunity to have served the Temple during 2004.

INVITATION FROM BCA

Each year in February, the BCA National Council (NC) convenes to discuss and vote on policy matters and budgets for the coming fis-cal year (April 1 to March 31). The official dele-gates to the National Council are principally composed of the minister and two laypersons from each of the 60 BCA temples. In the case of WLA, the lay representatives are usually the President and President-Elect. Each year this meeting is rotated among six of the eight BCA districts; the Mountain States and Eastern dis-tricts are left out of the normal rotation to keep travel costs down to reasonable levels. This February 25-27, the Coast district will host this meeting in San Jose.

These meetings convene on Friday morning and adjourn around Sunday noon, and all this time is usually packed solid with business meetings and related workshops. This year, the BCA President, Doug Iwamoto of Salinas, has made a major change. The change is to reduce business meeting time and extend workshop time to make room for subjects aimed at spiri-tual renewal and helping temple leaders run their temples. For this reason, in addition to the official delegates, as many other BCA mem-bers as possible are invited to attend. One featured speaker will be the world-renown Dr. Takamaro Shigaraki, Professor Emeritus of Ryukoku University.

For registration and hotel details, contact Dr. Jack Fujimoto at (310) 470-2997, before Janu-ary 9 when the 2005 cabinet is installed, or Yuki Sakurai (310) 820-3237 after January 9.

BUDDHIST TV PROGRAM TO BEGIN Starting January 2, a 15-minute TV program in English, The Teaching of Buddha, will begin broadcasting at 6:30 p.m. every Sunday on KXLA, Channel 44. In some areas, KXLA may be on a different channel, in which case you should check channel listings for your location.

This program aims to provide basic knowledge about Buddhism and to respond to the spiri-tual needs of viewers. The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka from Musashino Univer-sity in Tokyo. From time to time, guest speak-ers will be invited to participate. Dr. Tanaka is well known here because he taught for some time at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley before assuming his current position, and because of several popular books he has written.

The program is sponsored by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (Society for the Promotion of Bud-dhism), a company established by the late Ye-han Numata, a benefactor of many BCA tem-ples and other Buddhist causes. He is perhaps best known for his project to populate rooms in major hotels of the world with the book The Teaching of Buddha.

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DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS Cheryl Hamada Dharma School will begin the new year with the New Year Service and Welcome Party for Reverend Usuki and his wife Reverend Patricia Usuki on January 9 at 11 a.m.

We would like to thank everyone for attending our Oseibo presentation. I am always im-pressed by how well the students present and perform sophisticated material! We would also like to thank the PTC parents and teachers who provided and served the delicious luncheon. Congratulations to our students who received Attendance Awards for the 2003-2004 school year: Nursery /First Grade - Katie Hoy, 2nd-4th Grade – Nathan Ohkawahira, and Upper Division - Alec and Ryan Shaul.

The Dharma School students really appreciate receiving the Oseibo gift bags and would like to thank Asoka Fujinkai, BWA, Buddhist Men, Tanomoshi and Dharma School.

BWA NEWS Dorothy Ikkanda

The Buddhist Women’s Association had the honor of having our new resident minister, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki, officially install the 2005 cabi-net on November 7. The 2005 cabinet will be headed by youthful and capable Beverly Ya-hata. The cabinet will be listed in the next is-sue of the Bulletin along with the cabinets of all other temple organizations.

The BWA is bursting with pride. Why? Because one of our members, Yuki Sakurai, will be serv-ing as the temple president this year. I might add she is not the first BWA member to serve in that capacity. Yasuko broke the ground when she was the first woman to be president of the WLA Temple in 1996-1997.

The Southern District Council of the BCA will hold their 2005 meetings at WLA. The first scheduled meeting will be held on February 11. Beverly Yahata is toban chair for February.

Since September, three BWA members have lost their sons in the prime of life. Our heartfelt condolences to Miyoye Takahashi (Larry 60), Lorraine Soda (Steven 53) and Yoshiko Ishi-bashi (William 57). “There is no pain greater than a mother who buries a child.”

BWA gratefully acknowledges donations from Lorraine Soda, Alice Hirabayashi, and an anonymous donor.

BUDDHIST MEN LONGEVITY PARTY Masao Sasaki

In Japan chōju-iwai (長寿祝い ), or Longevity Celebration, is often observed as the celebrant reaches the following ages: Kanreki (60), Koki (70), Kiju (77), Sanju (80), Beiju (88), Sotsuju (90), and Hakuju (100). On November 20, the Buddhist Men met to congratulate ten mem-bers who have reached the critical ages from Kanreki (60) through Beiju (88). In the past we have had a member who celebrated Sotsuju (90).

I would like to thank Dr. Jack, Grace Fujimoto and Dorothy Ikkanda for shopping for the Bud-dhist Men, Lorraine Soda for cooking the rice, Masako Ishioka who assisted Charlotte, and all the other ladies for helping in the kitchen.

Sam Hada prepared the salmon in the kitchen; Ichiro Ouchi, Sho Matsumi, and Hidemi Ohkawahira took care of the barbecue pits for the steaks; and Bob Fujimoto purchased the 30 Bingo and door prizes.

We also had donations from Mr. & Mrs. Umeda and Rev. & Mrs. Oda. Thank you very much.

Next year about this time, the Buddhist Men will again honor members who have reached the critical age. I hope to see them all at the party.

CONDOLENCES

TO THE FAMILY

OF: WILLIAM TOSHIO ISHIBASHI, 57

June 11, 1947 – November 26, 2004

THANK YOU MRS. SUZUKI The Temple wishes to express its gratitude to Mrs. Sumiye Suzuki for applying her sewing skills to design and produce additional dust covers for the computer and monitor that were recently purchased for the Office.

THIRD FRIDAYS January 21 February 18

January 23, 2005, 9:30 a.m.

This is the most important Jodo Shinshu observance, a memorial service commemorating Shinran

Shonin’s passing.

Please attend.

Join the fun,

and support your Temple!

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WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE 2005 Officers of the Corporation

President Yuki Sakurai President Elect Vance Nishimoto

Recording Secretary Masako Ishioka Corresponding Secretary Beverly Yahata Treasurer Sei Shohara Assistant Treasurer Betty Takahashi Auditor Sho Matsumi Assistant Auditor Rob Kafka Community Relations Ichiro Ouchi, Bob Fujimoto, Judy Okita Legal Advisor Rick Stambul Ministerial Advisor Rev. Fumiaki Usuki 2005 Committee and Departments (*First listed is chairperson)

Advisory Committee Past Presidents Altar Committee (Onaijin Gakari) Hannah Nishimoto*, Kay Kafka, Rick Stambul BCA Council Representatives President, President-Elect or Designees Buddhist Education Betty Takahashi*, Carolyn Endo Building Property Maintenance Tosh Ishioka*, Hidemi Ohkawahira Bingo Bob Fujimoto*, Kay Kafka, Rob Kafka, Sho Matsumi, Judy Okita, Ichiro Ouchi, Monica Saito, Leo Tanaka Dharma School Kayo Ohkawahira*, Grace Mizushima Duplex Administration Beverly Yahata*, Tosh Ishioka, Betty Takahashi 80+ Lunch Program Chiyo Nitta*, Tamiko Hada, Dorothy Ikkanda, Masako Ishioka,

Terumi Iwamoto, Yuki Sakurai, Charlotte Sasaki, Kazuko Seike, Sei Shohara, Yasuko Shohara, Lorraine Soda

Eitaikyo Service (Eternal) Sam Hada*, Sho Matsumi, Hidemi Ohkawahira Endowment Fund Victor Naramura*, Dr. Jack Fujimoto, Tosh Ishioka, Satoshi Nitta, Funeral Arrangement Sam Hada*, Shig Ishii, Fumio Nishina, Yutaka Ohigashi, Leo

Tanaka Garden Management Tsukasa Mukai*, Taizo Kishi, Katsumi Murakami, Fumio Nishina,

Mitoshi Ohara, Yutaka Ohigashi, George Oshimo, George Ozamoto, Shinobu Shimomaye, Tsuruo Takata, Noriyuki Taniguchi, Tomio Totani

Historian Alice Umeda*, George Oshimo Information Tech Officer Vance Nishimoto Insurance Committee Sho Matsumi*, Dr. Jack Fujimoto, Rick Stambul Mailing Alice and Tussy Umeda Ministerial Affairs Sei Shohara*, Tom Ikkanda, Ichiro Ouchi Membership Barbara Tanaka*, Rob Kafka Nominating Committee Dr. Jack Fujimoto*, Sho Matsumi, Judy Okita, Yuki Sakurai,

Leo Tanaka Obon Tosh Ishioka*, Glen Bungo, Carolyn Endo, Kay Kafka, Rob Kafka, Tak Morimoto, Kathy Nishimoto, Kei Okamoto, Judy Okita, Monica Saito, Masao Sasaki, Rick Stambul, Marty Tachiki, Ted Takahashi Office Manager Haru Matsumune Omimai (Visitation) Leo Tanaka*, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki (Advisor), Torako Akutagawa, Chiyo Nishina Parking Variance Committee Marty Tachiki*, Rick Stambul Publication Sei Shohara*, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki (Advisor), Rev. Ensei Nekoda,

Masao Sasaki, Jim Shimomaye, Yasuko Shohara, Rick Stambul, Betty Takahashi, Ted Takahashi, Toshiko Uyekubo

Religious Service Yasuko Shohara*, Hannah Nishimoto Sangha Growth Marty Tachiki*, Jason Kato, Grace Mizushima, Jim Shimomaye Sawtelle Property Tosh Ishioka*, Sam Hada, Sho Matsumi, Akira Nishimoto, Vance

Nishimoto Scholarship Vance Nishimoto*, Marty Tachiki Shotsuki Hoyo (Monthly) Hidemi Ohkawahira*, Chiyo Nishina, Judy Okita Tanomoshi (Capital Savings) Bob Matsumoto*, Sam Hada, Hisashi Kojima, Katsumi

Murakami, Kei Okamoto, George Ozamoto, Motojiro Tabuchi Uketsuke (Receptionists) Dorothy Ikkanda*, Itsy Higa, Masako Nekoda, Yutaka Ohigashi,

Kiyo Teramaye, Toshiko Uyekubo Web Site Committee Jim Shimomaye*, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki, Haru Matsumune, Vance

Nishimoto, Marty Tachiki Affiliated Groups – Representative

Asoka Fujinkai, Buddhist Men, BWA, Dharma School, Junior YBA, New Affiliates

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JANUARY SHOTSUKI HOYO 7:30 p.m., January 7, 2005

Deceased: Remembered By: Kanzaburo Okumoto Alice Ikeda Itaro Watarida Betty Takahashi Kameji Sasaki Masao Sasaki Fumiko Sasaki Masayoshi Sasaki Fumiko Sasaki Catherine Sasaki Silman Ichitaro Kosaka Miyuki Kosaka Natsue Nakamura Emiko Nakamura Michiko Oshinomi Craig Oshinomi Takako Tanaka Margie Nakamura Rokuzo Kakehashi Hideo Kakehashi Kiku Ohara Miyo Ohara Masunaga Middo Kazue Middo Wasaku Middo " " Sakae Middo " " Kazue Akutagawa Kuniko Reynolds Fukuko Ii Kazuko Seike Fukuko Ii Nobuko Kozawa Sekizo Nomura George Ozamoto Keijiro Ozamoto " " Sadako Ozamoto " " Yoshifuru Suzuki " " Rinzaburo Kajihara Shinobu Narahara Kiyoko Kageyama Aiko Tsuboi Toki Mayetani Raymond Mayetani Nobuko Yamane Toshiko Yamane Nobuko Yamane Pauline Tsuge Hiroshi Baba John Ikkanda Ichino Nakagawa Fujio Nakagawa Takeo Ikeda Mary Ikeda Kameichi Ichiho Tsuyako Ichiho Rinzaemon Matsumiya Joe Uyeda Kiyoko Nakamura Akira Nishimoto Gizo Hashimoto Jane Nitta Yutaro Nakamura Kaoru Nakamura Sakutaro Takami Sandra Oshinomi Suye Takami " " Fred Takami " " Tonaichi Ono Cathy Marshall Kimiko Ono " " Sasaichi Kondo " " Teruo Takazumi Hisashi Takazumi Tsutako Uyeda Ichiro Uyekubo Mitsutaro Uyeda " " Kishino Naramura Shizue Naramura Jitsuo Naramura " " Craig Toya Marie Toya Tokumatsu Totani Reiko Totani Chita Nakagawa Tom Nakagawa Yukio Kawasaki " " George Misono Nobu Misono Hiroshi Ishiwata Yayoi Ishiwata Nobu Yahata Neal Yahata Tsuneko Yahata " " Nobu Yahata June Yahata Tsuneko Yahata " " Yoshiko Minazumi Chiyoko Kawashiri Kumaichi Takimoto Martha Suyetsugu Tadashi Kaba Kathy Kaba Hiroshi Kuramoto Yoshiye Kuramoto Gosaku Sakahara Jerry Sakahara Rose Sakahara " " Koyomi Yamanaka Leo Yamanaka Larry Fujimoto Robert Fujimoto Norie Takeuchi Dessa Yukawa Miyo Yoshida Roy Yoshida Teruko Sunada Mabel Tsukuda Teruko Sunada Alice Umeda Gisuke Nakagawa Reiko Nakamura Hisa Mayeda Rev. Ben Mayeda David Barbeiro Stanley Raposa Ken Fujimoto Reiko Fujimoto Michiye Hanamoto Mike Shintaku

Toshio Kawasaki Mizue Kawasaki Ruby Matsumoto Robert Matsumoto Tadao Tochioka Noriko Tochioka George T. Inaba Reiko Inaba Minoru Masuda Tokimi Okamura Takamori Iwashita Yoshiko Iwashita Kazuo Yamatoku Mizuye Yamatoku George Ichiro Abe Barbara Isono

_______________________________________

FEBRUARY SHOTSUKI HOYO 7: 30 p.m., February 4, 2005

Deceased: Remembered By: Shinpei Akutagawa Torako Akutagawa Masato Onami Stanley Onami Rokuichi Marumoto Tsutomu Marumoto Hamae Marumoto " " Haru Hatanaka Alan Hatanaka Ben Hatanaka " " Kameki Ishihara George Ishihara Wakano Ishioka Toshio Ishioka Hachizo Nakashima George Nakashima Tama Ishibashi Masaye Maruyama Kenzo Kojima George Kojima Kenjiro Tanaka Fujio Nakagawa Yutsuma Fujimoto Bob Fujimoto Yasutaro Kato Takao Iwamoto Saburo Koda Masayo Izuhara Furi Fukumoto Tomiko Fukumoto Katsumi Takemoto Toshiko Shimano Tsuma Ikkanda Roy Ikkanda Ichisaburo Kawai Ikuko Yamamoto Richard Ohkawahira Hidemi Ohkawahira Hama Mochizuki Yoshiharu Mochizuki Jue Uchida Emi Uchida Ichijiro Sakata Kaoru Sakata Tetsuji Tanaka Ted Tanaka Yoshiye Tanaka " " Kosaburo Arita Masako Ishioka Kayo Arita " " Sotaro Yamanaka Leo Yamanaka Hatsuko Suzuki Takehiro Nishi Ishi Takeda Arnold Maeda Kenzo Kawahara Tak Kawahara Sae Ozamoto George Ozamoto Yoshinori Matsuura Kazuharu Matsuura Masato Oshinomi Sandra Oshinomi Chitose Sasaki Rose Wenjen Yaeno Yamamura John Yamamura Tetsuo Akutagawa Kuniko Reynolds Karoku Akutagawa " " Risa Higa Roy Higa Masateru Shimasaki Yuriko Shimasaki Yoshio Ishibashi Yoshiko Ishibashi Moto Ouchi Ichiro Ouchi Shizue Morimoto Keiko Kano Sueko Terashita Masaaki Terashita Tosa Matsuno Minoru Matsuno Minoru F. Hayashida Kimiye Hayashida Yoshio Kobuke Rick I. Kobuke Masato Morita Maureen Sakaguchi Robert C. Kokado Eugene Kokado Hiroshi Nakamoto Toyoko Nakamoto Yoshimichi Kimura Kayoko Kimura Shigenobu Sakahara Jerry Sakahara Paul Takeda Harris Takeda Ichizo Takeda " " Satoshi Oshinomi Craig Oshinomi Frances Gomez George Gomez Masato Nishikawa Yoshiko Nishikawa Akiyo Takenaka Shinsaku Takenaka Mitsuru Morikawa Marjorie Morikawa Bill Koda Edward Koda Sadako Yamane Toshiko Yamane Sadako Yamane Pauline Tsuge Kageo Ohara Setsue Ohara

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2005 CALENDAR - WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE Rev. Usuki’s days off – Mon & Tue Temple Board Meeting – 2nd Mon Bingo - 3rd Fri Sunday Service and Asoka Fujinkai - 4th Wed No Bingo in July & Dec Dharma School - Every Sun Buddhist Men – 2nd Tue 80 Plus Lunch - Last Mon Shotsuki Hoyo - 1st Fri BWA – 3rd Sun No Lunch in July & Dec Study Class (E) – Every Thu YBA Ikebana – 1st, 3rd, & 4th Thu Taiko – Every Wed Tanomoshi - 2nd Sat Shigin - Every Tue Professional temple clean-up and following Thu WLA Youth Club – 2nd Wed

- every 1st and 3rd Tue __________________________________________________________________________________________ JANUARY NO PUBLICATION 1 Sat New Year Day Service (doors open at 8:00 a.m.) 10:00 a.m. 9 Sun Sunday Service and Dharma School, Installation of Temple Cabinet 11:00 a.m. Temple New YearParty/Rev. Usuki Welcome Party (Pot luck) 12 Wed Temple Annual Meeting 7:30 p.m. 22 Sat SD Jr. YBA Leadership Workshop All Day 23 Sun Ho-onko (Shinran Shonin Day) Sunday Service & Dharma School (Toban: BWA) 9:30 a.m. Buddhist Men Cabinet Installation 26 Wed Asoka Fujinkai Meeting and Cabinet Installation 7:30 p.m. 30 Sun Shigin Kinryu Kai New Year Party 12:00 p.m. Dharma School: 9, 16, 23, 30 _________________________________________________________________________________________ FEBRUARY PUBLICATION BWA 8 Tue Shotsuki/Eitaikyo Services Meeting 7:00 p.m. 11 Fri BCA SD Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. 20 Sun Nirvana Day Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Dharma School) 9:30 a.m. Shigin 1:00 pm 22-27 BCA Ministers' Annual Meeting and BCA National Council Meeting (San Jose) Dharma School: 6, 13, 20 _________________________________________________________________________________________ MARCH GENERAL CLEAN-UP NO PUBLICATION 6 Sun BWA Shrine Omigaki & Meeting 12:30 p.m. 12 Sat Chirashi preparation for Higan-e Otoki (BWA) 1:00 p.m. 13 Sun Higan-e Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Asoka Fujinkai) 9:30 a.m. 20 Sun General Temple and Garden Clean-up, BWA Service and Meeting 8:00 a.m. Dharma School: 6, 13, 27 _________________________________________________________________________________________ APRIL PUBLICATION Jr. YBA 10 Sun Hatsumairi/Hanamatsuri Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Buddhist Men) 9:30 a.m. 17 Sun BWA Eshinni/Kakushinni Memorial Service and Meeting 1:00 p.m. 29 – 5/1 FDSTL Conference (Host: Southern District at Renassance Hotel) Dharma School: 3, 10, 17, 24 _________________________________________________________________________________________ MAY NO PUBLICATION 1 Sun Shigin Kinryu Kai (Onshukai) 1:00 p.m. 8 Sun Mother's Day Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Jr. YBA) 9:30 a.m. 13 Fri BCA SD Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. 22 Sun Gotanye Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Sr. YBA) 9:30 a.m. 23 Mon 80 Plus Lunch 12 Noon 30 Mon Memorial Day Cemetery Services- Woodlawn 10:00 a.m. Inglewood 11:15 a.m. Dharma School: 8, 15, 22 _________________________________________________________________________________________ JUNE GENERAL CLEAN-UP PUBLICATION YBA 5 Sun General Temple and Garden Clean-up 8:00 a.m. 19 Sun Father's Day and Graduation Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Jr. YBA) and Annual Scholarship Presentation 10:00 a.m. Hamburger Lunch to follow (Toban: YBA) 20 Mon 80 Plus Lunch 12 Noon 25 Sat 80 Plus Yard Sale 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 28 Tue Start of Bon Odori practice every Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 p.m. Dharma School: 12, 19, 26

2005 CALENDAR - WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE Rev. Usuki’s days off – Mon & Tue Temple Board Meeting – 2nd Mon Bingo - 3rd Fri Sunday Service and Asoka Fujinkai - 4th Wed No Bingo in July & Dec Dharma School - Every Sun Buddhist Men – 2nd Tue 80 Plus Lunch - Last Mon Shotsuki Hoyo - 1st Fri BWA – 3rd Sun No Lunch in July & Dec Study Class (E) – Every Thu YBA Ikebana – 1st, 3rd, & 4th Thu Taiko – Every Wed Tanomoshi - 2nd Sat Shigin - Every Tue Professional temple clean-up and following Thu WLA Youth Club – 2nd Wed

- every 1st and 3rd Tue __________________________________________________________________________________________ JULY GENERAL CLEAN-UP NO PUBLICATION Bon Odori practice every Tuesday and Thursday to July 21 7:30 p.m. 6 Wed Buddhist Men Shrine Omigaki & Meeting 7:00 p.m. 9 Sat Obon Cemetery Service - Woodlawn 9:30 a.m. Inglewood 11:00 a.m. 10 Sun Obon Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: BWA) 9:30 a.m. 23 Sat Pipe take-out 7:00 p.m. 24 Sun Garden Clean-Up, Booth Construction and Lunch 8:00 a.m. 30-31 Obon Festival and Obon Odori Dharma School: 3, 10, 17 __________________________________________________________________________________________ AUGUST PUBLICATION BUDDHST MEN 1 Mon General Take-Down 7:00 p.m. 2 Tue Booth Take-Down and Temple Clean-Up 7:00 p.m. 6 Sat Buddhist Men Appreciation Dinner 6:00 p.m 15 – 18 BCA Ministers Summer Fuken (Southern District – Los Angeles Betsuin) 26-29 Los Angeles Betsuin Centennial No Dharma School in August __________________________________________________________________________________________ SEPTEMBER NO PUBLICATION 3-4 Sat-Sun Southern District Family Conference, Toban: OCBC (Anaheim Hilton Hotel) 11 Sun First Day of 2005-2006 Dharma School Year 9:30 a.m. Shigin (Dokokai) 1:00 p.m. 16 Fri BCA SD Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. 18 Sun Higan-e Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Buddhist Men) 10:00 a.m. Lunch to follow (Toban: Buddhist Men) 23 Fri BINGO 7:00 p.m. 25 Sun Shigin Kinryu Kai (Onshu Kai) 1:00 p.m. Dharma School: 11, 18, 25 __________________________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER PUBLICATION ASOKA 7 – 9 FBWA Conference (Central CA – Fresno) 15 Sat Buddhist Men/BWA Memorial Service (Toban: BWA) 11:00 a.m. 29 Sat Family Fun Night 6:00 p.m. Dharma School: 2, 9, 16, 23 __________________________________________________________________________________________ NOVEMBER NO PUBLICATION 11 Fri BCA SD Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. 13 Sun Thanksgiving Sunday Service and Dharma School - English (Toban: Temple) 9:30 a.m. Eitaikyo Perpetual Memorial Service - Japanese 2:00 p.m. 19 Sat Buddhist Men Longevity Party 5:30 p.m. Dharma School: 6, 13, 20 __________________________________________________________________________________________ DECEMBER GENERAL CLEAN-UP PUBLICATION Temple 4 Sun Bodhi Day Sunday Service and Dharma School and 9:30 a.m. Oseibo Taikai followed by Lunch (Toban: Dharma School) 7 Wed Shrine Omigaki (Asoka Fujinkai) 7:00 p.m. 10 Sat Mochi Tsuki (Jr. YBA and Temple) 11 Sun General Temple and Garden Clean-Up 8:00 a.m. 31 Sat Joya-e Year End Service 8:00 p.m. Dharma School: 4

Southern District Newsletter

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fall Published by the Southern District Buddhist Education Council 2004

With Us Wherever We Go By Rev. Patti Usuki, San Fernando

From this day to the very end of time, wherever you are, give praise to the Vow, and wherever you may go, encourage others to hear it. Whatever body and land you may be born into as your recompense, whatever the conditions for teaching others, your work is the same as Amida Buddha’s, without any difference. This aspiration is boundless; may the Buddha recognize and know this. (CWS 598-9) Recently, Southern California has been suffering the onslaught of fall weather with torrential rains, and blizzards in the mountains. Watching the weather and traffic reports on TV the other day, I decided to take surface streets to the temple rather than brave slick conditions on freeways that are formidable under normal circumstances. Much to my delight, I was treated to an unexpected display of autumn colors, as my route took me down a tree-lined avenue. Viewing a palette of red and yellow and gold through the rain-streaked windshield, I reminisced about the majestic maples back home in Canada. Just for an instant, my joy was mixed with a touch of longing, but in another blink of an eye, I smiled at a row of ubiquitous palms that never fail to enchant me. These tall sentinels of warmer climes stand for only one thing to those of us from snow country – winter vacation! On the surface, it seems odd at times to find myself actually living here in the land of endless (to me) summer. Not that I’m complaining. It’s just that I never would have dreamt that I might marry an American who also happens to be a BCA minister, and then be assigned to a temple here (and a hot one at that, in more ways than one). We never know where our interconnected causes and conditions will lead us. I’m humbled to be reminded that no matter how old we are, or how well we think we have our life maps figured out, there’s always a bigger Reality about which we are usually ignorant, and from which we could learn much if only we were more aware. Having entered the ministry at an age when many people are beginning to think about retirement, I was grateful that the Buddhist Churches of Canada offered such generous support and encouragement to pursue this calling. I pictured myself finally settling down after long years of world travel to pass the rest of my days with the familiar faces of family and old friends. Falling in love with a “foreigner” and moving to yet another country was the furthest thing from my mind at this point. Due to various circumstances, I had somehow spent my adult life in a range of abodes which had also turned out to be beyond my imagining: a grand estate in the French countryside; a swank apartment in mid-town Manhattan; a sprawling mansion in Quito, Ecuador (with frequent side trips to the jungle); and a series of miniscule flats in a number of Japanese towns. The people I met were as varied as the locations but there

were kind people everywhere I went, and in each place, I learned so much about life and about myself.

No matter how far away my path has taken me, though, there has always been something that has ultimately made me feel at home “in my own skin,” as the French say. Certainly part of it is the security and warmth given to me collectively over the years by my parents, relatives, friends, teachers, and colleagues through their love, caring and compassion. If home is where the heart is, then my home is wherever I go and all of these people reside forever deep within – and I realize that their number is boundless.

Reflecting on the notion of interconnectedness, we all share in the same Reality together, no matter where in the world we may find ourselves. Wherever we may be, we can hear Amida Buddha calling to us if we open our hearts and minds. I can’t help but wonder if the Issei, many of whom were devout Shin Buddhists, felt the same, so far from home.

Not far away, blizzards blow and raindrops patter on scarlet leaves. I think of my mother, safe and warm in our old Toronto house, and I know she is thinking of me as she checks the L.A. weather on TV. Amida Buddha’s Vow embraces all of us together at all times. In this moment, I know that we are One wherever we may be and home is wherever we are.

Namo Amida Butsu.

In gassho, Rev. Patti Usuki

S.D. Dharma School Teachers

September saw the beginning of the new Dharma School year at all the Southern District chapters. Ministers and teachers are back into the routine of things, after the summer vacation. The 2004 SDDSTL Conference will be hosted by OCBC on Saturday, November 20th. The theme is “Gudo and Dendo – To See the Path and Share the Teachings”. The teachers and ministers of Orange County are working hard to put together our annual conference. The end of the year is nearing, so stop by the SDDSTL Hongwanji Place to purchase your Oseibo gifts for everyone on your gift list! We’re open on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our volunteers will gladly help you. You can also leave your ojuzu for repair. The three SDDSTL Mini Workshops for 2005 will be hosted by San Diego, San Fernando, and Senshin. Dates to be announced. Meetings for the planning committee and workshop leaders of the 2005 FDSTL Conference are on-going because Southern District will be hosting the 54th annual conference, April 29 – May 1, 2005. Nancy Tamehiro President

S.D. Dharma School Teachers

Southern District Newsletter – Page 2 __________________________________________________________________________________________________ S.D. Council News Our temples had our various and several Hanamatsuri services and festivals and then our Obon celebrations where we gathered to express our gratitude for this life we have. I had the opportunity this summer to visit my family gravesites with my sister and her husband, our son, our daughter and her husband and our grandson. It suddenly rained, but since this was the usual thing in Hilo, we just ignored the warm rain and did our haka-mairi during the rain and got soaked. The umbrellas were still in the car. This fall I was invited to the Oxnard Buddhist Temple 75th Anniversary celebration where Socho Ogui talked about how amazing it was to consider that about 40 years ago he was a young and eligible bachelor minister at Oxnard and that he was addressing many of the same people at their temple 75th anniversary as the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America. At the luncheon after the service 51 seniors, 80 years and older, were presented with gifts. A very cheerful and perky 83-year old, Helen Takeda, was sitting next to me and I thoroughly enjoyed her conversation and her company. At the Orange County Buddhist Church 40th Anniversary celebration, Socho Ogui presented certificates to the first-ever BCA Minister’s Assistants, Kim Mayadas and Jon Turner. Socho Ogui then participated in the Parking Lot dedication ceremony before the anniversary luncheon. At the luncheon all the ministers, past and present, were honored as were all the board presidents. Later this month, I am invited to participate in the retirement celebration for Reverend Harold Shinyu Oda, a long-time minister at the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple. As we reflect on our lives with gratitude, consider contributing to our BCA 21st Century Every Member Campaign. Our BCA has more work to do and needs our help. It would indeed be marvelous if we all contribute what we can and participate in this endeavor. I almost forgot. Don’t forget to vote. It is our privilege and responsibility to participate. All these events, with so many people, make me feel that I am indeed a very lucky man. I am participating with so many people in this wonderful and extraordinary human condition we call life. Thank you all for sharing your life with me.

Gassho, Ed Tanaka 2004 SDC Chairman

S.D. Sr. YBA News This year started as a busy one for our Southern District Sr. YBA. We were very busy planning and hosting the 2004 WYBL Conference. The event went well, considering that our entire committee consisted of around 10 Southern District members. As is customary following a conference was a slight letdown and relaxing period through most of the summer months. At the end of the summer a beach party was held and invitations were extended to a number of Buddhist youth from OCBC, Nishi, West LA, Venice, and San Diego. Unfortunately, there was only a meager turnout, yet those that were there had a fantastic time. A volleyball event will be planned for early next year, and if there is a better turnout (with some new/fresh faces), a new cabinet may be formed at that time. Gassho, Daniel Sasaki

Jr. YBL News Jr. YBA this year has been a great success so far. This year’s first event, Jam Session, was held at OCBC on November 6 and 7, hosted by the Southern District Cabinet members, who are: Melissa Nishimura – President Gaku Ito – 1st Vice-President Sen Sugano – 2nd Vice-President Derek Kodani – Secretary Lindsey Seko – Treasurer Brett Nishikawa – Boys Athletics Emily Folick – Girls Athletics Andie Kimura – Religious Chairperson Teri Anami – Historian Jim Shimomaye – Head Advisor Gail Sharp – Assistant Advisor Rev. Fumiaki Usuki – Ministerial Advisor Throughout the year, Jr. YBA holds several events, all of which include religious classes prior to each event. Some of the events this year will be, basketball and volleyball tournaments, three seminars teaching about Buddhism, Rock and Bowl, and the biggest event, Conference. This year’s conference is going to be hosted by the Orange County Buddhist Church Jr. YBA on Sept. 3 and 4 at the Anaheim Hilton. Family Conference 2005 Mark your calendars now for Labor Day weekend of 2005, September 2 – 4. On that weekend, the Orange County Buddhist Church will be hosting an all ages Family Conference. This conference includes the annual Southern District Adult Conference, which is called the Bukkyoto taikai, the annual Southern District Fujinkai Conference, and the annual Southern District Jr. YBA Conference. The Family Conference will combine all three of those conferences together, and in addition include Sangha Teens, Dharma School, Dharma School Teachers, College-Age Sr. YBA, and Young Adults, or YABA. This conference will be the first of its kind in Southern District and attendance is expected to be 700 or 800, and possibly even more. Featured speakers for the conference will be Dr. Taitetsu Unno, author of River of Fire, River of Water, and Bits of Rubble Turn Into Gold, and the Socho, or Bishop of our Buddhist Churches of America, Koshin Ogui, the author of Zen Shin Talks. The conference will consist of services, Dharma talks by our featured speakers, workshops, discussions, fellowship, banquets, entertainment, crafts and activities for children, and a dance with live music from The Music Company. The conference will be held at the beautiful Anaheim Hilton, one of the top hotels in Orange County. This hotel was the site of the World BWA Convention hosted by the BCA in 1994. The facilities includes two large banquet halls with seating for over 2,000. More detailed information and registration forms are forthcoming. Be sure to save Labor Day Weekend of 2005 and plan to attend with your whole family. It will be a Buddhist experience that you will not forget. Theme of the conference is:

Namuamidabutsu, For All People Of All Ages

Gassho,

Rev. Marvin Harada Orange County Buddhist Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

JANUARY 2005 Ho-onko Service Toban: BWA Office hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm No Bulletin Phone: 310-477-7274

1 8:00 am Temple doors open 10:00 am New Year Day Service

2 Temple Closed

3 Temple Closed

4

5 7:00 pm Taiko

6 1:00 pm Study Class (English)

7 8 7:30 pm Shotsuki Hoyo

11:00 am SUNDAY SERVICE/DS 9 (2005 Temple Cabinet Installlation) NEW YEAR/REV. USUKI WELCOME PARTY (Pot Luck)

10

1110:00 am SD Ministers’ Meeting 7:30 pm Buddhist Men Meeting

127:00 pm Taiko 7:30 pm Temple General Meeting

131:00 pm Study Class (English)

14

15

16 9:30 am Sunday Service/Dharma School/ Study Class (E) 1:00 pm BWA Service and Meeting

17

18

19 7:00 pm Taiko

20Rev. Usuki to Watsonville No Study Class

21 7:00 pm

B i n g o

22 SD Jr. YBA Leadership Work-shop – All Day

9:30 am HO-ONKO (Shinran Shonin Day) 23SUNDAY SERVICE/DHARMA SCHOOL Buddhist Men 2005 Cabinet Installation ___________________________________________

9:30 am Sunday Service/Dharma School/ 30 Study Class (E) 12:30 pm Shigin Kinryu Kai (New Year Party)

24 ___________________

12 Noon 31 80-Plus Lunch

25

26 7:00 pm Taiko 7:30 pm Asoka Fujinkai Service (Cabinet installation) and Meeting

271:00 pm Study Class (English)

28

29

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

FEBRUARY 2005

Bulletin Folding Toban: BWA Office hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Phone: 310-477-7274

1 2 7:00 pm Taiko

3 1:00 pm Study Class (English)

4 5 7:30 pm Shotsuki Hoyo

6 7 9:30 am Sunday Service/Dharma School/ Study Class (E)

10:00 am SD 8 Ministers’ Meeting 7:00 pm Religious Services Meeting 7:30 pm Buddhist Men Meeting

9 10 7:00 pm Taiko

1:00 pm Study Class (English)

11 7:30 pm BCA SD Council Meeting at WLA

12

13 9:30 am Sunday Service/Dharma School/ Study Class (E) 1:00 pm Shigin

147:30 pm Temple Board Meeting

15

16 7:00 pm Taiko

17No Study Class

18 7:00 pm

B i n g o

19

20 9:30 am NIRVANA DAY SUNDAY SERVICE and DHARMA SCHOOL Toban: Dharma School

2:00 pm BWA Meeting

21

22 BCA Ministers’

23 Annual Meeting

February 21 – 27 7:00 pm Taiko 7:30 pm Asoka Fujinkai Meeting

24and BCA National Rev. Usuki gone

No Study Class

25 Council Meeting in

Monday - Sunday

26 San Jose

27 NO Sunday Service

28 12 Noon 80 Plus Lunch