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Ministers

Church PresidentVice-PresidentSecretaryTreasurerMaintenance

BWA PresidentNewsletter Editors

Webmaster

10/110/910/1110/1410/1510/29

Rinban Kakei NakagawaRev. Matt HamasakiCurtis KogaOpen PositionSho/Kari HiguchiGlenn YoshimotoJames GoishiKaye KozukiLynne YoshimotoCurtis KogaKaren ShimizuSho HiguchiGlenn Nakamichiwww.bcparlier.org

(Sun) (Mon)(Wed)(Sat)(Sun) (Sun)

DIRECTORY OF OFF ICERS UPCOMING OCTOBER EVENTS

970-7652960-3363638-4669

818-406-5170897-1811638-5510646-2538 897-1811638-4669869-6092

310-493-4838896-5240

Sangha GatheringChurch Board MeetingDharma DiscussionChurch Clean Up, Group 2Eitaikyo ServiceYard Sale Drop Off

Remember!Order your dinners by October 15th!

Call Cheryl Koga, 559-696-7290

10:00 am7:00 pm7:00 pm8:00 am10:00 am12:00 pm

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Parlier Taichi Class8:00am

Welcome Center9:15am-11:30am

Parlier Taichi Class8:00am

Welcome Center9:15am-11:30am

Parlier Taichi Class8:00am

Welcome Center9:15am-11:30am

Parlier Taichi Class8:00am

Welcome Center9:15am-11:30am

Sangha Gathering10:00am

Eitaikyo MonthlyService10:00am

Yard SaleDrop Off12:00pm

Parlier BCBoard Meeting

7:00pm

ShoshingeChanting

7:00pm

Curtis’ Dharma Discussion

7:00pm

Church Clean UpGroup 2 8:00am

SUNDAY MONDAY WEDNESDAY

OctoberFR IDAYTUESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY

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Eshin-ni and Kakushin-ni, the Mothers of Shin Buddhism in Japan by Rinban Kakei Nakagawa

Have you ever thought to Eshin-ni, the wife of Shinran Shonin, or his daughter, Kakushin-ni? I often think

of them in gratitude and my feelings are like those of a son to his mother. Without any doubt, Eshin-ni and

her daughter Kakushin-ni are the mothers of Shin Buddhism. They never preached like Shinran or ever

appeared in front of people, but this doesn’t mean their contribution was small.

Kakushinni was the one who took care of Shinran Shonin in his later years, especially when he was on his

death bed. She built the first mausoleum of Shinran on her piece of land which was also his gravesite. In

1277, she donated this gravesite to all Shin Buddhist followers as a common memorial to Shinran. Later,

this memorial was known as the Ohtani mausoleum. She established the system of caretakers composed

of her descendants who had to look over the gravesite. This caretaker system later developed into what is

known today as Monshu of Honganji-ha and the Ohtani mausoleum became the original Honganji temple.

Now lets be reminded about Shinran’s wife, Eshinni. She actually supported Shinran Shonin financially by

her inheritance during his years of exile. Above all, she loved him deeply, gave him the full support only

a wife can give. Indeed, who was closer to our dear Shonin than his own wife?... She saw his feelings, sad

moments, good moments, hard times, etc.

We all know Shinran and his great contribution to

all mankind (Shin Buddhism is steadly spreading

in the modern world without the so-called religious

propagation), but who was behind him day to day if not

his wife? To whom he went home for love and warm,

if not to his wife? Who was the one he regarded to be a

manifestation of Kannon Bodhisattva if not his own wife,

after that inspirational dream? A woman, even if she stays

behind the scenes, can be of an immense support to her

husband, and I think that Eshin-ni was such a wonderful

BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARL IER

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woman. To me, she is a co-founder of Jodo Shinshu in Japan.

I often think to her and venerate her in my mind. She appears to me like those supporters of Buddhas

which are often found in Buddhist iconography.

Now Shinran is an Awakened One. Even though he is not eligible to attain buddhahood by following

Buddha’s foot-steps because of his gravely poluted karma as well as other ordinary people like us, Nenbutsu

practice takes him to the point of no doubt by realizing wholly the origin and effect of Buddha’s boundless

wisdom and perfect empathy. Shinran definitely had a moment that the Buddha became him instead he

should attain buddhahood.

And according to Shinran’s vision, the Buddha would become Eshin-ni also and become one with her in

the moment of her passing. Eshin-ni is another promised Buddha, so they are now a couple of Buddhas

whom appeared in the beginning of Shin Buddhism in Japan. The partners in Enlightenment were

working together as they worked during their earthly life for to save all beings.

Since Shinran and Eshin, millions of couples have followed the same process during the last 800 years in

the Shin Buddhist society. They all proved that they could realize a realm where Buddha and Buddha bow

and thank each other, and share the Nenbutsu with each other.

In October, six chapters of the Central California District have Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni Memorial Services.

Rev. Naomi Nakano of San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple will be the guest speaker at 11 AM on Sat. 7th

at the Visalia Buddhist Temple and at 10 AM on Sun. 8th at the Fresno Betsuin Family Dharma Center. I

hope you will attend either of these services or the service being held at your temple, and enjoy the unique-

ness of Jodo Shinshu, family-oriented Buddhism where a husband, wife and their child established.

MESSAGE FROM R INBAN KAKE I NAKAGAWA

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Within the ritual aspects of our form of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu, also known as Shin Buddhism, we

carry many cultural traditions taken from Japan, which is where our branch originated. One of the

things that many of us are familiar with is the Japanese confection known as manju. I think all of us

have seen the small round mounds up on the altar area as symbolic offerings to the Buddha to show our

gratefulness for giving us the teachings. And I’m sure many of us have also tasted these tiny cakes for one

reason or another because it is a custom passed down from the Japanese immigrants to become part of

the culture here in America. It has always been present throughout my life, but I hadn’t given it second

thought so I began to look up the history of manju.

As it turns out, the concept of manju was brought to Japan from China. It originates from a bun called

mantou which has an interesting if not gruesome etymology. In the period of the Three Kingdoms in the

third century, a chancellor of one of the states in China came across a river whilst leading his men back

from a victory. Although they tried, they could not cross the river no matter what they did as the river

was simply too tumultuous. A barbarian lord nearby told the chancellor that the barbarians sacrificed 49

of their own and threw their heads into the river in order to calm the deity that resided in it. Not wanting

to lose any more lives, the chancellor told his men instead to make steamed buns filled with meat shaped

like heads and throw those into the river. Following that, they were able to cross unharmed and the buns

were called “barbarian’s head”. However, over time characters with the same sound but different meaning

eventually came into use, so it now literally means “steamed bread bun”. In Japanese, the characters

have the similar meaning with the Japanese pronunciation although the last character in both languages

MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI

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actually still means “head”. When these buns were brought to Japan, legend has it that Japanese priests

that went to China brought them back in the 13th or 14th century. And since monks did not eat meat,

they instead filled it with sweet bean paste. Its popularity spread and now they are common as souvenirs

or gifts, and as such, are common as gifts to the Buddha.

While manju is delicious (to people who enjoy manju) it’s very

difficult to eat many manju at once. Because of their sugary nature,

they have an intense sweet taste and after a couple of them one may

get sick or an upset stomach. It wouldn’t do well as the main dish

for a meal and serves well as a dessert or snack, just a small helping

to compliment food which is more nutritious and filling. Within

our lives, we have things and events that either make us happy or

content. These two things may sound like the same and they are

similar, but ultimately they are different. To do something very

enjoyable is an intense emotion and is quite fleeting. To be content

is a lasting feeling which is not as acute, but still call be powerful.

As Shin Buddhists, we are not taught to deny ourselves the pleasures of life. We shouldn’t stop from

trying to have fun experiences or buying nice things. But we are encouraged to realize that more than

the rush that we get from having such things, it is important to have a content life. Just as we shouldn’t

constantly be having manju for all meals of the day and instead should just be having a couple to go

along with the meals, we should try to live in such a way in which we are content and find opportunities

to have delectable experiences to complement such a life.

MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI

Within our lives,we have things and events that

either make us happy or

content.

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TEMPLENona, Donna, & JoAnn EbisudaHirakawa FamilyMr. & Mrs. David WindleMr. & Mrs. Dick KogaMr. & Mrs. Henry GuerraDonationsDonations

MEMBERSHIP DUESMrs. Sumiko EbisudaMr. Glenn NakamichiMs. Lynda Okino

The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations

Monthly memorial for Yoshino EbisudaMonthly memorial for Tom HirakawaMonthly memorial for Masanobu KimuraMonthly memorial for Genzo & Taka Koga13th year memorial for Estie KobashiSeptember Sangha GatheringFall Ohigan

Mr. Neil OkinoMr & Mrs Tom Wilson

$60.00$20.00$100.00$50.00$100.00$102.00$27.00

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

DONATIONS for AUGUST MEMORIAL SERVICE:Mrs. Sumiko EbisudaMr. & Mrs. James GoishiKanemoto FamilyMr. & Mrs. Curtis KogaMs. Jan KogaMrs. Kiku KogaMrs. Denise Kusunoki

FALL OHIGAN DONATIONS:Mr. Patrick ChiamoriMr. & Mrs. Calvin DoiMs. Gail HachiyaDr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta

Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin MiyakawaMr. & Mrs. Yuki MoriMrs. Toshiye NakamichiMrs. May TakataMs. Akiko YorizaneMr. & Mrs. Glenn YoshimotoMrs. Ruby Yukawa

Mr. & Mrs. Curtis KogaMr. & Mrs. Tad KozukiMr. & Mrs. Yuki MoriMrs. Miyo Ohara

$100.00$25.00$20.00$20.00$20.00$25.00$20.00

$25.00$25.00$25.00$20.00

$20.00$25.00$50.00$60.00$50.00$40.00$40.00

$20.00$20.00$20.00$25.00

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Reedley Buddhist Church FOOD BAZAAR

Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the

REEDLEY BUDDHIST CHURCH

Corner of 15th & J Streets ~ Reedley, CA

3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Dinner - $15: Chow Mein, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki,

Namasu (salad), Rice, & Fortune Cookie

Other items available: desserts, sushi, beef sticks

2035 15th Street - Reedley, CA 93654

Call (559) 638-2146 for tickets or email: reedleybc@gmail.com

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Buddhist Church of Parlier Board Meeting9/11/17

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.Gassho was led by Yuki. Quorum was established. Those in attendance: Sho Higuchi, Curtis Koga, Cheryl Koga, Steve Sasai, Lynne Yoshimoto, Glenn Yoshimoto, Yuki Mori, Toshie Mori, Joyce Sasai, Calvin Doi, Dennis Ikuta, Tad Kozuki

MINUTES- Minutes from August 14, 2017 - Motion to approve by Steve, second by Toshie. Minutes passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT- Glenn gave the treasurer’s report.

MINISTERS’ ASSISTANTS-Proposed service schedule sent into Lee

COMMITTEE REPORTSMaintenance- Floor waxed, looks good!- Tree trimming came out to check out the tree by parsonage- Motion to authorize removal of tree in October. Motion by Dennis, seconded by Glenn.- Eddie suggested to staple the tiles on the ceiling, will look into the cost

BWA- Thank you to Charlene for bringing refreshments- Thank you to Group 1, led by Kaye and Gary for cleaning on Sept 16th- Group 2 cleaning October 14th, led by Lynda and Neil, 8 am- Thank you Kathy and Christine for preparing the Ohigan Luncheon- FBWA Delegates meeting, October 14th at the Family Dharma Center- October 21st, we will be making visitation to homebound meet at church @ 9am- October 29th, Yard Sale drop off 12pm

Publication - Need to put more money into the postage

V & P- Super Bowl Sunday Service in Reedley this year- Peace on Your Wings

Financial- Funds look good

Ministerial Affairs Committee- Will be meeting on the 21st, will be able to give more information after- Working on getting evaluation form for ministers

BCA Announcements-Many seminars and events. Please check out the BCA website.-Curtis will look into forwarding the BCA events

OLD BUSINESS

Past month’s services & events-Sangha Gathering & Shotsuki services held

Pod Cast- http://everydaybuddhism.libsyn.com/podcast- Put the podcast link on the PBC website

Fundraising/New Ideas- Meeting 8/19/17

Corporate Giving Program- Tim Kozuki emailed, for every 1 hour of volunteer work he does, his company will pay $10 to a non-profit.

Property Sale- Nothing to report

NEW BUSINESSUpcoming Services- 9/13 Dharma Discussion - 9/18 Shinran Memorial Shoshinge chanting- 9/24 Nembutsu Seminar - 10/1 Sangha Gathering

Nembutsu Seminar 9/24/17 at Fresno Dharma Center 10am

Fowler’s Gotane Service on May 6, 2018 with Koichi Mizushima- Parlier’s scheduled for 5/20/18

Q&A this Saturday, Rev. Shinseki

Saturday, Family Dharma Center 9:30, 9/16- Dr. David Pating, MA from San Francisco Buddhist Temple

Meeting adjourned at 8:43pm.NEXT MEETING –10/9/2017 @ 7:00

MONTHLY BOARD MEET ING SEPTEMBER 11 , 2017

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BUDDHIST WOMEN ’S ASSOCIAT ION

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BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARL IER

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GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO FALL !

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ReminderTemple Dues

Yearly dues for 2017 are due now.Thank you to those who have paidalready. Your support is greatlyappreciated. The schedule ofpayment is again: $275 per person and$550 per couple. For 1st year newmember, dues are $137.50 and 2nd

year is $206.25.

ASangha Gathering

October 1 @ 10am

Topic: Karma

Join in and enjoy a morning ofinformal Dharma talk, interaction with

others, and a nice light lunch.Everyone is welcome.

Bring a friend!

s

JOctober

Eitaikyo/Shotsuki ServiceOct. 15 @ 10 am

Rev. Matt Hamasaki – OfficiantRefreshments provided by North Toban

K

BWA Yard SaleSaturday Nov. 4, 8am-11am

Drop off, Sunday Oct. 29

12 noon to 2:00pmAppliances should be clean & in

working order, cords attached with

tape. Clothes; clean and ready to wear.

Bedding – labeled by size, grouped

together or tied together, holiday items

welcome, furniture in good condition.

No big appliances. We will need lots of

help from all members.

Welcome CenterOpen for fun and Mohjong

Every Thurs morning 9:15

At the Parsonage

Everyone is welcome!

CC Nembutsu Seminar

Sept 24Guest Speaker – Rev. David

Matsumoto, IBS10am – 1pm (lunch included)

Fresno Dharma Center

Shoshinge ChantingWith

The MorisThird Monday of the MonthNext session – Oct 16 - 7pm

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Parlier Buddhist Church Wish List

The Wish List:

An enhance listening device for our hard of hearing member. All of us are going to needsomething to help with our hearing in the Hondo. We have researched a listening device whichwould transmit to a small device each person could individually control for volume. The unit with4 headphones would cost about$2000 including installation. Each headphone after that wouldcost about $150. We hope to purchase 4 more headphones for now.

Purchase of a new microphone for the rostrum to enhance the quality of the sound would be niceto have. The cost would be $250.

Hopefully, more donations for this listening device will be received. If you would like to trythem out, ask any Board member at the next Service. We are all going to need something likethis listening device as we all age. Unfortunately, that time comes sooner rather than later.

Scrip Cards

Another way to support our Temple is to purchase Scrip cards to numerous stores you couldchoose from. As an example; we frequent Walmart and use the card to buy our purchases. Itis fast and easy. Or grocery shopping at your favorite store: You need groceries all the time.Now part of your purchase can go to our Temple. When we were using the Save Mart cash backcards our Temple, in one year, received almost $1000 from you purchases. Contact Janette @Bowlersr@aol.com or call her 850-0461 to place your order. Don’t forget the Holidays are justaround the corner.

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DECEASEDMrs. Miyoko YoshimotoMr. Alan Kiyoshi MiyakawaMrs. Yoshi MasudaMr. Hatsuno TanakaMrs. Tomi WatamuraMrs. Masako SanadaMr. James NakaoMrs. Yoshiye NakaoMrs. Kasumi SuehiroMrs. Shime SaitoMr. Yahichiro NakadachiMr. Masaki OharaMrs. Tami OharaMr. James Noboru KozukiMrs. Sada YamamotoMr. Muneo NakamuraMrs. Momi MiyakawaMrs. Mary Sachiko OkuboMrs. Chiyoko KurokawaMr. Masanobu KimuraMrs. Fumiye YamanakaMrs. Natsuko KimuraMr. Fred Takata

2016...................2015.....................2011.....................

2005...................2001...................1993...................

1985....................1968...................

One Year Memorial3rd Year Memorial7th Year Memorial

13th Year Memorial17th Year Memorial25th Year Memorial

33rdYear Memorial50th Year Memorial

6157534948444434433962463521221813121211741

MOURNERMr. Evan YoshimotoMr. Kelvin MiyakawaMrs. Ellen Tsudama

Mr. Bill Watamura

Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro

Mr. Alan NakadachiMrs. Miyo OharaMrs. Miyo OharaMr. Steven KozukiMr. Jimmie YamamotoMs. Gail NakamuraMr. Kelvin MiyakawaMr. Warren OkuboMs. Arlene KurokawaMs. Varlene KimuraMr. Tom YamanakaMs. Joanne KimuraMrs. Fukuko Hillis

MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE

Oc tobe r Sho tsuk i

The October Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday October 15, 2017. Familes as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend.

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