seeds of compassionogdenbuddhistchurch.org/assets/2011_mar-apr.pdf · the entire ocean to swim in....
TRANSCRIPT
The following is an article written by Rev. Hirano for the January, 2011 Buddhist Thoughts.
Horace the Ho’onko Hippo ~J.K. Hirano
One day while I was reading the Letters of Rennyo (Gobunsho), I began to feel very sleepy. This isn’t
uncommon when I am studying and reading passages that require a great deal of thinking. However, suddenly I
noticed a Post Script in the letters that I had never noticed before, it was in one of Rennyo’s letters about
Hoonko. It read as follows:
PS
On the eve of the founder’s memorial service the great Hoonko Hippo Horace will rise up from the depths of the
jeweled ponds of the Pure Land to shourt Namo Amida Butsu, as a reminder to all the children of Nembutsu
followers that they are embraced by Amida Buddha, never to be abandoned. Thus this passage may also be
known as Hoonko Hipo no sho, (The Letter on the Hoonko Hippo)
Listen to these words, Listen to these words
The story of Horace the Hoonko Hippo
In the deepest darkest reaches of Africa, lived a rather grouchy Hippo named Horace. Horace was just
dissatisfied with his lot in life. He didn’t like having to live in the river all the time. It really affected the
reception on his television. He really liked the Animal Planet station, but was jealous of the elephant and the
white rhinoceros, because of how wonderful these programs made them out. They were big like him, yet they
didn’t have to live in the river. He was also jealous of the whale his other cousin, for the whale was big, but had
the entire ocean to swim in. Horace wasn’t happy with anything about his life. On Christmas, he also didn’t get
everything he thought he needed.
Well one day, as Horace was thinking all these negative thoughts, he popped his head out of the river
and guess who he saw? It was Santa Claus, who was watering Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer after a
practice run around the world. Santa noticed Horace and naturally shouted out the glee, “Ho Ho Ho Horace,
Merry Christmas!” When Horace heard this he shouted back, “What do I have to be merry about? And besides,
Christmas was just over with and you didn’t bring me that toy I wanted. Is that why you are here? If not, you
are either way early or late?” Santa just smiled at Horace and walked over and patted him on the head. Horace
continued his complaints, “You know Santa besides you letting me down, I don’t get any respect from the
world. I can run 19 miles per hour. But have you ever heard anyone say, “As swift as a Hippo?” I don’t think
so. On these nature programs you always hear about the majestic elephant or the rare and wondrous white
rhinoceros, I’ve never been called majestic or rare and wonderful. They always just show me yawning and
hanging out in the river.” Santa smiled and then suddenly said, “Horace, I have a job for you! You know there
was a time when my lead reindeer Rudolph didn’t get to play in any reindeer games. He was treated as a freak
because of his big red nose, but look at him now. He is the most famous reindeer of all. Each of us is special
THE GEPPO
A publication of the Ogden Buddhist Temple March/April, 2011 Issue
155 North Street Ogden, UT 84404 801/392-7132
P.O. Box 3248 Ogden, UT 84409 Temple President: Kirk Y.
Supervising Reverend: Rev. Jerry Hirano Minister’s Assistant: Annette K.
Rev. Hirano contact info: Office – 801-363-4742 Minister’s Assistant: Mike M.
Home – omitted for online version Web site: www.slbuddhist.org/ogden
Emergency – omitted for online version e-mail: [email protected]
*Rev Hirano’s story continued on next page.*
and has a purpose in life. Horace, in life you are embraced by the river, just as you are. The river doesn’t ask
anything of you, even though you may complain and wish you didn’t have to live in it. The river continues to
support you and accepts you just as you are. We all have a place in this world and just as you are embraced by
the river, all sentient beings are embraced in Amida’s compassion. So Horace with your mouth so wide, won’t
you teach all the children about Amida Buddha’s compassion and the Nembutsu? And the reason you didn’t get
that one toy you saw in the commercial is that you haven’t been the nicest hippo, have you? And do you really
need a fushigi ball? You don’t even have fingers.”
Horace suddenly began bellowing “Namo Amida Butsu. Namo Amida Butsu. I get it, I get it!” And as
he did this, he rose slowly into the air, as light as a feather. Santa then led Horace to the jeweled ponds in the
Pure Land where Horace now lives. It has been written that on Hoonko Eve, he rises up out of the jeweled
ponds, shouting out the Nembutsu to remind us of all we have to be grateful for. Some have even said that on
Hoonko Eve Horace the Hoonko Hippo visits certain good girls and boys on who have been especially grateful.
He gives them all the things they saw in a commercial on television during the Christmas season that they
needed but didn’t get. So if you are reading this and didn’t get all that you wanted, it means that you have all
that you need. So let’s join Horace in spreading the word, Happy Hoonko, Namo Amida Butsu!
On behalf of Carmela, Kacie, Taylor and myself, I want to thank you for all the support and kindness
you have shared with us. We hope that you were able to have a healthy and Happy Holiday season. This year
for our Hoonko service on January 16, Rev. Kodo Umezu, Director of the BCA Committee on Buddhist
Education will be our guest speaker. I hope you can join us to listen to his dharma talk.
President’s Message
On behalf of the Sangha, I would like to thank Steve K. for the wonderful job he did as
President the past two years. His hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated.
So my first act as President will be to not screw up all the great work that has
been done by our past Presidents. Hopefully, we can continue our journey of making our
Temple a place welcome to all.
As a Temple we have a lot to look forward to this year. Hanamatsuri will be
April 3, and the Dharma School children are currently working very hard to put
together this year’s program. This year it is Ogden’s turn to host the annual
Mountain States District Conference. To change things up, we are planning to
hold this year’s conference in Moab Utah. We will combine the
business meeting with a family retreat weekend.
So keep the weekend of August 12 -14 open and be sure
to look for more details that will be forthcoming.
Planning is also ongoing for the
100 Year Celebration of Buddhism in Utah. The celebration is planned for the summer of 2012.
Of course there are the annual Obon festival and bazaar to look forward to.
A very busy year is in store for our Temple,
and your continued support is very much appreciated.
In Gassho,
Kirk Y.
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
BWA NEWS By Tami H.
A big thanks to the BWA ladies for an awesome lunch for the Ho-Onko Service in January.
The ladies that prepared and served the lunch did a great job as always, those ladies
were: Marie H., Ellen K., Annette K., Jeannie P., Suzan Y.,
Linda R., Julia F., Marion H., Ruth S. and Fran H.
It is always nice to have a nice lunch to start out the new year.
We also had the annual BWA membership party February 13th. We started with lunch at the
Greenery and then a short service, ending with a fun game of bingo. There were a lot of treats
thanks to Jeannie P., Annette K., Kris Y., Julia F., Lorraine S.,
Aiko H. and Yuko A. I would like to welcome the five new members to
join the BWA: Shauna R., Betty Y., Kris Y., Susan C.
and Eiko K.
We will be having two upcoming fundraisers to help raise money for the church.
April 16th
we will be having a Spaghetti dinner from 5:00 to 7:00, we will be selling tickets soon.
And we will also be making sushi to sell on May 22nd
after the Gotan-E service.
As always we appreciate the support.
Next meetings scheduled are: Sunday March 27th
at 11:30, and April 17th
at 11:30.
In Gassho,
Tami H.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BWA Donations
I would like to apologize for not listing donations in the last Geppo.
I am sorry for the late acknowledgement.
~Ellen K.
Omitted for online version
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
2011 BWA Membership
Marisa A., Yuko A., Susan C., Karen D., Linda ER., Julia F., Chizuko F., Aiko H., Fran H.,
Marie H., Alice H., Tami H., Yuri I., Akiko K., Ellen K., Eiko K., Fumie K., Jeannie P., Shauna
R., Masako R., Lorraine S., Ruth S., Betty S., Janice S., Elsie S., Tomoko S., Alice S., Ferry T.,
Kris Y., Lola Y., Betty Y., Yai Y., Yoshiko Y., Yoshie Y.
DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS
For the next two months, our Dharma School is very busy!
We could use any help that you can offer. We are going to prepare lunch for
our Ohigan Service. Come join us on March 6th
at about 9:00 am to help us
prepare this yummy lunch! Even if you can’t make it at 9:00 am – please
join us for lunch at 11:30 am and our Ohigan service at 1:00 pm.
We are also busy preparing for Hanamatsuri! Our students are busy
learning their dances are preparing their skits to perform for you. Please
make sure to mark your calendar on April 3rd
so you can join us for lunch and a
fun program that is made just for YOU!
Dharma School Ski Party
Make sure you do not put away your ski’s yet … the season is not over!
Please come join us for our annual Dharma School Ski Party with Salt Lake.
Where: Brighton Ski Resort
When: Sunday - March 13, 2011
Meet at Brighton at 8:30 a.m (at bottom of ski school hill – near the large garbage bins)
SL Dharma School will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, chips and hot chocolate!
Everybody else, just bring a dessert, salad, side dish, or drinks
Dharma School Donations
Omitted for online version
Jr. YBA/YBA Donation
Omitted for online version
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
Perch at the Church
By Charles A.
The Third Annual Perch at the church event was tons of fun!
Many people showed up and we caught plenty-o-fish. While most enjoyed fishing on that fine
day others enjoyed sledding on the hills. Either way, the event was a great success and everyone
who participated seemed to have fun. After fishing, we brought the perch back to the
church to fillet and cook. Thanks to our fabulous and amazing
fillet people and cooks, we were all able to enjoy a
wonderful meal. The fish were tasty and
the party was great. I’d like to give special
thanks to Steve K. and Billy S. for organizing and
piloting this fun afternoon. For those of you,
who missed our fun-filled event, consider participating next
year because it’s tons of fun. It’s a real catch and once you come once, you
will be hooked! Guaranteed! So big thanks to all who came and supported the outing. Hope to
see you at next year’s Fourth Annual Perch at the Church Event!
Note: If you wanna see people with the monster fishes that didn’t get away follow these simple
instructions. It’s really easy and it only takes a second. First you gotta type in
http://www.flickr.com, it’s tough but I’m sure you can handle it. Almost there! Then you
have to type OBC Ice Fishing 2011 in the search block! Done! Make sure you look at
everyone’s uploads. You should now be able to see the photos of monster fishes
and their frozen owners. Enjoy!!!
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
Buddha’s Bookshelf
*Each GEPPO we will spotlighting a book on Buddhism. The article will contain the book information
and a short summary written by a temple member. We hope you enjoy our “bookshelf”.*
BEING GOOD by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
~Book Review by Alice H.~
BEING GOOD by Venerable Master Hsing Yun 195
pages, with 33 chapters and glossary at the end. This book was
originally published in 1998 and has been reprinted in 2009.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a Chinese Buddhist Monk and
forty-eighth patriarch in the Linji school of Chan Buddhism. He
is the founder of Fo Guang Shan monastery in Taiwan, and of the
Buddha’s Light International Association, which has nearly a
million members worldwide.
The author does an excellent job helping readers to approach living the Buddha’s way in
a simple manner. He uses the precepts as guideposts for us to become enlightened and find
peace on a daily basis. Each chapter talks about precepts.
He uses sutras to show the Buddha’s reasoning process. Sutras are Buddhist scriptures
used to help the reader understand the pureness of Buddha’s great teachings. They help us as
human beings to deal with suffering stemming from greed, wealth, anger, jealousy, power, envy,
sadness, loss, illness, death, poverty, ignorance, racism, loneliness, disasters, etc.
Conclusion: I enjoyed the simple explanations for daily living. The poems at the
beginning of each chapter were like jewels to me. What a beautiful way to teach us simple living.
The poems were deep and thought provoking. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being poor and 5 being
excellent, I rate this book 5.
Membership Dues Reminder
At the November 2009 general board meeting, the motion was made and later passed to increase membership
dues from $100 to $150 per member beginning in 2011. This increase is necessary to keep up the BCA
assessment. Our Temple is currently assessed $94 per member.
In preparation for this increase, last year we asked members to volunteer to pay the extra $50. We of course
would continue to welcome any extra donations, since donations are the Temple’s primary source of revenue to
cover our operating obligations.
Also, if you would prefer to make monthly payments for your dues,
please contact Betty Y. to make arrangements.
We appreciate everyone’s continued support of our Temple.
Calendars For Sale
There are still several Buddhist Churches of America calendars left. If you would like one, please contact any
board member.
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
For helping our YBA/Jr. YBA
Ogden BWA
Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday April 16, 2011
5:00 - 7:00 PM Ogden Buddhist Church
155 North Street
Tickets available from BWA Members
or at the door $8.00 Adults / $4.00 Children
Proceeds to benefit
the Buddhist Church of Ogden
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
BWA SUSHI FUND RAISER
Sunday, May 22 $10 per plate
Available for pick-up following Gotan-E Service All proceeds will go to the Buddhist Church of Ogden
BWA SUSHI FUNDRAISER
Thank you for your support!
Sushi plates will be ready for pick up on Sunday, May 22 following Gotan-E Service
YOUR NAME ___________________________________________________________________
# of plates ordered _________ X $10 each = $ ___________ total due
Please make checks payable to: Ogden Buddhist Church
Order forms need to by filled out and given to any BWA member by May 8th.
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
OHIGAN SERVICE
March Shotsuki Hoyo
KEIRO-KAI
Sunday, March 6, 2011, 1:00 PM
Lunch at 11:30 a.m.
The word Higan comes from the Sanskrit word Paramita - "Other Shore." The words
"other shore" refer to the "world of Nirvana." As the name Higan denotes, this is the time
to remind within each and every one of us the Bodhisattva practice of the Six Paramitas of
charity, morality, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. It is the means by which one
crosses over the illusory ocean of birth and death to the other shore of Nirvana.
Shotsuki Hoyo - Monthly Memorial Service
HANAMATSURI SERVICE (Service will begin with traditional Ochigo Parade)
April Shotsuki Hoyo
Sunday, April 3, 2011, 10:00 AM
Hanamatsuri or "Flower Festival" is held to commemorate the birth of Siddartha
Gautama in Lumbini Garden. According to the ancient legend, the universe was filled
with joyful music, flowers bloomed in full glory and sweet rain fell from the heavens to
make this a joyful event. During the service a flower shine known as the Hanamido is set
up in front of the main altar as a symbol of Lumbini Garden. In this shrine is placed a
statuette of the infant Buddha and the Congregation offers flowers and pours sweet tea
over the image.
Lunch & Program to Follow Service
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
March and April Shotsuki Hoyo
Mar 10 1967 Kanekichi Hamada
Mar 18 1971 Francis Hirabayashi Mar 18 1971 Ricky Hirabayashi Mar 11 1987 Yukiyo Iseki Mar 29 1997 Keizo Kano
Mar 12 1999 Toyse Toshiharu Kato
Mar 15 2005 Maxie Kimiko Kato
Mar 14 1960 Tasaku Kumooka
Mar 23 1988 Yoshimatsu Miyagishima
Mar 23 1996 Hideo Miyawaki Mar 29 1998 Matsuyo Miyawaki Mar 22 1988 Mary M. Morinaka
Mar 5 1979 Shuichi Murakami Mar 14 1994 Masako Nakagawa Burrell Mar 16 1966 Bunkichi Oki Mar 18 1975 Itsu Ota
Mar 31 1973 Taiji Shimada
Mar 14 1970 Yasu Shiotani Mar 3 1970 Utaro Sugihara
Mar 11 1979 Masu Sugihara
Mar 11 2000 George Joji Sugimoto
Mar 16 1990 Mine Takabayashi Mar 17 2008 Judy Naoko Takara
Mar 16 1983 Noble Edward Tsushima
Mar 30 1988 Takashi Uemori Mar 27 2003 Saburo Butch Uyeno
Mar 27 1964 Shinichi Yamada
Mar 3 1996 Toshimi Yamada (Tsukaoto) Mar 7 1979 Mii Yamaguchi Mar 10 2007 Takeo Yamasaki Mar 16 1996 Ruby Toshiko Yamasaki Mar 28 1992 Kiyoshi Yei Mar 11 1976 Saburoji Yoshimura
For those years not having a specific memorial service such as 2nd
, 4th, 5
th, etc. the temple is holding these monthly
Shotsuki Hoyo. During these services, the temple will list the names of those members who have died during the
month in the preceding years.
The families then attend that monthly service in memory of their loved one.
These services are not meant to replace the specific memorial services. Please contact Rev. Hirano to make
arrangements for those services. Rev. Hirano contact information: Office: 363-4742,
Home: 299-8727, Emergency: 718-5755
2011 Memorial Service Schedule for those who passed away in:
2010 – 1 year 1999 – 13 year 1979 – 33 year
2009 – 3 year 1995 – 17 year 1962 – 50 year
2005 – 7 year 1987 – 25 year 1912 – 100 year
Corrections/Additions to the Shotsuki Hoyo list - please contact Ruth S.
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
March Shotsuki Hoyo March 6, 2011, 1:00 p.m.
April Shotsuki Hoyo April 3, 2011, 1:00 p.m.
Apr 8 1982 Helen Haruye Estrada
Apr 23 1974 Chohachi Fujita
Apr 5 1979 Utaka Harada
Apr 25 1970 Toraki Hattori Apr 2 1980 Joe Hideo Imaizumi Apr 2 1995 Miyoe Inouye (Miyamoto) Apr 16 1983 Ise K. Kato
Apr 5 1979 Bunshiro Kikuchi Apr 4 2000 Mitsuru Koga
Apr 21 1963 Katsugoro Miya
Apr 22 1967 Eimatsu Miyagishima
Apr 4 1962 Kenjiro Mukai Apr 11 1993 Yukimi Nakashige (Naito) Apr 13 1962 Kosaku Nakata
Apr 11 1975 Gentaro Nakashige
Apr 30 2009 Kikue “Kixie” Oda
Apr 13 1987 Chiyoichi Ogata
Apr 24 1979 Haruge Okuda
Apr 11 1987 Kumaye Okuda
Apr 13 1980 Kirk Sakae Omori Apr 17 1984 George Sakae Omori Apr 4 1961 Kotaro Ono
Apr 3 1991 Randall Petersen
Apr 11 1979 George T. Ryujin
Apr 21 1999 Tomotsu Tom Ryujin
Apr 2 2004 Etsuko Ryujin
Apr 4 1999 Mary Sase
Apr 9 2009 Shige Shimada
Apr 6 1990 Takino Sugimoto (Nakano) Apr 4 2010 Fred W. Taniguchi Apr 26 1995 Yoshiko Tawatai (Yamasaki) Apr 29 1993 Shizuyo (Shitsuyo) Uyematsu
Apr 22 1971 Kiyoshi Yamamoto
Apr 17 1995 Miyeko Yamane (Nakagawa) Apr 28 1967 Suzuko Yamashita
Apr 24 2006 George Seiichi Yoshida
.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
2
10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
3
Hinamatsuri
Girl’s Day
4 5
6
9:00 am – Discussion Group
11:30 am – Lunch
1:00 pm – Ohigan Service
1:30 pm – Mt. States Planning Mtg
7 8
7:30 pm
OBC
Board
Meeting
9 10:00am
Dharma Study Group
10 11 12
13
9:00 am – Discussion Group
No Dharma School
DHARMA SCHOOL SKI DAY
8:30 am @ Brighton Ski Resort
14 15 16 10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Buddhism 201
Class
17
St. Patrick’s
Day
18 19
5:00 – 7:00pm
YBA Fund
Raiser Dinner
20
9:00 am – Discussion Group
1:00 pm – Family Service
1:30 pm – Dharma School Meeting
21 22 23 10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Buddhism 201 Class
24 25 26
27
9:00 am – Discussion Group
9:00 am – Yard Clean-Up
11:30 am – BWA Meeting
1:00 pm – Family Service
28 29 30 10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Buddhism 201
Class
31
Toban Cleaning:
Roland & Janice S. (Toban Cleaning Leader)
Todd & Stacie H.
Fran H.
March, 2011
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2
3
10:00 am – Ogden Hanamatsuri
Service - Lunch & Program
immediately following service
4 5 6
No study classes
scheduled
7 8 9
10
10:00 am – Salt Lake Hanamatsuri
Service – Lunch & Program
immediately following service
*NO services in Ogden –
everybody attend SL service*
11 12
7:30 pm
OBC
Board
Meeting
13 10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Buddhism 201 Class
14 15
GEPPO
Articles Due
16 5:00 – 7:00 pm
BWA
Spaghetti
Dinner
17
9:00 am – Discussion Group
1:00 pm – Family Service
1:30 pm – Dharma School Meeting
18 19 20 10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Buddhism 201 Class
21 22 23
24
9:00 am – Discussion Group
10:00 am – Dharma School Svc.
*Easter Sunday*
25 26 27 10:00am
Dharma Study
Group
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Buddhism 201 Class
28 29 30
Nihon
Matsuri
Toban Cleaning:
Kirk & Betty Y. (Toban Cleaning Leader)
Trenton Y.
Steve & Kristina Y.
KayLe Y.
April, 2011
Ogden Buddhist Church GEPPO March/April, 2011 Issue