February 2020 Volume 2

“When I asked the master, ‘Even when I say the Nembutsu, I cannot really say that I feel like dancing for joy.

And I find that I am in no hurry to get to the Pure Land.’”1

The above quotation is from the Tannisho (#9) known as the Lamentations of Divergences and is thought to have

been written by a disciple of Shinran Shonin’s named Yuien. Yuien recalled and wrote down the conversations

that he had with Shinran to address some of the doctrinal disagreements that were occurring following Shinran’s

passing.

During this particular discussion, Yuien admits to Shinran that his faith does not elicit joy and he is not yet ready

to leave his earthly life. He wondered and asked Shinran, how is this so? Instead of chastising his disciple for

such a candid question and expression of doubt, Shinran admitted that he too has had this same doubt as well.

Facing my own perilous emergency in the past, the above passage from the Tannisho quickly came to my mind.

While I was in Kyoto in 2015 and almost halfway through my Kyoshi certification session at Nishiyama Betsuin,

I indulged in a much-needed dessert following one our meals. Since desserts were rarely given to us, I looked at

our group leader to silently inquire if I could safely eat the tofu like pudding since my group was aware of my

severe tree nut allergy. He gave me reassurance that is was safe to eat since we were required to eat in silence

and before I realized it, I inhaled my individual serving of pudding. Almost immediately, I began to panic as I

felt a slight itchiness and tightness in my throat. Shortly after, we were dismissed and I asked our translator if he

could verify the ingredients in our dessert, which was not written on the container or case it came in, but was

quickly researched on his cell phone. Sure enough, the pudding contained ALMOND extract!

My allergic reaction began quickly and the staff was notified of my emergency. Although my condition was

serious, I initially thought that I did not want to go to the hospital since I did not have medical insurance while I

was in Japan. I was reassured not to worry and I soon heard the ambulance on its way to the temple. As I ran to

collect my medications in my room, other students, including Rev. Matt Hamasaki were downstairs waiting for

me. Before I left, I walked over to Rev. Matt and put my head on his should as he hugged me and stated that

everything would be okay and I would be returning soon. It was at that moment that I began to cry as the fright

and reality set in that I may not return.

I was treated immediately as I arrived at the hospital for anaphylaxis due to my severe allergic reaction. As the

doctor and nurses attended to my care, I began to think about my family back home and wondered if I would see

them again. This may seem like an irrational thought, but due to the quickness and severity of my reaction, I was

quite scared. I turned to my translator who accompanied me and asked him to contact Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara

to assist in informing my father of my condition. I began to tear up as I thought about my dad and the worry that

he may feel when he received the news that his daughter was in distress thousands of miles away.

1 Alfred Bloom, Strategies for Modern Living: A Commentary with the Text of the Tannisho (Berkeley: Numata Center for

Buddhist Translation and Research, 1992), 8.

In my panic I thought that I was too young to leave world, especially during a time in my life when I encountered

the Dharma in such a way that it had changed my life completely and led me to Japan to continue with my

ordination. I thought about my family and friends back home as well and how much I missed them at that moment

and longed to see them. I too had doubts of what would happen to me if I died and if I would be born in the Pure

Land.

Luckily, I survived this ordeal and am able to write about it today. What this experience showed me is that

impermanence can strike at any moment, no matter of how old I am, where I am and who I am with. However,

Tannisho #9 and Yuien and Shinran Shonin’s admissions of their own uncertainty reassured me that my own

doubt and clinging to this life was in fact, human nature. As Dr. Bloom further noted, “…the fear of the unknown

and attachment to the pleasures we experience in life overwhelm our supposed belief in paradise.”2 Shinran

further reassured Yuien that he was not alone with these anxieties and because he had them, they were signs that

he was true in his faith of Amida Buddha’s great wisdom and compassion.

It has been reassuring to know that even Shinran faced some anxieties of his own. Through the Tannisho, we are

given a glimpse into the authentic and candid nature of our founder, which allows Jodo Shinshu Buddhism to

continue to resonate with us today.

In Gassho,

Rev. Candice Shibata

2 Bloom, 91.

2020 Membership Dues

The Buddhist Church of Florin thanks the following members who have paid their 2020 membership: Akiyama. George & Merri

Arase, Gerald & Sharon Nakata, Norma Askanas, Miki (partial) Noguchi, Andy & Twila Tomita

Cairel, James & Karen Oda, Tom & Nancy Chan, Nelson Okabayashi, Kenny & Peggy Chinn, Jackie Okamoto, Gary & Sharon Fujioka, Yoneko Okasaki, Etsuko Fujii-Sisler, Dave & Juline Okuno, Sandy Gee, Shirley Otani, Loretta Hamamoto, JoyAnne Otani, Mary Hayashida, Mark & Kimiko Saigo, Hiroko Ito, Gordon Shimizu, Ron & Judy Lopez, Colleen Sumida, Janet Kadoya, Harvey & Kay Sunahara, Margie Kakutani, Mike & Carla Takeda-Miller, Kris Kashiwase, Paul & Lois Tanaka, Lois Kuroda, Janet Tsukamoto, Lon & Ann Kusama, Mike & Carol Tsukamoto, Toyoko Matsui, Roy & Yukiko Weaver Ron & Jennifer (Jan/Feb) Menda, Walt & Kathy Yamashita, Linda Munekawa, Kimiye Yoshioka, Burt & Carol (Nov/Dec 2019)

2020 membership dues are due by January 31, 2020. The membership form can be found at our website at www.florinbuddhist.org, at the temple or from Kathy Menda at (916) 392-1896, (916) 761-9469 or email chibi15@pacbell.net. Please direct membership questions to Kathy Menda.

Not a member? Become one today!

We also have fun! Check out Sensei Candice and

our President, Peggy Okabayshi.

Buddhist Church of Florin Awards

(L-R: Sensei Candice, Sandy Okuno, Merri Akiyama, Garrett Arase, Garrett Kishaba, Jennifer Kubo, Greg

Menda, Peggy Okabayashi, Mits Yamamoto, Hiroko Saigo, Alice Okimura (on behalf of Ron Okimura), Margie

Sunahara, Judie Miyao, Gary Okamoto, and Eric Fujii)

Annually, as part of our New Year’s celebration, the Buddhist Church of Florin Governing Board recognizes

members of our Sangha with special Temple Awards. There were so many deserving individuals last year that

it was difficult for the committee to narrow it down to these honorees.

Florin Buddhist Church Award – is our highest award and it honors individuals who have served at the

highest levels in the Church for multiple terms, actively participate in all activities, chair fundraising events and

keep up the spirits of the members when the workload seems unbearable. This year’s award recipients were Ron

Okimura and Peggy Okabayashi.

Ben Sato Award – is awarded to individuals for outstanding administrative service. The awardees were Eric

Fujii and Judie Miyao.

Hidemo Kodama Award – is awarded for outstanding service in maintenance and the recipient was Gary

Okamoto.

Tamazo Tanigawa Award – is for outstanding community service and was awarded to Margie Sunahara

Kansha Award for outstanding and unselfish service in a special area were awarded to Merri Akiyama, Garrett

Arase, Garrett Kishaba, Jennifer Kubo, Greg Menda, Sandra Okuno, Hiroko Saigo and Mits Yamamoto.

“Sangha Dance Through The Decades”

CANCELLED The Buddhist Church of Florin regrets to announce that we have decided to cancel our event, "Sangha

Dance Through the Decades" on February 29, 2020.

Due to concerns with the details of accommodating a much larger crowd than initially anticipated, the temple

board has decided to postpone the dance to allow for proper planning to ensure the safety of everyone in

attendance so we can have an enjoyable time together.

Thank you so much for your initial enthusiasm and support of our event. We deeply apologize for this

inconvenience. It is our hope that this event can be rescheduled at a later date.

Buddhist Church of Florin

Dharma School Events – February 2020

“B.R.A.I.D.” – Building Respectful Awareness & Inclusion through Dharma

2/2 – Super Bowl Food Bazaar, No Dharma School

2/9 – WWII Internment Lesson w/ Panelists

2/16 – Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes & Origami Lesson with Lois Kashiwase & Jan Takeuchi

2/23 – Pizza Lunch & Field Trip to the California History Museum *RSVP Needed (see flyer in this

newsletter)

3/1 – Sangha Story Time with Walter Menda

3/8 – My Dharma Donation – DS Students Asked to Bring Donations and Write Letters to Prospective

Recipient

3/15 – My Dharma Donation Continued

3/16 – SAVE THE DATE! L&L (Greenhaven) fundraiser

3/22 – Sangha Stones Project

3/29 – Hanamatsuri Preparations

Dharma School

Field Trip to the California Museum

February 23, 2020

“B.R.A.I.D.” - Building Respectful Awareness & Inclusion Through Dharma

The Florin Buddhist Church’s Dharma School is visiting the California Museum located at

1020 O Street, Sacramento. The California Museum offers many exhibits and displays of

California history and contemporary events. Everyone is invited to attend.

Two exhibits of significant interest to all ages are: “Uprooted! Japanese Americans during

World War II” (life in the Internment Camps); and “Toyo Miyatake: Behind the Glass Eye”

(iconic photos of life at Manzanar). There will be a guided tour of “Uprooted!” and time to

view other exhibits and displays on your own.

February 23 - Field Trip Schedule:

Attend Sunday Church Service 10:00 AM

Lunch at Church After Sunday Service

California Museum 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Admission to the California Museum:

Adult (18 yrs. +) $9.00 Youth (6 to 17 yrs.) $6.50

College Student/Sr. Citizen (65 yrs.+) $7.50 Children (Under 5 yrs.) Free

Register to attend this “B.R.A.I.D.” activity and educational field trip:

Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Provide number of attending by Admission Categories (see above):

Adult

College/Sr. Citizen

Youth

Children

Total

Deadline to Register: February 9, 2020

Submit registration information to Walter Menda at (916) 392-1896 or email

wmenda@pacbell.net.

LADY TAKEKO KUJO Memorial Service (Kisaragiki)

Women throughout the history of Shin Buddhism have dedicated their lives and supported the propagation of

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Lady Eshinni and Lady Kakushinni are prime examples. Lady Eshinni appreciated

the Nembutsu teaching as expounded by her husband, Shinran Shonin, and supported his efforts to share the

teaching with people from all walks of life. Lady Kakushinni, their youngest daughter, played a vital role in

laying the foundation for the spread of the Nembutsu teaching so that future generations would be able to

receive and rejoice in her father’s legacy. However, during modern times, the most remarkable woman leader

in the Nishi Hongwanji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism would be Baroness Lady Takeko Kujo (1887-1928).

Lady Kujo was born as the sixth child and youngest daughter of the Abbot Myonyo

(Ohtani Koson), 21st Abbot of the Nishi Hongwanji. She was a devout Nembutsu

follower and took an active part in community service.

In 1904, Lady Kujo, together with her sister-in-law Lady Kazuko Ohtani founded

the Fujinkai, later known as the Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA), with the

purpose of doing public service and fostering the solidarity of Japanese Buddhist

women. It was a groundbreaking effort since both women had been sheltered

within the temple and women generally were not active in society in leadership

ways.

Lady Kujo was instrumental in the construction of the Asoka Hospital after the

devastation of the Great Tokyo Earthquake in 1923. She was also founder of the

Kyoto Joshi Gakuen (Kyoto Women’s Schools) and known for her poetry

expressing her deep appreciation of the Nembutsu teaching. She also wrote

numerous poems and gathas about her Nembutsu faith. Lady Kujo passed away in

1928 after contracting an illness during her work in one of Tokyo’s poor districts.

To honor her great contributions to the Hongwanji and, also community, we hold Kisaragiki Memorial Service

in February every year. The World Federation of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha BWA respectfully carried over the Dana (selfless giving) spirit of Lady Takeko Kujo and established the annual Dana Day in 1965 to be observed in February every year and practicing Dana by offering collections to charitable and social welfare agencies. In 2016, the Buddhist Churches of America Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations passed a resolution to observe the memorial service (kisaragiki) for Lady Takeko Kujo on the second Sunday of February.

Let us gather at temple on Sunday, February 16, 2019, for the Lady Takeko Kujo

Kisaragiki, to honor her and her faith in the Nembutsu.

Buddhist Church of Florin

Kikuyo and Kinjiro Nakatani Scholarship

Graduating High School Students

And

Students Attending a University, College or Vocational School

You are encouraged to apply for the Buddhist Church of Florin’s Kikuyo and Kinjiro Nakatani (Nakatani)

Scholarships, if you meet the following criteria:

$5,000 Scholarship and $3,000 Scholarship for Graduating High School Students

▪ Must be graduating from high school this academic year; ▪ Plan to attend an accredited university, college or vocational school full time next year; ▪ Your parent is a member of the Buddhist Church of Florin (church membership dues are paid and

current before the scholarship application deadline); and ▪ You have been a Florin Dharma School student while attending high school.

Applicants will be judged on: o Active participation in the Florin Dharma School o Active participation in church program activities o Active participation in community programs o Academic achievements o Essay (approximately 300 words) on the topic of how Buddhism affects your life o In-person interview

$5,000 Scholarship, $3,000 Scholarship, $2,000 Scholarship and $1,000 Scholarship for Students

Attending a University, College or Vocational School

▪ Must be attending an accredited university, college or vocational school full time this academic year

and plan to continue next year; ▪ You or your parent is a member of the Buddhist Church of Florin (church membership dues are paid

and current before the scholarship application deadline); ▪ You have been participating in a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church or program activities; and ▪ You have been a Florin Dharma School student while attending high school. ▪ To provide scholarship opportunities for more students, a university, college or vocational school

student can be a recipient of only two Nakatani Scholarships while attending a university, college or vocational school.

Applicants will be judged on: o Active participation in a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church and/or program activities o Active participation in community programs o Academic achievements o Essay (approximately 400 words) on the topic of how Buddhism affects your life o In-person interview

Applications may be obtained from the Nakatani Scholarship Chairperson, Walter Menda, or Florin Dharma

School Superintendent and YBA advisors in January 2020.

Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to the Nakatani Scholarship Chairperson by midnight,

April 1, 2020.

Buddhist Church of Florin

Kikuyo and Kinjiro Nakatani Public School Teacher Grant

$1,000

Public school education is the foundation for a harmonious and prosperous society. Unfortunately, public

school teachers pay for classroom supplies and educational material with their own money because of school

budget cuts. The Buddhist Church of Florin supports public school teachers by offering a $1,000 grant for

classroom supplies and education materials.

To be eligible for the Kikuyo and Kinjiro Nakatani Public School Teacher Grant, you must be a full-time public

school teacher in Kindergarten through 12th grade; and a member of the Buddhist Church of Florin (church

membership dues are paid and current).

How to become a member of the Buddhist Church of Florin? If you are married, please join under the

couple/family category or if single, the adult single category. Contact Walter Menda for a 2020 Church

Membership Form at (916) 392-1896 or wmenda@pacbell.net.

Please complete the Kikuyo and Kinjiro Nakatani Public School Teacher Grant Application and submit to

Walter Menda, 622 Lelandhaven Way, Sacramento, CA 95831. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing

basis.

Kikuyo and Kinjiro Nakatani Public School Teacher Grant Application

Name:

Address:

Telephone Number and E-mail Address:

Member of Buddhist Church of Florin (Yes/No):

Name of School: School District:

Grade:

Teaching Credential (Yes/No):

School Term (i.e. September 2019 to June 2020):

How I plan to spend the $1,000 grant:

I certify that I have provided complete and accurate information to the items on this application. I fully

understand that any misrepresentation of information may revoke any right to a grant.

_______________ _____________________

Signature of Applicant Date

Rev. Candice’s

Book Club

Please join Rev. Shibata at her monthly book club as a fun and

interactive study class.

We will continue our study class with the book, “The Art of Taking

Action: Lessons From Japanese Psychology” by Gregg Krech. Reading

the book prior to each session is not necessary, as we will read sections

in class and discuss them together.

Whether you are a newcomer to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism or you have

been attending the temple for a while, we welcome everyone to

attend.

January’s book club study class will be held at the temple on the 4th

Wednesday, February 26, 2020, from 6:30-8:00 PM.

Looking forward to seeing you!

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE

WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

Did you know that every two years, Directors-at-Large are appointed by the BCF Governing Board; two

Directors-at-Large for each of the 3 BCF member groups. Do you know the names of your two representatives

and their responsibilities?

Directors-at-Large:

Group One is Greg Menda (one vacancy).

Group Two is Larry Yuki (one vacancy).

Group Three are Lois Kashiwase and Margie Sunahara.

Directors-at-Large act as the liaison for their group members and are responsible for:

Attending Governing Board meetings,

Being informed of the needs and wishes of his/her group members,

Encouraging members to take an active part in all BCF affairs,

Communicating Governing Board decisions, and

Studying all reports and making informed decisions for the good of the BCF and group members.

If you have any issues or concerns, please contact your Director-at-Large. If you are uncertain

BCF Liaison Committee The purpose of the Liaison Committee is to maintain harmony within the Buddhist Church of Florin, address sensitive temple issues (e.g., temple matters, minister, affiliate organizations, and members), and report issues and suggested resolutions to the Executive Council. The Liaison Committee members are appointed by the Executive Council and is a standing committee which means the members do not change unless a member becomes President on the Executive Council or can no longer serve. The members are Margie Sunahara (Chair), Dick Kadoya (Komon), Lois Kashiwase, Jan Takeuchi, Kenny Teranishi, and Tim Tsukamoto. Rev. Candice Shibata is included in the meetings. Meetings are held quarterly or more frequently as needed. If you have a concern or suggestion, please contact any Committee Member or preferably submit it on a Liaison Committee Issue Form. A copy of the form is included in this newsletter and copies are available on the bulletin board in the Annex hallway. The form can be submitted anonymously or with your name. Name of person submitting the form is kept confidential. Place the completed form in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Liaison Committee” and mail to the church or place in the mailbox located in the Annex hallway. The Buddhist Church of Florin is a family place where Friendship, Understanding, and Nembutsu is encouraged. We strive for a safe, learning environment for everyone interested in the Buddha Dharma.

Buddhist Church of Florin Liaison Committee Issue Form

The purpose of the Liaison Committee is to maintain harmony within the Buddhist Church of Florin; address sensitive issues (temple, minister, members, financial hardship); provide timely reports and plans of action or action taken to the Executive Council; and support the positions/directives of the Governing Board.

I am a current dues paying member of:

BCF YABA DS (includes Basketball Program)

BWA YBA Kendo Club

None of the above (not a member)

My issue pertains to:

BCF YABA DS (includes Basketball Program)

BWA YBA Kendo Club

Resident Minister None of the above

Briefly describe your issue/concern/suggestion:

What is your desired resolution to the issue/concern/suggestion?

Name (optional) Phone No. Date

It is helpful to submit your name as it may be necessary to contact you for clarifications. Your name will be kept confidential.

Enclose completed form in a sealed envelope addressed to Buddhist Church of Florin, Attn: Liaison Committee, PO Box 292006, Sacramento, CA 95829 or deposit envelope in mailbox located in the Annex hallway. Thank you.