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I had the great privilege to be the keynote speaker at the Eastern Buddhist
League (EBL) Conference in Chicago this year over the Labor Day weekend.
The EBL was founded in 1945 primarily for those Jodo Shinshu followers who
were relocated from the West Coast during the internment of people of
Japanese descent during WWII. The current group consists of the Cleveland
Buddhist Temple, Ekoji Buddhist Temple, Midwest Buddhist Temple, New
York Buddhist Church, and Seabrook Buddhist Temple. Also included are
two non-BCA temples: Toronto Buddhist Church and the Buddhist Temple of
Chicago. The original group included a Shin sangha from St. Louis and
Detroit, which are no longer in existence.
Due to geographic and demographic differences, the sanghas of the Eastern
District of the BCA have evolved in many ways different from West Coast
sanghas. Initially they were comprised of Japanese Americans who chose
not to return to the West Coast following the end of WWII. This small core
soon became augmented by non-Japanese Americans interested in learning
and practicing the Buddhist Teachings of our Jodo Shinshu School of
Buddhism. The fact that they were predominately urban sanghas and were
more ethnically diverse contributed to the differences. Geography
contributed as well. Unlike the West Coast, the temples east of the
Mississippi are separated by long distances. The two closest temples, Ekoji
in Virginia and the Seabrook Temple in New Jersey, require a 3½ hour drive
each way.
The Eastern Buddhist League (EBL) Conference’s theme this year was
“North American Buddhism: A PATH FORWARD.” I was given the
opportunity to address the conference twice. As the keynote speaker, I felt it
was my responsibility to present to the conference my ideas that could serve
as a cohesive starting point for the conference discussions. While the
conference theme implied a discussion of activities that would take place in
the future, I directed my talks on the need to be secure in the present in order
to be able to move into the future of Jodo Shinshu on the East Coast.
My first talk focused on how we personally view what it means to be a
Buddhist. In order for us to share the Buddhist teachings, we need to reflect
on how we understand the role of Buddhism in our life. In the first session,
we addressed the question of how people identified Buddhism. Is it a religion,
philosophy, a way of life, a type of psychology, or all of the above? The
answers varied among the group, but the process of personalizing our
relationship with the Dharma was meaningful.
(continued on next page)
Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
October
2017
10 THE PBC
BULLETIN
BCA THEME: まことの人生を歩もう
LIVE A REAL LIFE MAKOTO NO JINSEI WO AYUMOU
月
A Dharma Message by Rev. Kurt Rye
115th Year
Resident Minister
Rev. Kurt Rye
Minister’s
Assistants
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Michi Mitani
Ed Nakamoto
2017 PBC Officers
President Ron Kawahata 1st Vice President David Unruhe 2nd Vice President Ed Nakamoto Recording Secretary Yvonne Yoshikawa Treasurers Ted Uyeda Jackie Itogawa Auditors Glen Matsuoka Ted Nishimoto
Editorial
Committee
Rev. Kurt Rye
Daniel Cota
Jackie Itogawa
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Janice Uyeda Kemper
Isabel Meyer
Michi Mitani
Fusae Miyamoto
Ed Nakamoto
Joyce Uyeda Parks
Susan Higashi Rumberg
Miwako Yamashiro
(Dharma Message continued)
The second talk dealt with how we see ourselves as a sangha. In the second session, we explored how our
churches/temples were perceived by someone walking through the door for the first time. How do we appear
to newcomers? What type of image do we want to present to the public? Do we want to be a cultural center,
a gathering place, or something else? We worked on mission statements to clarify our views.
Upon reflection, I see that Placer Buddhist Church, with its forward-thinking sangha and leadership, has been
addressing and are continuing to address these issues. Placer Buddhist Church is a very dynamic
community. We are grateful for our past. We are engaged in the present. And we look forward to the future.
Many Thanks to:
Jeanne Schmidt for listing the books in the library. You can check out the book(s) by listing the
book(s) in the checkout yellow folder.
Susie Strom for $36.13 in coins for the JSC Bottle.
All the people who signed the get-well card for Mary O'Malley.
Daniel Cota for the printed program for the September Monthly Memorial Service.
All the bakers who brought in baked goods for the above service.
Rev. Kurt, Daniel Cota, Grace Yoshikawa, Hitomi Hirota, Susie Strom, Teruko Yoshikawa, Hatsuko Nakata, Mich Nishimoto, Julie Iso, Nobie Morishige, Amy Takemoto, Ginny Ayala, Martha Nishimura, Fusae Miyamoto, Isabel Meyer, and Michi Mitani for covering the new Dharma Service Books.
All the people who came out to help at our Food Bazaar.
Looking Ahead to October:
1 Monthly Memorial/Ohigan Service with Rev. Kurt at 10 AM. Coffee Klatch available.
8 Regular Dharma Service at 10 AM with PBC's Minister’s Assistants (MAs) as Rev. Kurt will be in Florin.
12 Bingo and Luau at 10 AM for Senior Program.
14 Fall Seminar with Revs. Shelley and Matthew Fisher from Reno at 10 AM. Lunch provided. Sign-up sheet available.
15 Regular Dharma Service with Rev. Kurt. Last Reno Gathering for the year.
16 Chanting (asaji) at 9 AM.
18- 31 Japan trip
19 NO BUDDHIST EDUCATION (STUDY) CLASS
22 Regular Dharma Service with PBC's MAs at 10 AM.
24 NCDC meeting
29 Regular Dharma Service with PBC's MAs at 10 AM.
31 BCA Conference Planning Meeting
We encourage children and adults to attend Dharma Services and Dharma classes. We have classes for
children (four years old and older) and adults. We will continue with Kindness as the theme for this 2017-
2018 school term. Please bring in quotes or stories about Kindness for the Dharma School Bulletin Board.
By Michi Mitani
At the September 3rd meeting, we reviewed the Obon and Reno Howakai, both of which took place in August.
We had a very successful Obon with a large turnout for both the service and the dancing. The Reno Howakai
was moved to a Wednesday so the members could participate in the Minister’s service at the Reno Buddhist
Center. Over 40 ministers, 25 Reno Howakai members, 20 Reno Buddhist Center members, and 3 members
from Placer Buddhist Church attended. Everyone commented that hearing 40 ministers chanting was
emotionally/spiritually moving.
October will be a busy month. Please note that our October 1st meeting following the Memorial/Ohigan
Service will be our officer nomination meeting. Elections will be held in November. All members are
encouraged to participate.
Also in October will be our Annual Luau and Senior Bingo event. Please contact Grace Yoshikawa if you are
interested in attending. Live entertainment and wonderful Hawaiian food will be available.
Also, mark your calendars for the Fall Seminar, which will take place in the Hondo on October 14th. Please
advise Michi Mitani or Rev. Kurt if you plan on attending as we need to get an accurate headcount for the
complimentary lunches that will be served to attendees.
Next Meeting: October 1st following Monthly Memorial Service.
October Toban: Rocklin/Roseville.
2017 Toban Schedule:
Rocklin/Roseville: January, May, October
Auburn/Newcastle: February, June/July, November
Lincoln/Penryn: March, August, December
Loomis: April, September
***********************************
2017 PBC Scholarship Recipient By Rich Kawahata
Shiloh Penn-Henry, graduate of Del Oro
High School Class of 2017, was the recipient of the Placer Buddhist Church Scholarship of $1,000. While at Del Oro, Shiloh never missed a day of school over his four years of attendance. It’s noteworthy that, while in high school, he managed to work part-time at a retail store and local restaurant.
Shiloh is currently attending Sierra College to complete his lower division work, with the plan to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno and pursue a major in Business Administration. Shiloh is the son of Jerry Henry and Charles Penn.
Shiloh is pictured with his PBC Scholarship and a Certificate of Congratulations from the Buddhist Churches of America that were presented to him on September 3, 2017.
By Daniel Cota
PBC Board Meeting Highlights
By Yvonne Yoshikawa, Recording Secretary
Attendance: Rev. Kurt, Butch Enkoji, Susan Goto, Darin Hirota, Rich Kawahata, Ron Kawahata, Doris Mar,
Isabel Meyer, Michi Mitani, Fusae Miyamoto, Ed Nakamoto, Ted Nishimoto, Ted Uyeda, Jr., Grace Yoshikawa,
Yvonne Yoshikawa
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Ron Kawahata. Rev. Kurt led us in gassho.
1. Reports
a. President’s Report and Correspondence: Ron reported thank-you cards were received from Lydia Maggio, Ed Yamada Family, Carole Kawamoto, and Katsuko Hirota.
b. Minister’s Report: Rev. Kurt provided an overview of the various events over the past month. He was a guest speaker at Enmanji, Sebastopol and at the Eastern Buddhist League Conference held in Chicago. Sensei thanked Ed and Nancy Nakamoto, Ron Kawahata, and Jackie Itogawa for their assistance at the Minister’s Fuken held in Reno. He also announced Rev. Candice Shibata will be starting at the Florin Buddhist Church in January, 2018.
c. PBWA: Fusae Miyamoto distributed the August Activities Report and gave an overview on PBWA-related events for the month.
d. Dharma School: Michi Mitani distributed the Dharma School report for September/October. The Fall Seminar is scheduled for October 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM.
e. Social Welfare: The Board extends get well wishes to Mary O’Malley, Jeannie Schmidt, Eugene Nodohara, and Rod Imai.
f. Membership: Doris Mar reported the current membership is 218.
g. Senior Program: Ed reported there were 44 attendees on the bus trip to the Nugget Rib Cook-Off on August 31st. The next event will be Bingo and Luau on October 12th.
2. Old Business
a. Facility Usage Agreement for Members and Non-Members: Tabled until next meeting.
b. Sexual Harassment Policy Update: Michi reported the committee is working on the final draft. Once the final draft is completed, a copy of the draft will be distributed to the board for review.
c. 53rd Annual Food Bazaar Update: Ed reported the committee has met and everything is on schedule. The tent went up on September 3rd. Construction will take place on September 16th. Manju making is scheduled for Sunday, September 17th, at Del Oro High School.
d. Church Bulletin: Ed reported that during the bulletin meeting, it was suggested to add a page to the bulletin for advertising to help offset the cost of bulletin. After discussion, it was agreed the committee check with other temples on this topic. It was also suggested the committee submit a formal recommendation to the board on how they would like to proceed.
3. New Business
a. Parsonage Landscape – Sierra Bonsai: Ed and Ron received a request from Sierra Bonsai to work on the garden in front of the parsonage to show their appreciation for the use of the church facility. They would like to build a retaining wall around the garden and add ground cover. The estimated cost is $4000. Sierra Bonsai will contribute $1500 and the cost to PBC is $2500.
b. Penryn Fire Department Oktoberfest: Ron stated he has received a request from the Penryn Fire Department to use the parking lot for their event. They will not be using the tent. The event is scheduled to take place from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM and will consist of music, food trucks, and drinks.
c. 2018 BCA Calendar: Rev. Kurt announced he has received a letter from BCA for a calendar request. It was agreed to order 200 calendars to be mailed out to the members.
d. 2018 PBC Board Member Nominations: Ed stated the Nominating Committee is usually made up of the past five presidents. It was suggested to change the structure of the committee to include other organizations of the church.
e. Other: Susan Goto thanked the Board and members of the church for the support shown to the Goto family.
Rich Kawahata reported Joe Vasilj is holding the Big Joe’s Scramble. He has received a letter requesting a donation. It was agreed PBC be a Hole Sponsor.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. Rev. Kurt led us in gassho.
Member Spotlight
By Joyce Parks
and diversity of healthcare today, and find the
challenges of finding better ways to improve quality
and service to be extremely rewarding,” says Allan.
In FY 2013-2014, Allan and the hospital’s Senior
Leader Team represented Sutter Davis Hospital in
Washington D.C. when it was selected to receive
the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Award. Allan proudly cites that Sutter Davis
Hospital was one of only two hospitals in California
to receive this Presidential award for outstanding
quality and service.
In addition to his professional life, Allan derives a
great deal of personal fulfillment from giving back
to the community through volunteer work. At the
PBC, he dedicates both days annually at the Food
Bazaar, and always makes himself available
“behind the scenes” for audio-visual support at
church functions. Outside the PBC, Allan has been
a volunteer pharmacist for the past 20 years at
Community Care Health Centers in Yolo County.
Additionally, for the past 10 years, he has served
on the Board of Partnership Health Plan, a health
system providing care to Medi-Cal patients in 14
Northern California counties. For the last 4 years,
Allan has served on the Advisory Council to the
Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Health. In
Boy Scouting, Allan has served as Scoutmaster for
his son’s troop, District Chair for Roseville and
Granite Bay and, later on, for the Golden Empire
Council Board.
At age 63, Allan says he has no intention of slowing
down any time soon. “I’m humbled and grateful to
have had the opportunities I’ve been given in life.
Today, I enjoy a sense of balance and meaning
through my work, my family, my church, and my
community. With continued good health and
support from my wife, I look forward to remaining
an active member of our wonderful community for
many more years to come,” says Allan.
Throughout his professional career, Allan
Yamashiro has been recognized for his many
impressive achievements, but he has never forgotten
his roots and, to this day, remains as close as ever to
his family and to the community he grew up in.
The oldest of three children born to Tadao and Miwako
Yamashiro of Penryn, Allan’s siblings include Myra
Okasaki and Bruce Yamashiro, who both live locally.
Allan and his immediate family have been living in
Roseville since 1992. All three siblings are actively
involved with the PBC and frequently attend services
with their mother. “While our mother has been
managing well on her own for the past 5 years, we feel
so fortunate to be able to live near her and to be
available on short notice if ever we’re needed,” says
Allan.
Allan and his wife Virginia, a Registered Nurse, have
been married for 32 years and are proud parents to
their two children, Kevin and Megan. Following in his
father’s footsteps, Kevin is a pharmacist living in Los
Angeles, and Megan is a physical therapist living in
Menlo Park, California.
After graduating from Del Oro High School, Allan
launched his career path in pharmacy at Main Drug in
Loomis, interning for the late Hiroshi “Doc” Takemoto
and his son Gordy. “I owe them a debt of gratitude for
mentoring me fresh out of high school. After working
for them, I was convinced that I wanted to pursue a
career in the pharmaceutical field,” says Allan.
Following graduation from UC Davis with a Bachelor
of Science degree in Bacteriology, Allan moved to
Southern California in 1976 and earned a Doctor of
Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern
California. Upon graduation, he was quickly hired by
Cigna Health, Medical Center in La Mirada, California,
first as a pharmacist and later on as Director of
Pharmacy. Allan remained in that position for 16
years before moving back to Placer County to accept
his current position as Ancillary Director at Sutter
Davis Hospital.
In his current position, Allan is responsible for
overseeing the management of multiple departments
ranging from Pharmacy, Laboratory, Radiology,
Cardiology, Physical Therapy, to Food Service, Plant
Operations, and Security. “I appreciate the complexity
In Memoriam Next of Kin on Record In Memoriam Next of Kin on Record
Ayala, Vidal Ayala, Virginia Matsuda, Shinobu Matsuda Hiroshi
Fujitani, James Shiro Fujitani, Jean , Fujitani, Shigeru
Matsuda, Yone Matsuda, Hiroshi
Fujitani, Tomitaro Fujitani, Jean, Fujitani, Shigeru
Matsumoto, Roy Matsumoto, Tsuneko
Goto, Margaret Miyoko Goto, Robert Matsumoto, Yoneko Hayashida, Marie
Goto, Sada Goto, Robert Matsushita, George Tamaribuchi, Satoru
Goto, Tom Goto, Robert Mihara, Kaneichi Mihara, Masayuki
Grandin, Katherine Ayala, Virginia Miyamoto, Kenzo Miyamoto, Eddie & Miyamoto, Fusae
Hada, Mitsuo Hada, Jane Miyata, Harry Miyata, Kawaye
Hamada, George Kiyoto Hamada, Amy Miyata, James Miyata, Kawaye
Hamasaki, William Hamasaki, Emi, Hamasaki, Joanie & Don
Moriguchi, Kamejiro Moriguchi, Kazuko
Hanamoto, Jack Sadao Sasaki, Lila Moriguchi, Shizuko Moriguchi, Kazuko
Hanamoto, Max Masato Hanamoto, Yuriko Morimoto, Kazuyoshi Morimoto Sadako
Hashimoto, Jack Masao Hashimoto, Shizuka Nagaoka, Tokuzo Nagaoka, Rick
Horiuchi, Edward Yasuo Nimura, Helen Nakamoto, Michino Nakamoto, Edward
Horiuchi, Hisa Nimura, Helen, Nimura, Nobuya
Nakamura, Natsu Nakamura, Howard
Horiuchi, Sandra Kiyomi Enkoji, Butch T. Nakashoji, Heikichi Nakashoji, Frank
Ihara, James Yutaka Ihara, Tomiko Nishikawa, Mie Yamashiro, Yoshiko
Ikeda, Mitsugi Regan, Darlene Ikeda, Ikeda, Sandra
Ogawa, Tatsuo Yamane, Edward
Ikeda, Sakuyo Regan, Darlene Ikeda Onga, Yoshiji Roy Onga, Ray
Iwasaki, Robert Kumaji Kubo, Martha Osaki, Oritsu Yamane, Edward & Natsuye
Kagawa, Hatsuno Hirota, Tom Seo, Setsuyo Seo, Carol
Kaneko, Toyo Kaneko, Mae Takemoto, Gosaburo Takemoto, Tsugie
Kashima, Tsuruyo Yokota, Ken Takemoto, Hiroshi “Doc” Takemoto, Tsugie
Kubota, Kuni Yamada, Chiyoye Takemoto, Matsuye Irene Takemoto, Amy
Kuwahara, Masato Sam Sugioka, Hisako Takemoto, Tsunematsu Takemoto, Amy
(continued on next page)
November Monthly Memorial Service
Each month, family members are encouraged to attend the Monthly Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo) to
remember their loved ones who had passed away in that month. To that end, the following is an advance
copy of the names which will be announced at November’s Monthly Memorial Service on November 5th.
Also included is the “Next of Kin on Record” for each name. We recognize that some of the information may
need updating, so we ask members to please contact Nancy Nakamoto with any changes. Nancy can
be reached at (916) 412-0851, [email protected], or 3454 Majestic Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765.
In Memoriam Next of Kin on Record In Memoriam Next of Kin on Record
Tsuetaki, Yuji Tsuetaki, Hideko Yamamoto, Fujimi Yamamoto, Calvin
Umehara, Suga Kubo, Martha Yamane, Tsuneo Yamane, Aiko
Uyeda, Tsunesuke Parks, Joyce Yamashita, Yoroku Mikawa, Ronald
Wakinaka, Tane Nimura, Nobuya Yoshikawa, Albert Yoshikawa, Michael
Wakinaka, Yorinosuke Nimura, Nobuya Yoshioka, Chikako Nodohara, Keiso
Yamamoto, Eijiro Yamamoto, Haruye
***********************************
PBC’s Fall Buddhist Seminar
We want to remind members that PBC’s Fall Buddhist Seminar is scheduled for Saturday,
October 14th. Our guest speakers will be Revs. Shelley and Matthew Fisher from Reno. A
complimentary lunch will be served. If you haven’t already done so, please return your completed
registration form to PBC by no later than October 7th. We look forward to seeing you!
Registration Form PBC Fall Buddhist Seminar
Saturday, October 14, 2017
10 AM – 12 Noon
Name(s) of Attendee(s): _________________________________________
_________________________________________
Total Number Attending: ______________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Staying for Lunch? Yes ______ No ______
Please return to: Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Rd.
Penryn, CA 95663
November Monthly Memorial Service (continued)
Gato’s Corner By Rev. Kurt
I spent the Labor Day weekend in
Chicago. I had been invited to be the
keynote speaker at the Eastern
Buddhist League (EBL). It was nice to
see friends and sangha members from
the East coast. I had served the Ekoji
Temple in Fairfax, Virginia for over two
years and had not seen the members
since I transferred back to California.
The cats were very happy to see me
come home after Daniel brought me
back from the airport.
Gato: Pops, it is so good to see you! I missed you.
Saffie: Me too! It has been so boring when you were gone. There was nothing to do but sleep and
eat.
Daniel: Thanks a lot. I thought we had a good time. We did, didn’t we?
Gato: Oh Saffie is being an unrefined blabber mouth again. When are you going to grow up Saffie and
show some class?
Saffie: Gato, you are such an orange ogre.
Rev. Kurt: Come on, you two. I just got home and you are at each other already! I’m really tired. I
had a layover in Phoenix. Can we call a truce?
Gato: OK, that is only fair. Pops, I hope you enjoyed your conference. Did you see the folks from
Ekoji? They must have asked about me, “Gato the Humble Buddhist Cat.” I’m famous across the globe,
you know.
Rev. Kurt: Err, actually no one asked about you. We were busy with the conference.
Gato: What!? You must be wrong. I’m sure they have thought about me every day since we moved
back to California. They must miss me. I am such a beacon of Buddhist wisdom. I must have left a
gaping hole in the Eastern district.
Saffie: I think you left a gaping hole in your big old head!
Rev. Kurt: Again, Saffie might be a little blunt, but makes a good point. I’m sure people miss you, but
it has been over two years since we left. Things have changed and people continue on with their lives.
It does not reflect on you, rather the flow of life.
Gato: But we had so many good times together. I will never forget them.
Rev. Kurt: The events are in your memory and you can relive them any time you want, but it is in the
past. The Buddha spoke of impermanence, that everything is in constant change. It is something we
can’t change, but work with.
Gato: I guess it has been a while. Perhaps I should go on the “Humble Cat Tour” to remind my fans
of how wonderful I am. I could take old Gato’s Corner and autograph them. For a fee of course. Maybe
I could sell official Gato coffee mugs with my face on it. Or...
Saffie: So much for the “Humble Buddhist Cat!”
Rev. Kurt: Sigh, let’s watch some TV.
Reminder: There will be no Buddhist Study Class in October due to the Japan Trip. Classes will resume on
November 16th.
Reno Howakai News
By Fusae Miyamoto
On August 14th, Claudia Nakata, Grace Yoshikawa, and Fusae Miyamoto went to the Silver
Legacy in Reno and checked in. At 5:00 PM, we went to the Reno Buddhist Church to attend the
service. When we got there, there were some ministers in the service hall. By the time the service
started, there were over 40 ministers chanting the “Shoshinge.” We chanted with them, and the
sound was tremendous! It was a wonderful experience. Bishop Kodo Umezu gave the sermon.
When we sang the song, “Ondokusan,” we didn’t even need the recorded music. Their voices
were united as one great singing voice.
After the service, we went downstairs for refreshments. As usual, the Reno Howakai members
outdid themselves. Many ministers stayed for refreshments, and we enjoyed visiting with them.
On Thursday, after breakfast, Claudia drove us back to Penryn. Thanks to Claudia, Grace and
Fusae were able to enjoy a great service with the Reno Howakai members.
The Editorial Committee strives to report complete and accurate information; however, errors or
omissions can inadvertently occur. In these situations, we apologize and ask that you notify any
member of the Editorial Committee so it can be rectified. To help minimize errors, we respectfully
ask that names be clearly printed on the check and/or envelope.
Donations are reported based on when they are received by PBC. As such, donations received
before or after the publication deadline may not be shown in the current issue; however, they will be
included in an earlier or later issue.
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
November 2017
5 Monthly Memorial Service
PBWA Meeting
9 Senior Program
Bazaar Meeting
16 Asaji (Chanting)
Buddhist Study Class
19 Hoonko
28 BCA Conference Planning Meeting
October 2017
1 Monthly Memorial Service
PBWA Meeting
10 PBC Board Meeting
12 Bingo and Luau
14 Fall Seminar
15 Last Reno Gathering for the Year
16 Asaji (Chanting)
18–31 Japan Trip
24 NCDC Meeting
31 BCA Conference Planning Meeting