1. Lotus Sutra Chanting & Buddhism Study Class
Starting February, we have begun a Lotus Sutra chanting session and a one-hour Lotus Sutra study class. Every month we will have these two sessions once a month after the Sunday service. During the service, we have only been reading Chapter 2 and Chapter 16 (Jigage). However, I wish to add more readings of the sutra and decide to have a chanting session.
Chapter 1: Introduction (until Taiza Ichimen)
Chapter 2: Expedients (until Junyoze)
Chapter 12: Devadatta
Chapter 16: The Duration of the life of the Tathagata
Chapter 21: Never-Despising Bodhisattva
Chapter 22: Transmission
Chapter 25: The Universal Gate of World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva (since Kannonge)
Chapter 26: Dharanis (Gobanjinshu)
Chapter 28: The Encouragement of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugenju and since Shoganfuko)
2. Spring O-higan Service Sunday March 21st 1:00pm
The week of March 17th~March 23rd is the Spring O-higan week.
“Higan” and “Shigan” are opposite’s words. “Higan” signifies “the other side”, and this is where Buddha and our ancestors live. “Shigan”, meaning “this side”, is the world in which we live at this moment. During this week, we practice for our future, when we will go to the Higan world. You may choose the reason for practicing, such as; becoming a vegetarian, stop drinking alcohol, no anger, no lying etc. This spring O-Higan service will be held on March 22nd at 1pm. During the O-segaki service this spring, I will read the O-Tōba, which I have prepared for your ancestors, from the previous O-Segaki service. Please write your ancestors Buddhist names or given names on the application form and return it to the Temple by Thursday March the 20th. The O-Tōba costs $5 each. You may include your O-Tōba fee and donations together.
O-Tōba was once a symbol for Buddha’s grave. Today it represents a letter that conveys our thoughts and feelings for our ancestors, friends or pets etc. that have passed away. I hope you will give an O-Tōba for the spirits in the universe, in addition to your ancestor. These deeds will bring you happiness.
Download the Spring O-Higan Application Form by clicking here.
After the service we will hold a potluck luncheon. Please bring your favorite dish that we may all share.
3. Hanamatsuri Service (Flower Festival) - Buddha’s Birthday Service Sunday April 4th 1:00pm
It was spring in Lumbini, now known as Nepal, where many flowers bloomed, when Buddha was born 2500 years ago on April the 8th. People offered flowers and decorated the baby Buddha’s shrine in celebration of his birthday. During the service, we will pour Ama-cha, sweet tea, over the statue of the baby Buddha and celebrate his birthday. Let us celebrate Buddha’s birthday together.
4. Nichiren Buddhism Establishment Day Service Sunday April 18th 1:00pm
In 1253, our founder Nichiren Dai-Shonin, at the age of 32, returned to his home district after studying in many faraway places. On the morning of April 28th, he faced the rising sun at the top of Mount Kiyosumi and chanted the Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” for the first time. We will have a Buddhist Memorial Service on this day. After the service, we will hold a potluck luncheon. Please bring your favorite dish that we may all share.
5. GARAGE SALE Sunday May 30th (Plan) 9:00am~4:00pm
The spring Garage Sale is coming up soon! Popular items for garage sale; kitchen utensils, fashion jewelries, knick-knacks, furniture, electric appliances and books. If you have any good ideas, please contact Sensei Fukushima. Please bring your goods directly to the temple or Sensei Fukushima will come to pick it up directly, if you contact in advance. I am looking for volunteers for the day. If you cannot stay here for the whole day, please come for half the day, if it is possible. Lunch and beverages will be provided.
6. General Meeting Sunday April 4th 3:00pm
Subject 1) Report of year 2009 and planning for year 2010
2) Financial report of year 2009 and planning for year 2010
3) The reelection of the executive.
4) Etcetera.
7. Membership Renewal Time
I have asked members to update the fee, in the November/December newsletter. With the previous newsletter, I enclosed a membership registration form and a membership invoice notification form. Please update your member status and the payment for the membership.
We manage our temple with your Membership fee and personal donations. Thank you very much for your continuous understanding and contributions. Please make your remittance to; Gassho Rev. Kenno Fukushima.
Download the Membership Application Form by clicking here.
8. This month’s Sermon Who is the God of Buddhism?
Recently, my classmate at the English language school who seemed to have interest in Buddhism had questioned me, “Who is the God of Buddhism?” This classmate comes from Ethiopia and is a Christian believer. I answered that in Buddhism, we do not have a God who is of primary concern in the creation of this world like in Christianity. Then he had asked me “What is the objective of your belief?” I had told him that it was Buddha. He then asked “Is Buddha not God?” I responded, “The Buddha is not God. He is a human being. The Buddha perceived the truth of the universe, and has taught us about it.” My classmate could not believe it. “If there is no God, who created human beings?” His questions still continue.
When doing missionary work overseas, we receive unexpected questions such as the ones mentioned above. When doing missionary work in Japan, there is no need to explain about Buddhism. The Japanese already have an understanding of Buddhism. It does not necessarily mean that they understand it correctly. However, they already have an idea of the religion without being taught about it. In Japan, we do missionary work towards people of other Buddhist denominations. On the other hand, in overseas, there are people of other religions so we must begin with the explanation of “What is Buddhism?”
Going back to my classmate’s question, I answered that all living things, including human beings, are created by the universe and nature. It is not God that created them. The Buddha explains that all living things are equal.
I recently found out that the giant star; Betelgeuse, in the constellation Orion, is about to end its lifetime. Betelgeuse’s diameter is approximately 1000 times that of the sun. In the beginning of the universe, hydrogen was the only existing atom. Later on, hydrogen changed to helium by nuclear fusion. Once a star uses up the helium, it ends its lifetime by exploding and creates a heavier atom. However, when a star that is as big as the sun ends its lifetime, it cannot create a heavy atom like an iron. It is said that when Betelgeuse ends its lifetime and causes a supernova explosion, it is possible to create all the atoms that exist in the natural world.
Our body is one of the most important components that contain heavy atoms such as iron, which can be found in our blood. Therefore, our body is created from atoms of a supernova explosion from over billions of years ago. Our body is universe itself. When we will die, we will return to the original form of an atom and we will become another form of life. This is the cycle of life. Our soul will dwell into a new life. The Buddha had taught us the truth of the universe. Nichiren Shonin had conveyed this teaching to us—that is the Lotus Sutra. We must appreciate this fact.
Namu Myoho Rengekyo
