Soto Zen Buddhist Mission in North America 曹洞宗北アメリカ国際布教記録

Soto Zen Mission in North America December 2019
Long Beach Buddhist Church & Montebello Sozenji Buddhit Temple



"Unless my vow is a meaningfulness one, the fire will be extinguished."
Once upon a time, there lived many animals in a forest near the Himalaya.  One day, a wild fire broke out and engulfed the forest.  While many fled the forest to escape from the fire, there was a parrot who tried to extinguish the fire by dipping her wings in the river and sprinkling the drops of water on the wildfire.

Then, there appeared Sakra, the king of the devas and asked the parrot a question.
"What are you doing?"  The parrot said, "I'm trying to save the forest because I sympathize all who live there."  "This forest has been a home for many living creatures.  Now, I happened to have some extra strength at this moment.  How can I neglect and leave the forest behind?"
Sakra then said to the parrot, "How much time are you going spend to extinguish the wildfire?"  
The parrot said, "Until my life is spent and that is my vow"

"Even if that is your vow, who would possibly know of your intention?" said Sakra. 
Then, the parrot then replied, "Unless my vow is a meaningfulness one, the fire will be extinguished."

There are fires of warfare, natural disasters, poverty anxiety, hatred, and illness engulfing our community and society.
It is this kind of vows that form the foundation of Buddhists' right effort.


Long Beach Buddhist Church
Website:https://www.lbbuddhistchurch.com

Events at LBBC

1) Jodo-e Service to celebrate Buddha's Awakening
    LBBC will have its Jodo-e service on December 1st 10 am to celebrate the Buddha's awakening and confirm his central teachings of his four noble truths and eight-fold path. Refreshment will be served by the board.


2) January Shotsuki Memorial Service  
LBBC will be commemorating the families and friends who passed away in the month of January.
December 8th 10 am

In memory of our families and friends who passed away in January.  

Jan. 21   2018  Keiko Chiyoko Pietromonaco     
Jan. 12  2018  Shira Yoshimura
Jan. 25  2017  Ichiro Arhur Miyamoto               
Jan. 17 2015  Kazuko "Kay" Matsumoto
Jan. 6    2013   Ayame May Okine                         
Jan. 5    2007  Taichiro Mui
Jan. 10    2006  Isamu Yasumura                           
Jan.  9   2005  Tsutomu Miyaki
Jan. 23    2004  Yuya Kotsubo                                 
Jan. 12   1997  Yoshiko Kotsubo
Jan. 16    1991  Sen Takayama                               
Jan. 17  1989  Masao Okine
Jan. 10    1983   Ryojun Kouchi                             
Jan. 7  1977  Mikae Nakagawa
Jan.  6    1977  Isaburo Hori
Jan. 4      1973  Tomegoro Sato                               
Jan. 25    1970   Naka Inoue                                   
Jan. 28  1970   Hideo Yasumura
Jan. 14    1970  Mototaro Uyeda                           
Jan. 10    1970   Hiroyoshi Nonoshita
Jan. 10   1967  Sadajiro Sumita                             
Jan. 13   1966  Ryohei Miyaki
Jan. 31  1966   Shigeichi Nakamura
Jan. 31  1965   Kijuiro Irie
Jan. 5  1963  Tomeyo Okine
Jan. 10   1959   Yoshinaga Saito                             
Jan. 24    1954   Masano Saito                                 
Jan. 29    1948   Utaro Shigematsu                         

News from LBBC
1) 62nd Anniversary Ceremony 
We celebrated the 62nd Anniversary of the Long Beach Buddhist Church on November 10.


2) Thank you Dinner for the volunteers hosted by Mr. Robert Yasumura   
Robert Yasumura, the Bon Odori Committee Chair of LBBC hosted a Thank you Dinner for all the volunteers who helped us with the Bon Odori event and Chow Mein Dinner fundraising event.


3) Shigin Recital 
Shodo-kai, Shigin Group, had its autumn recital at Long Beach Buddhist Church this year. The photos are from the previous year.

(Photo from 2018)

4)  Byobu and Vintage Items  
Beautiful vintage items were anonymously donated by a couple of individuals. LBBC has been able to sell many vintage items thanks to all the donors. Thank you very much for your generous donations.


5)  Art Work donated by Seigaku Amato and Osamu Nishimura 
Devin Seigaku Amato and Osamu Nishimura have been sharing their artistic skills arranging flowers helping us adorn the sanctuary and the social hall. Thank you.


     
Sharing Buddhist Teachings with Community

1) Ten Commandment Hike
Children from the local boy scouts and girl scouts groups had a Ten Commandment Hike on November 29 where they learn various teachings from the ministers of the local churches and temples including the history of Long Beach Buddhist Church and its teachings.


2) Mindfulness Seminar at Higashi Honganji 
Rev. Peter Hata, Ms. Ana Nakano-Sanchez and I shared Nenbutsu practice and meditation practice with the members and guests of Higashi Honganji temple on Wednesday, November 13.


3) OLLI Fall Season
We finished California State Osher Life-Long Learning Autumn Course with some dedicated students and members. Special thanks to Mark Holden for his support in the course and also with the LBBC Monday evening meditation class.


Montebello Sozenji Buddhist Temple
Website: https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.weebly.com
Weblog:  https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.dosugoi.net  
All views are wrong views.

In the 8th century in China, one young training monk came to visit Rev. Dogo. After he trained under Rev. Dozo's instruction, this young monk started to feel anxious as his teacher has not shared any teachings with him.
One day, he went to the teacher's room and said, "I have been training all these months under your instructions but you have not shared with me any teachings. Can you tell me why?"
Hearing this request from the student, Dogo Zenji said, "I have been sharing the teachings ever since you came to my temple."
Puzzled, the young monk asked his teacher said, "I had no idea I was receiving your teachings all this time."

Rev. Dozo then said, "In the morning, you greet me, then, I greet you. When you serve me a meal. I put my hands together in Gassho and receive it."
"What other teachings do I need to show you?" 
Hearing this, the young monk tried so hard to understand the meaning behind this message.

Rev. Dozo then said, "Stop thinking. Instead of thinking, observe and experience it."
"Don't fool yourself with your delusions.  Don't let your brain fool you."
Then, the young monk suddenly had a deep realization.

Events at Sozenji
1) Sozenji December Rummage Sale
    December 7th 7 am
Sozenji Buddhist temple will have rummage sale on December 7th from 7 pm. Rummage sale will happen four times a year in 2020.


2) Jodo-e Service to celebrate Buddha's Awakening & December Memorial Service
    December 8th, 2 pm
Sozenji will celebrate the Buddha's enlightenment on December 8th and commemorate the families and friends who passed away in the month of December.


December Shtosuki memorial service is dedicated to the following Sozenji members:
Hamano, Tayeko Mary (12/03/2003)
Ikoma, Michiko (12/06/2004)
Kamo, Masao (12/01/1999)
Kato, Benny Toshiyuki (12/29/2010)
Kozaki, Yukino (12/13/1994)
Karasawa, Keiko (12/20/2013)
Kurai, Michiko (12/27/2008)
Makino, Takehiko Thomas (12/22/1993)
Mayeda, Taneko (12/19/1991)
Morishige, Waki (12/19/1996)
Nomura, Miyoko (12/18/2000)
Nozaki, Roy Shoji (12/14/2005)
Okada, Sayo (12/04/2004)
Tabata, Sueo (12/24/2007)
Tani, Michael Hideki (12/14/2002)
Watanabe, Rokuro (12/10/1990)


3) Joya no kane Service - New Year Service
Rev. Howard Miyoshi will be leading the Joyano kane service on December 29th from 4 pm.
    December 29th 4 pm   


4) Introduction to Zen
Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm (December 3 and December 10)

News from Sozenji
1) Students and Alumni of Cypress College
Cypress College students and alumni have been visiting Sozenji temple this year. Special thanks to Nathaniel, Amanda, Sana and Patrick for taking the initiatives.


2) Aikido Club
Aikido club is open to anyone who are interested in the practice of Aikido. The senseis and students have been supporting Sozenji temple.


Connecting with Wider Community
1) University of West
    Doshin Johnson connected me with Rev. Victor from University of West in the hope that Sozenji temple will be able to collaborate with the University of West in the future.    


2) Soto Mission of San Francisco
Sokoji: http://www.sokoji.org
   Sokoji Temple 7-5-3 Celebration
Rev. Koshi Kurotaki and Sokoji temple members held its annual Shichigosan ceremony to celebrate the healthy growth of 3-year-old-girls, 5-year-old boys, and 7-year-old girls according to the Japanese tradition and I was able to observe and participate in the service with Rev. Taiga Ito, Rev, Koyu Mori, and Rev. Diego Sozan Miglioli. Special thanks to Rev. Koshi Kurotaki and Sokoji temple members for this special opportunity to learn their temple tradition.


3) San Francisco Zen Center, City Center
I was able to re-visit San Francisco Zen Center and briefly have a conversation with Rev. Diego Sozan Miglioli from Argentina regarding the Soto Zen Mission for Spanish-speaking population. Thank you for your advice, Rev. Miglioli.


Soto Zen Buddhism in North America
1) Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Mateo
I had a special opportunity to stay at the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Mateo. The office is currently run by Rev. Konjin Gaelyn Godwin, Rev. Taiga Ito, and Rev. Koyu Mori.
They have been actively promoting the activities related to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals with other Buddhist Centers of different lineages in the San Francisco area.

Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 14: Life Below Water, Goal 15: Life on Land, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, Goal 17: Partnerships



2) Soto Zen Buddhism North America Office in Los Angeles
My colleague of Soto Zen Buddhism North America Office, Rev. Dokan Kojima, visited the Headquarters of United Nations in New York with his supervisors from Tokyo to share the visions and declaration of commitment for SDGs with one of their representatives.


Association of Soto Zen Buddhists
1) Formation of Soto Zen North America
Under the supervision of the Director, Bishop Akiba, Rev. Shinshu Roberts, Rev. Doyo (Daijaku) Kinst, Rev. Koun Franz, Rev. Ejo McMullen and I have been discussing the formation of new regulations in an attempt to establish Soto Zen North America, a Soto Zen organization in North America with its own jurisdiction. Our goal is to create the basic blueprint of the new organization by the 100th anniversary of the Soto Zen Mission in North America in 2022.


2) Ancient Way
Our Dharma friends Rev. Hoko Karnegis and Rev. Tonen Rev. Tonen O'Connor had been helping many Soto Zen Buddhist teachers share their teachings through their online Buddhist magazine "Ancient Way" for years. I was also given a special opportunity to contribute to this project.
The project ended this month but the website will remain online.
https://ancientwayjournal.wordpress.com


3) Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation
Zenshuji Soto Mission will host the 2020 Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation Hanamatsuri on April 5th.
Theme: "Buddhism and "Eating" "



Warmly in Gassho
Gyokei Yokoyama
Long Beach Buddhist Church
2360 Santa Fe. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90810
Montebello Sozenji Buddhist Temple
3020 W Beverly Blvd. Montebello, CA 90640  

Soto Zen Mission in North America November 2019

In the same way China changed Buddhism, Japan changed Buddhism. Now, the US is changing Buddhism.  
In the same way Buddhism changed China, Buddhism changed Japan. Now, Buddhism is changing the US.

Sympathy is as the sea in that it never refuses water from whatsoever source it may come
all waters may gather and form only one sea.

Buddhism is like water... air.   It blends in and changes the society.

Sympathy does not distinguish between oneself and others.
Buddha appeared in the human world in the form of a human being.

If one can identify oneself with that which is not oneself, one can understand the true meaning of sympathy.
There are times when the self is infinite and times when this is true of others
(Meaning of Practice and Verification)


Montebello Sozenji Buddhist Temple
Website: https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.weebly.com/
Weblog:  https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.dosugoi.net/

Sozenji Temple November Monthly Service
Sunday, November 3, 2019   2:00 om

Formal Soto Zen Practice
Saturdays 7:00 am - 12:00 Noon



Tuesday Evening Zen Meditation and Midfunless Class
Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm

Sozenji News from October

Sozenji Board Meeting
Sozenji Board has been actively discussing the revitalization of Sozenji temple community.


Shuko's Novice Ordination Ceremony
Louis Shuko Lauderimlk had his novice ordination on October 20.


Roundtable
Students from Cypress college and their friends participated in the service and experienced Zazen and calligraphy.


Tuesday Evening Zen Meditation and Mindfulness Class
Tuesday evening class is now open to people who are new to the Soto Zen practice or mindfulness.


Doshin's Dharma Combat Training with Ryoko Miyazaki
Doshin Johnson has been practicing Dharma Combat ceremony and learning forms from Rev. Ryoko MIyazaki.


Hawaii-Mainland Soto Zen Members' Conference in Las Vegas
David Isobe, President of Sozenji Buddhist Temple, participated in the conference where members of affiliated temples and centers discussed racial diversity,




Long Beach Buddhist Church
Website: https://www.lbbuddhistchurch.com

LBBC 62nd Anniversary Ceremony
November 10th, 2019   10:00 am - 12:00 noon




Higashi Honganji  Temple Seminar by Rev. Peter Hata and Ana NakaMindfulness – An Introduction To Its Benefits & Practice 
November 13, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm 


LBBC Sunday Service
Sunday 17 10:00 am
Seigaku Amato and Doshin Johnson will be leading the service on the 17th.
Currenlty, there are 5 students who are training with me.


LBBC Monthly Shotsuki Memorial Service
Sunday 24 10:00 am

Shigin Taikai - Shigin Recital at LBBC
Sunday 24 12:00 noon



Sunday Morning Zen Buddhist Meditation
Sundays 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Monday Evening Buddhist Study and Meditation
Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm

Friday Morning Zen Buddhist Meditation
Fridays 6:00 am - 7:30 am

LBBC News from October

Fall Chow Mein Benefit
October 6



California State Olli Meditation Program
October 8 - November 26
We share Soto Zen practice as well as the mindfulness practice, and compassion meditation with over 12 students.


Electric Piano from John Nakagawa
John donated some items June Nakagawa used to use to the church.  Thank you for your generous donation.


Gail Parker's Gift Card 
Gail has been sharing her handmade gift cards at Chow Mein Benefit to bring extra benefit to the church.  


Aileen Shibata's Bakeries
Aileen has been making these bakeries for all major fundraising events contributing to the ladies guild and the church.


Buddhist Wedding Ceremony
Steven Huffaker and Carolyn Ngo had a wedding ceremony at LBBC with her families and friends.


Seigaku's Dharma Transmission
Seigaku will completes his Dharma transmission this fall.



Monday Evening Meditation Class
We have a group of new friends sharing our passion for Buddhist study and meditation on Mondays.


Funeral Service at Green Hills Memorial Park
Green Hills Memorial Park and LBBC collaborate regularly to conduct funeral services.



Rev. Ryosho Kokuzo's Visit to Long Beach Buddhist Church
Rev. Ryosho Kokuzo and his family visited LBBC on October 31st.  




Soto Zen Buddhism North America Office   
Website: https://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/temples/outside_jp/America/2.html

Kensanso: Monastic Educational Exchange Program in November
Each year monastics are sent over from Japan to study Soto Zen Buddhism in the United States.



Soto Zen Mission in Canada 

Forest City Zen Group, London, Ontario
Website: http://forestcityzen.org
Thanks to the support from Rev. Josho Gabarga from Chapel Hill Zen Center and her student Rev. Kuden Paul Boyle from Forest City Zen Community, I was able to identify the affiliated Zen Centers and temples in Ontario, Canada, including a small Rinzai temple in Kingston where my son lives.


Ryokusui An, Kingston, Ontario  
Website:  https://www.ryokusui-an.org/

Gassho,Gyokei Yokoyama

Montebello Sozenji Buddhist Temple3020 W Beverly Blvd. Montebello, CA 90640
Long Beach Buddhist Church2360 Santa Fe. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90810