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ICHIMI Watsonville Buddhist Temple

423 Bridge Street

Watsonville, California 95076

Office Telephone (831) 724-7860

Return Service Requested

April 2020 Schedule of Events

May’s schedule of events will be re-evaluated based on the current status of COVID-19.

Sun., April 5 - Hanamatsuri Service & Luncheon @ 10am

CANCELLED—Hanamatsuri Festival from 11am-2:00pm

Tues., April 7 - Board Meeting @ 7:30 pm

Thurs., April 9—Salvation Army Meal Program @ 2pm (??) CANCELLED for APR/MAY

Sun., April 12 - Sunday/Shotsuki Hoyo/Dharma Youth Service @ 10am

Sun., April 19 - Sunday/Service @ 10am

Sun., April 26 – NO Sunday Service (due to Federation Dharma School Teachers Conf. in So. CA)

POSTPONED - Sun., March 22 - Scout Pancake Feed - 8am-11:30am

Office Telephone (831) 724-7860

Temple Office Hours: Wednesday mornings 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon

Other times by appointment only

Email: buddhist@wbtemple.org

Volume XXXXVI Number 4 April 2020

Non Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit Number 231

Watsonville, CA 95076

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Ichimi Watsonville Buddhist Temple

Inside this issue

Message from President ……... 3 – 4

April Shotsuki Hoyo….…..………. 5

Donations………………….………….. 6-7

2020 Temple Membership …… 7

Special points of interest:

April Sunday Services & temple activities have been cancelled until further notice

Sun., Apr. 26—Bonsai Show, 10a-4p (CANCELLED)

April Shotsuki Hoyo service will be postponed and incorporated with the May Shotsuki service (PENDING)

Hanamatsuri

“Only with the diamondlike shinjin, can we, living in the evil world of the five

defilements, completely abandon birth-and-death forever and reach the Pure

Land of naturalness.”

The month of April brings with it the blooming of flowers, sunshine and

the celebration of the birth of the Buddha Shakyamuni. This year for the

first time in probably decades the celebration will not include a gathering

of the Sangha for a service and festival. My hope is that each of us in our

own way will celebrate the birth of the Buddha on Wednesday, April 8th.

Here are some ideas for you. Take a moment to quietly visit your obutsu-

dan (home shrine) and burn some incense in gratitude to the Buddha.

Maybe place something special on the obutsudan as an offering. Have a

special lunch or dinner in celebration of the Buddha’s birthday. Maybe

you can have a birthday cake to celebrate his birth.

When I was young and attending the Mountain View Buddhist Temple

Dharma School, Hanamatsuri was always followed by a hot dog lunch. I

plan to have hot dogs for dinner on the 8th, followed by cake for dessert. It

all may seem less significant than a special service and festival, but what-

ever we do to remind us that it is a special day will make it significant.

The day is significant because it is the start of a life which has benefited

millions over the past 2,583 years. The birth of Siddhartha Gautama marks

the beginning of a teaching that benefits all sentient beings. The beauty of

his teaching or the Dharma is that over the centuries it has remained

relevant and applicable in our lives. The noble truths taught by the Buddha

are still true and real today. Today we are experiencing in real life the

truth that life is dukkha. Sickness and death are more real to us than ever

before.

Today we are faced with an epidemic the likes of which we have not seen

in our lifetime. The COVID-19 virus is spreading across the world like

wildfire, indiscriminately affecting our health, our economy and our peace

of mind. The people of Siddhartha’s time faced the same calamities and

the people of Shinran’s time faced the suffering of disease and famine as

well. Suddenly we are faced with the truths taught by the Buddha and

Shinran. No longer do the mundane distractions satisfy us. The truth of

life has reared its head and stares us straight into our eyes.

Continued on page 4

April 2020 Volume XXXXVI, Issue 4

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March 15, 2020

Dear Watsonville Buddhist Temple Members,

We hope that all of you are staying healthy both physically and spiritually. We all share your

concern in regards to the COVID-19 or Coronavirus issue we are facing. It is projected that it

will affect many individuals in our community and has already had an effect on our temple

schedules and activities.

Our main concern is the health and welfare of all our members, families and guests of the

temple. The Board of Directors and the temple share with you our anxiety during this

distressful time.

The Watsonville Temple Board has decided to postpone all public events including

Sunday Services until further notice. Families who would like to schedule memorial

services with Rev. Shinseki can still do so in consultation with Reverend.

We apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause you. The decision was not an

easy one, but was done out of deep concern for our members. We will continue to monitor

the situation and continue to communicate with all of you as best we can. Thank you very

much for your understanding. If you have any questions, please call the Temple Office at

(831) 724-7860.

Sincerely in Gassho,

Rev. Jay Shinseki

Resident Minister, Watsonville Buddhist Temple

Ken Tanimoto

Watsonville Buddhist Temple, Board President

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MESSAGE FROM THE TEMPLE PRESIDENT, KEN TANIMOTO:

As a proud member of our community, I wanted to reach out personally in light of the growing concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of our members and guests is our top priority and we are taking important preventative measures to maintain a clean and safe environment Rest assured, every precaution is being considered including, but not limited to, the below actions we are taking in response to COVID-19. Prior to services or temple events, we will increase sanitization of all high-frequency touchpoints including door handles.

Encouraging guests and members to stay at home if they feel sick or show any symptoms of illness.

Put in place hand sanitizing stations at temple entry points.

Placed informational sheets on how to greet each other without shaking hands or hugging.

Evaluating upcoming temple events.

To ensure you remain healthy and safe, below are a few prevention measures provided by the CDC to effectively protect you and others around from illness:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

You can find additional information about ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 by visiting the CDC (Center of Disease Control) web site, here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus We understand the concerns you and your families have and hope you know we take these concerns very seriously. Stay safe and everyone here at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple wishes you the best. Regards, Ken Tanimoto, President

Continued from pg 2

Shinran said:

“Casting off long kalpas of painful existence in this world of Saha, we live in expectation of the Pure

Land, the uncreated; this is the power of our teacher, Sakyamuni; Let us respond always in gratitude

for his compassion and benevolence.”

As we view this world before us it can seem hopeless, and yet Sakyamuni vowed that each of us

will enter the uncreated, the natural world of purity. There is peace of mind found in faith in Amida

Buddha’s promise. As you celebrate Hanamatsuri in your homes you will be joined by thousands of

others in praising the Buddha and thanking him for his compassionate vow. How grateful I am.

Namoamidabutsu,

Rev. Hosei Shinseki

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Boone, Aaron

Daitoku, Bob

Eto, Niichi

Fujii, Seiko

Fujimura, Tamotsu

Fujita, George Sakae

Fujita, Kazuo

Hirahara, Nancy Miyeko

Hashimoto, Walter

Higaki, Kazuko

Higaki, Haruso

Hirano, Hisa

Hiwatashi,Teruko

Hoshiyama, George

Ikeda, Henry

Inokuchi, Itsuyo

Kaita, Brad Roy

Kaita, Yoshiye

Kajihara, Setsuko

Kamimura, Sanemi

Kamitani, Haruko

Kimoto, Takanoshin

Kikuchi, Kazuo

Kobara, Helen

Kokka, Henry

Kurasaki,John

Kurimoto, John Masao

Maemura, Gunzo

Matano, Toro

Matsui, Nihei

Matsumoto, Alice

Matsumoto, Shio

Mine, Seki

Misumi, Mitsuo

Miyama, Richard

Haruye, Nagatoishi

Nishihara, Dennis

Okamoto, Takeru

Okamoto, Frank Mitsuo

Nitao, Eki

Ono, Miyoko

Sakai, Yutaka

Sakakihara, Hisae

Sera, Kina

Shimonishi, Tony

Shingai, Tsunaye

Shingai, Yukio

Shirachi, Mickie

Sugimoto, Frances

Sukekane, Masaru

Suruki, Kozo

Takata, Chikako

Takei, Yasu

Tao, Akira Bill

Tao, Hisae

Toriumi, Junko

Tsuda, Kakichi

Tsudama, Sonny

Tsuji, Yoshihisa

Tsuji, Yukiko

Ura, Naoko

Ura, Sawano

Uyeda, Nora Nobuko

Uyematsu, Mary

Uyematsu, Roy

Waki, Louis

Yamaguchi, Mitomu

Yamanishi, Asayo

Yamaoka, Yoneichi

Yonekura, Rinzo

Yoshida, Edward

Yoshida, Kazuye

Yoshida, Hatsue

APRIL SHOTSUKI HOYO, FAMILY MEMORIAL

Sunday, April 12, 2020 10:00 am To be rescheduled possibly in May 2020 (TBD)

2020

Memorial Service Schedule

Year of Death Service Year of Death Service

2019 1st Year 1996 25th Annual

2018 3rd Annual 1988 33rd Annual

2014 7th Annual 1971 50th Annual

2008 13th Annual 1921 100th Annual

2004 17th Annual

Watsonville Bonsai Club has cancelled their annual Bonsai Show which was

originally scheduled for Sunday, April 26 from 10am to 4pm

at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple.

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DONATIONS (as of 3/18/20) – Watsonville Buddhist Temple gratefully acknowledges your generous support:

Nirvana Day

Kawasaki, Kiyo & Aileen

Kodama, Akira Shingai, Barbara & Bob

Matsunami, Sadao Umeda, Yoko

Morimune, Betty Uyematsu, Richard

Nitao, Itaru Yoshida, Mae

Okamoto, Itsuko Yoshida, Perry & Kim

Ohigan

Akiyama, Isamu Suruki, Tatsuro

Hamada, Dennis Tamaki Family

Kato, Tad & JoAnn Tamasu, Chieko

Kawasaki, Kiyo & Aileen Ura, Esther

Kimura, Teruo Yamashita, Shizuho

Kodama, Akira Yamashita, Toshiko

Sakamoto, Sam Yoshida, Perry & Kim

In Appreciation

No. CA Shibu Mataro Miyabi Kai

Cornelius, James & June (In Memory of Ruby Nakamura-Mother’s birthday)

Honda, June

Lopez, Isabel (In Memory of Tatsue Matoba)

Misumi, Carolyn (In Memory of Saburo Misumi-98th birthday)

Misumi, Carolyn (In Memory of Mitori Misumi)

Henry Sakae Family (49-day service)

Tamaki Family (In Memory of Miyeko Tamaki)

Yamashita Market (Udon Appreciation)

In Memory of Henry Sakae

In Memory of Harumi Murakami Kaita, Emiko

Tom Murakami Family Sakamoto, Sam

Misumi, Alice Yamashita, Toshiko

Morimune, Betty

Takamune, Rosie Hoonko

Umeda, Yoko Morimune, Betty

Pet Memorial

Tanimasa, Fumi Wu, Linda

Tao, Janice Yoshida, Perry & Kim

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Fujii, Nobue Matsunami, Sadao Tao, Shizuko

Hasebe-Hester, Lily & Peter Morimune, Betty (3) Ura. Esther

Hashimoto, Mas & Marcia Okamoto Minami, Arlene Yamamoto, Ruth

Kaita, Emiko Sakae, Dean & Lisa Yamamoto, Tee

Kawasaki, Kiyo & Aileen Shingai, Barbara & Bob M. Yamashita Family

Kodama, Akira Tanimasa, Fumi Yamashita, Toshiko

Kuratomi, Reed & Nancy Tao, Janice Yoshida, Perry & Kim

Kyono, Marianne Yuki Tao, Mitsuyo

Shotsuki Hoyo Donations

Temple Dues (as of 03/18/20) : The following members donated more than their annual 2020 temple

dues:

Akiyma, Isamu & Kiiko Mine, Steven Sakuma, Stuart

Ikegami, Dennis & Susan Murakami, Tom Tsukiji, Howard & Aileen

Kato, Tad & JoAnn Nishihara, Eiko Wada, Ted

Louie, Bill & Nora Nishihara, Yoshiko Wobber, Sheryl

Maruyama, Anne Okamoto, Itsuko Wurtenberg, Bill & Gail

2020 Temple Membership Dues

Your 2020 temple membership dues are due by his month (no later than

March 31, 2020). As you may know, a portion of these dues goes to the Buddhist

Churches of America (approx. $140 per person). The balance of your dues supports

the general operations of the Temple. Temple dues are due in the first quarter of the calendar year.

Please return an updated membership form to the Temple Office with your dues payment. If you have an Email

address, please print this clearly on your membership form so we can communicate to members in this manner,

when possible. Thank you.

Dues may be paid by credit card and/or may be paid in three equal payments. Please contact the Temple Office

for details. A transaction fee will be added to your dues when using the credit card method of payment.

Single membership - $260 + $10 cleaning fee = $270

Couple or family - $520 + $20 cleaning fee = $540

San Juan/Hollister Howakai – half the single rate ($135) or couple rate ($270)

Donations in excess of the required membership dues are always welcomed.

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Thank You Community and Temple Support was tremendous for the Otonowa Concert.

The Temple appreciates everyone’s support and help in putting on this fun event. Special thanks to the volunteers listed below for their help

with the pre setup and putting on the concert.

Patrick Casey Tracey Haneta

Mas Hashimoto Peter Hester June Honda

Susan Ikegami Shirley Inokuchi

Tad Kato JoAnn Kato

Ryoko Kozuki Nancy Kuratomi Jaime Kuratomi Ken Kusumoto

Teresa Martinez-Rodriguez Phyllis Nagamine

Kyle Register

Barbara Shingai Bob Shingai

Rev Jay Shinseki Jane Shinseki Melissa Tao

Alex Tao Mitsuyo Tao

Susan Uyematsu Richard Uyematsu

Sheryl Wobber Mark Wobber

Bill Wurtenberg Gail Wurtenberg Jean Yamashita Toshi Yamashita

Perry Yoshida Kim Yoshida

Apologies for anyone left off

the list

1 Bedroom Temple Apartment for Rent

One bedroom/one bathroom; Living Room, Kitchen and Dining area. Rent includes water and garbage.

On-site laundry facilities (coin-operated).

Preference given to Temple members. Interested parties are asked to contact: Barbara Shingai, c/o Apt.

Committee at 831-840-3301. All rental applications will be reviewed by Temple Apartment Committee.

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Highlights of Temple Board Meeting – March 2020 Minister’s Report:

National Council Meeting, Seattle: BCA dues will be increased; bylaw changes were approved; restructured loan

for Jodo Shinshu Center; voted in (3) new Directors at Large. Next year’s Nat’l Council meeting will be in Bay

Area. New Bishop: Rev. Marvin Harada from Orange County.

National Ministers Assoc: Rev. Harry Bridge, Pres; Rev. Jay Shinseki, Vice Pres.

Bishop Umezu’s Retirement: June 6, 2020 in SF. Honolulu (6/1 to 6/4)

Institute of Buddhist Studies (I.B.S.) received their accreditation.

Rev. Fujita from Salinas is on medical leave. Rev. Shinseki and minister’s assistants will be providing coverage.

Neighorhood Clean-up: Sat., Mar. 14.

Ohigan Service – Sun., Mar. 15 with guest speaker: Rev. Ken Yamada.

Tri-Temple Report: Bi-Temple Hanamatsuri will be held on Sun., April 5 in Watsonville. Guest speaker is Rev.

Kodo Umezu, Bishop Emeritus. Tri-Temple Social in Salinas: Fri., 3/20 @ 7pm - Tri-Temple Social in Monterey -

5/15/20 @ 7pm; Sake Social in Mtn. View on 3/28. Encourage members to attend. Next Tri-Temple mtg on

5/21/20 in Watsonville @ 7pm.

Nembutsu Family Conference Planning meeting – Next meeting: 3/24/20 @ 6:30pm. May consider possible

postponement. Further discussion required.

Temple Maintenance: K. Tanimoto to get estimate on heating unit. Possibly put a NEST thermostat in Hondo.

Old Business:

Solar Project: Project meeting with Scudder on 3/19/20 @ approx. 3:15 pm.

Udon Feed: Thank you to Alice Tanimoto, Nancy Kuratomi, and Nora Louie for chairing the event. Discussed

suggestions on how to improve this event.

Salvation Army Meal Program: K. Tanimoto discussed the possibility of doing this year round. Temple could

request monies from BCA Social Welfare program to help support this effort.

Otonowa Concert: 3/07/20 – 141 tickets sold so far. Nine (9) Diamond sponsors and 25 Gold sponsors received.

Active Shooter Presentation: Thurs., 3/19/20 @ 1pm. Board members encouraged to attend.

Hanamatsuri Festival on 4/05/20. Set-up will be Fri., 3/27/20. Chairperson: Kim Yoshida. Donations for raffle

welcomed. Detailed schedule included in last ICHIMI.

Temple Maintenance: Bids in process for painting select areas of Temple or entire Temple. Updated front

exterior lighting is done.

New Business:

Center of Buddhist Education: Technology Summit is being held on 4/10-4/11. Ken would like to see some

members attend.

Organizational Reports:

ABA: May consider offering Cooking classes again.

Dharma Youth Program: 3/15; 4/12; 5/3; 6/7.

Scouts: Pancake Feed on Sun., 3/22 from 8:00am to 11:30am.

Fundraising: Richard Uyematsu donated a TV to Temple for use at meetings, services, etc.

Japan Trip in late Jan/early Feb 2021: Rev. will be leading a tour in Northern Japan. Interested parties are to

contact Rev. Shinseki.

Kokoro No Gakko: Enrollment is open for 2020 program in June/July 2020.

Next Meeting: Tues., April 7, 2020 @ 7:30 pm. (plus April Shotsuki on Sun., April 12 - 1 @ 10am)

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ABA Meeting - March 5, 2020

Rev. Fujita of the Salinas temple has returned to Japan due to a medical issue. His return to Salinas may be delayed due to the Coronavirus situation. Rev. Shinseki will provide ministerial coverage for Salinas during Rev. Fujita’s absence.

Many thanks for all the support for the Salvation Army Meal Program. On March 12, Ken Tanimoto and crew will prepare beef stew, and on April 9, turkey will be prepared. Plans to replace the back lawn with artificial turf have proven too expensive. The Temple Board will evaluate other options (e.g. consider paving over the entire section OR re-sodding). ABA will provide a $500 stipend to cover continuing education expenses for our assistant minister. Otonowa Concert fundraiser is Saturday March 7 at 3pm. Tickets available at the door. Saturday March 14 at 9am - Neighborhood Cleanup: The City provides all equipment, Scouts and WHS Ecology

Club will be participating. Come and enjoy the morning out of doors at this community support activity! ABA will reimburse expenses for Ken Tanimoto and Kirk Muldoon to attend the Dharma School Teacher Conference in Los Angeles on April 25-26. Kirk loves to teach and wants to create a Dharma School curriculum. A cooking demonstration of Bridgeford Sausage Bread (Alice Tanimoto) and perhaps also Hijiki (Ken Tanimoto) will be scheduled on the temple’s master schedule --- date TBD. Would anyone like to volunteer to teach a class in Basic Smart Phone operation? There is a lot of interest ex-

pressed for this. Rev. Shinseki has provided instruction in Buddhism classes at CSUMB through the OLLI program for adults 50

and older. There are many interesting class offerings (many are only one or two class sessions in duration) in a vast range of subjects for adults wanting to expand their minds while

learning. COVID-19 is a concern for all of us right now. The CDC recommends social distancing, do not shake hands (maybe just bow respectfully instead), wash hands frequently, try not to touch your face. Do not panic. The Temple will continue having services and events, and the Board will determine the need to reschedule or cancel any events as the need presents itself.

THE 2020 WATSONVILLE-SANTA CRUZ JACL LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS Applications are available to download: watsonvillesantacruzjacl.org/scholarships. The filing deadline is Monday, May 18, 2020. · Applicants will apply for scholarships by submitting generic application information that could apply to and satisfy all of the scholarship funds. · The W-SC JACL’s Scholarship Committee will determine, based on factors such as meritorious perfor-mance; grades; participation in certain social activities and organizations, such as Kokoro no Gakko; level of volunteerism; and length of membership in the JACL, the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, and/or the Westview Presbyterian Church, which applicants receive which scholarships. · All scholarship recipients and their parents must be W-SC JACL, Watsonville Buddhist Temple, and/or Westview Presbyterian Church members for a minimum of one year prior to receipt of scholarship. · Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the scholarship recipient and/or his/her family must be present at the awards ceremony, which will take place at the JACL’s Annual Community Picnic, held at Aptos Village Park on Saturday, June 20, 2020. An announcement for scholarship applications will be included in the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL newsletter, the Watsonville Buddhist Temple’s Ichimi, and the Westview Presbyterian Church’s Chimes no later than the April issues. That announcement will include requirements, documenta-tion, and information needed to apply—along with the submittal deadline. The final determination of scholarship recipients should be made no later than the 31st of May. Scholarships available: Kee Kitayama Memorial Scholarship; Frank Mito Scholarship; The Rekiso “Ray” and Hisako “Louise” Sako Scholarships

Send your completed forms to our Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL Chapter Scholarship Committee on or before Monday, May 18, 2020. They should be mailed to: JACL Scholarship Committee; P. O. Box 163; Watsonville, CA. 95077. The presentation of the scholarships will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2020 during the JACL Annual Community Picnic at Aptos Village Park. Thank you.

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Spring Forward On the very last day of February's reign, It was nice to see the sunshine again. Instead of the usual overcast skies, I awoke to a glorious, golden sunrise. But later in the day, I watched the rain, Dancing on my patio and window pane, So don't put your umbrellas away just yet. The month of March will still be wet. I am not enthused about the change of time. To fall asleep, I must sing a nursery rhyme. I am never quite sure if it's day or night, Until I awake at dawn's early light. But long daylight hours means Spring is here. Now we can put our life into high gear. The sounds of Spring are a melodious thing, Like rhythmic beats of a healthy heart string. Songbirds are flitting from tree to tree, Singing their songs in just the right key. Billowy white clouds, high in the sky, Are smiling and waving, and saying "Hi." Like waters of a river, rushing to the ocean, In Spring we release all our pent up emotions. Negative feelings are tossed and hurled, And it suddenly becomes a wonderful world. Springtime is when we open our hearts, To the grandeur of life and what it imparts. We come alive with hopeful dreams, Of a fruitful life with warm sunbeams. Spring forward with a song and a dance, For our fragile life is given only one chance, To be happy, loving, forgiving and kind, And with it you'll find ~ such peace of mind. janice tao (3-2020)

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Email: buddhist@wbtemple.org

Website: www.wbtemple.org

Twitter: Twitter@WatsonvilleBT

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