TAKE REFUGE IN THE LIGHT OF JOY May 2014

BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIERP.O. Box 547 360 Newmark Avenue

Parlier, California 93648Phone: (559) 646-2844

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In the month of May, we observe Gotan-e. We celebrate Shinran Shonin’s birthday as well as Sakyamuni Buddha’s birthday one month prior.

Honestly speaking, I have a little uneasiness in my mind. As a Buddhist minister, I have often wondered how the sangha views these great Dharma leaders on their birthdays. Are they viewed as a great diety or do we admire them for their past conduct. I hope they view it as the latter, as the Buddha once said,

“People become a respected person because of their conduct, not because of their birth. From any fuel, fire is burn. Everyone can be a sage, courageous, restrained by consciousness.

We respect Shinran Shonin as well as Sakyamuni Buddha be-cause of their conduct, which show us the true purpose of life, not only as a human but as all sentient beings in this Universe. For the Buddhist, a birthday is not related to the essential value of a person. When we celebrate birthdays, including our own, we first think of our parents who deliv-ered us, nurtured us and loved us, particularly our mothers.

There is one story that I’d like to share with you.At an elementary school, during a PTA gathering for children and parents, the principal asked

the children to turn around and look at their parents. The principal then asked the mothers that were there, “How many of you delivered your child very easily and had fun, singing and laughing during the delivery? Please raise your hand!” No one did.

Then the principal asked another question, “Well, then those who really suffered, feeling as if you were dying and felt severe pain with much sweating, please raise your hand!” To this question, even before the principal completed the question, all of the mothers, 100 of them, raised their hands at the same time. All of the children stared at their mothers with a surprised look. It was a miracu-lous moment. The principal said to the children, “Each of you are very lucky, because your mother brought you into this world in spite of all her suffering during childbirth, you were born as a hu-man being and are here today. So I want you to be nice and thoughtful persons, able to love one another.” The children all nodded at those words, and looked at their moms with appreciative and compassionate expressions.Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!

Namu Amida Butsu,Rev. Nakagawa

MESSAGE FROM rEV. aLAN sAKAMOTO

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AnimalsThe other day I travelled to a home to conduct a makuragyo or “pillow” service for a member who had

recently passed away. It was mid-evening, and dark outside. I pulled up in my car, opened the door, exited, opened the trunk, pulled out my bags, closed the trunk, and when I turned around, there was a dog standing there looking at me. My first thought was panic! Uh oh! What should I do? But, he just stood there, no barking and no growling. I extended my hand, and he smelt it, then brushed up against my hand, asking to be scratched and petted. Later, I found out that his name was Bear.

We have a very deep relationship with our pets and with other animals. The Buddha considered Animals to be inferior to humans since they did not have the capacity to understand the Dharma. We see this since the Six Realms of Existence contains an “Animal” and “Human” Realm. This does not mean the animals are less important, as a matter of fact, the Buddha said: “because animals are dull by mature we should therefore have sympathy for them. When it comes to desiring happiness and wishing to avoid pain, all beings are the same.” The Buddha realized that cruelty to animals arises from the same problems that we inflict upon other humans, i.e. anger, jealousy, vengeance, lack of sympathy and hatred.

The Buddha noted that animals sometimes set an example humans should notice and copy. When a group of monks were quarrelling over some petty matter he told them, “If animals can be courteous, deferential and polite towards each other, so should you be.” In a Jakata tale, a man named Pessa, an elephant trainer, made an interest-ing observation on the difference between humans and animals. He said to the Buddha, “Humans are a tangle while animals are straightforward. While I am training an elephant, in the time it takes to go to Campa and back again it will try every trick, ruse, stratagem and dodge. But our slaves, messengers and servants do one thing, say another, and think something else.” The Buddha agreed.

We can be very good at disguising our real feelings or faking feelings we do not really have, but animals are true. If a dog does not like you, he barks or growls at you. If the cat has had enough, she twitches the end of her tail and struts away. Likewise, when our pets love us, they don’t hold

back. I remember coming home from a difficult day at work, thinking no one in world cares, only to have my dog jump on me, knock me over, energetically lick my face, and unconditionally love me. Maybe, this unconditional and unreserved love is the reason why some people find it easier to love their pets rather than another human.

The love imparted by an animal is also healing. Just look at the joy that therapy dogs provide patients in nursing homes and hospitals. And our pets reciprocate! You can often find stories about dogs that drag their owners to safely away from danger, or the cat that wakes her owner to alert them of a fire. Other animals reciprocate our love too.

One famous Jakata story is about the dangerous bull elephant Nalagiri. The Buddha’s jealous and unscrupulous cousin Devadatta schemed to have the Buddha killed by arranging for Nalagiri to be released into his path during his daily walk. Trumpeting and flapping his ears, Nalagiri charged. The Buddha radiated love towards Nalagiri and, sensing his love and lack of alarm, the huge animal lost his aggressiveness and suddenly calmed down. He approached the Buddha, picked up some dust from the ground with his trunk and then sprinkled it on the Buddha’s head.

Animals and our pets are indeed, Bodhisattva’s, and we all can learn lessons from them. Perhaps, the most important lesson is that we should all share our love and compassion with every living being. I was certainly reminded of this very valuable lesson after my encounter with Bear.Namu Amida ButsuRev. Alan Sakamoto

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our

appreciation to the following for their generous donationsTEMPLEMr. George English In memory of Kathi Tanouye ................................................................. $500.00Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kubo & family ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Osaki ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”Mr. John Sato In memory of Kathi Tanouye ................................................................... $20.00Lisle Funeral Home ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ........................................................ $50.00Mrs. Bessie Kurisu Memorial for Ed, Helen, Muneo, & Tets Nakamura” ........................... $100.00Ms. Akiko Yorizane 1 year memorial for Tak Yorizane ......................................................... $100.00Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga 1 year memorial for Tak Yorizane ..........................................................$100.00Mr. Ben Koga 1 year memorial for Midori Koga ...........................................................$300.00Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kurahashi & family ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”Ms. Jan Koga ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”Mr. Ben Koga & Ms. Jan Koga 1 year memorial for Midori Koga ..........................................................$100.00Mr. & Mrs. Tom Koga ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ........................................................$50.00Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ......................................................$100.00Mr. & Mrs. Dick Koga ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ........................................................$50.00Ms. Akiko Yorizane ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ........................................................$50.00Ebisuda Family ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ......................................................$100.00Mr. Stephen Fujii ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ........................................................$20.00Okubo Family Memorial for Tom Okubo ......................................................................$100.00Mr. & Mrs. Johnson Kakutani Memorial for Sadao Kakutani .................................................................$50.00Mr. & Mrs. Johnson Kakutani Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$20.00Mr. & Mrs. Hajime Yonemitsu Hanamatsuri ...........................................................................................$100.00Mr. Tom Hayashi Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$25.00Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Iwo Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$20.00Mrs. Alice Umeda Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$25.00Ms. Nona Ebisuda Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$20.00Ms. Donna Ebisuda Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$20.00Ms. JoAnn Ebisuda Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$20.00Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Suehiro& family Hanamatsuri .............................................................................................$20.00Mr. Joe Simone Bazaar ......................................................................................................$50.00Sangha Gathering Donations .................................................................................................$49.00

MEMBERSHIP DUES: Mrs. Natsuko Kimura Mr. & Mrs. Wes Kubo Mr. Frank Yokoyama

BWA donationsBen & Jan Koga, Brian & Gay Kurahashi & family 1 year memorial for Midori Koga .........................................................$150.00Mr. & Mrs. Hajime Yonemitsu Special donation ....................................................................................$100.00

DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra ................$20.00 Mrs. May Takata ..............................$20.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto ....................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Ken Tsuboi ....................$25.00 Mr. Kay Kobashi ..............................$20.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji .............................$20.00 Mrs. Miyo Ohara ..............................$20.00 (Cont. on page 7)

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THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHABy Curtis Koga, Board Member

I would like to share a Mother’s Day storythat I came across on the internet.

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars.” The man smiled and said, “Come on in with me. I’ll buy you a rose.” He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother’s flowers. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, “Yes, please! You can take me to my mother.” She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave. The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house.

In Buddhism, especially in our Jodo Shinshu tradition, we reflect on our lives and we experience the Buddha Dharma on a very personal basis. Mother’s Day allows us to focus and reflect on our mothers. It’s a bit strange that it takes a designated holiday to get us to focus on something which should be just a natural part of our lives. We think our lives are so busy that we sometimes overlook this important part of our lives. If our mothers are still with us, we can express our love and appreciation to them. It costs us nothing but a little of our time. To mothers, this time can be the best of Mother’s Day gifts. For those who have lost their mothers, the warm memories of mom can be comfort that will last a lifetime. The life lessons that our moms taught us help us throughout our lives. The memories are a gift given to us by our departed moms. On Mother’s Day, we are still receiving gifts from our moms. I’d like to leave you with two Mother’s Day quotes: “A mom’s hug last long after she lets go.” “Mothers hold their children’s hand for a while, but their hearts forever.”

To all mothers present and past, Happy Mother’s Day - and thank you mom.

Namu Amida Butsu

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Monthly BOARD MEETING april 14, 2014

The Parlier Buddhist Church Board meeting was called to order by Dennis Ikuta on April 14, 2014. Those in atten-dance were; Curtis & Cheryl Koga, Glenn Yoshimoto, Tad Kozuki, , Steve & Joyce Sasai, Calvin Doi, James Goishi, Clyde Yoshikawa, Toshie& Yuki Mori, Neil Okino, Kelvin Miyakawa, Kaye Kozuki. A quorum was established. Yuki M. led us in gassho.Minutes were read and corrections were made. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Clyde and seconded by Glenn. Motion carried.After reading the treasurer’s report for monthly expenses, Bazaar income and expenses, James made a motion to accept this report, Clyde seconded, motion carried.Committee Reports1. Maintenance – Floors are going to be cleaned and polished. Curtis made a motion and Clyde seconded to have James get bids and authorize the cleaning. Motion passed.2. BWA – We thank Miyo, Gail K. and Cheryl for the re-freshments for the meeting. In March, clean up was done by Group 1 led by the Ishimarus. The Ohigan luncheon was prepared by Julie and Karen S with help from many ladies. We thank everyone for coming out to help and to all the ladies that made those yummy desserts for the Ba-zaar bake sale. It was a successful bake sale. In April, the Sangha Gathering learned about meditation and heard a short synopsis on the life of Buddha from Calvin D. Irene K. provided the delicious mini lunch.Group 2 led by Denise K. cleaned the church in April and many oth-ers helped with the Omigaki. The Hanamatsuri Service and luncheon brought many members and their families to our temple. This is always a big, beautiful Service for our church. Rev.HiroshiAbiko was the guest Reverend. Many ladies prepared the tasty tri tip lunch: Matsuko S., Irene K., Karen S., Kaye K., Gail H., Gail K., Lynne Y.Lloyd Suehiro and his son Elijah, James G., and Yuki M. helped smoke the meat. It was a festive time for all who attended. On April 26, our annual Community pic-nic was held.Irene K. and Carol G headed up the food, games and prizes. BWA will be providingsome of the re-freshments for the V&P May lecture series in Fowler.3. Publication – Everything is running smoothly.4. Finance – Returns are up in both portfolios. The fi-nance committee will be meeting with the new manager at Mutual Fund Store.5. V&P – The May lecture series theme “Everyday Life in Buddhism” will be held every Fri in May at the Fowler library except for May 22 which is a Thurs and this lecture will be held at the Woodward Park library at 7p. Mark your calendars for Aug 16 when a bus trip to Berkeley

and San Jose are planned. Not all details are set but in Berkeley, a tour of the JodoShinshu Center with lunch is planned. In San Jose, a visit to the new Japanese Mu-seum and a walk around San Jose J-town are planned. Calvin D. made a wonderful presentation in Reedley as a part of the monthly evening lecture series. His presenta-tion consisted of video pictures and information about the Life of Buddha.Clyde made a motion to accept the reports and Curtis seconded. Motion passed.Old Business1. Review of past month services: We had a nice Q&A with Rev. Abiko. He told the group about his many visits to Lumbini’s Garden in India. He let us know that Par-lier is a special temple for him because he has come many times and made many friends. The Sangha Gatherings are attracting many people, young and older. 2. There was a meeting with 5 other churches about sharing a new minister should one become available for this area. There will be another meeting soon.3. Our Community Picnic is set for April 26 at Wood-ward Park at 10a.4. Kaye reported that the Post Food Bazaar meeting was productive because it brought out suggestions and discus-sion about how to make the next Bazaar run smoother and more efficiently.5. At the Hanamatsuri Service, two new families were introduced to the congregation; Darryl & Janette Wong-Sing and their children Jackie and Greg and Donald & Rhea Ikemiya and their children Kelsey and Will. New Business: 1. The new scholarship committee will meet tonight after the Board meeting.2. There was a discussion about funding our present and future Minister’s Assistance training. After much dis-cussion, a motion by Curtis to send a letter to the church members asking for monetary support was made. A goal of $12,000, which comes out to $120 per member would be requested. Tad seconded. Motion passed with one nay vote. Clyde made a motion to adjourn the meeting with a second by James. Motion passed.Yuki led the gassho.The next Board meeting will be on May 12 at 7p.

Respectively submitted by: Kaye Kozuki

buddhist women’s associationBy Julie Doi, BWA Newsletter Writer

Another month has come and gone! April started out with Asian Fest at City College on April 5th. If you haven’t attended Asian Fest you’ve missed out on an array of Asian culture and food. There is also a fashion show, dance and martial arts performances throughout the day. The next day we had our April Sangha Gathering . Some members have commented on how “Meditation” has really helped them at home get though the day by practicing the breathing exercises and entering into a calm state of mind. We also enjoy the lunch prepared by Irene. On Monday we had our CBE class in Reedley. Calvin gave a talk on how Buddhism spread around the world and showed photos of historical sites and many unusual architectural styles of Buddhist temples. He commented that Buddhism is the fastest growing religion in the world today. We are lucky we have able-bodied members of our church who can speak and lead our Sangha.

Thank you Group 2 lead by Denise Kusunoki for cleaning the church and other members who came out for our bi-yearly Omigaki. Many thanks to the men who come out also and help clean and move heavy items. It takes many members to help set up for Hanamatsuri and the luncheon. Thank you all who brought flowers

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for the Hamamido and for the table decorations. Every year we worry about not having enough flowers but low and behold…our members always come through with different flowers every year! Toshie, Matsuko, Kay, Gail H. and myself decorate the hamamido. We had a wonderful tri-tip luncheon prepared by Matsuko, Irene, Karen, Kaye Gail H, Lynn and Kristen. Lloyd S. and his son, Elijah, James and Yuki cooked the tri-tip. I think food really brings out our member too. We had setup for 75-80 members! Kaye did a wonderful job decorating the social hall with all her special touches.

Our yearly Community Picnic took place on April 27th. The weather was a little scary that weekendwith the rain and hail but it turned out to be nice day. We had a record breaking 150 people attend the picnic. It is so nice to see so many extended families come out and enjoy the day. Thank you Carol and Henry, Lesley and Lindsay for purchasing the prizes and taking care of the games and Irene for organizing & taking care of the food. Curtis tookcare of the bochi ball games, Tad headed the raffle and Calvin called out the Bingo games. Thanks to all that collected the raffle prizes also.

HanamatsuriApril 13, 2014

Rev. Abiko was our guest speaker for the Hanamatsuri Service. Two new families were introduced to the congregation; Darryl & Janette Wong-Sing and their children Jackie and Greg and Donald & Rhea Ikemiya and their children Kelsey and Will. Take the time and wel-come our new members with open arms and hearts!

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2014 Community PicnicWe had a successful 2014 picnic at Woodward Park in Fresno. It takes many people who volunteer their time to make our annual community picnic a success. Here is a list of people and the jobs they did. Securing the location, taking care of the food, pilaf – Irene Kozuki, cooking the steaks and serving – James Goishi, Wes Kubo, Lloyd Suehiro, Kaye Kozuki, Janette Wong-Sing, Cheryl Koga, and Joyce Sasai. Buying the steaks, hot dogs, salad, rolls, rice and condiments – Irene and Tad Kozuki, raffle – Tad and Tim Kozuki. Soliciting the raffle prizes and donations – Tad Kozuki, James Goishi, Andrea & Tatsumi Arakawa, Glenn Yoshimoto, and Calvin Doi. Buying all the prizes and organizing the races – Carol & Henry Guerra, Bingo game – Calvin & Julie Doi, Bocce Ball Tournament – Curtis Koga & Dennis Ikuta, Volleyball nets and equipment – Rich Ishimaru, Soda and water – James Goishi, Juice Drinks and ice – Tad & Irene Kozuki. We had a great turnout and it looked like everyone had fun. Thank you to all the volunteers for making this a successful picnic. See the separate list of donors for the picnic.

Below is a list of individual and businesses that have donated raffle prizesand money to our community picnic. We would like to acknowledge and thank

them for their generosity and support. Daniel’s Mexican Restaurant Uncle Harry’s California Ripe Olive Calvin & Julie Doi China Gardens Wallin Funeral Home Wells Fargo Valley Regional Insurance Los Pepe’s Authentic Services -Frank Isonio Mexican Food Corsaro’s Family Pizza California Apple Commission Sun Hong Kong RPS Real Estate Kubo Brothers Kings River Tractor Reedley Lumber Manning Chinese Buffet Tatsumi & Andrea Arakawa La Haciendita-Sanger Central Fish Kiku Floral Union Bank Simplot Growers Solution California Blueberries Yoshino’s Davis Road Oil Fresno Equipment Sansei Restaurant Fresh Select Jackson & Associates Sam Jorgenson Pump Co. Kimo’s Tropical Car Wash Malaga Shears Dayka - Hackett Mid Valley Packaging Pearson Realty Royce Kimura - Rock Tenn RV Jensen Incorporated Shanghai Chinese Cuisine Big Val’s Auto Parts Marten’s Chevrolet Velasco’s Mexican Restaurant Fitness Quest

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MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICEThe May Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend.MAY SHOTSUKI

DECEASED MOURNERMr. Tamjiro Nagare 59 yrs. Mr. Fred Nagare Baby Kubo 58 yrs. Mr. George Kubo Mrs. Mikoto Takayama 44 yrs. Mrs. Natsuko Kimura Mr. Kotara Yamanaka 41 yrs. Mr. Thomas Yamanaka Mr. Miyaichi Sunada 40 yrs. Mr. Randy Sunada Mr. Tadayoshi Yamamoto 39 yrs. Mr. Jimmie Yamamoto Mr. Kazuo Yotori 39 yrs. Ms. Setsuko Yotori Miss Lily Nishimura 38 yrs. Mrs. Kuni Nishimura Miss Linda Kuramoto 28 yrs. Mrs. Kay Kuramoto Mrs. Eka Tanaka 24 yrs. Mr. Toichi Doi 22 yrs. Mrs. Kimiyo Doi Miss Betty Kiyono Doi 18 yrs. Ms. Eleanor Doi Mrs. Kimiyo Hachiya 16 yrs. Mrs. Miyoko Ohara Mr. Ralph Kimoto 13 yrs. Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mrs. Shinayo Takata 17 yrs. Mr. Fred Takata Mr. Torao Ty Arifuku 13 yrs. Mrs. Irene T. Kozuki Mrs. Shizue Kagawa 9 yrs. Mrs. Naomi Tamura Mr. Iwao Togo Yamashiro 7 yrs. Mrs. Yamashiro Mr. Tom Nishimura 7 yrs. Mrs. Kuni Nishimura Miss Kuye Takano - 5/7/08 7 yrs. Mr. Bill Nobuo Goto 2 yrs. Mrs. Denise Kusunoki

2014 is the Memorial year for those deceased in 2013 .................One year Memorial 1998 ........... 17th year Memorial 2012 ..................3rd year Memorial 1990 ........... 25th year Memorial 2008 .................. 7th year Memorial 1982 ...........33rd year Memorial 2002 ................ 13th year Memorial 1965 ........... 50th year Memorial 1915....... 100th year Memorial

(Cont’d from pg. 3)HanamatsuriMr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa ................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki ....................... $25.00 Mr. Patrick Chiamori .............................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki ......................... $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi ...........................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa ............... $25.00 Mrs. Kimiyo Doi ....................................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori ............................ $25.00 Mrs. Flora Doi ........................................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Fred Nagare ........................ $25.00 Mrs. Sumiko Ebisuda .............................$20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi............................ $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi .......................$25.00 Mrs. Miyo Ohara ................................... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra ......................$20.00 Ms. Lynn Sasai ...................................... $20.00 Ms. Gail Hachiya ...................................$20.00 Dr. & Mrs. Steven Sasai ........................ $25.00 Mrs. Kikuye Hirakawa ...........................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Shimizu ................... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Ikemiya ..................$30.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro ........................... $20.00 Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta ........................$25.00 Mr. Fred Takata ...................................... $20.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto ..........................$20.00 Mrs. May Takata .................................... $20.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto...............................$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Ken Tsuboi .......................... $25.00 Mrs. Natsuko Kimura .............................$20.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji ................................... $20.00 Mrs. Sawae Kimura ...............................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Wong-Sing ............... $30.00 Mr. & Mrs. Shiz Kimura ........................$20.00 Miss Jacqueline Wongsing ..................... $20.00 Mr. Kay Kobashi ....................................$20.00 Mr. Greg Wongsing ................................ $20.00 Mr. Ben Koga .........................................$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Yoshimoto ................ $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga .........................$25.00 Mr. Kaz Yoshimoto ................................ $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Koga ...........................$20.00 Mrs. Ruby Yukawa ................................ $20.00

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By Reverend Alan Sakamoto

INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM

Description: This course will be an introduction to Buddhism by looking at the lives of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The class will focus on the main events in their lives, how they shared their teachings, and the fundamental lessons.

Dates: May 1, May 8, May 15 and May 22 (4 classes) Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Location: Fresno Dharma Center, Classroom 2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno 93720

Cost: $20 or $5 per class

INTRODUCTION TO JODO SHINSHU BUDDHISM Description: This is the natural continuation to the “Introduction to Buddhism” class. Fundamental Jodo Shinshu teachings will be presented as they relate to our everyday lives. Intended for the newcomer, and those who have never had a systematic presentation of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

Dates: May 29, June 5, June 12 and June 19 (4 classes) Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Location: Fresno Dharma Center, Classroom 2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno 93720

Cost: $20 or $5 per class

Everyone is welcome! No need to register!

Questions? Call the Fresno Buddhist Temple office at (559) 442-4054.

Thank you.

upcoming JUNE events

2 (Fri) Lecture Series - Fowler Library ..7:00pm 4 (Sun) Sangha Gathering ......................10:00am 5 (Mon) Rev. Harada’s Class, ....................7:00pm 9 (Fri) Lecture Series - Fowler Library ..7:00pm 12 (Mon) Board Meeting ............................7:00pm 14 (Wed) Curtis Discussion Class .............7:00pm 16 (Fri) Lecture Series - Fowler Library ..7:00pm 18 (Sun) Gotan-E Service .......................10:00am 22 (Thur) Lecture Series -Woodward Park Library .....................................................7:00pm 25 (Sun) Flower Prep for Cemetery ...................... 26 (Mon) Memorial Day Service ...............8:30am

BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIERP.O. Box 547Parlier, CA 93648

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S POSTAGE

PARLIER, CA 93648PERMIT #23

宗祖親鸞聖人降誕会 並びに五月先亡者

法要 2014年五月十八日午前十時

GOTAN-E SERVICE andMay Monthly Memorial Service

Sunday, May 18, 2014- 10:00 A.M.MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

at Mendocino CemeteryMonday, May 26, 2014 - 8:30 A.M.

DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS

Minister Rinban Kakei Nakagawa .442-4054 Rev. Alan Sakamoto ..... 442-4054Church President Dennis Ikuta ................. 638-4962Vice-President Toshie Mori ................... 638-8614Secretary Wes Kubo ...................... 638-6758Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto ...........897-1811Maintenance James Goishi ................. 638-5510Fujinkai Presidents Joyce Sasai .................... 897-7236 Cheryl Koga ................. 638-4669Newletter Editors Curtis Koga .................. 638-4669 Julie Doi ........................ 896-6354 Karen Shimizu.............. 896-0795Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi ......... 896-5240 www.bcparlier.org

MAY Buddhist radio broadcast kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am

MAYJapanese English 3 Yuki Mori Chris Tange 10 Midori Nakagawa Cheryl Koga 17 Midori Nakagawa Calvin Doi 24 Rev. Nakagawa Karen Mukai 31 Rev. Nakagawa Gary Mukai

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

TAKE REFUGE IN THE TRUE AND REAL LIGHT

ParlierBoard Meeting

7:00pm

FowlerClasses:

Dharma Class:1:00pm

Sumi: 3:00pmCalligraphy

5:00pm

FowlerClasses:

Dharma Class:1:00pm

Sumi: 3:00pmCalligraphy

5:00pm

FowlerClasses:

see above

CurtisDiscussion Class

7:00pm

Gotan-E & ShotsukiService

w/ MidoriNakagawa 10:00am

ChurchCleanupGroup 38:00am

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FowlerClasses:

Dharma Class:1:00pm

Sumi: 3:00pmCalligraphy

5:00pm

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SanghaGathering10:00am

NationalBoard

MeetingBerkeley

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V & P sponsoredRev. Harada’s

Lecture Series @Fowler Library

7:00pm

Rev. AlanClass

7:00pm

Parlier ClassTaichi8:00am

& Welcome Ctr.

Parlier Class

BEC Parlier7:00pm

Parlier ClassTaichi8:00am

& Welcome Ctr.

MAYDONATIONS FOR THE

BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCASTEACH BROADCAST IS $50.00

If you wish to donate contact Lee Osaki 442-4054 at the Fresno Buddhist Church.

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Rev. AlanIntro. Buddhism

7:00pm

Parlier ClassTaichi8:00am

& Welcome Ctr.

V & Psponsored

May LectureRev. HarryBridge @

Fowler Library7:00pm

V & Psponsored

May LectureHenry Adam @Fowler Library

7:00pm

V & P sponsoredMay LectureRev. Kodani @

Woodward ParkLibrary7:00pm

Memorial DayService

MendocinoCemetry8:30am

Parlier ClassTaichi &

Welcome Center8:00am

Flowerassembly9:00am

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Rev. AlanTannisho7:00pm

C.C. MapParlier7:00pm

C.C. MapReedley 7:00pm