December '11

Minister's Message: The Light that Shines from the Bodhi Tree
by Rev. Henry Toryo Adams

In the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, the month of December is a time when the days get shorter and shorter and we find ourselves spending more time in the darkness of night. As the darkness of the winter season arrives, many of the world’s spiritual traditions celebrate holidays and religious observances inspired by the light of transcendent wisdom. The candles of the Jewish Hanukkah Menorah, the fireworks of Hindu Diwali celebrations, and the strings of electric lights on Christmas decorations are all part of the rich religious landscape that makes this a festive time of year in our diverse community. In the Buddhist traditions of Japan, we observe Bodhi Day on December 8 in commemoration of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni’s realization of perfect enlightenment sitting beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, India around 2,500 years ago.

During this festive time of year, my wife and I look forward to strolling around our neighborhood and enjoying the elaborate holiday lighting displays generously put up by our neighbors living on F and G streets in Oxnard. Having grown up in Minnesota, my memories of the holiday season are of a typical “White Christmas” with snow drifts and sledding. For me, walking down the street in late December comfortably dressed in light sweater while I admire Santa Claus decorations sitting out on lush green lawns and holiday lights strung from palm trees is certainly an exotic experience. I’ll admit that I do feel a little nostalgia at this time of year for the Midwestern winters of my childhood, but I certainly don’t miss waking up and having to shovel a six-inch layer of snow off the driveway on the first day of my holiday vacation.

Living in the multicultural society of modern-day America, we enjoy a “holiday spirit” at this time of year when wonderful common values like generosity, friendship, and goodwill are celebrated by religious and secular communities alike. In recent weeks, I have had conversations with several members of the Buddhist temples I serve who have somewhat sheepishly mentioned to me that their family embraces the American cultural tradition of decorating their home in December with a lighted tree with brightly wrapped presents for friends and family stored at the base of the tree. I imagine some people might wonder if, as a Buddhist minister, I object to devout Buddhist families putting up these sorts of decorations in their home.

When I consider this question, I am reminded that the branches of evergreen trees have been used as winter decorations by many cultures throughout history and are certainly not exclusive to any one religious tradition. For example, it is customary in Japan welcome the New Year by adorning the home with pine branches, which are treasured for remaining green and vibrant throughout the year. Pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms make up the traditional Japanese New Year decorations called sho-chiku-bai.

The tree under which the Buddha was sitting and meditating when he realized perfect enlightenment has great significance in the story of his awakening and is called the Bodhi Tree. “Bodhi” means wisdom or awakening in Sanskrit, the sacred language of ancient India. Prior to sitting in meditation under the Bodhi Tree, he had spent six years pursuing extreme ascetic practices, fasting constantly and exposing his body to the harsh elements of the North Indian wilderness. One day his body finally gave out and he collapsed from exhaustion. At that time, a young woman named Sujata happened upon the ascetic in his weakened state and out of concern for his well-being revived him by giving him some milk to drink. In receiving Sujata’s gift, he realized that the path to awakening is realized by pursuing the Middle Way between extreme life-denying asceticism and indulging in the attachment to sensual pleasures.

With renewed energy from the nourishing milk, he accepted the gift of a cushion of grass and sat beneath the Bodhi Tree that would provide him with shelter from the elements. As he settled into his seat in the shade of the tree, he resolved not to leave that spot until he had conquered all delusion and awakened to the true nature of reality. He sat in meditation through the night and finally realized perfect enlightenment when he saw the Morning Star appear in the sky.

Because the Bodhi Tree provided shelter from the elements, it expresses the Buddha’s rejection of the extreme ascetic practices of exposing his body to harsh sunlight and driving rain. The Bodhi Tree represents the Buddha’s embracing of the Middle Way as the correct path leading to enlightenment.

In this month of December when we recall the story of Sakyamuni Buddha’s awakening and reflect on the example of his life, I take great pleasure in seeing beautifully illuminated trees in homes, businesses, and public places. For me, these trees call to mind Buddha’s instructions to seek the Middle Way between the extremes of life-denial and indulgence. In this season of light shining in the darkness, I feel the light of the Buddha’s wisdom shining forth from the moment when he realized perfect awakening sitting under the Bodhi Tree. That light of wisdom shines across two millennia and distant oceans to illuminate each moment of my life. Shinran celebrates the wonderful light of the Buddha’s wisdom in the Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Shoshinge):

Everywhere he casts light immeasurable, boundless,
Unhindered, unequaled, light-lord of all brilliance,
Pure light, joyful light, the light of wisdom,
Light constant, inconceivable, light beyond speaking,
Light excelling sun and moon he sends forth, illumining countless worlds; |
The multitudes of beings all receive the radiance.
(Collected Works of Shinran, p. 69)

In gassho,

SLO Buddhist Temple: December 2011 Home .........December Calendar .........President's Message......... email: president@slobuddhisttemple.org
Minister's Message: The Light that Shines from the Bodhi Tree by Rev. Henry Toryo Adams In the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, the month of December is a time when the days get shorter and shorter and we find ourselves spending more time in the darkness of night. As the darkness of the winter season arrives, many of the world’s spiritual traditions celebrate holidays and religious observances inspired by the light of transcendent wisdom. The candles of the Jewish Hanukkah Menorah, the fireworks of Hindu Diwali celebrations, and the strings of electric lights on Christmas decorations are all part of the rich religious landscape that makes this a festive time of year in our diverse community. In the Buddhist traditions of Japan, we observe Bodhi Day on December 8 in commemoration of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni’s realization of perfect enlightenment sitting beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, India around 2,500 years ago. During this festive time of year, my wife and I look forward to strolling around our neighborhood and enjoying the elaborate holiday lighting displays generously put up by our neighbors living on F and G streets in Oxnard. Having grown up in Minnesota, my memories of the holiday season are of a typical “White Christmas” with snow drifts and sledding. For me, walking down the street in late December comfortably dressed in light sweater while I admire Santa Claus decorations sitting out on lush green lawns and holiday lights strung from palm trees is certainly an exotic experience. I’ll admit that I do feel a little nostalgia at this time of year for the Midwestern winters of my childhood, but I certainly don’t miss waking up and having to shovel a six-inch layer of snow off the driveway on the first day of my holiday vacation. Living in the multicultural society of modern-day America, we enjoy a “holiday spirit” at this time of year when wonderful common values like generosity, friendship, and goodwill are celebrated by religious and secular communities alike. In recent weeks, I have had conversations with several members of the Buddhist temples I serve who have somewhat sheepishly mentioned to me that their family embraces the American cultural tradition of decorating their home in December with a lighted tree with brightly wrapped presents for friends and family stored at the base of the tree. I imagine some people might wonder if, as a Buddhist minister, I object to devout Buddhist families putting up these sorts of decorations in their home. When I consider this question, I am reminded that the branches of evergreen trees have been used as winter decorations by many cultures throughout history and are certainly not exclusive to any one religious tradition. For example, it is customary in Japan welcome the New Year by adorning the home with pine branches, which are treasured for remaining green and vibrant throughout the year. Pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms make up the traditional Japanese New Year decorations called sho-chiku-bai. The tree under which the Buddha was sitting and meditating when he realized perfect enlightenment has great significance in the story of his awakening and is called the Bodhi Tree. “Bodhi” means wisdom or awakening in Sanskrit, the sacred language of ancient India. Prior to sitting in meditation under the Bodhi Tree, he had spent six years pursuing extreme ascetic practices, fasting constantly and exposing his body to the harsh elements of the North Indian wilderness. One day his body finally gave out and he collapsed from exhaustion. At that time, a young woman named Sujata happened upon the ascetic in his weakened state and out of concern for his well-being revived him by giving him some milk to drink. In receiving Sujata’s gift, he realized that the path to awakening is realized by pursuing the Middle Way between extreme life-denying asceticism and indulging in the attachment to sensual pleasures. With renewed energy from the nourishing milk, he accepted the gift of a cushion of grass and sat beneath the Bodhi Tree that would provide him with shelter from the elements. As he settled into his seat in the shade of the tree, he resolved not to leave that spot until he had conquered all delusion and awakened to the true nature of reality. He sat in meditation through the night and finally realized perfect enlightenment when he saw the Morning Star appear in the sky. Because the Bodhi Tree provided shelter from the elements, it expresses the Buddha’s rejection of the extreme ascetic practices of exposing his body to harsh sunlight and driving rain. The Bodhi Tree represents the Buddha’s embracing of the Middle Way as the correct path leading to enlightenment. In this month of December when we recall the story of Sakyamuni Buddha’s awakening and reflect on the example of his life, I take great pleasure in seeing beautifully illuminated trees in homes, businesses, and public places. For me, these trees call to mind Buddha’s instructions to seek the Middle Way between the extremes of life-denial and indulgence. In this season of light shining in the darkness, I feel the light of the Buddha’s wisdom shining forth from the moment when he realized perfect awakening sitting under the Bodhi Tree. That light of wisdom shines across two millennia and distant oceans to illuminate each moment of my life. Shinran celebrates the wonderful light of the Buddha’s wisdom in the Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Shoshinge): Everywhere he casts light immeasurable, boundless, Unhindered, unequaled, light-lord of all brilliance, Pure light, joyful light, the light of wisdom, Light constant, inconceivable, light beyond speaking, Light excelling sun and moon he sends forth, illumining countless worlds; \| The multitudes of beings all receive the radiance. (Collected Works of Shinran, p. 69) In gassho,
Season Greetings! The turkey is either a casserole or soup by now and a new holiday is on its way. The children are on their best behavior and we are shopping for that “special” gift for that special person. However this season is the start of a new future for me. It is my honor to be able to serve as the resident minister at San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church and supervising minister for Guadalupe Buddhist Church. My name is Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano. “Seijo” is my Buddhist name. Some people have been calling me Sensei, Rev. Naomi, Rev. Nakano, however I will respond to “Hey you” also. My starting date is December 1, 2011 and we are hoping that December 4th, 2011 will be the official first “real” service. I have been a guest speaker several times but this time will be my official initiation. I look forward to this time. I am excited, a little scared and a little ap-prehensive, but I am optimistic. It is my wish to get acquainted with all members. I hope everyone will try to visit at least once and not hesitant to introduce him/herself to me. We are all on the path of Nembutsu and we can learn from each other. As a Buddhist, we can still celebrate in this holiday season as an American tradition. I have heard the story of Scrooge so many times. So I paraphrase Tiny Tim in my own way, “Merry Season to all and to all a good night… Namu Amida Butsu.” Have a happy and safe holiday and see you when we meet. In Gassho, Rev. Naomi	Jodo Shinshu Buddhism by Rev. Henry Toryo Adams Sakyamuni Buddha and Amida Buddha Sakyamuni Buddha is the historical Buddha who lived in this world of ours about 2,500 years ago in India. The word “Buddha” means “Awakened One,” and is not a personal name but rather is a title that can refer to any-one who has realized complete and final liberation from suffering in the realm of birth and death. In addition to Sakyamuni Buddha, there are many other Buddha’s who are revered by various schools of Buddhism. In the Jodo Shinshu School of Buddhism we revere Amida Buddha, whose image is present as the central object of reverence in all Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temples either in the form of a statue, a painting, or the Name of the Bud-dha written in Chinese calligraphy. So what is the relationship between Sakyamuni Buddha and Amida Buddha? Sakyamuni Buddha is a historical figure. After he realized enlightenment at the age of 35, he dedicated himself to tirelessly teaching the Dharma for 45 years until he passed from the world at the age of 80. Sakyamuni’s teachings are called the sutras and it is said that he taught 84,000 teachings or Dharma Gates through which one can enter the truth. The Sutra on the Buddha of Immeasurable Life Delivered by Sakyamuni Buddha (The Larger Sutra) tells the story of a king who renounced his throne to pursue the path to perfect enlightenment and Buddhahood. This king was called Dharmakara Bodhisattva and he established forty-eight vows expressing his aspiration to de-liver all beings from suffering. In the sutra, Sakyamuni Buddha tells us that Dharmakara Bodhisattva fulfilled his vows when he attained perfect enlightenment, and henceforth was called Amida Buddha, the Awakened One of Immeasurable Light and Life. At our temple, we revere Amida Buddha as a tangible expression of the marvelous truth of enlighten-ment, a truth that cannot be expressed using ordinary speech and concepts. Amida Buddha is not a historical person like Sakyamuni Buddha, rather Amida Buddha is an expression of the religious truth that was taught by Sakyamuni. In the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, we are deeply grateful for the teaching on Amida Buddha, which of all Sakyamuni’s 84,000 teachings is the one that serves as our guide to the realization of perfect enlightenment..
Dharma School Happenin’s By Ruth Vines Thank you for your generous contributions of non perishable food items for the dharma school community service program. The first load was delivered to the Oceano Food Bank location and totaled 39 lbs.! The program will continue throughout the year. Let us help provide nourishment for those in need in our county. All donations of food are greatly appreciated. ** Soft drinks are provided by the dharma school. When helping yourself to a soft drink, please place 50 cents in the can found on the small table located next to the silver refrigerator. This helps defray the cost of the drinks and all water bottles and soft drink cans are recycled. The money collected for the recycled items are used to help purchase supplies for the dharma school. Many thanks! The hike in the Oceano dunes was canceled, however, 10 hardy people gathered at the Oceano Railroad Station where our docent and host, Norm Hammond gave us a history of the town, a tour of the museum and filled us in on many interest facts about Oceano. Norm suggested the hike to the dunes be scheduled later when all threats of bad weather is gone. We will plan other outings shortly so stay tuned!
BWA Cooking class by Janis Eto Some say the best way to learn how to cook is to cook alongside someone who is a good cook. On November 19th we did just that….learned by the hands-on method. Shizuko Kumabe, Tamiko Fujikawa, and Kathy Kagawa graciously agreed to share their many years of experience with us and showed us how to make chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi). There was no fancy rolling or sauces needed, just the basics of traditional Japanese sushi: Tips on how to select the rice; how to wash the rice; how to season the rice and how to cut and cook the vegetables. The cooks reminded us that this is just the starting point. Start with a basic recipe as a guideline and perfect it by the “little of this and a little of that “method to our own taste. We rolled up our sleeves, used the best ingredients and shared the lessons learned with new and old friends. As the 2011 comes to an end, we are fortunate to have learned from the best. The depth, breadth, and vitality of our organization are through the efforts of our dedicated members!
Our History Last month we left off with the passing of Rev. Paulsen. This was August of 1970. We must go back a few years to pick up important events. In May of 1967 Reverend Koken Sasaki was assigned as our Resident Minister. In addition to his regular duties he lectured on Buddhism at Cal Poly. Through his efforts, the College’s World Religions classes held several meetings at the temple. Rev. Sasaki was also instrumental in setting up Buddhist services at the California Men’s Colony State Prison in San Luis Obispo. October 28, 1967 was another important date during Rev. Sasaki’s stay. Our 40th Anniversary was celebrated. Many former members and minis-ters, among them Reverend Mizutani, attended mak-ing this a large reunion. In September 1968, Reverend Hakushi Futaba was appointed minister to both Guadalupe and San Luis Obispo Buddhist Churches. Although he lived in Guadalupe he commuted to SLO to officiate at all special services and conducted the Sunday school classes on a semi-monthly basis. With the responsibilities of two churches, Reverend and Mrs. Futaba gave unconditionally their time and many talents. Their efforts were very much appreciated by a grateful membership. Although the membership was small, approximately 35 families, they were a dedicated group of nembutsu followers who worked very closely together. The YBA (Young Buddhists Association) met regularly and called meetings. The average membership was 12 people. This group was always will-ing to help out with grounds clean up, temple building maintenance, and participated in programs for the year end party and summer Sunday school (now Dharma school) picnic. The Fujinkai (now Buddhist Women’s Association or BWA) met regularly and had an active membership of thirty or more. Of the many activities they took part in, the Fujinkai hosted and did all the preparations for the annual Keirokai luncheon. During the years that Reverend and Mrs. Futaba were here, Mrs. Futaba faithfully edited and published the monthly temple newsletter. Reverend Futaba served our church for fourteen years, until 1982 when he was appointed Rinban (Supervisor) at the Sacramento Buddhist Church Betsuin. Until next month…..