Housekeeping

K. Ken Fujimoto

Every so often, it is necessary to update everyone as to what is happening around the temple that most people may not have noticed or may seem a little confusing. When things like this happen, there are often rumors or misinformation that spread and confuse the situation even more. A parallel can be seen with many of the stories we often hear about memorial services and such. In any case, this article will attempt to clarify things before problems and rumors arise.

Item #1 – As many of you may already know, our regular English service Dharma talks are recorded and available for people to access through our website. This is intended for people who cannot attend our services for whatever reason. This includes all of our guest speakers who give us permission to record and air them as well.

In an effort to improve the quality of our recordings and our capability to upload the recordings to the website, we have been upgrading our equipment. This has been made possible through a generous donation from the Uchiyama family in memory of the late William Uchiyama. They made this donation last year to be used for programs at the discretion of the ministers. It was felt that this internet video project would best address the wishes of the family and benefit the largest audience possible.

If you have not yet accessed our website and the Dharma talks, please do so to see the improvements as they develop. We thank the Uchiyama family for their generosity.

Item #2 – This coming February, the Coast District Council of the Buddhist Churches of America will be hosting the annual BCA National Council meeting here in San Jose. In conjunction with this, the BCA will be having its Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial Observance here as well. The 750th Observance will begin after the National Council meeting and will entail a symposium, banquet and services. All events are open to everyone and anyone interested. The opening service, banquet and symposium will require registration and the Sunday, musical service and program will be open to all who wish to attend.

As hosts, many of the people here at the temple are involved in the planning and implementation of the program and meetings, but we would also like to encourage everyone else to plan on attending this historic event. We would like people to take advantage of this opportunity and attend the symposium and banquet so please register and attend when you receive the invitation and information from the BCA. The event will be at the Fairmont Hotel on February 27 and 28, 2010.

The event is being planned to show the progression from our traditional roots to what we have become today. As such, the closing service will be different while reflecting the current situation that makes up our national organization. As such, even if you cannot attend the symposium and banquet, we encourage you and your family to attend the Sunday morning musical service and program. This is intended for all ages and will incorporate something for everyone. Please save the date and plan to attend. We will not be holding regular services that day, but please do not take this as a vacation, but consider it an opportunity to experience something that will only be possible this once.

Item #3 – With the holiday season upon us, we are bombarded with both the secular aspects of the season, as well as the Judeo-Christian traditions surrounding these holidays. It is fine to observe these holidays and share in the joy of the season with friends and neighbors, but we should not forget our own teachings and religious convictions. This is especially true if we really are seeking to make Jodo Shinshu a major religious tradition in the United States. We should be at least mindful to put our hands together in gassho and express our gratitude for being able to have whatever meal we may be sharing with whomever, wherever we may happen to be. This is where it must begin – within each of us.

© November 12, 2009