2006 January Bulletin - West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple

WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE BULLETIN
2003 Corinth Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90025
(310) 477-7274 Fax (310) 477-6674
E-mail: westlabt@verizon.net Web Site: www.wlabt.org
Vol. 49, No. 1 January 2006
2006 – The Year of the Dog
秋 来 ぬと
知 らぬ 狗 が
佛 かな
一 茶
Aki kinu to
shiranu koinu ga
hotoke kana
- Issa
The puppy that knows not
That autumn has come,
Is a Buddha
“….The dog has the Buddha nature. The puppy even more than the
mature dog takes each day, each moment, as it comes. It does not
look before and after and pine for what is not….”
(from Haiku by R. H. Blyth)
“Happy New Year!”
from the 2005 Bulletin staff
Reverend Fumiaki Usuki
Reverend Ensei Nekoda
Mas Sasaki
Sei Shohara
Richard Stambul
Yasuko Shohara
Ted & Betty Takahashi
Toshiko Uyekubo
Religious – English, and Advisor
Religious – Japanese
Printing
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Computer Processing
Business & Mailing
Calendar - Japanese

ANNOUNCEMENT
BULLETIN TO BE PUBLISHED MONTHLY
To provide a means for the Temple to communicate more
frequently with its members with the minister’s religious
messages, Temple activity schedules, and news, the
Bulletin is experimenting with returning to a monthly
publication schedule, beginning with this issue.
Together with increased publication frequency, there will
be other changes, some having to do with improving the
content and some having to do with changing the way we
do things to keep the workload down to acceptable levels.
We hope that you will like these changes, and we ask for
your cooperation to make this experiment succeed. Your
suggestions are welcome.
Fixing Late Delivery
We are getting more complaints from members
about the Bulletin arriving late. We are moving
up our Bulletin production schedule so that it
gets delivered into the postal delivery system
much earlier than before – three weeks before
the month it covers. For example, This January
issue will go to the post office on or before
December 12.
Just a handful of Zip codes seem to suffer late
deliveries. From our inquiries at the Post Office,
it appears that the delivering post office is at
fault. The only way to fix this seems to be for
the addressee to complain to the postal delivery
man or to management of the post office he or
she works out of. Please help fix this problem
by complaining if the Bulletin does not arrive by
the first of the month.
If you do not get your Bulletin within the first
few days of the month, drop by the Temple
Office and pick up a copy. If you cannot get to
the Temple, call the Office and they will send a
copy out to you by first class mail.
Delivery By E-Mail?
A suggestion was made that we should explore
how many Bulletin subscribers would be willing
to receive the Bulletin by e-mail. E-mail delivery
would help reduce the late delivery problem
and helps reduce labor.
If you are willing, please send an e-mail message
to sei@ieee.org with “Yes” in the subject
line.
Photos Welcome
You must have noticed in recent issues that we
are including more photos. This reflects Rev.
Usuki’s philosophy of liberally sprinkling photos
in Bulletin articles, and he himself has
contributed a great many photos for possible
use in articles.
You too are welcome to submit photos with the
understanding that they may not be used and
will not be returned. We prefer that you submit
photos in digital form delivered as files attached
to e-mail addressed to sei@ieee.org. We
suggest you put enough information about the
photo in the body of the e-mail so that it can be
used in an accompanying article to perk up the
reader’s interest.
Deadline
With a monthly publication, deadlines must be
adhered to religiously.
The deadline for articles is the first day of
the month preceding the date of the issue.
For example, the deadline for this January
issue was the first day of December.
Reporters
The WLA Board decided each organization
(Asoka, BWA, etc.) should appoint a reporter
who will have two responsibilities:
1. Determine what news about their
organization needs to be in each issue,
2. Compose the article and submit it by
the deadline.
The Bulletin Staff has no responsibility for
composing articles for organizations or for
chasing after articles. In other words, if an organization
doesn’t have an article in by the
deadline, none will get published.
The BWA has always had a reporter, and at one
time Dharma School did too. The Bulletin
appreciates the example they have set.
You do not have to be a reporter to submit articles.
If you have something the members might
be interested in, by all means write it up and
submit it. Although we prefer that you submit
the article as a digital file via e-mail attachment,
typed or hand written copy will be
accepted.
2

REV USUKI’S PAGE
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Casting off the self-power mind of the sundry practices and
disciplines, we single-mindedly entrust ourselves to Amida
Tathagatha to save us, in regard to the birth that is to come in
the Pure Land. This is the most important matter.
We know that at the time of the one thought-moment of
entrusting, birth in the Pure Land is assured; it is settled that we
are saved. Once we have realized this, we say the Name joyfully,
in gratitude for Amida’s benevolence.
We gratefully acknowledge that our hearing and understanding these truths is
due to the benevolence of the founding master in having appeared in this world
and to that of the good teachers, his successors in the transmission of the
teaching, whose exhortations were not shallow.
Beyond this, we will observe the established rules of conduct throughout our
lives.
Ryogemon - Rennyo Shonin.
Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year. I
hope you will have a safe and enjoyable New
Year filled with exciting projects and events. I
am writing this article in November, 2005 so I
can only imagine what January 2006 may be
like. Chances are it will be sunny, perhaps a
little brisk but hopefully without rain. This
year I’m looking forward to more quality to refine
the many temple projects that were started
in 2005, and less quantity to give ourselves a
little breathing room and completing the projects.
Personally, this includes eating less and
working with better time management to give
my body and mind little more attention. I have
to be cautious because even these ideals can be
challenging and things do not change overnight,
but I’m still very optimistic. I hope you
can take care of your personal needs this year
as well.
If you believe in Chinese Astrology, this is also
a cautious year, especially if you were born in
the year of the dog. If you read what it says
about your personality and character there
seems to be some semblance of truth but
really, it is what it is, a superstition. In Jodo
Shinshu we do not look at superstition, prayers
and what Shinran Shonin calls sundry practices
as part of reliable teaching. This is clearly
stated in our doctrine and the opening passage
by Rennyo Shonin above.
Even though we may dismiss superstition, it
continues to influence us.
If you were born in the Year of the Dog then
you have interesting traits. Dogs are man’s
best friend because they are loyal, faithful and
honest, perhaps more dependable than humans.
They always stick to a firm code of ethics.
Although this sign is generally quite
trustworthy it occasionally tells “white lies” in
order to make things go more smoothly. Perhaps,
this is why we’re so attracted to our dogs
because they can coax us for attention so easily.
Dogs make a wonderful, discreet and loyal
friend despite any white lies and are excellent
listeners. We can learn from our dogs because
they seem to live life just right and for the
moment. They also look out for the little people
and fight injustice whenever possible. We often
envy our animals and wish we could be like
them.
Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, and they are
direct and to the point so they don’t tease or
joke around much. At such times they tend to
be narrow-minded or stubborn and have problems
staying light and calm when an important
issue is at stake. Does this sound like you? I
wouldn’t take this too seriously. For a more
comprehensive and precise prediction of the
year a personal appointment is advised. You
can call Madame Zorra at 012–429-1199 for an
appointment.
So we get the picture. Superstitions or relying
on luck have become so much of our life and
character that our daily existence is filled with
many useless anxieties and frustrations. This
basic understanding is clearly stated in the
Ryogemon or the first oath taken by Jodo
Shinshu priests during an ordination process.
Casting off the self-power mind
of the sundry practices and disciplines,
we single-mindedly entrust
ourselves to Amida Buddha
to save us, in regard to birth
that is to come in the Pure Land,
and this is the most important
matter.
“Casting off the self-power mind of the sundry
practices and disciplines,” means that we shall
not conduct petitionary prayers for secular
benefits or “miracles,” and shall not rely on
fortune telling and other superstitious acts.
Rather, we can only count on the sound and
reliable teaching of the Buddha, but we can
depend on with our life.
As we look forward to a wonderful year let us
be mindful of the basic teaching of Nembutsu
and enjoy the fruit of this understanding with
gratitude and joy.
Namo Amida Butsu
(Continued on page 4)
3

SHINSHU CORNER
One is All and All is One
Each day progress and development continues.
Many years ago, a child standing on hilltop
watched birds flying in the sky. He wished that
he could also fly. Many years later, through
much thought, practice, and work, that endless
dream of mankind was realized in the “flying
machine.” The airplane has become our common
means of travel. This is not the invention
or accomplishment of a single person; but, because
of the intelligence and work of countless
wise and skilled people, this result was
achieved.
In the teaching of the Buddha it is said that
one is all and all is one. In one person’s idea a
project is completed with many participants’
ambitions and efforts
The Great Sound of Enlightenment
– Rev. Hozen Seki
BUDDHIST SERVICE ETIQUETTE
Receiving with Gratitude
Receiving with gratitude is as important as giving
with pure heart. In this land of abundance,
it is not difficult for a child to think little of a
small gift. The teacher must somehow convey
to his students the feeling of special appreciation
for gifts from the temple. If our children
can understand this feeling, they will treat the
gifts with appreciation. Then, in the case of the
candy bars, they will not tear off wrappings in
the temple, but rather, they will take the candy
home and enjoy it later
BUDDHIST SERVICE ETIQUETTE
At the Dinner Table
Let us encourage the practice of giving thanks
at the dinner table. “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama”
are two expressions of receiving with
gratitude. Even for those who do not understand
Japanese, the utterance of “Itadakimasu”
before the meal and “Gochisosama” after the
meal could have real meaning if expressed with
thanksgiving in Gassho.
RELIGIOUS DAY SERVICES
New Year’s Day Service (Shusho-e)
The New Year Day service is called “Shusho-e,”
which means a religious gathering to reflect
upon and correct our past mistakes and look
forward to a better life in the new year. Reflection
and resolution are some of the basic elements
of an active religious life. This formalized
type of thought can be experienced at the New
Year Day service with participation by every
Buddhist including children.
Ho-Onko (Thanksgiving Service for Shinran
Shonin)
This service takes place on the 16 th day of
January, the day that Shinran Shonin passed
away. His followers gather to express their
appreciation and thanksgiving for his efforts in
making it possible for us to receive the love and
joy of Amida Buddha. In the Hongwanji Temple
at Kyoto, Japan, the Ho-Onko Services are held
for one week from January 9 th to the 16 th . Special
service for the families before the family
altars may also be held besides those held at
the temples.
THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL SERVICES
(See Calendar page for schedules of regular services)
JANUARY 2006
Sunday, January 1
10:00 a.m.
New Year Day Service
Doors open 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, January 22
9:30 a.m.
Ho-Onko Sunday Service
Guest Speaker: Rev. Tetsuo Unno
4

WLA BUDDHIST TEMPLE HONORS TANOMOSHI
In a previous issue of the Bulletin, it was announced that Tanomoshi terminated its
operations officially on June 30, 2005. The Sunday Service on October 23 was
dedicated to expressing the Temple’s deep appreciation to the Tanomoshi organization
for its many, many years of dedicated efforts to raise capital for the development of this
Temple. Their accomplishments are tremendous by any measure (see the reprinted
article below). Representatives of Tanomoshi are shown in the photo here with Rev.
Fumiaki Usuki on the left and Temple President Yuki Sakurai second from the right.
They are, from left to right, George Ozamoto, Ben Tabuchi, Mary Ozamoto, and Bob
Matsumoto (Tanomoshi President). Lunch in the Social Hall followed the service.
(Reprinted from WLA Buddhist Temple 50 th Anniversary Commemorative Album, 1950-2000)
WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST CHURCH
TANOMOSHI
Tanomoshi was organized before World War II by Kenzo Ikkanda, Hidenori Kishi,
Ryuhei Sato, and Katsumi Yahata to assist temple members in their financial affairs.
After World War II, Hiroshi Naramura, Katsusuke Shirasawa, Tozo Yahata, Bob
Iwamoto and Takeo Yabuta were the officers in charge of the Tanomoshi. George
Ozamoto was requested to assist as an officer in 1949. They had the foresight to raise
additional funds for Temple operation and to minimize membership fees. The
Tanomoshi made contributions to various temple projects such as:
• Sawtelle commercial building
• Dormitory and minister’s residence construction
• Purchase of Purdue properties
• Social Hall construction
• Hondo renovation
• Structural reinforcement of Temple building after the Northridge earthquake
• Scholarships
• Resurfacing the parking lot
• Purchase of cushioned folding chairs
The Tanomoshi also contributed toward the Temple’s general expenses during the years
1950 to 1980.
After many years of successful operation and contributions to the Temple, the original
Tanomoshi decided to cease operating by 1984. However, since there was a strong need
for the Tanomoshi felt by the community, Kay Okamoto, Hisashi Kojima and George
Ozamoto decided to organize a new Tanomoshi on June 3, 1982 in anticipation of the
termination of the original Tanomoshi, and became its first officers.
Kay Okamoto was the first chairman of the new Tanomoshi. He and his wife
contributed many hours toward managing the Tanomoshi until Mrs. Okamoto’s illness.
George Ozamoto then became chairman. He relinquished his position as an officer and
chairman to Bob Matsumoto in January 1998. At the same time, Ben Tabuchi also
became an officer. Sam Hada and George Ozamoto are the current advisors.
(Note: Since 2000, when this reprint was originally written, Tanomoshi continued to contribute to many
Temple programs, including startup of Taiko. One major project underwritten by Tanomoshi was the
installation of a computer-controlled audio-video system connecting the hondo to the Social Hall.)
5

WLA BWA SPONSORS SEMINAR ON NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT
Above: A full house showed up for this seminar held in the WLA
Buddhist Temple Social Hall on November 6.
Right: The speaker was Diane Kujubu Belli, Administrator of
Community Based Care of Keiro Senior HealthCare. She was accompanied
by Kanako Kusano who repeated Diane’s
presentation in Japanese. The WLA BWA expresses its gratitude
to Diane, Kanako and Keiro for explaining this complex subject to
our members and friends.
Remember:
• Every Medicare beneficiary will need to make
a choice between November 15, 2005 and
May 15, 2006 in the new prescription drug
benefit (Medicare Part D).
• People who enroll after May 15, 2006 will
have to pay a penalty for every month they
delay enrollment.
BWA NEWS
Dorothy Ikkanda
Starting January the monthly Shotsuki Hoyo
services wil be held on Saturday mornings at
10:00 a.m. Without a doubt, this will be welcome
news for BWA members. Now, weather
permitting, many of them will be able to walk to
the services.
Beverly Yahata will serve her second term as
president of the BWA.
On November 6 th a seminar on “Exploring Medicare
Changes” was held (See photos above). As
the social hall began to fill, I spotted Rev. Usuki
hustling additional chairs from the garage. In
appreciaton for their time and presentation, the
BWA made a donation to Keiro. Thanks to the
November toban for providing refreshments.
A number of BWA members attended the Buddhist
Men’s annual Longevity Party. Many of us
went home with Ralph’s Gift Cards, which were
the prizes won in Bingo. What great prizes.
Thank you to Mas Sasaki, Buddhist Men
President, and his committee.
The November toban had a busy month, and a
special thanks to Toban chair, Kazuko Seike,
who coordinated it all. For the BCA Southern
District Council meeting at WLA, we prepared
chirashi, along with sliced kaki, and home-made
goodies for dessert and their coffee break. We
hope all the delegates enjoyed dining as much
as we enjoyed getting together to prepare it.
We are saddened by the news that BWA member,
Tsuyako Ichiho, passed away on Thanksgiving
Day. Ninety-two year-old Mrs. Ichiho was
born and lived in the area called Port Los Angeles,
which now is the part of Pacific Palisades
where Sunset Blvd. meets Pacific Coast Highway.
She was probably one of the oldest Nisei
and had 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 12
great-grandchildren. Our condolences to the
Ichiho family. We also extend our condolences
to BWA member, Hannah Nishimoto, whose
father, Akira Nishimoto, recently passed away.
We have indeed been enriched by these two
thoughtful and kind teachers.
As we look forward to another year, let us
gratefully acknowledge those who gave so
generously during the year: Pearl Takayama,
Shiosaki Family, Ben and Hisa Yamanaka,
Margaret Oyanagi, Yeiko Yasuda, Thomas
Yasuda, and Marjorie Morikawa. Thank You!
FROM THE BWA, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
6

BUDDHIST MEN NEWS
Mas Sasaki
From all the Buddhist Men, we wish the
Temple members, a Very Happy New Year.
Year 2006 has the potential of being a thrilling
time. This Temple is in the midst of tuning up
for the future and the following may transpire:
• Obon will go back to dancing in the
street
• Hanamatsuri will be observed on a
larger scale, perhaps another festival
• Taiko group may increase participation
in cultural events
Buddhist Men will be right in the core of this
growth.
2005 Longevity Party
enjoy. Sam, if you ever need help, you know
whom to call. Thank you Sam.
As we age, time seems to go faster. The next
Longevity Party will be here in a jiffy. Please
take care; maybe we’ll be as lucky as Joe Hirabayashi
(90 years young!!!). I’d love to see all of
you and many more new members at the next
party.
WELCOME TO 80-PLUS LUNCH
With the New Year, there should be another
crop of WLA Buddhist Temple members who
will be 80 years old some time this year. This is
a reminder that you are very cordially invited to
come to the monthly 80-Plus Lunch. There is
no fee involved. You will be served a wonderful
lunch cooked by a crew of talented volunteer
chefs headed by Chiyo Nitta. Lunch days are
normally the last day of the month. But watch
the calendar in the Bulletin for the few months
when Lunch is on the next-to-last Monday or
when there is no Lunch. The photo below was
taken at the October 2005 Lunch.
Each year, instead of a Kanreki party for members
becoming 60 years old, the Buddhist Men
have been honoring members reaching any of
the auspicious ages – 60, 70, 77, 80, 88, 90,
and 99. This year the honorees were, from left
to right, Dr. Jack Fujimoto (77), Tom Ikkanda
(88), Hiroshi Endo (88), Joe Hirabayashi (90),
Sam Hada (80), and Sho Matsumi (77). The
cake in the foreground says “Happy Logevity,
Buddhist Men, Year 2005.”
The 2005 Longevity Party is over, but we are
blessed with memories. As time ticks away, our
memory seems to fade. Therefore, in order to
refresh our memory, the Buddhist Men has
created a wonderful album full of historical
photos. Please look through the album; it is
kept current for all members to enjoy. Tanomoshi’s
Farewell Lunch and 2005 Longevity
Party photos have recently been added to the
album. Please ask Rev. Usuki if you need
assistance.
Lorraine Soda always helps the Buddhist Men
by cooking the rice. Lorraine, thanks a million.
Buddhist Men owe you many favors. Grace
Fujimoto, Masako Ishioka, Kay Kafka and
Crystal Fujimoto did a wonderful job in the
kitchen. To all you girls, thank you very much.
Ichiro Ouchi is our treasurer, never complains,
and does a terrific job in the accounting
department. He has served for over 28 years,
thank you Ichiro.
Shopping for the party is not an easy task, especially
determining the quantity to buy. Hidemi
Ohkawahira gave me a hand in this area.
Thank you Hidemi, I’ll be asking you again.
When the honorees assisted in preparing for
the Longevity Party, I felt embarrassed. From
early morning, Sam Hada, Sho Matsumi and
Dr. Jack Fujimoto cleaned and prepared the
Social Hall for the evening activities. Sam Hada
even cooked the salmon in the kitchen for us to
WLA AT OTANI MAUSOLEUM Sei Shohara
At the end of each year, our Temple minister
submits a list of members who passed away
during the year to Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto,
Japan. Nishi Hongwanji is the mother temple
for all of us Shin Buddhists worldwide. This list
goes to the Otani Honbyo. Following are parts
of an information sheet given to visitors about
the rich history of Otani Honbyo.
“The Otani Honbyo, popularly known as Nishi
Otani, is the Mausoleum dedicated to Shinran
Shonin (1173-1263), the founder of the Shin
Buddhist tradition (Jodo Shinshu) and one of the
foremost figures in the history of Japanese
religion…..”
“…..After Shinran's death in Kyoto at the
age of 90, his descendants and disciples built a
chapel dedicated to this memory at Otani, north
of Maruyama Park in the eastern hills of Kyoto
and gradually developed it into the Hongwanji
temple. During the 15th century, the Hongwanji
buildings were destroyed by monk-warriors
from Mount Hiei, but in 1589, Toyotomi Hideyoshi
provided for the preservation of the mausoleum
at its original site, and in 1591 also donated
a tract of land about 2 km west of here for the
Hongwanji temple. In 1603, the mausoleum was
moved south to its present location.”
“The Otani Mausoleum now occupies an area
of nearly 20 acres including the cemetery behind.”
“Walking up from…..to reach the main gate
….. From here, the main hall (hondo or butsuden)
dedicated to Amida Buddha can be seen slightly
(continued on Page 10)
7

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
On Saturday night , October 29, witches, goblins, fairies and other delightful creatures gathered in the
Social Hall for the annual Family Fun Night. As these photos show, both youngsters and adults had a
wonderful time. Many thanks to the Dharma School and YBA for another successful Fun Night.
◄ Who is this tall dashing
figure in the stylish
hat? One of the Three
Musketeers? Or Captain
Hook? Or?
Why, it’s none other than
our WLA President-Elect
Vance Nishimoto!
▼
◄ The kids consider what to do with the
mummy wrapped in white. The mummy is not a
long dead Egyptian Pharaoh but our own Rev.
Usuki. Are the kids trying to tell him something?
Kaylie Nishimoto &
Claire Meyer ▼
▲ Emily & Katie Hoy
▲ Ryan Ohkawahira strikes the
piñata full of goodies.
▲ Musical chairs.
8

WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE
2006 COMMITTES AND DEPARTMENTS (*indicates chairperson)
Advisory Committee
Past Presidents
Archivists
Dorothy Ikkanda*, Kazuko Seike
BCA Council Representatives President, President-Elect or Designate
Buddhist Education
Haru Matsumune*, Lillian Narumi, Diane Ohkawahira, Yuki
Sakurai, Rick Stambul, Betty Takahashi, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki
(advisor)
Building/Property Maintenance Tosh Ishioka*, Hidemi Ohkawahira, Tak Morimoto, Ed Nakamura,
Ichiro Ouchi, Russell Tagawa
Bingo
Bob Fujimoto*, Kay Kafka, Rob Kafka, Judy Okita, Ichiro Ouchi,
Monica Saito, Barbara Tanaka, Leo Tanaka
Dharma School
Grace Mizushima*, Haru Matsumune, Diane Ohkawahira
Duplex Administration
Beverly Yahata*, Tosh Ishioka, Betty Takahashi
80+ Lunch Program Chiyo Nitta*, Tamiko Hada, Dorothy Ikkanda, Masako Ishioka,
Terumi Iwamoto, Yuki Sakurai, Charlotte Sasaki, Kazuko Seike, Sei
Shohara, Yasuko Shohara, Lorraine Soda
Eitaikyo Service (Eternal) Hidemi Ohkawahira*, Sho Matsumi, Sam Hada
Endowment Fund
Victor Naramura*, Jack Fujimoto, Tosh Ishioka, Sho Matsumi,
Satoshi Nitta, Sei Shohara
Funeral Arrangement
Sam Hada*, Dorothy Ikkanda, Shig Ishii, Fumio Nishina, Yutaka
Ohigashi, Hidemi Ohkawahira, Kazuko Seike
Garden Management
Tsukasa Mukai*, Taizo Kishi, Katsumi Murakami, Fumio Nishina,
Yutaka Ohigashi, George Oshimo, George Ozamoto, Shinobu
Shimomaye, Tsuruo Takata, Noriyuki Taniguchi, Tomio Totani
Gourmet Academy
Jack Fujimoto*, Peter Babida, Mary Hahn, Yoshiko Iwashita, Kay
Kafka, Monica Saito
Historian/Photographer
Alice Umeda*, George Oshimo
Information Technology
Vance Nishimoto*, Victor Naramura
Insurance
Rick Stambul*, Jack Fujimoto, Victor Naramura
Mailing
Alice and Tussy Umeda
Ministerial Affairs
Sei Shohara*, Tom Ikkanda, Ichiro Ouchi
Membership
Nominating Committee
Obon
Office Management
Omimai (Visitation)
Parking (variance)
Printing
Publication
Religious Service
Sawtelle Property
Scholarship
Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly service)
Speaker’s Fund
Taiko (drum)
Temple Finance
Twenty First Century Campaign
Uketsuke (receptionists)
Website
Yard Sale
Barbara Tanaka*, Rob Kafka
Jack Fujimoto*, Sam Hada, Masako Ishioka, Sho Matsumi, Vance
Nishimoto, Chiyo Nitta, Judy Okita, Yuki Sakurai, Leo Tanaka,
Chiyo Nishina
Tosh Ishioka*, Glen Bungo, Carolyn Endo, Roy Higa, Kay Kafka,
Rob Kafka, Masa Matsumune, Greg Mizushima, Tak Morimoto,
Victor Naramura, Kathy Nishimoto, Vance Nishimoto, Tracy
Ohkawahira, Kei Okamoto, Judy Okita, Monica Saito, Dan Sakurai,
Masao Sasaki, Rick Stambul, Marty Tachiki, Ted Takahashi, Bob
Tateoka, Connie Yahata
Haru Matsumune
Chiyo Nishina*, Torako Akutagawa, Dorothy Ikkanda, Kimi Ishii,
Barbara Tanaka, Leo Tanaka, Kiyo Teramaye, Rev Fumiaki Usuki
(advisor)
Marty Tachiki*, Rick Stambul, Jack Fujimoto
Mas Sasaki*
Sei Shohara*, Rev. Ensei Nekoda, Mas Sasaki, Jim Shimomaye,
Yasuko Shohara, Rick Stambul, Betty Takahashi, Ted Takahashi,
Toshiko Uyekubo, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki (advisor)
Yasuko Shohara*, Kimi Ishii
Sho Matsumi*, Sam Hada, Tosh Ishioka, Victor Naramura, Hidemi
Ohkawahira, Vance Nishimoto, Bob Tateoka
Vance Nishimoto*, Marty Tachiki
Hidemi Ohkawahira*, Masako Ishioka, Kay Kafka, Chiyo Nishina,
Judy Okita, Kazuko Seike, Beverly Yahata
Yasuko Shohara*, Rob Kafka, Sho Matsumi, Victor Naramura, Rick
Stambul
Rick Stambul*, Beverly Yahata, Masako Ishioka, Grace Mizushima,
Diane Ohkawahira, Ichiro Ouchi, Mas Sasaki, Connie Yahata
Sho Matsumi*, Jack Fujimoto, Rob Kafka, Victor Naramura, Sei
Shohara, Lorraine Soda, Marty Tachiki
Vance Nishimoto, Beverly Yahata (co-chairs)
Dorothy Ikkanda*, Itsy Higa, Kimi Ishii, Yutaka Ohigashi, Kazuko
Seike, Kiyo Teramaye, Toshiko Uyekubo
Jim Shimomaye*, Haru Matsumune, Vance Nishimoto, Marty
Tachiki, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki (advisor)
Chiyo Nitta, Masako Ishioka (co-chairs), Lorraine Soda
ORGANIZATIONS
Asoka Fujinkai, Buddhist Men, Buddhist Women’s Association, Taiko, Young Buddhist Association
9

WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE
2006 TEMPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS CABINETS
ADVISOR: REVEREND FUMIKAI USUKI
TEMPLE
President
Yuki Sakurai
President-Elect
Vance Nishimoto
Recording Secretary Masako Ishioka
Corresponding Secretary Beverly Yahata
Treasurer
Sei Shohara
Assistant Treasurer Betty Takahashi
Auditor
Sho Matsumi
Community Relations Ichiro Ouchi,
Judy Okita
Legal Advisor
Rick Stambul
ASOKA FUJINKAI
President
Shoko Kishi
Vice President
Hisako Kokado
Secretary
Terumi Iwamoto
Treasurer
Toshiko Yamane
Communication
Hisako Nakagawa
Toshie Doi
Social Chairperson Matsumi Baba
Reiko Totani
Advisor
Noriko Matsumoto
YOUNG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION
BUDDHIST MEN
President
Masao Sasaki
Vice Pres./Membership Hidemi Ohkawahira
Religious
Dr. Jack Fujimoto
Richard Stambul
Recording Secretary Sho Matsumi
Corresponding Secretary Sei Shohara
Treasurer
Ichiro Ouchi
Omimai
Leo Tanaka
BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
President
Beverly Yahata
Vice President (Religious) Chiyo Nishina
Vice President (Program) Marjorie Morikawa
Vice President
Chiyo Nitta
Recording Secretary Haru Matsumune
Corresponding Secretary Dorothy Ikkanda
Treasurer
Kimi Ishii
Assistant Treasurer Barbara Tanaka
Obon Chairpersons Lorraine Soda
Kiyoko Nakamura
Publicity
Kiyo Teramaye
Membership
Kazuko Seike
Historian
Nobuko Kozawa
Ex-Officio
Yasuko Shohara
(WLA at Otani Mausoleum cont. from page 10)
higher up the hill.”
“To the right are 2 buildings where Shin
Buddhists visiting the mausoleum are received…..”
“Behind the main hall…..is a wide, graveled
terrace. Behind it is the Meicho-do, a hall built
in 1661 to commemorate Shinran's 400 th
memorial. Here, services are held before the
remains of the founder (soden).”
“At the right edge of the terrace stands a
memorial hall dedicated to the victims of World
War II. Beyond it are 2 large, modern buildings –
Muryoju-do I and II, which serve as a mausoleum
for the ashes of Shin Buddhists from throughout
the country and abroad. They house more than
20,000 small altars…..”
-o-
The “small altar” referred to in the previous line
is best described as consisting of two parts. At
the bottom is a niche to contain lists of names
or ashes. It seems somewhat larger than the
lockers we all use to store our books in at
school. Above each niche is a small butsudan
(altar) enabling visitors to any niche to conduct
memorial rites right there.
In early November, Rimban George Matsubayashi
of Los Angeles Betsuin took a group of
Betsuin members on a tour of Kyushu that
ended with a three-day stay at Hongwanji. Rev.
Usuki’s younger brother, currently president of
Oxnard Buddhist Temple, and his wife, and
myself and Yasuko, were fortunate to be able to
join this group. During the stay in Hongwanji,
Rimban took the group on a visit to Otani
Honbyo.
During this visit,
Rimban conducted
short services at
each of the niches
for Betsuin, Oxnard
and WLA. This first
photo shows WLA’s
niche and altar.
Adjoining to the left
is a niche Oxnard
shares with some
other temples.
The sign on our
niche shows that
WLA shares a niche
with Orange County,
Pasadena, and
Senshin.
There are many other interesting things that
could be said but space does not permit. This
is a must-see place for all Jodo Shinshu
members visiting Kyoto.
10

SHOTSUKI HOYO ANNOUNCEMENT
Beginning in January 2006, the Shotsuki Hoyo Service date will be the first Saturday at 10:00 am.
We are moving it from Friday evening so more people will be able to attend the service for their loved
ones. We hope this will not inconvenience anyone.
祥 月 法 要 の 日 時 変 更 のお 知 らせ。
2006 年 度 より、 祥 月 法 要 の 日 時 が 毎 月 第 一 土 曜 日 の 午 前 10 時 からに 変 わります。 今 年 度 までは 第 一
金 曜 日 の 夜 7 時 半 からでしたが、 土 曜 日 の 午 前 中 に 行 うことによりさらに 多 くのご 家 族 、お 友 達 が、
亡 き 人 々を 偲 んでお 集 まり 頂 けることと 思 います。この 変 更 が 不 便 を 生 じずに、 沢 山 の 方 々のお 参 り
お 待 ち 念 じております。
Every month WLA Buddhist Temple sends letters to families that a member or members of their families
will be remembered at the upcoming Shotsuki Hoyo service. The list of those who have passed
away in the month is printed in the Temple Bulletin so that friends will also be aware of the service
and can attend. Not only family but everyone is welcome to attend these very important monthly
Shotsuki Hoyo services when we remember the deceased. The Temple is very grateful for the donations
received from families and friends.
JANUARY SHOTSUKI HOYO - 10 a.m., Saturday, January 7 2006
Abe, Ichiro
Akutagawa, Kazue
Baba, Hiroshi
Barbeiro, David
Fujimoto, Larry
Fujimoto, Ken
Hanamoto, Michiye
Hashimoto, Gizo
Ichiho, Kameichi
Ige, Takeo
Ii, Fukuso
Ikeda, Takeo
Inaba, George
Ishiwata, Hiroshi
Iwashita, Takamori
Kaba, Tadashi
Kageyama, Kiyoko
Kajihara, Rinzaburo
Kakehashi, Rokuzo
Kawasaki, Yukio
Kawasaki, Toshio
Kimura, Kazuyoshi
Kondo, Sasaichi
Kosaka, Ichitaro
Kuramoto, Hiroshi
Masuda, Minoru
Matsumiya, Rinzaemon
Matsumoto, Ruby
Mayeda, Hisa
Mayetani, Toki
Middo, Wasaku
Middo, Masunaga
Middo, Sakae
Minazumi, Yoshiko
Misono, Sukenari
Nakagawa, Ichino
Nakagawa, Chita
Nakagawa, Gisuke
Nakamura, Natsue
Nakamura, Kiyoko
Nakamura, Yutaro
Nomura, Sekizo
Ohara, Kiku
Okumoto, Kanzaburo
Ono,Tonaichi
Ono,Kimiko
Oshinomi, Michiko
Ozamoto, Sadako
Ozamoto, Keijiro
Sakahara, Gosaku
Sakahara, Rose
Sasaki, Kameji
Sasaki, Fumiko
Sunada, Teruko
Suzuki, Yoshifuru
Takami, Sakutaro
Takami, Suye
Takazumi, Teruo
Takeuchi, Norie
Takimoto, Kumaichi
Tanaka, Takako
Tochioka, Tadao
Totani, Tokumatsu
Toya, Craig
Uyeda, Mitsutaro
Uyeda, Tsutako
Watarida, Itaro
Yahata, Nobu
Yahata, Tsuneko
Yamanaka, Koyomi
Yamane, Nobuko
Yamatoku, Kazuo
Yoshida, Miyo

CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF:
Ted Hiroshi Nakasako
12/30/1940 - 10/13/2005
Tsuyako Ichiho
3/12/1913 - 11/24/2005
Akira Nishimoto
11/03/1920 - 11/28/2005
13

10 am New Year Day Service
(Temple doors open at 8 am)
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
OFFICE CLOSED
3 4
7:30 pm Taiko
1 pm Study Class
(English)
5
6 7
10 am Shotsuki
Hoyo
2 pm – 4 pm
Taiko Making Class
11 am Sunday Service and Dharma School,
Installation of Temple Cabinet
Temple New Year Party (Shinnen Enkai)
8
9 10
10:00 am SD
Ministers’ Meeting at
Betsuin
11
7:30 pm Temple
Annual Meeting
7:30 pm Taiko
12
1 pm Study Class
(English)
7:30 pm Buddhist
Men Meeting
Rev. Usuki off
13 14
Noon, SD Jr. YBA
Seminar I,
Pasadena
Rev. Usuki in Mountain View
No Sunday Service
15
16 17 18
7:30 pm Taiko
Rev. Usuki off
19
1 pm Study Class
(English)
7:00 pm
B I N G O
20
21
21 & 22, SD Jr.
YBA
Leadership Retreat
1 pm BWA Meeting
22
9:30 AM HOONKO SUNDAY SERVICE and
DHARMA SCHOOL, Toban: BWA
Guest Speaker: REV. TETSUO UNNO
Buddhist Men Cabinet Installation
Rev. Usuki off
23 24 25
7:30 pm Taiko
7:30 pm Asoka
Fujinkai Meeting
26
1 pm Study Class
(English)
27 28
10 am – 2 pm
Taiko Making Class
29
9:30 am Sunday Service/Dharma School/
Study Class (E)
12 Noon Shigin Kinryu Kai New Year Party
12 Noon
80-Plus Lunch
30
Rev. Usuki off
31
Office hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Phone: 310-477-7274
JANUARY 2006
wlabt@verizon.net
Website: www.wlabt.org

2006 CALENDAR - WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Rev. Usuki’s days off – Mon & Tue Temple Board Meeting – 1st Mon Bingo - 3rd Fri
Sunday Service and Asoka Fujinkai - 4th Wed No Bingo in July & Dec
Dharma School - Every Sun Buddhist Men – 2 nd Thu 80 Plus Lunch - Last Mon
Shotsuki Hoyo - 1 st Sat BWA – 2nd Sun No Lunch in July & Dec
Study Class (E) – Every Thu YBA Ikebana – 1st, 3rd, & 4th Thu
Professional temple clean-up Taiko – Every Wed Shigin - Every Tue
- every 1st and 3rd Tue WLA Youth Club – 2nd Wed
__________________________________________________________________________________________
JANUARY BULLETIN FOLDING YBA
1 Sun New Year Day Service (doors open at 8:00 a.m.) 10:00 a.m.
2-3 Temple closed
8 Sun Sunday Service and Dharma School, Installation of Temple Cabinet 11:00 a.m.
Temple New Year Party (Shinnen Enkai)
11 Wed Temple Annual Meeting 7:30 p.m.
14 Sat SD Jr. YBA Seminar I – Hosts: Pasadena/West Covina All Day
21-22 SD Jr. YBA Leadership Retreat at WLA (Overnight)
22 Sun Ho-onko (Shinran Shonin Day) Sunday Service & Dharma School (Toban: BWA) 9:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Rev. Tetsuo Unno, Buddhist Men Cabinet Installation
25 Wed Asoka Fujinkai Meeting and Cabinet Installation 7:30 p.m.
29 Sun Shigin Kinryu Kai New Year Party 12:00 p.m.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
FEBRUARY BULLETIN FOLDING BWA
5 Sun Shigin Kinyo Kai
12 Noon
19 Sun Nirvana Day Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Dharma School) 9:30 a.m.
Open House following service
11 30 a.m.
21-26 BCA Ministers' Annual Meeting and BCA National Council Meeting (Sacramento)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH GENERAL CLEAN-UP BULLETIN FOLDING BUDDHIST MEN
5 Sun BWA Shrine Omigaki & Meeting 12:30 p.m.
11 Sat Ohigan Seminar: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Chirashi preparation for Higan-e Otoki (BWA)
2:00 p.m.
11 Sat SD Jr. YBA Seminar II – Host: Gardena
12 Sun Higan-E Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Asoka Fujinkai) 9:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Rev. Gregory J. Gibbs
Shigin Kinryu Kai
1:00 p.m.
19 Sun General Temple and Garden Clean-up. No Sunday service 8:00 a.m.
22-24 Rev. Usuki Vacation
26 Sun Gourmet Academy 11:00 a.m.
Dharma School:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
APRIL BULLETIN FOLDING ASOKA FUJINKAI
9 Sun Hatsumairi/Hanamatsuri Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Buddhist Men)
Fund Raiser
9:30 a.m.
16 Sun Eshinni/Kakushinni Memorial Service and Dharma School 9:30 a.m.
BWA Meeting to follow
28-30 FDSTL Conference (Host: Central CA at Visalia)
30 Sun No Sunday Service
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MAY BULLETIN FOLDING TAIKO
7 Sun Gourmet Academy 12 Noon
14 Sun Mother's Day Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Dharma School) 9:30 a.m.
21 Sun Gotan-E Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: YBA) 9:30 a.m.
22 Mon 80 Plus Lunch 12 Noon
28 Sun Temple closed
29 Mon Memorial Day Cemetery Services- Woodlawn 10:00 a.m.
Inglewood
11:30 a.m.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNE GENERAL CLEAN-UP BULLETIN FOLDING TEMPLE
4 Sun General Temple and Garden Clean-up, no Sunday service 8:00 a.m.
11 Sun SD/BWA Conference – Westlake Marriott; Host: Oxnard & Pasadena Buddhist Churches
No Sunday service
18 Sun Father's Day and Graduation Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Jr. YBA)
and Annual Scholarship Presentation
10:00 a.m.
Hamburger Lunch to follow (Toban: YBA)
19 Mon 80 Plus Lunch 12 Noon
24 Sat 80 Plus Yard Sale 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
25 Sun Shigin Kinryu Kai 12 Noon
27 Tue Start of Bon Odori practice every Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 p.m.
23-25 SD Jr. YBA Seminar III at Camp Morningstar

2006 CALENDAR - WEST LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Rev. Usuki’s days off – Mon & Tue Temple Board Meeting – 1st Mon Bingo - 3rd Fri
Sunday Service and Asoka Fujinkai - 4th Wed No Bingo in July & Dec
Dharma School - Every Sun Buddhist Men – 2nd Thu 80 Plus Lunch - Last Mon
Shotsuki Hoyo - 1 st Sat BWA – 2nd Sun No Lunch in July & Dec
Study Class (E) – Every Thu YBA Ikebana – 1st, 3rd, & 4th Thu
Professional temple clean-up Taiko – Every Wed Shigin - Every Tue
- every 1st and 3rd Tue WLA Youth Club – 2nd Wed
__________________________________________________________________________________________
JULY GENERAL CLEAN-UP NO PUBLICATION
2 Sun No Services
2-4 Temple closed
4 Tue No Bon Odori practice
Bon Odori practice every Tuesday and Thursday to July 20
7:30 p.m.
5 Wed Buddhist Men Shrine Omigaki & Meeting 7:00 p.m.
8 Sat Obon Cemetery Service - Woodlawn 9:30 a.m.
Inglewood
11:00 a.m.
9 Sun Obon Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: BWA) 9:30 a.m.
10 Mon Temple Board Meeting 7:30 p.m.
21 Fri Booth Set-Up 7:00 p.m.
23 Sun Garden Clean-Up, Booth Construction and Lunch 8:00 a.m.
29-30 Obon Festival and Obon Odori
31 Mon General Take-Down 7:00 p.m.
Dharma School:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
AUGUST BULLETIN FOLDING YBA
1 Tue Booth Take-Down and Temple Clean-Up 7:00 p.m.
14–17 BCA Ministers Summer Fuken (NW District –Seattle Betsuin)
19-25 Rev. Usuki on Vacation
27 Sun Shigin Doko Kai 12 Noon
No Sunday Services, No Dharma School, No Taiko, No Study Classes.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER BULLETIN FOLDING BWA
1-3 Fri-Sun World BWA Convention in Hawaii
2-3 Sat-Sun SD Jr. YBA Conference at Arizona
4 Mon Labor Day - Temple closed
5 Tue Temple Board Meeting 7:30 p.m.
9 Sat Shotsuki Hoyo 10:00 a.m.
10 Sun First Day of 2006-2007 Dharma School Year 9:30 a.m.
Shigin Kinryu Kai
12 Noon
16 Sat Ohigan Seminar 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
17 Sun Higan-e Sunday Service and Dharma School (Toban: Buddhist Men) 10:00 a.m.
Lunch to follow (Toban: Buddhist Men)
24 Sun Shigin Kinyo Kai
12 Noon
__________________________________________________________________________________________
OCTOBER BULLETIN FOLDING ASOKA
8 Sun Gourmet Academy 12 Noon
21 Sat Buddhist Men/BWA Memorial Service (Toban: Buddhist Men) 11:00 a.m.
28 Sat Family Fun Night, Tobans: YBA and Dharma School 6:00 p.m.
29 Sun No Dharma School, Sunday Service/Study Class
9:30 a.m.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NOVEMBER BULLETIN FOLDING BUDDHIST MEN
5 Sun Gourmet Academy 12 Noon
12 Sun Thanksgiving Sunday Service and Dharma School - English (Toban: Temple) 9:30 a.m.
Eitaikyo Perpetual Memorial Service - Japanese
2:00 p.m.
15 Wed Asoka Fujinkai Meeting 7:30 p.m.
18 Sat Buddhist Men Longevity Party 5:30 p.m.
19 Sun Shigin Kinryu Kai 12 Noon
23-26 Thanksgiving Holiday - Temple closed
__________________________________________________________________________________________
DECEMBER GENERAL CLEAN-UP BULLETIN FOLDING TEMPLE
3 Sun Bodhi Day Sunday Service and Dharma School and 9:30 a.m.
Oseibo Taikai followed by Lunch (Toban: Dharma School)
6 Wed Shrine Omigaki (Asoka Fujinkai) 7:00 p.m.
9 Sat Mochi Tsuki (YBA and Temple)
10 Sun General Temple and Garden Clean-Up, No Sunday service 8:00 a.m.
23-26 Temple closed
31 Sat Joya-e Year End Service 8:00 p.m.