Dharma Message Archive

	Dharma Message Archive
	Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones BY RIMBAN GEORGE MATSUBAYASHI JIHO NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2004 "Farewell Message Thank You" Rev. Usuki has been assigned to the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple to fill the position left opened with the retirement of Rev. Harold Oda. * * * Our life is filled with warmth in sharing life with others. It is a simple truth to learn but a difficult practice to fully realize. In a personal life, it means to act by placing ourselves in the position of another, and in community life, it means to give service with joy and gratitude for the betterment of all. The practice of living in harmony with others is based on the clear understanding of life, which is Oneness. In deep gratitude, let us realize this Oneness of all life, the heart of which is Compassion. As I reflect on my 3-1/2 years at this temple. I am forever grateful for the everlasting interaction I have had with each and every one of you. The old clichés of "life is too short," and "time goes too fast," are more true now than ever before. There are many things I wish to have done and accomplished and many more relationships I wish to have started. The Betsuin was a temple and environment made up of a sangha that was my privilege to know and I may never see the likes of it again. It is very difficult to say goodbye to you, so please allow me instead to say THANK YOU. I’ve watched three classes of Nishi Center kids come and go into first grade, all of them a well-accomplished and able to chant Juseige better than I. I learned four children’s songs during this time and a few other Japanese gathas for funerals and services. I am still not a good singer but your patience and time gave me the chance to practice. Now the West Los Angeles people will have to deal with my off-key singing. I was also privileged to have served as a ministerial advisor to the Scouts, Jr. YBA, ABA and many other organizations. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the members of Sun Valley and Hollywood temples, as well as the wonderful people at Coachella Howakai. Our various English study classes were as stimulating for me as I hope they were for you, and I always looked forward to our lively Sunday study sessions. I thank all of you for listening to my rambling and hope that you will continue to hear and study the dharma with such impartial enthusiasm. These fond reflections will always be treasured because every minute I was able to be here at Los Angeles Betsuin was a time shared in the life of Onembutsu and it has certainly fulfilled my heart. My wife, Rev. Patti, and I are also forever grateful for the kind reception, fellowship, and esteem you always extended to us. I wish to offer my sincere appreciation to Rinban Matsubayashi, Rev. Briones, the past ministers, the office staff, and the volunteers for their guidance and support. It is my wish that all of you continue to pursue the Onembutsu at this temple and realize the wonderful teachings of Shinran Shonin. Namo Amida Butsu, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki
	Back to: Top \| Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones BY REV. FUMIAKI USUKI JIHO NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2004 "Today Will Never Come To Us Again" Life is too short and fleeting. Today will never come to us again. Life is the most precious gift. Today is the most precious treasure. The Buddhadharma makes us find the true value of life… Let us make a little more effort for a better and more meaningful life. -- Teachings of the Buddha Everyone can appreciate this short passage but to really live in its true intention, we have to start with a reflection and awareness of our own selves for a deeper understanding of the real meaning of life. This may not come easily to many people who have been taught from childhood to put others first. As the years go by, it comes as second nature to sacrifice our time and even our health and our personal and family relationships to care for others. This, we’ve been told, is the “right” and even noble and praiseworthy thing to do. Yet, even though we may feel that we really want to be kind and generous, doesn’t it sometimes happen that deep down we become frustrated and find our own problems mounting to the extent that we wonder how we can be of service to others, much less to ourselves? Social and cultural conditioning plays a major part in the development of every person’s life. You may have been told, “Think of others first,” or “Don’t be an embarrassment, people are looking.” If you reflect on your upbringing, you may realize the influence that this has had on your actions and motivations and on the way you view life. No matter how old you are you may still be dealing with this conditioning without even realizing what kind of impact it is having on your attitude. Today is a most precious treasure. When you wake up in the morning, are you looking forward to what the day will bring? Do you feel good about yourself? If so, you will share that feeling of joy with everyone you meet. However, many of us have gone through times when it’s difficult to see the precious gift of each day. Somehow, through our social or cultural training, we forget to take care of our own spiritual development while we are busy making sure that we are taking care of the needs of others. True generosity or giving, dana, is a commendable practice, but if we do things because we would otherwise feel guilty or selfish, then it isn’t true dana. Deep down, negative feelings take root and become frustrations that mar our precious day so that we really can’t rejoice in it with others. Yet it takes a lot of effort to look honestly at ourselves, discover our real motivations and see our true nature. Do you ever say to yourself, “I should do this,” “I shouldn’t think that,” “I’m not the only one suffering,” or “I don’t want to put other people out…?” As human beings, we do have limitations no matter how kind, loving and giving we want to be. This is what Shinran Shonin talked about when he spoke of nishujinshin, recognizing that because we can never be perfect, the infinite light of wisdom and compassion always shines upon us. But it takes an effort to look at our true selves and admit that we can’t be wonderful at all times, and to accept that this is okay and we are doing our best. We have to feel good about ourselves before we can truly help others. At such times, our sincerity will really be felt and appreciated and our actions will be jewels sparkling in that precious day. Ego, sometimes disguised as duty, is very tough to overcome. It’s difficult to declare that we have limits. It is true that at this very moment and in this very situation we may believe that we are the only one who is perfectly fitted for a task but in the long run, the job will get done whether we’re there or not. So how do we deal with ourselves? We can always look to the Dharma for guidance – to seek to awaken ourselves from frustrations and the causes of frustration, including social conditioning. Values change. Society changes. Only the truth of the Dharma does not change. However, we can only realize the working of the Dharma within ourselves; this is the only way each of us can verify its truth. Our own ego is where the problem begins and ends; awareness of the way things truly are is what allows us to understand the true value of life and see each day as a precious treasure. We might notice that despite the daily frustrations that take place in our own minds, there are countless enlightening moments carrying us along, whether under the hot shower or in a child’s smile. If we can only stop and put things into perspective, to notice the cause of our discomfort and not be so hard on ourselves, then maybe we can notice that the sun is shining even when we think we are being less than perfect. This is when we awaken to genuine gratitude -- a gratitude for having been shown the truth of the real situation. Remember, we are not yet Buddhas so it is impossible to bring others out of their suffering unless we can first help ourselves. Once we realize the root of our own frustrations, then the issues and problems of others can be appreciated and dealt with in their real sense and we are no longer trying, arrogantly, to do something good or noble. To find compassion for ourselves is to find true compassion for others and only then can we sincerely and happily serve and connect with those around us. It is important to wake up to the Buddha-nature that is inherent within all of us. This means that all of us do care for the welfare of all sentient beings and that we are all on the bodhisattva path. However, in the bodhisattva ideal, there is no giver, no receiver, and no gift. The bodhisattva is aware that there is no self and therefore no need to do things out of duty, or guilt, or gaining merit for oneself. But note that it takes such beings an indescribably long time to arrive at this state. As human beings, we have glimmerings of that nature within us and it manifests itself when our actions are spontaneous and done without calculation. At these times, we truly share happiness with others and we recognize the value of life. If you don’t wake up every morning looking forward to another precious day, then follow the Dharma and look for your true self. Accept yourself with all your imperfections and flaws and don’t beat yourself up for failing to be a Buddha. Then make yourself a cup of coffee, enjoy it, and share that warmth with others. Today will never come to us again. Today is the most precious treasure. Namo Amida Butsu
	Back to: Top \| Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones BY REV. WILLILAM BRIONES JIHO NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2004 Thoughts on Eitaikyo Memorial Service as we prepare for the Centennial Every morning since our groundbreaking ceremony, almost seven months ago, I’ve pulled into our Betsuin’s parking lot and on my way into the temple, I’ve checked on the progress of our new Nokotsu-do and Wisteria Chapel. It’s hard to believe how quickly construction has progressed and that in about a year from now, we will be occupying the building as we celebrate the Betsuin’s 100 Year Anniversary. It is truly the foresight and commitment of our Betsuin leaders to have purchased the property just west of the Betsuin in 1999, for the sole purpose of constructing a Nokotsu-do where the remains of loved ones can be stored, and a small chapel where services can be conducted. However, in all this excitement and anticipation, we should not forget why and how this was made possible. It is through the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of our past members of the Betsuin … be it our parents, friends or relatives, many of whom have passed away. In November, many of our Jodo Shinshu temples will be observing their Eitaikyo Memorial Service. Eitaikyo literally means the "perpetual chanting of sutras". This is because for as long as our temples are in existence, memorial services are held for all deceased members. It is a time for those who are living to acknowledge and express our gratitude to our past members and loved ones. For it is through their dedication that our temple continues. And, most importantly, it is through their transmission of the teachings, that we are able to hear the Dharma today. It is clear that the Issei pioneers intent was to establish a firm Jodo Shinshu foundation here in the Los Angeles Area. Not only did they give monetarily, but also their heart and body to build a temple. The Isseis have endured many adversities throughout their lifetime, yet despite of their continued hardships they were still able to establish and maintain our temples for their children. To conduct and participate in our annual Eitaikyo service is to acknowledge the fact we are able to enjoy the benefits of the lives of those who have passed before us. To truly acknowledge this fact and express our gratitude is a true manifestation of the "perpetual chanting of Sutras" As we observe our Annual Eitaikyo Memorial Service, let us reflect upon the countless causes and conditions that enabled us to be who we are and the numerous lives that are responsible for our beautiful temple and the soon to be realized Nokotsu-do and Wisteria Chapel. To truly understand this, we are able to inwardly realize the wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha and outwardly live with gratitude for the life made possible for us not only by the Issei pioneers but to all our deceased members and loved ones. The realization of this truth moves us forward to the future knowing that the thoughts, words, deeds of our past members and loved ones continue to embrace us.
	Back to: Top \| Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones Copyright © 2004 by Nishi Hongwanji L.A.

	Dharma Message Archive
	Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones BY RIMBAN GEORGE MATSUBAYASHI JIHO NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2004 "Farewell Message Thank You" Rev. Usuki has been assigned to the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple to fill the position left opened with the retirement of Rev. Harold Oda. * * * Our life is filled with warmth in sharing life with others. It is a simple truth to learn but a difficult practice to fully realize. In a personal life, it means to act by placing ourselves in the position of another, and in community life, it means to give service with joy and gratitude for the betterment of all. The practice of living in harmony with others is based on the clear understanding of life, which is Oneness. In deep gratitude, let us realize this Oneness of all life, the heart of which is Compassion. As I reflect on my 3-1/2 years at this temple. I am forever grateful for the everlasting interaction I have had with each and every one of you. The old clichés of "life is too short," and "time goes too fast," are more true now than ever before. There are many things I wish to have done and accomplished and many more relationships I wish to have started. The Betsuin was a temple and environment made up of a sangha that was my privilege to know and I may never see the likes of it again. It is very difficult to say goodbye to you, so please allow me instead to say THANK YOU. I’ve watched three classes of Nishi Center kids come and go into first grade, all of them a well-accomplished and able to chant Juseige better than I. I learned four children’s songs during this time and a few other Japanese gathas for funerals and services. I am still not a good singer but your patience and time gave me the chance to practice. Now the West Los Angeles people will have to deal with my off-key singing. I was also privileged to have served as a ministerial advisor to the Scouts, Jr. YBA, ABA and many other organizations. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the members of Sun Valley and Hollywood temples, as well as the wonderful people at Coachella Howakai. Our various English study classes were as stimulating for me as I hope they were for you, and I always looked forward to our lively Sunday study sessions. I thank all of you for listening to my rambling and hope that you will continue to hear and study the dharma with such impartial enthusiasm. These fond reflections will always be treasured because every minute I was able to be here at Los Angeles Betsuin was a time shared in the life of Onembutsu and it has certainly fulfilled my heart. My wife, Rev. Patti, and I are also forever grateful for the kind reception, fellowship, and esteem you always extended to us. I wish to offer my sincere appreciation to Rinban Matsubayashi, Rev. Briones, the past ministers, the office staff, and the volunteers for their guidance and support. It is my wish that all of you continue to pursue the Onembutsu at this temple and realize the wonderful teachings of Shinran Shonin. Namo Amida Butsu, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki
	Back to: Top \| Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones BY REV. FUMIAKI USUKI JIHO NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2004 "Today Will Never Come To Us Again" Life is too short and fleeting. Today will never come to us again. Life is the most precious gift. Today is the most precious treasure. The Buddhadharma makes us find the true value of life… Let us make a little more effort for a better and more meaningful life. -- Teachings of the Buddha Everyone can appreciate this short passage but to really live in its true intention, we have to start with a reflection and awareness of our own selves for a deeper understanding of the real meaning of life. This may not come easily to many people who have been taught from childhood to put others first. As the years go by, it comes as second nature to sacrifice our time and even our health and our personal and family relationships to care for others. This, we’ve been told, is the “right” and even noble and praiseworthy thing to do. Yet, even though we may feel that we really want to be kind and generous, doesn’t it sometimes happen that deep down we become frustrated and find our own problems mounting to the extent that we wonder how we can be of service to others, much less to ourselves? Social and cultural conditioning plays a major part in the development of every person’s life. You may have been told, “Think of others first,” or “Don’t be an embarrassment, people are looking.” If you reflect on your upbringing, you may realize the influence that this has had on your actions and motivations and on the way you view life. No matter how old you are you may still be dealing with this conditioning without even realizing what kind of impact it is having on your attitude. Today is a most precious treasure. When you wake up in the morning, are you looking forward to what the day will bring? Do you feel good about yourself? If so, you will share that feeling of joy with everyone you meet. However, many of us have gone through times when it’s difficult to see the precious gift of each day. Somehow, through our social or cultural training, we forget to take care of our own spiritual development while we are busy making sure that we are taking care of the needs of others. True generosity or giving, dana, is a commendable practice, but if we do things because we would otherwise feel guilty or selfish, then it isn’t true dana. Deep down, negative feelings take root and become frustrations that mar our precious day so that we really can’t rejoice in it with others. Yet it takes a lot of effort to look honestly at ourselves, discover our real motivations and see our true nature. Do you ever say to yourself, “I should do this,” “I shouldn’t think that,” “I’m not the only one suffering,” or “I don’t want to put other people out…?” As human beings, we do have limitations no matter how kind, loving and giving we want to be. This is what Shinran Shonin talked about when he spoke of nishujinshin, recognizing that because we can never be perfect, the infinite light of wisdom and compassion always shines upon us. But it takes an effort to look at our true selves and admit that we can’t be wonderful at all times, and to accept that this is okay and we are doing our best. We have to feel good about ourselves before we can truly help others. At such times, our sincerity will really be felt and appreciated and our actions will be jewels sparkling in that precious day. Ego, sometimes disguised as duty, is very tough to overcome. It’s difficult to declare that we have limits. It is true that at this very moment and in this very situation we may believe that we are the only one who is perfectly fitted for a task but in the long run, the job will get done whether we’re there or not. So how do we deal with ourselves? We can always look to the Dharma for guidance – to seek to awaken ourselves from frustrations and the causes of frustration, including social conditioning. Values change. Society changes. Only the truth of the Dharma does not change. However, we can only realize the working of the Dharma within ourselves; this is the only way each of us can verify its truth. Our own ego is where the problem begins and ends; awareness of the way things truly are is what allows us to understand the true value of life and see each day as a precious treasure. We might notice that despite the daily frustrations that take place in our own minds, there are countless enlightening moments carrying us along, whether under the hot shower or in a child’s smile. If we can only stop and put things into perspective, to notice the cause of our discomfort and not be so hard on ourselves, then maybe we can notice that the sun is shining even when we think we are being less than perfect. This is when we awaken to genuine gratitude -- a gratitude for having been shown the truth of the real situation. Remember, we are not yet Buddhas so it is impossible to bring others out of their suffering unless we can first help ourselves. Once we realize the root of our own frustrations, then the issues and problems of others can be appreciated and dealt with in their real sense and we are no longer trying, arrogantly, to do something good or noble. To find compassion for ourselves is to find true compassion for others and only then can we sincerely and happily serve and connect with those around us. It is important to wake up to the Buddha-nature that is inherent within all of us. This means that all of us do care for the welfare of all sentient beings and that we are all on the bodhisattva path. However, in the bodhisattva ideal, there is no giver, no receiver, and no gift. The bodhisattva is aware that there is no self and therefore no need to do things out of duty, or guilt, or gaining merit for oneself. But note that it takes such beings an indescribably long time to arrive at this state. As human beings, we have glimmerings of that nature within us and it manifests itself when our actions are spontaneous and done without calculation. At these times, we truly share happiness with others and we recognize the value of life. If you don’t wake up every morning looking forward to another precious day, then follow the Dharma and look for your true self. Accept yourself with all your imperfections and flaws and don’t beat yourself up for failing to be a Buddha. Then make yourself a cup of coffee, enjoy it, and share that warmth with others. Today will never come to us again. Today is the most precious treasure. Namo Amida Butsu
	Back to: Top \| Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones BY REV. WILLILAM BRIONES JIHO NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2004 Thoughts on Eitaikyo Memorial Service as we prepare for the Centennial Every morning since our groundbreaking ceremony, almost seven months ago, I’ve pulled into our Betsuin’s parking lot and on my way into the temple, I’ve checked on the progress of our new Nokotsu-do and Wisteria Chapel. It’s hard to believe how quickly construction has progressed and that in about a year from now, we will be occupying the building as we celebrate the Betsuin’s 100 Year Anniversary. It is truly the foresight and commitment of our Betsuin leaders to have purchased the property just west of the Betsuin in 1999, for the sole purpose of constructing a Nokotsu-do where the remains of loved ones can be stored, and a small chapel where services can be conducted. However, in all this excitement and anticipation, we should not forget why and how this was made possible. It is through the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of our past members of the Betsuin … be it our parents, friends or relatives, many of whom have passed away. In November, many of our Jodo Shinshu temples will be observing their Eitaikyo Memorial Service. Eitaikyo literally means the "perpetual chanting of sutras". This is because for as long as our temples are in existence, memorial services are held for all deceased members. It is a time for those who are living to acknowledge and express our gratitude to our past members and loved ones. For it is through their dedication that our temple continues. And, most importantly, it is through their transmission of the teachings, that we are able to hear the Dharma today. It is clear that the Issei pioneers intent was to establish a firm Jodo Shinshu foundation here in the Los Angeles Area. Not only did they give monetarily, but also their heart and body to build a temple. The Isseis have endured many adversities throughout their lifetime, yet despite of their continued hardships they were still able to establish and maintain our temples for their children. To conduct and participate in our annual Eitaikyo service is to acknowledge the fact we are able to enjoy the benefits of the lives of those who have passed before us. To truly acknowledge this fact and express our gratitude is a true manifestation of the "perpetual chanting of Sutras" As we observe our Annual Eitaikyo Memorial Service, let us reflect upon the countless causes and conditions that enabled us to be who we are and the numerous lives that are responsible for our beautiful temple and the soon to be realized Nokotsu-do and Wisteria Chapel. To truly understand this, we are able to inwardly realize the wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha and outwardly live with gratitude for the life made possible for us not only by the Issei pioneers but to all our deceased members and loved ones. The realization of this truth moves us forward to the future knowing that the thoughts, words, deeds of our past members and loved ones continue to embrace us.
	Back to: Top \| Rimban George Matsubayashi \| Reverend Usuki \| Reverend Briones Copyright © 2004 by Nishi Hongwanji L.A.