Sands of the Ganges - Southern Alameda County Buddhist ...
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SEPTEMBER 2020
I am a link in the Buddha’s golden chain of love that stretches around the world. I must keep my link bright and strong. I will try to be kind and gentle to
every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself. I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and
beautiful deeds, knowing that on what I do now depends not only my happiness or unhappiness, but also that of others. May every link in the Buddha’s golden chain
of love become bright and strong,and may we all attain perfect peace.
Sands of the Ganges
A few years ago, I had the chance to go on a Buddhist pilgrimage to India and Nepal. There, I was able to
go to such places as Buddhaghayā, where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, Sarnath, the
place where the Buddha gave his first Dharma talk, and to Rājagṛiha, where the Buddha taught about the
Larger sutra and Contemplation sutra, the two texts that are most important to our tradition of Buddhism.
One of the places that I will never forget is the Ganges river. The Ganges river is considered a sacred and
holy place to many religious traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Many Buddhist sutras talk about
the Ganges river. At the bank of the river there are many people who are meditating, chanting, playing
music, and there are even outdoor crematoriums. Although I did not see this personally, there are funerals
that take place where the dead body is ritualistically sent off. The water of the river is considered to be holy
so it is not uncommon to see people bathe in the water. The day I went to the river, I saw one person
bathing, another person brushing his teeth, and further down there were people washing their clothes.
Needless to say, the water is very polluted and dirty. But there is nothing like the experience of being there
with all of the sights, sounds, and smells. I went on a small boat onto the water.
What I will never forget about the Ganges river is the morning sun. The rising sun is extremely glorious and
there is nothing like it. Everything shines brightly and the sun looks a lot larger than usual. The river shines
brightly and the sparkles of the waves are so beautiful. It is no wonder why so many sutras talk about the
brilliance of the Ganges.
Recalling the experience of the river, I remember reading about one story that the Buddha taught. Once the
Buddha asked his disciple, “Which one has more sand, the amount in the palm of my hand or the amount on
the earth”?
The disciple replied, “The amount of sand on the earth is greater.”
Śākyamuni replied, “That’s correct. The amount of living beings in this world is as great as the number of
grains of sand on this earth. But those who have been given the opportunity to live as human beings is as
rare as the number of grains of sand in my hand.”
Now the Buddha scooped a small portion of the sand that was on his palm onto the top of a nail of one of his
fingers and then asked the following, “Between the amount of sand in the palm of one hand and the amount
of sand on top of the nail of my finger, which is greater”?
The disciple replied, “Of course there is much more sand in the palm of the hand than on the nail. There is
only a small portion of sand on the nail.”
Śākyamuni nodded his head deeply. “That’s correct. Even though we have been given the opportunity to
live as human beings, the amount of people who encounter the Buddha Dharma are as rare as the number
of grains of sand on the top of this finger. That is why we must greatly respect this rare opportunity in
which We have been able to encounter the Buddha Dharma.”
To be able to encounter the Buddha Dharma is a rare and wondrous event that is truly “difficult to be” or
arigatai. Just like the small amount of grains of sand on top of the nail, we have been given the rare
opportunity as sentient beings, to be able to hear and receive the Buddha Dharma that is the nembutsu
teaching. Śākyamuni expounds the teaching of Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow and we are now able to hear
and receive it. Let us be immersed in the light of Amida, like the grains of sand on the bank of the Ganges
river in the morning sun. Namo Amida Butsu.
すな
ガンジス川の砂
なんねん まえ ぶっせきさんぱい とき
何年か前に仏跡参拝で、インドとネパールに行くチャンスがありました。その時、ブダガヤ
しゃくそん さと ひら い ばしょ しゃくそん はじ ほうわ ばしょ
（ 釈 尊 が悟りを開かれたと言われている場所）、サルナート（ 釈 尊 が初めて法話をされた場所
しょてんぽうりん りょうじゅせん しゃくそん ぶっせつむりょうじゅきょう ぶっせつかんむりょうじゅきょう と じょうどきょう
「初転法輪」）、霊 鷲 山 （ 釈 尊 が『仏説無量寿経 』と『仏説観無量寿経 』を説かれた浄 土 教
もっと だいじ きょう ちいき い きちょう りょこう かん
に 最 も大事なお 経 ）などの地域に行くことができました。とても貴重な旅行だと感じさせてい
ただきました。
いがい いっしょうわすれ ばしょ がわ かわ
しかし、それ以外に 一 生 忘 れられない場所がありました。それはガンジス川です。ガンジス川
きょう ぶっきょう しゅうきょう もっと だいじ あつかせいち い かわ
というところはヒンズー 教 や 仏 教 などの 宗 教 が 最 も大事に扱う聖地だと言われています。川
い めいそう きょう どくじゅ でんとうてき おんがく ひ ひと ようす み
ぞいに行くと、瞑想、お 経 の読誦や、伝統的な音楽を弾いている人たちの様子などが見えます。
ちが せかい はい こ かん かそうじょう ちか なく ひと
まるで違う世界に入り込んだ感じがします。さらに、火葬場も近くにあり、亡くなられた人のお
こつ かわ なが わたし み はなし そうぎ あと したい かわ なが
骨を川に流すことや、 私 は見ていませんが 話 によると、葬儀の後に死体もそのまま川に流す
ぎしき かわ しんせい みず なが しん ひと
儀式もあるそうです。また、川に神聖な水が流れていると信じられているため、たくさんの人た
かわ からだ あら わたし み ひとり からだ あら となり ひと は
ちは川で 体 を洗うこともあります。 私 が見たのは、一人が 体 を洗っていて、その 隣 の人は歯
みが ひと ちか せんたく ひと みず じっさい い
を磨いていて、そしてその人の近くに洗濯をしている人もいました。水は実際にきたないのは言
おな ばしょ わたし ちい ふね の かわ うえ あさひ のぼ ま
うまでもないです。その同じ場所から 私 たちは小さな船に乗り、川の上で朝日が登るのを待ちま
した。
わす がわ あさひ ふうけい うつく なん い ことば せつめい
忘れられないのがガンジス川の朝日です。風景の 美 しさは何とも言えません。言葉で説明できま
しゃしん と あさひ で すべ かがや たいよう ふつう かたち おお
せん。写真でもうまく取れません。朝日が出ると全てのものが 輝 き、太陽も普通の 形 より大き
み あたた てら いろ きょう よ
く見え、また 暖 かいまろやかな照らしかたでした。「なるほど、それで色んなお 経 を読むとガ
がわ はなし で かん
ンジス川の 話 が出るんだな」と感じました。
かんれん しゃくそん おしえ お も い だ とき しゃくそん で し たい しつもん
これに関連する 釈 尊 の 教 えを思い出します。ある時、 釈 尊 が弟子に対して質問をされました。
て すな かず だいち すな かず おお き
「この手のひらの砂の数と大地の砂の数は、どちらが多いでしょう」と聞きます。
で し こた だいち すな かず ほう おお
弟子がこう答えました。「大地の砂の数の方が多いです」と。
しゃくそん こた とお よ の な か い だいち すな かず
釈 尊 はうなずいて答えました。「その通りです。この世の中に生きているものは大地の砂の数く
にんげん いのち めぐ て すな かず
らいたくさんいるけれど、人間として 命 を恵まれるものは、手のひらの砂の数ほどわずかなもの
なのですよ」と、おっしゃいました。
こんど て すな ゆびのつめ かさ しつもん
そして、今度は手のひらの砂を指の爪ですくい、重ねて質問されました。
て かず ゆびのつめ うえ すな かず おお
「手のひらの数と、指の爪の上の砂の数は、どちらが多いでしょう」。
で し こた て すな かず ほう おお ゆびのつめ うえ すな かず
弟子は答えました。「もちろん手のひらの砂の数の方が多いです。指の爪の上の砂の数は、ほん
のわずかです」
しゃくそん ふか とお おな にんげん めぐ
すると、 釈 尊 が深くうなずきました。「その通りです。同じ人間としていのちを恵まれながら、
ぶつ おし で つめ うえ すな かず にんげん
仏の教えに出あえるものは、ほんの爪の上の砂の数くらいしかないのです。だからこそ、人間と
めぐ ぶっぽう で たいせつ い
していのちを恵まれ、仏法に出あえたことを大切にしなければなりません」と言われました。
ぶっぽう で ひと まれ ほんとう あ かた
したがって、仏法と出あえる人は稀にしかないのであり、本当に「有ることが難しい」、つまり
ありがた ゆびのつめ うえ すな かず わたし ぶっぽう で
「有難い」ことであります。指の爪の上の砂の数のように、 私 たちは仏法と出あえたのであり、
ねんぶつ おし で しゃくそん あ み だ に ょ ら い ほんがん と わたし
つまりお念仏の教えと出あえたのです。 釈 尊 は、阿弥陀如来のご本願を説きあらわし、 私 たち
ちょうもん がわ ちい すな あさひ
はそれを 聴 聞 することができるのであります。そして、ガンジス川における小さな砂が朝日のぬ
てら わたし あ み だ に ょ ら い ひかり いだ
くもりに照らされているように、 私 たちはともに阿弥陀如来の 光 に抱かれているのです。
がっしょう
合掌
BWA NEWS As COVID 19 continues to spread and we continue to shelter in place, we are cancelling the following events previously scheduled: October 3 & 4, 2020 and March 6 & 7, 2021 – Rummage Sales Please DO NOT BRING rummage sale items to church. You can take your donations to St. Vincent de Paul, Hope Station or Goodwill. These places are now open and are taking donations. October 3, 2020 – Book exchange. We are hoping we can reschedule it for March 6, 2021. December 6, 2020 – Year end celebration Thank you for your continued support for our organization. Please keep safe and wear your mask!
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE Hi Everyone, As things keep changing and not always for the better, I want to keep everyone updated on what we’re doing at SACBC. Our facilities remain closed and none of our affiliated or sponsored groups are planning on returning to our facility in the fall. Victoria continues to staff our office virtually and comes by a few times a week to check the mail. Please check with her if you need to come to the office for any reason. All other California BCA temples remain closed as well. The BCA and BCA Ministers are meeting to keep updated and assess the situation. Realistically I don’t foresee much happening for the rest of the year and probably into early next year as well. Rev Miyaji has arrived and is getting settled in. He will be conducting services either by Zoom or recordings. I hope that many of you have met him virtually and he’s looking forward to meeting more of you. His regular days off will be Monday and Tuesday. As our Resident Minister, he will be available for any emergencies but please try to respect his time off. COVID Task Force Our task force has now developed detailed procedures for opening up again once it is safe. These are based on current state and county guidelines and may change by the time we do open. We have prepared by getting supplies including masks, no-contact thermometers, and hand sanitizer dispensers. So we’re ready whenever it’s safe to re-open but we’ll be conservative about actually opening up. Bazaar Dana A grand total of just over $9,000 was raised! A big thank you and arigato to everyone who generously donated. Even though we weren’t able to have our Bazaar this year, I’m glad that the spirit lives on until we can have our next one, hopefully next year. Bento Dinners Our bento dinners continue every Wednesday thanks to Royce and his team. Over 200 bentos are sold every week, and as of July, the program has raised $3,870. In addition, Island Grinds has made a special $1,000 donation. Thanks to everyone for supporting the program every week and special thanks to Royce and the bento team for continuing our only active fundraiser for now. Going forward, we will rely more on virtual Zoom events to “get together” while we have to remain apart. Stay tuned for more updates by email and on our website in addition to the monthly Golden Chain. Once again, every one please stay safe! In Gassho, Ken
Services for September, 2020
September 6, 2020 – No Service: Labor Day Weekend
September 13, 2020 – Shotsuki Hoyo
10 A.M.
At this monthly memorial service, we will honor those loved ones
who passed away in the month of September.
Rev. Miyaji will officiate this service online via ZOOM.
September 20, 2020 – Fall Ohigan Service
10 A.M.
Rev. Miyaji will officiate this service which will be pre-recorded
and available online.
"Traditionally, at Higan, the emphasis is placed on the observance of the Six
Paramitas which brings us to the “other shore” of Enlightenment.
In Jodo Shinshu, the Six Paramitas are not considered to be the practices necessary for
attaining Enlightenment, but are acts of gratitude for living this moment in
interconnectedness with all living beings."
September 27, 2020 – Bishop’s Memorial Service
10 A.M.
This Memorial Service is dedicated to all past and present
Buddhist Churches of America ministers
who have served as Bishop of the BCA.
Rev. Miyaji will officiate this service online via ZOOM.
Online Sunday Services:
SACBC Office is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. There will be one link for ALL
ZOOM Sunday Services going forward. This is a reoccurring ZOOM
meeting link that can be used every Sunday to access LIVE services at 10:00 AM.
Link to join Zoom meeting:
https://bit.ly/3gEVeDx
Meeting ID: 818 7869 6300 • Passcode: 549504
To dial in by phone, call 669 900 6833 (San Jose)
SEPTEMBER SHOTSUKI HOYO
Family, relatives and friends are invited to attend the monthly online memorial
service for the following on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM
DECEASED FAMILY
1943 Ken Enta Enta Family
1963 Senzaburo Kotake Mrs. Jean Kotake
1968 Suekichi Shimamura Ms. Merry Shimamura
1969 Shizue Tanaka Kitani Family
1986 Dorothy Kishiyama Kishiyama Family
1987 Chuck Shikano Shikano Family
1989 Yonetaro Tsurui Mrs. Alice Nagata
1990 Hideko Kajikawa Kajikawa Family
1990 Yutaka Handa Mr. Bill Handa
1990 Mary Shimamura Mr. Dave Shimamura
1991 Elsie Hamano Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hall
2000 Fumiyo Hisaoka Hisaoka Family
2001 Frank Fujitani Fujitani Family
2004 Fusako Shinagawa Mr. Roy Shinagawa &
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Myers
2005 Takashi Fred Tsurui Mrs. Joy Tsurui
2008 Ayako Hashimoto Dr. Walter Hashimoto
2009 Ted Inouye Mrs. Jenny Clark
2009 Muriel Sydney Brozowski Ms. Laura Brozowski
2009 Kari Mariye Morita Mrs. Keiko Okubo
2011 Masao Kato Mrs. Kyung Ja Kato
2013 Edwin Tanaka Mr. Mike Tanaka
2016 Ippei Usui Usui Family
2017 Michiwo Nakashima Mrs. Dianna Nakashima
2016 Ippei Usui Ms. Etsuko Miyazono
Kyuta Kishiyama Kishiyama Family
Cory Keiji Naruo Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Naruo
Chujiro Kamimoto Mr. & Mrs. Art Sakai
NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU
NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU
NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU
Memorial Service 2020
Memorial year for those who passed away in:
2019 – 1 year 2008 – 13 year 1988 – 33 year
2018 – 3 year 2004 – 17 year 1971 – 50 year
2014 – 7 year 1996 – 25 year 1921 – 100 year
If this is a special service year for a departed relative, please contact the church office at
(510) 471-2581 Or at sacbcoffice@gmail.com to schedule a memorial service.
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
gratefully acknowledges
Memorial & Special Donations – July 2020
Donor Dana In memory of
Memorial Donations
Hiroshi & Karen Teramura $50.00 Shotsuki Hoyo
Alan Arai $100.00 In memory of Hagi Arai & Haruye Arai
Mederu Dickson $50.00 In memory of Michael Dickson
Victor Fujii & Walter Fujii $50.00 In memory of Allyce Fujii
Harry & Yuki Hayashi $25.00 In memory of Shizuo Harada
Takiko Hatsushi $50.00 In memory of Suye Hatsushi
Nancy Dodd $15.00 In memory of Toshiko Hirashima
Adam & Stacy Cole $20.00 In memory of Toshiko Hirashima
Kiyoshi & Irene Katsumoto $100.00 In memory of Jusuke, Aki & Hideo Katsumoto
Takeshi Katsumoto & Eleanor Best $150.00 In memory of Jusuke, Aki & Hideo Katsumoto
Leah Kawahara $75.00 In memory of Haruko Kawahara
David & Lucille Misaki $50.00 In memory of Eio Misaki & Arthur Misaki
Karen Fujii $50.00 In memory of Eio Misaki & Arthur Misaki
Karen Fujii $100.00 In memory of Tadao Misaki
Yaeko Yasuhiro $25.00 In memory of Michi Nakamura
David & Charisse Feldman $100.00 In memory of Edward Ng
Timothy & Sadako Wong $50.00 In memory of Shizue Robertson
Satoshi & Kimiko Sekigahama $35.00 In memory of Kimiyo Sekigahama
Paul & Yukimi Nomura $30.00 In memory of Kimiyo Sekigahama
Yoshio & Darlene Fujiwara $25.00 In memory of Shige Sekigahama
TOTAL: $1,150.00
Donor Dana Description
Special Donations
Walter Fujii $25.00 In appreciation for masks
Sachi Fudenna $50.00 In appreciation for masks
Isao & Michiko Handa $50.00 In honor of Joy Tsurui's 100th Birthday
Sachi Fudenna $50.00 In honor of Joy Tsurui's 100th Birthday
Karen Fujii $100.00 Obon donation
TOTAL: $275.00
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
gratefully acknowledges
BAZAAR DANA
Memorial & Special Dana Donor Dana
Donations – July 2020
David & Alice Abe $100.00 Fred & Joyce Okimoto $100.00
Hirofumi & Miyoko Akahoshi $50.00 Edward Quan & $1,000.00
Joyce Noma-Quan
Nancy Dodd $50.00 JoAnn Rogers $100.00
Sachi Fudenna $300.00 SAC Kendo Dojo $25.00
Michiko Fujii $100.00 SAC Kendo Dojo $25.00
Karen Fujii $200.00 Arthur & Jessie Sakai $200.00
Alfred & Linda Fujikawa $100.00 Cindy Sakihara $40.00
Yoshio & Darlene Fujiwara $100.00 Shigeru & Teruko Sato $100.00
Larry Gissible $100.00 Satoshi & Kimiko Sekigahama $400.00
Kenneth & Carol Hall $100.00 James & Eleanor Sekigahama $100.00
Isao & Michiko Handa $100.00 William & Diana Shiba $200.00
Walter Hashimoto $25.00 Arlyne Shibata $100.00
Scott Hashimoto $100.00 Ellen Shiromizu $500.00
Takiko Hatsushi $500.00 Ken & Karen Suyama $250.00
Heiwa Taiko $100.00 Hiroshi & Karen Teramura $200.00
Mas & Aileen Hisaoka $30.00 Kevin Toda $100.00
Ralph Hughes & Amy Hatsushi- $500.00 Shig & Judy Tokubo $100.00
Hughes
Haruo & Grace Kasai $250.00 Gail & Calvin Tomita $200.00
Masato & Hiroko Kimotsuki $20.00 Yoneo Uchida $200.00
Shoge & Janet Kimura $50.00 Tetsuji & Lani Uemura $100.00
Walter & Diana Kitajima $200.00 Yasushi & Yoshie Yamada $200.00
Ken Matsubayashi & Cathleen $100.00 Miyako Yasuda $20.00
Yoshida
Sandra Maruyama $100.00 Yaeko Yasuhiro $100.00
Nancy Minamide $100.00 Hisao Yoko $20.00
Mary Misaki $200.00 George & Noriko Yoshidome $100.00
Jamie Nagata $100.00
Paul Nakao & Devon Hollander $30.00 Boutique donation:
George & Frances Nakamura $200.00 Steve Tanihara $130.00
TOTAL $8,515.00
THANK YOU for your dana!
OBITUARY
SACBC Sangha offers its sincere condolences to the families of Michi Handa, JoAnn
Rogers and Jeff Handa on the passing of our member, Isao “Ace” Handa. Ace was
94 years old and a 442 WWII veteran. He passed away on August 11th with Michi at
his side at the Umenoki senior home. A private memorial was held at a family
member’s home.
We also send our sympathy to the family of Sadie Yamamoto who passed away in
February.
May the family members find solace and comfort in the Nembutsu.
Namu Amida Butsu • Namu Amida Butsu • Namu Amida ButsuSchool Days!
Memories of those days when we were young and learning
reading, writing, and ’rithmetic.
For us Seniors, our memories are quite different than
those who are in school during this COVID-19 pandemic.
September is “Back to School” month!
There are two important schools at SACBC:
Dharma School and Japanese Language School.
SACBC Dharma School – by Cathleen Yoshida, Co-Superintendent
With fall comes the start of Dharma School. SACBC Dharma School has been off for the
summer. We didn’t even get to see each other for bazaar or Obon this year. I reached out to
the past Dharma School superintendents for their favorite memories of SACBC Dharma School.
Many of the past superintendents were dharma school students at SACBC!!
Gail Minamoto & Grace Joo
If memory serves, Grace had kinder and 1st, and I had 2nd-3rd, keeping the group as they
progressed. Between studying the Dharma, we made projects for holidays and ojuzus. We had
an overnight sleepover in the reception room and had a taiko lesson every once in a while.
Grace did Kamishibai, Japanese children’s story using slide picture show. One year, the children
performed a play for Hanamatsuri.
Noreen Osaki
Grace Joo and Gail Minamoto were before me. Those two started up the DS after it had been
dormant for several years. If they had not volunteer to do this, my family and a lot of others
would not have joined the temple. I am so grateful to them.
My favorite moments :
- Grace Joo’s slideshow stories. She’s a wonderful storyteller.
- The kids gaining confidence from participating in the service twice a month.
- Molly, Amy, and Annie teaching the kids Taiko and their pride when the kids performed.
Kathy Murai
I do recall having Kyle’s mom, Mrs. Helen Yamasaki, as a Dharma School teacher. She would
always greet me with a big smile and jovial demeanor. I recall making two projects at Dharma
School – (1) an Obutsudan made out of a cigar box (which I still have!) and (2) a purple and gold
felt Dharma wheel. My other vivid memory was how Mrs. Misaki (Karen Fujii’s mom) would wave
me over to sit next to her during service (I often went to service on my own because my parents
were working). Looking back, I have been blessed with the loving-kindness of so many in our
Sangha, and now my own children are fortunate to experience the same. Thank you, Cathleen
and Betty, and to all of the past Dharma School teachers and superintendents for all your hard
work and effort!Cindy Sakihara As a child, I remember attending Dharma school and being grouped into classrooms in the Hondo after service. In that era, we had sermons both in English and Japanese included in one service. There was an end of the year performance back then, and being as shy as I was, I would dread having to participate. During my elementary school years, I would rarely speak in class, but even so, I continued coming to church to hear the dharma messages. Surprisingly over time, with the comforts of being around my dharma school friends, eventually things didn't seem as daunting, and by the time I was in high school, a few Dharma School students and I entered a slide show contest with "The Adventures of Bud." (Bud standing for half a Buddha.) Who would have thought? Fast forward to adulthood, I was asked to teach Dharma school starting with the young ones. Although I had attended Dharma School as a child, being a teacher took things to another level! I knew about some of our religious holidays and a few concepts, but passing along the teachings of the Buddha had me worried. Thank goodness for lessons left behind of prior Dharma School teachers and the fresh insight provided by the Dharma school teachers workshops I attended. Lessons learned from sermons given by Reverends both at SACBC and the conferences I attended also helped to solidify ways to communicate some of the teachings. Little by little, I did my best in sharing some of the inspiring stories and concepts I was exposed to as I presented lessons to the next generation. Honestly, it was a learning process (and still is), but along the way, it was a joy to share what I had learned, and by doing so, it helped me reflect on my own understandings of what the teachings meant in my own life. I still remember how nervous I was with my first class. My Pre-K and Kindergarten students were much like young me: shy and did not like to perform. Over the years however, we became more comfortable with one another, and I was able to watch the same group of children develop into teenagers. With their fun personalities it was a delight watching them grow and soak in the teachings. Funny as it sounds, sometimes life has a way of going full circle. Betty Yamasaki worked with a group of them a few years back on a video entitled "I am a Link," (referencing the phrase "I am a link in the Golden Chain of love") and the kids went onto submit their performance for a video contest. Another fun fact is that most of these kids participated in Jr. YBA conferences and/or have shared the teaching of the Buddha with others in their daily lives, and I really am happy and proud of all them. When you ask me about a favorite memory as Dharma school student, teacher or superintendent, I guess I'd have to say it's all been good, and all the memories as a whole are my favorite. As I look back, being a part of the SACBC dharma family has been a gift. I am grateful for my experiences as student, teacher, and co-superintendent, and when I set my sights on the future, I look forward to seeing how my own students will share what they have learned and what the future holds for them. I too, look forward to continuing to learn what the teachings mean to me and how they shape my own life. A big thank you to all of my Dharma School teachers, friends, and superintendents of the past, and a shout out to those who currently are active SACBC Dharma school families, friends, teachers, and superintendents! Stay safe and healthy everyone, and please take care!
Cathleen Yoshida
Memorable Dharma School activities were the different creative Hanamasturi
performances: dances, plays, vidoes, and games. SACBC Dharma School is constantly
evolving – IMPERMANCE in action. I also enjoy the interaction of the students with the
seniors during Keiro Kai, and with the Sangha during Mochituski, Bazaar, and Obon.
Betty Yamasaki
Since COVID shutting down Dharma School since March, it's been a slow process of
trying to get Dharma School get up and running. However, we have been attending
workshops and planning DS opening for the fall, and hope to deliver wonderful
experiences with the help our new minister!
Japanese Language School – by Garret Murai
SACBC’s Japanese Language School, or “JLS” as it is commonly referred to, is one of the oldest
affiliated organizations of the temple and currently has approximately 60 students between
kindergarten and 12th grade. Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon during the
academic year and students can choose between Japanese (non-native speakers) and bilingual
(native speakers) classes. JLS is also one of the few Japanese language schools in the area in
which high school students can take classes for academic credit with permission of their high
school. Classes for high school students taking classes for high school language credit end at
2:00 p.m.
JLS' first Principal was Yoshie Yamada, and many of the traditions started by Mrs. Yamada
continue today, including Undokai (think Japanese kid Olympics), Mochitsuki (Japanese New
Year’s rice pounding, although that description doesn’t nearly do it justice), and, of course, Radio
Taiso (morning calisthenics which you can hear in the mornings: “ichi!,” “ni!,” “san!,” shi!,” “go!”).
JLS also participates in many of the temple’s fundraising activities including Bazaar where, in
recent years, JLS has helped at the game booth and curry booth. In fact, in tribute to Mrs.
Yamada, JLS has “Mrs. Yamada’s Curry” aprons that you may see its volunteers wearing, since
JLS still follows the recipe used by Mrs. Yamada.
COVID has impacted JLS just as it has other schools, communities and the world at large.
Following the Governor’s shelter-in-place order in March the school stopped holding in-person
classes and moved all classes online. It was a new learning experience not only for the students
but for the teachers as well. As the pandemic continued into April, May, and June, and JLS held
online graduation ceremonies for its graduating seniors the first Saturday in June, it became a
learning experience in other ways as well. It was a lesson in gratitude. Gratitude for the pre-pandemic days when students were able to see their friends at JLS, gratitude for the friendships JLS made possible between students, families and teachers, and gratitude that everyone was healthy and safe. JLS will continue to hold online classes while the pandemic is still a threat, and while it’s unknown what the future will hold for JLS, two Japanese phrases describing a very particular Japanese mind-set come to mind as to how JLS will confront any changes before it: (1) Shikata ga nai; and (2) Ganbatte! Two phrases that appear contradictory on their face, but in many ways, are just two sides of the same coin. Rev. Dr. Hoshu Matsubayashi When I came to SACBC, no high school in the area was teaching Japanese Language. Keiko Okubo went with me to the school district offices and worked with them so that students attending Japanese classes at SACBC could earn high school credit for graduation. My three sons each earned 2 years of language credit by attending JLS. I remember Kathy Hiramine Murai attended JLS. My granddaughter Allison is now taking Japanese at Mission San Jose High School. She attended SACBC’s Japanese School for a few years. I am glad to see that SACBC’s Japanese Language School is doing so well.
Our “favorite” schools!
The Senior Outreach Team asked, “What was your favorite school?” and “Did you attend
school in a WWII camp?
Ken Suyama: my favorite school is Courtland High School in Courtland California. It’s no longer there -
torn down due to earthquake issues. A close second would be Cal! Berkeley, California
Karen Suyama: Mira Vista Elementary School, Richmond, California
Michi Handa: Attended Grades 7 - 9 in Topaz, Utah, WWII camp; Washington High School, Fremont,
California. My son and daughter graduated from Washington High years later!
Ace Handa: Herbert Hoover Jr. High School, San Francisco, California; San Ramon High, San Ramon,
California; Canal High School, Gila River, Arizona, WWII camp.
Sachi Fudenna: Grades 7-9 in Topaz, Utah, WWII camp; Washington High School, Fremont, California.
My children graduated from Washington High School years later! The athletic stadium is named in honor of
my late husband, Tak Fudenna.
Bill Sawasaki: George Washington High School, San Francisco, California
Nina Sawasaki:, Herbert Hoover Jr. High School, San Francisco, California
Ruth Miyasato: Wallace Rider Farrington High School, Honolulu, Hawaii
Shoge Kimura: St. Louis University Dental School, St. Louis, Missouri.
Camp - Amache located near Granada, Colorado
Mary Misaki: Sacramento High School (1937) Sacramento, California
Jerry Tahira: thru HS grew up in Japan, move to US and attended Mt. Diablo High School, Concord,
California
Judy Tokubo: EA Hall School (Jr. High), Watsonville, California - she admired the teachers here so much,
she decided she wanted to be a Jr. High teacher
Gail Tomita: Roosevelt High School, Honolulu, Hawaii
John Uchida: an agricultural high school in Southern Kagoshima, Japan
Joyce Quan: UC Santa Barbara (1970’s), Santa Barbara, California
Paul Nakao: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Mary Nakagawa: camp memory (didn’t have a favorite school):
Canal Camp 1 in Gila, Arizona (Elementary school years)
Jo Ann Rogers: Washington High School, Fremont, California
Pat Takemoto: Cal, Berkeley, California
Karen Fujii: Central High School, Omaha, Nebraska. AND Cal, Berkeley, California
Thank you, Seniors, for sharing your favorite schools and experiences.
As the 2020-2021 School year begins, may all students meet the challenges of learning
by whatever methods are offered. May all teachers and school personnel meet the
challenges of making education effective while being safe.
We are all life-long learners of the DharmaWhat’s Up Dharma School?
Due to COVID-19, Dharma school 2019-2020 was on hold. However, with the coordination and help of
SACBC Jr.YBA, we were able to celebrate with a senior graduation drive through for Zoe Sekigahama.
We are happy to announce that we will resume DS with registration for Dharma School 2020-2021 starting
on August 30 (Sunday). We will be offering elementary level classes and Jr.High to High School level
classes. With the current CDC guidelines, we will begin with distance learning on the zoom platform.
More information to come. Coordination with our new minister, Rev.Miyaji is in the works. (Welcome
Rev. Miyaji!)
A look ahead, we will be planning COVID edition for Keirokai...be ready to share your talents!
If your child is interested in joining Dharma School for 2020-2021, please email Betty Yamasaki (at
byamasaki@yahoo.com) so we can invite you on Aug.30. (DS members from last year will automatically
get an invite.)
Stay safe and healthy!
In Gassho,
Cathleen and Betty
Dharma School Co-Superintendent 2020–2021
Wildfire is a serious threat to lives, property and natural resources in California.
You can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your property by
preparing well in advance of a wildfire.
Visit the CAL FIRE website to create your own wildfire Action Plan.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
If you have an emergency, call 911
CALFIRE: 916-653-5123
Website: http://www.fire.ca.govSACBC Bento Fundraiser by Chef Royce Mori
Wednesdays: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 3 – 4 PM
SACBC and Chef Royce are continuing the Pick-Up Bento service to SACBC Members (Wednesdays only).
To order: Call and leave a message at church: 510-471-2581 or Email: SACBCOffice@gmail.com
Order deadline: Mondays at NOON! No late orders, please.
Pick Up: Wednesdays, 3PM – 4 PM. Sangha Hall Lobby (Runners will bring food out to the cars),
SACBC, 32975 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA
Payment: There are five options for paying:
! Paypal: sacbc.treasurer1@gmail.com
! Venmo: sacbc.treasurer1@gmail.com
! Credit card: VISA, Mastercard
! Check made out to: SACBC in a sealed envelope with your name & address on the outside.
! Cash: Exact amount in a sealed envelope with your name and address on the outside.
——————————— SEPTEMBER MENU ————————————
Deadline Pick Up:
Monday Sangha MEAT VEGETARIAN
Noon Hall
Aug 31 Sept 2 Chicken Adobo $17
Braised Tofu & Green Bean Adobo $15
Mixed Green Salad w/Calamansi
Mixed Green Salad w/Calamansi Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette
Eggplant Salad
Eggplant Salad
Vegetable Pancit (rice noodles)
Vegetable Pancit (rice noodles)
Vegetable Lumpia (egg roll)
Vegetable Lumpia (egg roll)
Steamed White Rice
Steamed White Rice
Sept 7 Sept 9 Teri Beef Katsu $17 Soy Braised Kabocha & $15
Cabbage Salad w/Creamy Sesame Shimejii Mushrooms
Dressing Cabbage Salad w/Creamy Sesame Dressing
Roasted Broccoli Roasted Broccoli
Asparagus Asparagus
Steamed White Rice Steamed White Rice
Sept 14 Sept 16 Tonkotsu Ramen $16 Ramen Salad $14
(Chashu Pork Belly, Corn, Spinach, (Crispy Tofu, Corn, Spinach, Soft Boiled Egg,
Soft Boiled Egg, Green Onions) Green Onions, Crispy Shallots, Sesame-Soy
2 spam musubi Dressing)
2 Age Musubi (marinated tofu skin musubi)
Sept 23 Oyako Donburi $16 OdenVegetables $15
(Chicken, egg, & veggies over rice) Wasabi Caesar Salad
Wasabi Caesar Salad Vegetable Gyoza
Vegetable Gyoza Wok Fired Baby Choy Sum
Wok Fired Baby Choy Sum Steamed White Rice
Sep 28 Sep 30 Filipino Breakfast For Dinner $16 Filipino Breakfast For Dinner $14
Tocino (pan fried sweet cured pork) Mushroom & Tofu Sautee
Garlic Rice Garlic Rice
Fried Egg Fried Egg
Tomato Salsa/Chutney Tomato Salsa/Chutney
Sautéed Green Beans Sautéed Green Beans!"#$ %&'("$ )#*$&+,- .&+/
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Y$&< #B (' %+' G"2& 9&*2#('DSEPTEMBER EVENTS 6 Sun No Service – Labor Day Weekend 7 Mon Office Closed – Labor Day Observance 13 Sun 10:00 AM – Shotsuki Hoyo online 20 Sun 10:00 AM – Fall Ohigan Service online 27 Sun 10:00 AM – Bishop’s Memorial Service online
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