GEDATSU COMPANION - Gedatsu Church of America

November 2015
Vol. 66 No. 11
GEDATSU COMPANION
GEDATSU CHURCH USA
www.gedatsu-usa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
4
5
6
7
9
News and Announcements
Dear Reverend: “I have no problems,
so why do I need Gedatsu?”
Around Our Church: Rummage Sale
and Autumn Moon Festival
Personal Experiences
Gedatsu Kongo’s Post-War
Sermons 9 and 10 and Commentary
Offerings and Upcoming Events
Gedatsu Kongo’s
Thought for the Month
“When you work on everything with
appreciation, complaints won’t come
from your mouth.”
Humans have a strong tendency to
put themselves first with everything.
When things go smoothly, we feel good
and content. But when things don’t work
out as we expect, we complain. It is
difficult for us to be aware of this and
change. But if we simply accept this, we
won’t be able to live a happy life.
What should we do then? We need
actual practice to change our egotistical
tendencies.
When you wake in the morning,
first pray to God and say, “Thank you very
much for allowing me this precious life
today. I will try my best in my duties.
Please guide me most appropriately.”
During the day, try your best to work with
appreciation.
If you try to live every day in this
way, your selfish tendencies will gradually
transform into appreciation. You will
then become happier.
NOVEMBER 2015
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun
8 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation
Gedatsu Kongo Birthday
Sun 22 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun
1 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Gedatsu Kongo Memorial Service
Sun 8
Church Open (until noon)
Sun 15 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
7-5-3 Chldren’s Celebration
Gedatsu Kongo Birthday Service
Regional Board Meeting
Sat 21 7:00 am Stateline Casino Turnaround
Sun 22 10:00 am English Kanshakai Service
Ajikan Meditation / “Life in Your 20s”
“Gedatsu 101”
Thu-Fri 26 & 27
Church Closed (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Sun 29
Church Closed
DECEMBER 2015
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 13 9:30 am Last Sunday Service of the Year,
All Souls Service, Archbishop Kishida
Memorial Service and Church Clean-up
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun
6 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Archbishop Kishida Memorial Service
Sun 13 10:00 am Church Clean-up
Sun 20 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Christmas Service
Thu – Thu 24-31
Church Closed
Web 30
Church Open (until noon)
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Autumn Moon Festival Raffle Winners
Order Your Kuyo Plaques Now
The Los Angeles Church Autumn Moon Festival was
held in early October. [Read more about the Festival
event on page 5.] Congratulations to the following
winners of the Festival raffle:
Amacha Kuyo plaques should be replaced the beginning
of each year. Therefore, in order for you to have new
plaques by New Year 2016, please complete the order
form inserted in the October newsletter and mail it
without delay to your local church, along with your check
for payment.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Joan Antnovich Apple Watch Sport
Aurora Chodor
goPro Hero camera
Carrie Furukawa Beats by Dr. Dre headphones
David Irie
Fitbit
Miyako Kadogawa Halloween decorated doll
We thank the following firms, organizations and
individuals for prize donations: Monterey Park
Mustangs Basketball Club, Gedatsu USA Kendo Dojo,
J. Morey Insurance, Nippon Kenpo Gedatsu Dojo, and
anonymous donor.
Children Ages “7, 5 and 3” To Be Celebrated
If you have children, grandchildren, nieces and/or
nephews who are seven, five or three years old, the
L.A. Church urges you to have them participate in the
Shichi-go-san (Seven, Five, Three) Festival, which will
be held on Sunday, November 15. Following the
Japanese tradition, we will pray at the Ujigami shrine
for the children’s good health and happy lives. Please
complete the “7-5-3” application form, which is
available in the church office.
Casino Bus Turnaround – Date Change
L.A. members and friends will travel by bus to
Stateline, NV, for fun and games on Saturday,
November 21. The bus leaves the L.A. Church at 7 a.m.
If you’re interested in going, sign up at the church.
Cost is $35 (+ tip for driver) per person. Free buffet is
included.
The Church recommends that members perform Amacha
Kuyo with at least five basic plaques:
 Ancestral souls
 Unrested souls connected to the family and
ancestors
 Unrested souls connected to negative thoughts
 Unrested spirit of wasted entities
 Spirit of all living things
Show your appreciation for your old Kuyo plaques, then
wash, dry and return them to your local church. They will
be burned in a plaque-burning service in Sacramento in
the spring.
Renew Your Church Membership for 2016
Gedatsu Church USA is supported entirely through
pledges, donations and membership dues. As a member,
your annual dues help pay for everything from building
maintenance and utilities to member programs.
Please renew your membership dues now. Mail or
deliver your check – made payable to Gedatsu Church
USA – to your nearest church branch. Payment
envelopes are available at the church.
Individual
$45
Family
$70
Additional Fees
Women’s Club (Toban) $5
Year-End Membership Roster – Any Changes?
The 2016 annual “Seasons Greetings” roster of
members is currently being updated. Please check the
2015 roster, and advise Rev. Naoya Okano at the L.A.
Church if you have any changes to your mailing
address, phone number and/or email address. All
changes must be received by December 1.
Note new e-mail address for Rev. Okano:
[email protected].
Obituaries
Long-time L.A. Gedatsu Church member, Tomiko Konishi,
passed away on October 10 at the age of 92. She is
survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Hatsumi and
Jon Inouye; son and daughter-in-law, Masaji and Ada
Konishi; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
2|Page
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Remembering, Celebrating the “Heart & Soul” of a
Beloved Community Volunteer
This summer’s Tanabata Festival in L.A.’s Little Tokyo was
dedicated to the memory of Nancy Kikuchi, a beloved
community activist who passed away last year. In line
with the Festival’s theme, “Heart & Soul,” the L.A.
Gedatsu Church designed one of its two decorative kazari
entries in the competition expressly to honor Ms. Kikuchi.
Although it received no formal recognition in the event,
the kazari was acknowledged by the Kikuchi family, which
was so touched and impressed by the entry that they
asked the L.A. Church for permission to keep it.
Moved by family’s personal request, the L.A. Church
invited the Kikuchi family to formally receive the kazari.
Thus, at the church’s September 20 Sunday service,
member Jo Ann Shiroishi, on behalf of the L.A. Gedatsu
Church, presented the Kikuchi family with the kazari and
paid tribute to Nancy Kikuchi, whose many community
volunteer efforts earned her the 2014 Community Spirit
Award from the Japanese American Cultural and
Community Center.
As part of the presentation ceremony, the L.A. Gedatsu
Sunday School presented the Kikuchi family with gift
baskets of Gedatsu products (amacha, amacha soup,
amacha candy). Following the presentation and service,
everyone enjoyed a barbecue lunch prepared by the
Gedatsu Women’s Group.
Gedatsu Teachers Participate in Memorable,
Moving Peace Event
Gedatsu teachers, Rev. Hisakazu Taki and Rev. Kazuo
Yamada, participated in the opening ceremony of the
International Day of Peace, an event hosted and
organized by the University of La Verne. Held on the
university’s campus in Pomona, Calif., on September 21,
the event recognized the 70th anniversary of the atomic
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – hosting speakers,
performers, atomic bomb survivors and a poster exhibit
to remember and reflect on the event.
Attending the presentation as special guests were Nancy
Kikuchi’s parents, two sisters and Dr. Miyako Kadogawa,
secretary of the L.A. Tanabata Festival Committee.
Gedatsu Church ministers participated in the International
Day of Peace event with representatives from other religious
organizations. Pictured above, from left, Rev. Taki; Stephen
Rohde, chairman of the board of Bend The Arc, a Jewish
community action group; Rev. Keishin Kako of the Koyasan
Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo; and Rev. Yamada.
L.A. Gedatsu Church member Cathy Harada introduced
Rev. Taki and Rev. Yamada to the event organizers, who
invited the Gedatsu teachers, together with Rev. Kako of
the L.A. Koyasan Buddhist Temple, to lead the peace
prayer at the opening ceremony.
Nancy Kikuchi’s family stands before the tanabata kazari that
was created by the Gedatsu Church Tanabata Committee in
honor of her memory. From left, June Kikuchi-Akers, sister;
May Kikuchi, mother; Donna Kikuchi-Hernandez, sister; and
Yasuo Kikuchi, father.
“About 70 individuals, mostly students, participated in the
opening ceremony,” said Rev. Taki. “Students created a
peace mandala, which they later dissolved as we chanted
Hannya Shingyo. We performed Amacha kuyo for the
atomic bomb victims, and invited everyone to pour
Amacha and join in the prayer for world peace.”
3|Page
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rose Princess Sarah Shaklan Named to
2016 Tournament of Roses Royal Court
L.A. Gedatsu Church’s very own Sarah Shaklan was
named in early October to serve on the seven-member
2016 Tournament of Roses Royal Court. Sarah, 17, a
high school senior at La Canada High School, is the
daughter of Stuart and Pamela Shaklan and the
granddaughter of Rudy and Arlene Tsujimura. She was
selected by the Tournament’s Committee from more
than 900 Pasadena-area young women, who were
judged on poise, speaking ability, academic
achievement and community and school involvement.
The coronation of the Rose Queen will take place on
October 22.
Sarah volunteers at Huntington Memorial Hospital and
The Ronald McDonald House, participates in AYSO
Soccer, works on the yearbook and is a member of the
Sierra Madre Interact Club. She enjoys photography,
reading and babysitting. Sarah plans to study criminal
justice and pre-law in college, with her sights set on
becoming a lawyer in the nonprofit sector.
As part of the Royal Court, Sarah’s reign includes
attending nearly 100 community and media functions
and acting as ambassador of the Tournament and the
Pasadena community – culminating with the Rose
Parade and Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day 2016.
A Princess in the Family. At the Tournament House in
Pasadena, Sarah is surrounded by proud family members:
From left, grandparents, Arlene and Rudy Tsujimura;
brothers, Andrew (11) and Jonathan (14); and parents, Pam
and Stuart Shaklan.
DEAR REVEREND
Q
I enjoy good health, have a fulfilling career and
am happily married. I have no problems. Why
do I need Gedatsu?
A
In our Gedatsu teaching, we learn that we are
allowed to live by the will of God. Our Founder,
Gedatsu Kongo, said, “We cannot, even for a second, be
separated from God. Therefore, the fundamental path of
human life is to be conscious of God, to communicate with
God and to live according to the Divine Will.” This is what
we call the Universal Law.
We cannot control our own heartbeat. We can’t
make our heart beat in time to music or stop our heart
from beating altogether. Functions of organs like our heart
are controlled by God, proving that we indeed are allowed
to live by the grace of God.
When I encountered the Gedatsu teaching 25 years
ago, I discovered something so revolutionary, so totally
opposite to my world and way of thinking. I felt as if my
soul had received a jolt of electricity. Paying respect to
God and ancestors, realizing the blessings of God and love
of ancestors, appreciation and requital – all these teachings
and ways of living were totally new to me. To me, Gedatsu
was like a ray of light coming out of the darkness.
“It is our duty as human beings to repay society
for the blessings we receive.”
You say you have no problems, but in truth, you
are just unaware of problems you should solve. Look
around you – at your family, your work, your community,
society and the world. Problems are everywhere. Even
though it may seem those problems have nothing to do
with you, you are interconnected to everything. Because
we are constantly receiving God’s blessings, it is our duty as
human beings to repay society for the blessings we receive.
One Gedatsu teacher called this repayment the “stake of
appreciation,” meaning that our requital to society forever
binds us to the heart of God.
The study of Gedatsu is far more than ensuring
happiness or success in health, career or marriage.
Gedatsu is knowing why we were born as human beings
and understanding our mission in life. That mission is to
live according to the Divine Will, in harmony with the heart
of God. Learning the Gedatsu teaching and putting the
teaching into practice fulfills our mission and leads to true
happiness.
Rev. George Matsuhashi
4|Page
AROUND OUR CHURCH
L.A. Church Rummage Sale
September Fundraiser Successful as Solo Event
The Mustangs organization is a local community
basketball club composed of 36 teams of boys and girls
ranging in age from kindergarten through high school.
The parents, family and friends of the Monterey Park
Mustangs support the Gedatsu Church as volunteers at
the Autumn Moon Festival in a unique and wonderful
relationship that benefits both organizations. More
than 150 Mustangs volunteers helped out at this year’s
Festival.
“Without the Mustangs’ help,” says Scott, “the Festival
could not happen.”
The L.A. Church rummage sale – traditionally held over
two days as part of the Autumn Moon Festival – was
held separately this year, on a Saturday in September. It
was a smart, strategic move, everyone agrees.
“Having the sale as a stand-alone event proved
successful,” says June Kizu, who directed the sale with
the help of many volunteers. “We had more space, folks
to help, time and energy. And as far as profits, we did
better on the one day than we have done over two days
in previous years. It was just a beneficial experience all
the way around. Many thanks to everyone who came
out to help and donate items for the sale.”
“The truth is,” says Mustangs board member Joyce
Matsui-Kunisaki, “we can never repay the Gedatsu
Church for all they have done for us.” Years ago, when
the Mustangs organization was struggling to survive,
Gedatsu members offered them expertise and
donations, helping them to grow and thrive.
“Our members are so thankful,” says Joyce, “and we
want to give back to the church any way we can.” [That
payback also included a generous donation toward the
purchase of the church’s new entrance sign.]
Autumn Moon Festival
Annual Event Overflows with Appreciation,
Friendship and Cooperation
This year’s Autumn Moon Festival, held over the first
weekend in October, would have been successful
regardless of profits, attendance or even weather. As it
turned out, the L.A. Gedatsu Church fundraiser
fortunately met all those objectives.
But the fundraiser’s real success, insists Scott Shiroishi,
one of the event planners, is the people – church staff,
members, friends, the Festival Committee and outside
support groups – that came together to make it happen.
And Scott cites one group of volunteers in particular –
the Monterey Park Mustangs Basketball Club – for the
event’s success year after year.
Dozens of volunteers from the Monterey Park Mustangs
organization helped out at the Autumn Moon Festival in a
remarkable display of appreciation, friendship and
cooperation between the Mustangs and the Gedatsu Church.
5|Page
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Exchange Ambassadors from Japan Recall Their
U.S. Experience
This summer, two women members from Gedatsu-kai
Japan – Junko Kato from Gedatsu Kendo, Goreichi,
and Maki Deguchi from the Goreichi office – spent
two weeks in the U.S. as participants in the
Ambassador Exchange Program. Starting in late June,
they visited members in Sacramento, Los Angeles and
Honolulu, and toured other U.S. sites. Below, they
recount their experiences in America.
Junko Kato:
My trip to America was a first-time-experience,
so I felt uneasy. But once I stepped foot in America
and began to work for the Rokujizo Bazaar, the fear
and uneasiness were gone quickly. That was because
we were warmly welcomed by reverends and
members, and I could feel everyone’s kindness in
communicating in Japanese and my poor English.
I discovered during the bazaar that everybody
really enjoyed working together. There was no barrier
between ages and sexes.
One of the most memorable experiences was
with Kenshi, Kendo students, at Gedatsu USA Kendo
Dojo in L.A. At the dojo, I saw students who practiced
hard for their own purposes. This reminded me of the
famous Kendo saying, “KO-KEN-CHI-AI,” which means
to strive for mutual understanding and improve
oneself through Kendo. I could put those words into
practice. It was great experience and motivated me
more in Kendo.
The other great experience was learning about
the history of Japanese-Americans. I learned about
the WWII concentration camps and how JapaneseAmericans had survived there, even though they had
to give up all belongings, such as money, property,
and even friends. It made me think how I live in
comfort and how I am blessed with anything.
In conclusion, I am grateful for everything I
received during the trip. I felt the grand nature of the
United States and learned many things in a country
which has a different history and sense of values from
my own. I believe that putting these experiences to
use is what I can do as a return to you. Thank you
very much.
Maki Deguchi:
I was slightly nervous when leaving Japan, but I
could relax and enjoy the visit to the U.S., thanks to the
kindness and hospitality of the reverends and members.
Also, the nature of U.S. Goreichi gave me power and
energy.
What was most memorable was the Rokujizo
Bazaar. I was glad that everybody talked to me and
tried to understand what I wanted to tell them in my
poor English. And I could see strong relationships among
reverends, members, and their friends and families, who
enjoyed working together with their happy smiles.
Through the Rokujizo Bazaar, I learned how great and
important it is to work for and help others.
Another unforgettable thing was learning about
the history of Japanese-Americans. By visiting the
Japanese-American National Museum in L.A. and
National Memorial Cemetery of The Pacific in Honolulu,
I learned how much the pioneers of Gedatsu Church USA
had to go through, and I appreciated their efforts in
establishing the churches.
Until now, I had no idea about Gedatsu in
America, but I discovered that we have many Gedatsu
friends and family overseas. I really appreciate being
given the chance to see all of you. We are looking
forward to seeing you at Goreichi in Kitamoto!
Exchange Ambassadors
Junko Kato, left, and Maki
Deguchi enjoyed the sights of
Monterey Bay and Big Sur
during their two-week trip to
California and Hawaii this
summer.
6|Page
OUR GEDATSU STUDY
Gedatsu Kongo’s Post-War Sermons
Translations and commentary by Rev. Hisakazu Taki
The following sermons were transcribed from recorded notes of the Founder’s teachings in the years
immediately following World War II, a time of material shortages and great hardship for the Japanese people
in post-war Japan.
Sermon 9: Kanshakai Service on April 1, 1947
Man is born into this world naked, and dies naked. We should then live each day without
selfish desires. Pray for world peace and people’s happiness. Keep to the middle path, being not
biased to the right or to the left. Have the virtue of modesty. Practice foolishness and poverty singleheartedly. This is true Gedatsu. I have encouraged you to make your best efforts at any moment. As
long as you use your foolish brain, you won’t be able to truly understand Gedatsu. Leave everything
to God. Try to keep the divine heart within you.
If we Japanese cannot recover from the war damage in a few years, we will be washed out
forever. Examine yourself deeply. Do you know how to hang yourself? As long as your feet are on the
ground, you cannot hang yourself. Your feet are still on the ground in your Gedatsu study just like a
person who fails to hang himself. Study and practice Gedatsu steadily. Never fall behind others.
You have to prepare for the future after my death. Make efforts to amass a spiritual legacy for
your descendants. Leaving a monetary fortune to your descendants is just like sowing the seeds of
their anxieties or purchasing a machine to produce prodigal sons. The spiritual legacy is the most
valuable wealth for your descendants. (Following this speech, Gedatsu Kongo talked about the
sacredness of the pilgrimage to the three sacred sites in Japan (Ise Shrine, Kashihara Shrine, and
Sennyuji Temple) that Gedatsu members have performed annually from the 1st to the 3rd of April.)
Comments on Sermon 9:
Keep in mind that this sermon was delivered under the difficult circumstances of the postwar Japan
occupied by the Allied Powers. In that difficult situation, Gedatsu Kongo urged members to seriously practice
Gedatsu for the prosperity of the country and their descendants in the future.
In his later years, Gedatsu Kongo often encouraged members to practice Gedatsu by saying, “Baka to
binbo to shi no keiko,” which literally means to practice foolishness, poverty, and death.
To practice foolishness means to maintain an attitude of humility, or to stay humble. In Steve Jobs’
commencement address at Stanford University, he encouraged students by saying, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish”
– meaning as long as you stay hungry and foolish, you can learn more and grow rapidly. Gedatsu Kongo’s
words, “Practice foolishness” carries the same meaning.
To practice poverty means to be aware that you are already blessed with plenty of wonderful things:
water, air, sunlight, food, clothing, shelter, etc.
To practice death means to be aware of the preciousness of your life.
I believe these simple words of Gedatsu Kongo contain the very essence of Gedatsu. Please try to
practice foolishness, poverty and death in your daily life for the happiness and prosperity of yourself and your
descendants.
Continued on page 8
7|Page
Post-war Sermons – Continued from page 7
Sermon 10: Kanshakai Service on May 1, 1947
April has gone before you even knew it. You wasted a month. I feel sorry for that. As long
as you were born into this world as human, you should be worthy of being human. Plants and
animals in the fields change each day. You should make one day’s progress since yesterday. You
should live each day with a fresh mind.
I say that the spirit of the Three Monuments in Goreichi will lead the world. The Sun
Spirit Monument represents the virtue of the sun. When you try to work hard each day with
sincerity just like the sun, you will be assured of happiness. The All Souls Monument was
dedicated in order to enshrine the spirits of all living things on earth, pay our respects, and express
our sincere appreciation for their daily blessings. The Monument of Encomium represents the
affectionate bond between master and disciples. If you kneel down and bow humbly before the
Three Monuments, and pray sincerely to God, you will be taught whatever you need.
I say again, all Japanese people, practice Gedatsu! Only when you practice Gedatsu, will
you be able to accept everything with gratitude. Without appreciation, you won’t be able to live a
single day. Remove the mask of conceit and examine yourself deeply. You will then be aware of
your stupidity.
You must get rid of conventionalism. If you can examine yourself, you will be guided most
appropriately by nature. The most miserable person in the world is the one who cannot feel
grateful to be born into this world as human. When you pray, don’t say empty words like a monk
says gibberish. When you pray to God with sincerity, you will be aware of the divinity within your
heart. Live with joy and gratitude. Society in general deviates from the law of humanity. How
can you improve yourself if you lack a sense of advancement? Please remember that Gedatsu
should be in your everyday life.
Comments on Sermon 10:
In this sermon, Gedatsu Kongo explained the significance of the Three Monuments again, and
encouraged us to practice Gedatsu. During his lifetime, Gedatsu Kongo established the Three
Monuments in Goreichi – the Sun Spirit Monument, All Souls Monument and Monument of Encomium
– as symbols of the Gedatsu teaching.
Especially in his final years, the Founder often said to members, “The Three Monuments in
Goreichi represent Gedatsu. After I die, please kneel down and bow deeply before the monuments to
pray sincerely. I will then teach you with my voiceless voice whatever you need.” Gedatsu Kongo did
not mean to request members to revere himself as a saint after he died, of course. By saying these
words, he wanted to encourage members to be confident in divine guidance and protection, and to be
sincere and humble in their Gedatsu study and practice.
Gedatsu is a very simple practice. Be aware that you are allowed to exist by God, and that you
have received immeasurable blessings from ancestors, people and everything on earth. Feel grateful
for the blessings, and pray for people’s happiness and world peace. Live each day with a fresh mind,
and sincerely perform your daily duties as a token of appreciation. This is the path to happiness for you
and for everyone. Remember that Gedatsu should be always in your daily life.
8|Page
SEPTEMBER 2015 OFFERINGS
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
$5–$49: M/M B. Ide, K. Chinen, T. Murakami, V. Matsuura,
F. Mills, M. Kubo, E. Ogawa, M/M R. Nakatani, S. Tanaka,
Y&S Shimazu, J. Tanaka, S. Taketa, M/M R. Ito, N. Johnston,
G. Hirami, M/M N. Chodor, M/M A. Shiroishi, V. Mizokami,
K&L Tsukamoto, K. Gibson, S. Tanaka, S. Taketa, D&J Tsuboi,
A. Okimura
$50–$99: M. Tahara, E,M&M Magauran, Y. Tateno,
V. Miyamoto, M/M S. Sekikawa, M/M C. Tanaka,
M/M S. Shaklan, H&C Tsujimura, M/M R. Nishida,
M. Fukushima, M/M P. Young, M/M K. Kuritani, J. Kaku,
K. Kuritani, T. Nagao, J. Tanaka, M/M K. Kuritani, T&I Hirami,
M Okada, Y. Oishi
$100+: K. Murakami, T. Matsumoto, S. Bush, K. Kitasoe,
VFW Nisei Post 8985, M/M M. Okada, M/M A. Nishino,
T. Wakabayashi, M/M A. Kishida, S. Yokota, Gedatsu USA
Kendo Dojo, S. Kaku, K&H Fujii, T&K Ishida, T. Fukushima,
H. Taki, J. Detwiler, T. & M. Nakamura, S&H Matsuhashi,
J. Shiroishi, N&Y Okano, R&N Ito, J&C Morioka, D. Shiroishi,
F. Miyamura, K&Y Yamada, H&A Kumashiro, M. Michiuye,
T. Okimura, M. Numata, F. Mills, M/M B. Hamamoto,
M/M A. Akashi
$200+: S. Nishino, A. Sebe, S. Matsuda, Senkakukan,
C. Tanaka, A&D Sebe, M/M P. Reid
$300+: K. Sasaki
$500+: J. Ito
$1,000+: M/M S. Mukai
Special Acknowledgment*
J. Tomita
Ajikan meditation ($100)
E. Ogawa
Memorial Tower enshrinement of
Peggy Ogawa ($100)
T. Ishida
Memorial Tower enshrinement of
Fumio Ishida ($100)
T. Johnson
Memory of Harvey Johnson ($300)
M/M D. Tsuboi Blessing for Tenjinchigi & Ancestors ($500)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
$5–$49: M. Numata, A. Okimura, J. Shimizu, N. Takara,
M/M M. Hamada, G. Hirami, M/M T. Hirami,
Kadogawa/Nakazawa Family, M. Michiuye,
M/M V. Mizokami, M. Nakamura, R. Nakamura
$50–$99: Donguri Karaoke Club, J. Kaku, K. Kuritani, Y. Oishi,
M/M S. Mukai, M/M M. Murakami, T. Murakami, S. Spain,
M/M R. Nishida, M/M M. Okada, T. Okimura, C. Tomari,
A. Shiroishi, M/M H. Tsujimura, M/M R. Tsujimura
$100+: K. Fujii, M/M T. Kukushima, M/M M. Ishida,
T. Ishida, M/M L. Ito, M/M K. Kimura, M/M K. Kuritani,
A. Minamino, F. Miyamura, M/M C. Morioka, T. Nakamura,
L. Sanchez, J. Shiroishi, H. Taki, Y. Tateno, M/M K. Yamada
$200+: M/M R. Allum, J. Ito, M/M T. Matsumoto,
M/M N. Okano, D. Shiroishi
$300+: C. Barthel, Kikuchi Family
Special Acknowledgment*
M/M Ken Kuritani Appreciation Evan’s graduation ($100)
D. Allum
New toys donation ($200 value)
Wakayama Kenjinkai Appreciation for parking lot ($300)
L. Sanchez
Appreciation for Goho practice ($150)
B. Shimasaki prayer ($200)
J. Ito
Donation for new church sign ($500)
* “Special Acknowledgment” lists donations of $100 and more.
2015 / 2016 UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec 6 (Sun)
Dec 13 (Sun)
Dec 20 (Sun)
Dec 24 – 31
L.A. Archbishop Kishida Memorial
Service (Japanese & English)
Sacramento Last Service of the Year,
All Souls Service, Archbishop Kishida
Memorial Service, Church Clean-up
L.A. Church Clean-up (10:00 am)
L.A. Christmas Service / Last Kanshakai
Of the Year (Japanese & English)
Church Closed
2016
Jan 1 (Fri)
Jan 2 (Sat)
Jan 17 (Sun)
Jan 19 (Tue)
New Year Homage
Church Closed
L.A. New Year Service
Church Closed (in lieu of Martin Luther
King Jr. Day)
Feb 16 (Tue)
Feb 21 (Sun)
Church Closed (in lieu of Presidents Day)
L.A. Sun Spirit Service
Mar 11 (Fri)
Mar 12 (Sat)
March 13 (Sun)
Mar 19 (Sat)
Mar 27 (Sun)
Propagation Meeting 10:00 am
Board of Directors Meeting 10:00 am
L.A. Higan Service (Japanese & English)
L.A. Stateline Turnaround (TBD) 7:00 am
Sacramento Higan Service
Apr 10 (Sun)
Spring Grand Festival 10:00 am
May 8 (Sun)
May 15 (Sun)
May 31 (Tue)
Sacramento Joen-no-gi (Plaque Burning)
L.A. Mother’s Day Service
Church Closed (in lieu of Memorial Day)
9|Page
11 月度教会行事予定
ロサンゼルス教会
1 (日）10:00A
日英・感謝会・解脱金剛年祭
8 (日）
教会正午まで
15 (日）10:00A
日英・感謝会・七五三、
解脱金剛ご生誕祭
リージョナル委員会
21 (土） 7:00A
ステートライン・バスツアー
22 (日）10:00A
英語感謝会・阿字観法
ゲダツ 101
26(木)27(金)
教会休み(サンクスギビング)
29 (日)
教会休み
サクラメント教会
8 日(日） 9:30A
感謝会・解脱金剛ご生誕祭
22 日(日） 9:30A
感謝会・阿字観法
11 月度みさとし
「感謝して物事に当たれば不平も出ませぬ」
人間は誰でも多かれ少なかれ、ものごとをすべて
自分の都合を中心にして考えるというクセがあり
ます。そして、自分の思い通りにことが運べば満足
し、思い通りにならなければ不平不満をいうのです。
それは、太古の昔から先祖代々何代も何代もかけて
つくられてきた心のクセだからです。ですから、そ
れを自覚することも改めることも大変むずかしい、
というのがわれわれの心のありようなのです。しか
し、この不平不満の心をそのままにしておいたので
は、われわれは決して幸せな人生を歩むことはでき
ません。ではどうすればよいのか。それには、毎日
感謝の練習をしていくしかありません。朝目覚めた
ら、まず生命を与えられたことを神先祖に感謝し、
「今日も一日ふさわしくお使いくださいませ」と心
から祈る。そして、日々の生活の一切が多くの人々
やもののおかげであることを知り、その恩恵に感謝
するとともに、その日自分に与えられた役目に感謝
とまごころをもって精一杯努力する。このような生
活を日々心がけることによって、われわれの心は不
平不満の心から次第に感謝の心へとつくり変えら
れていきます。そして幸せな人生がそこから開かれ
ることは、いうまでもありません。
2016 年度・会費納入をお願いいたします
・個人会員費 ＄45（年）
・家族世帯会員費 ＄70（年）
・婦人会費 ＄５（年）
・「解脱誌」＄25（年）
＊各教会にある会費シートをご利用ください。
解脱人生相談
天茶供養の意義とは？
＜質 問＞
祈るときに、天茶の供養や天茶のお給仕をします
が、そのことの意義は、何でしょうか？
回答者：
松橋
伸次
お釈迦さまの誕生時、産湯を使わせるために
竜が天から甘露の雨を降らせたという言い伝えが
あります。その甘露の雨が甘茶なのです。ですから、
日本の各寺院では、お釈迦さまの誕生日といわれる
4 月 8 日の「灌仏会」で、お釈迦さまのお像（誕生
仏）に甘茶をかけてお祝いします。そのように甘茶
は解脱されたお釈迦さまに因む尊いお茶なのです。
解脱金剛さまは立教する以前の実業家であ
った時、大病に見舞われて生死の境をさまよってい
るさ中、「甘茶、甘茶」とうわごとでおっしゃいま
した。それを聞いた母親が昏睡状態で水以外受け付
けない身体であった金剛さまに甘茶を飲ませたと
ころ、不思議と甘茶だけはごくごくと飲まれました。
しばらくその様な状態が続いた後、血の混じった膿
を耳ダタライにほぼ一杯吐き出し、容体は急転して
良くなりました。金剛さまは夢の中でお釈迦さまに
黄金色の液体を口の中に注ぎ込まれたと思えたそ
うです。金剛さまはその後も甘茶を飲み続け、日が
経つにつれて体調を回復して行きました。
これらの体験から金剛さまは本来、甘茶が持
っている神秘的な力について気が付かれ、身体の回
復はもとより、心境の変化も甘茶によるものと捉え、
甘茶は「自魂を浄化」することを知ったのです。ま
たそうした中で救済を求めて来る人々に甘茶を授
け、ご先祖にお給仕することで甘茶は「霊魂を浄化」
することも知り、また自らも飲むことを薦め、それ
らの反応を基に、甘茶の持つ功徳について確信して
いったのです。
「天茶供養」は秘義三法（御五法修業・お浄
め・天茶供養）のひとつで、解脱会独特の供養法で
す。生前の業障により悩み、苦しんでいる諸霊の業
苦を解消し、安霊成仏できる供養法です。天茶は古
くから「万病の霊薬」といわれ、天茶そのものに不
思議な効力があり、更に御五法の力が加わって神秘
不可思議な功徳が現れてくるのです。
天茶による供養は、主に三種類あります。
①供養札による供養は、御五法の法力により御霊を
供養札（木札）に招きそれに天茶を注いで供養する。
②お給仕による供養は、祖先霊をはじめ諸霊に毎朝、
天茶をお供えする供養。
③撒き供養は、土地・川・海などに天茶を撒き、霊
魂を浄化する供養。
これらの供養は天茶の功徳と御五法の法力と供
養をする者の真心とが三位一体となって諸霊を浄
化し、安霊に導くと共に、供養する者の霊性を高め
る大変尊い供養法です。天茶供養は御霊に捧げるだ
けと思われている節がありますが、御霊の浄化はも
とより、自心の浄化と直結していることを深く認識
しなくては、本当の天茶供養になりません。神仏に
は真心のみが通じていくのです。我々は日々、大い
なる力に生かされ生きていることを知り、真心から
の供養をさせていただきましょう。
紙
上
講 話
なびき来る唯一人の相手を獲得してみること
山田 一雄
米国解脱教会は、「人心救済」「世相善導」の目
的をもって創設されました。もちろん、どの宗教・
宗派の教団も「人心救済」を第一義として設立され、
その時代の社会情勢や民衆生活の実情に呼応し、精
神状況の支えとなってきたものと思います。しかし
大抵は、やがて開祖、教祖の代も遠く過ぎるに及ん
で形式化し、時代の進展に伴う役割に呼応しきれな
くなるのです。そこに、旧態依然たる伝統は誇って
も、現代社会の信仰離れが起こって来るのです。
このような宗教の本質的な衰退を見て、金剛さま
は、宗教のあり方について次のように申されました。
「時代と共に進歩せぬ宗教は、宗教の名における
宗教ではありませぬ」「固定は進歩の邪魔ものであ
り、如何なる教義も信条も時代に遅れては用をなし
ませぬ」「宗教は決して固定したものではない。時
代に順応して根本精神をより発揚すべきである」
米国教会創設者の岸田英山先生は、その金剛さま
のご精神をもって、常に現代に生きる人々の実情に
即する布教展開を心がけて来られました。それは必
然的に、実生活に根ざした現実苦からの救済という
面に焦点が当てられたのです。当初の著作などに、
当時の先生の熱い心情が垣間見られますので、要約
し紹介します。
「宗教の本道としては、真智の啓発によって大衆
を大安心に導くものだが、その境地に導くまでには
幾多の段階を経る必要がある。
たとえ、煩悩即菩提（ぼんのうそくぼだい）を説
いても、説法のみで、その実証を大衆生活に及ぼす
ことができなかったら、それは空論に等しい。
そのような空論をいくら重ねても現代の大衆生
活を救うことはできない。そこに現代の宗教が大衆
生活とかい離する因がある。
宗教家は迷える大衆を教え導くのが責務である。
たとえ物心に執着している人にでも、その機根（き
こん＝教えを理解する 度量・器、さらには各人の
性格）に応じて教えを説き、これを正道へ導くのが
本務である。
現実苦とは、病苦、経済苦、その他の心身苦だが、
それは煩悩、業障が炎の如く燃え上っている状態な
のだから、それを解決するのは当然、宗教家の責務
なのである」
岸田先生はこのように述べ、解脱の教えをもって、
人々が現実苦から救済されるべく道を開くと共に、
世相善導への道を示されて来たのでした。
私たちは解脱の惟神の大道を知ったとしても、
それを少しでも自らの人生に取り込み、生き方に反
映させることがなければ、知らないのと同じなので
はないでしょうか。
私は、自分のためだけを考えていた時、いくら祈
りや瞑想に時間を費やそうとも、やがて気力が萎え
て、学ぶことへの空虚を感じた経験があります。逆
に、自分の人生を他者のために役立てたいと思い立
ってから、その願いに応じるように不思議と道が開
かれてきたり、力が湧いてきたりする体験を得まし
た。それは、調和に向かう宇宙が、そもそも私たち
をそのようなものとして存在せしめているといっ
た、法則の手応えのようなものでした。
私たちには天茶供養という様々な現実苦からの
救済を可能にする素晴らしい供養法があります。お
互い、功利打算を離れ全身全霊をもって、なびき来
る唯一人の相手を獲得し、自他の幸福増進に努めて
まいりたいと思います。
掲示板



LA 教会・ステートライン・バス旅行について
バスは 11 月 21 日・土曜、朝７時に教会を出
発します。参加費は一人 35 ドルです。ぜひお友
達をお誘いし大勢さまご参加ください。希望者は
教会ロビーにあるサインシートにお名前を記入
ください。
LA 教会・七五三について
11 月 15 日(日)の感謝会に先立ち午前 9 時半よ
り氏神社殿にて七五三を行います。七五三に該当
するお子さんがいらっしゃいましたら、早めに教
会の事務所にお申し込みください。
新年度の供養札を受け付けております。
お早目に申し込み下さい
GEDATSU COMPANION
Vol. 66 No. 11
November 2015
The Gedatsu Companion is published
monthly for members like Linda Onomoto
of the Gedatsu Church of Hawaii in
Honolulu. On her walks along the beach
with her two dogs, Linda had noticed the
“very peaceful and beautifully landscaped
property” of the Gedatsu Church. “One
day myself entering the church and
day,” Linda says, “I found
talking with Rev. Tatsunori Kamiya about my interest in
finding a venue for meditation. It just so happened that Rev.
Kamiya was thinking about opening the church for morning
meditation sessions. From that day, I found a ‘religion’ that
was very much in line with my attitude about life, and a
gentle and welcoming congregation of people. It has been a
bonus to also have Rev. Kamiya and his family.”
Gedatsu Church USA
Los Angeles Branch
7850 Hill Drive
South San Gabriel, CA 91770
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
EL MONTE, CA
PERMIT NO. 110
Rev. Kazuo Yamada, Editor
Joyce Reid, Editor-in-Chief
Yoko Yamada, Photographer
Editorial contributors to this issue:
Cookie Barthel, Maki Deguchi, Rev. George, Hatsumi Inouye,
Junko Kato, Tomoko Kamiya, June Kizu, Ikuko Kuritani,
Joyce Matsui-Kunisaki, Rev. Naoya Okano, Yuko Okano,
Linda Onomoto, Pamela Shaklan, Jo Ann Shiroishi,
Scott Shiroishi, Rev. Hisakazu Taki, Calvin Tanaka,
June Tanaka
Autumn Outing for Sunday Schoolers
The Sacramento Sunday
School celebrated the
start of autumn with a
trip to Dave’s Pumpkin
Patch at Vierra Farms in
West Sacramento.
From left, Suzu
Matsuhashi, Leslie
Tanaka, Avery
Birdgham, Scott Tanaka,
Vivian McSwain and
Courtney Ide. Many
thanks to June Tanaka
for the trip and photos.