GEDATSU COMPANION - Gedatsu Church of America

June 2015
Vol. 66 No. 6
GEDATSU COMPANION
GEDATSU CHURCH USA
www.gedatsu-usa.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
2
3
6
7
9
News and Announcements
Around Our Church
Dear Reverend: “What is the
significance of amacha kuyo?”
Gedatsu Kongo’s “Shinko –
World Unity” and Commentary
Personal Experience – Rev. George
Offerings and Upcoming Events
Gedatsu Kongo’s
Thought for the Month
“Above all, we should avoid spite,
envy and arrogance, because they
will lead to conflicts with others, and
eventually bring sorrow.”
We all wish to be happy. However,
there are many people who strive to
be happy but, because of their
mistaken view of society, actually
create unhappiness. They believe
that their happiness has nothing to
do with the happiness of others.
We have to understand that our
existence is possible because of
others. We support each other.
Therefore, if we live selfishly, we
cannot be happy. Such a selfish way
of life brings happiness to no one.
Only when we abandon spite, envy
and arrogance and live with
appreciation and gratitude, can we
create happiness for ourselves and
for others.
JUNE 2015
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 14 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation
Mother Kiyota Memorial Service
Sat 27 11:00 am Rokujizo Bazaar
Sun 28 11:00 am Rokujizo Bazaar
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 7 10:00 am Japanese Kanshakai Service
Sun 14 11:00 am Welcome Party
for Rev. Naoya & Yuko Okano
Sun 21 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Mother Kiyota Memorial service
“Gedatsu 101” / Father’s Day Service
Event Meeting
Sat 27 11:00 am Rokujizo Bazaar in Sacramento
Sun 28 11:00 am Rokujizo Bazaar in Sacramento
JULY 2015
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 12 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation
Sun 26 9:30 am Sunday Service / Obon Service
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Fri
4
Sun 5 10:00 am
Sun 12
Sun 19 10:00 am
Church Closed (Independence Day)
Japanese Kanshakai Service
Church Open (Until Noon)
Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Obon service / Graduates Honored
“Gedatsu 101”
Sun 26 10:00 am English Kanshakai Service
Ajikan Meditation / “Life in Your 20s”
Regional Board Meeting / Event Meeting
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memorial Tower Enshrinement 2015
Applications for enshrinement in the Gedatsu
Memorial Tower at this year’s Fall Grand Festival in
Sacramento will be accepted until June 21. Fee is $100
per application. Application forms are available at your
church office.
Buy Your Rokujizo Bazaar Raffle Tickets!
One of Gedatsu Church’s biggest fundraisers of the
year – the annual Rokujizo Bazaar – takes place
Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, in Sacramento.
Raffle tickets for the prize drawing are on sale ($10 for
a book of 12 tickets). Support your church and vie for
cash prizes – including a $1,000 grand prize.
Poster designed by
Delphine Sebe
Guest Minister Schedule
Rev. H. Taki will be at U.S. branches as follows:
Los Angeles
July 3 – 7
Honolulu
July 7 – 16
Hawaii Church 35th Anniversary
Los Angeles
July 16 – September 5
Sacramento
September 5 – 19
Los Angeles
September 19 – 29
2015 Graduates to Be Honored
Do you have a student in the family who will be
receiving his or her diploma this year from elementary
school, middle school, high school, college or graduate
school? Under the sponsorship of the L.A. Gedatsu
Sunday School, all graduates and their parents will be
honored at the Sunday Service on July 19. Please
complete the application form available at the L.A.
Church and return it by July 15 to Marylin Nakamura in
the office or via email ([email protected]).
AROUND OUR CHURCH
Gedatsu Kendo Hopeful to Compete in
World Championships
Esther Kim, 17, a student of Gedatsu USA Kendo Dojo,
based at the L.A. Church, will compete in late May in
the 16th World Kendo Championships in Japan, the
kendo world’s most prestigious
international competition. The
first Gedatsu USA Kendo Dojo
student, or kenshi, to compete
in the event, Esther will contend
as a member of the Women’s
Team USA. She was chosen to
be on the national team after
winning first place and the
Women’s National Champion
title in the All United States
Kendo Federation Championship
competition last year (shown at
left).
To prepare for the upcoming competition, Esther and
Team USA members across the nation underwent
intense, daily training with Coach Kevin Huh Sensei –
enduring many sleepless nights from sore muscles and
juggling school work. While many of the girls dropped
from the team, unable to handle the rigorous training,
“Esther persevered in her training and didn’t give up on
her dream to be world champion,” says Jonathan
Katsushi Chinen, an instructor at Gedatsu Kendo Dojo.
When she returns from Japan, Esther plans to join the
U.S. Air Force.
The World Kendo Championship Tournament is
conducted every three years, rotating among three
regions – Asia, the Americas and Europe. This year’s
competition will be held in the famed Nippon
Budoukan in Tokyo, the venue that was built for the
1964 Olympic Games and served as the original site of
the first World Kendo Championship in 1970. The
competition is divided into four divisions: Men’s Team,
Women’s Team, Men’s Individual and Women’s
Individual.
Many of the students and instructors of Gedatsu USA
Kendo Dojo, as well as kendo students and senseis
from Japan and around the world, will be in the
audience at the Budoukan to cheer Esther and the USA
Team. Gedatsu members join them in wishing Esther
and Team USA the best of luck!
2|Page
AROUND OUR CHURCH
DEAR REVEREND
Colorful Tradition Flies High at L.A. Church
The L.A. Church observed the Japanese holiday of
Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) on May 5 by flying
koinobori carp-shaped banners on its grounds. Inside
the church, Musha-Ningyo, or warrior dolls, clad in
Samurai armor, were displayed. (See photos below.)
These colorful exhibitions of Japanese tradition were
donated to the Church by L.A. members, Sachiyo and
Tetsuya Matsumoto. They were originally given to
their son, Satoshi, from Sachiyo’s parents in Japan to
celebrate the birth of their first grandson in 1983.
“We were very grateful for our parent’s wishes of good
health, strength and longevity for our son,” says
Tetsuya. “Now that our sons are grown, we wanted to
share these with other children. We want everyone to
celebrate the happy tradition of Children’s Day and
learn more about Japanese culture.”
On Children’s Day,
Japanese families raise
the carp-shaped
banners above their
homes. In Japanese
folklore, the carp is a
symbol of vigor and
determination,
overcoming obstacles
to swim upstream. The
black carp at the top
represents the father,
the red carp represents
the mother, and the
smaller carps at the
bottom represent each
child in the family.
Samurai warrior
figurines and samurai
kabuto helmets are
displayed in homes to
inspire strength and
bravery.
Children’s Day is a tradition that celebrates the health
and happiness of all children. Until 1948, the May 5
celebration in Japan honored only boys. It has since
changed to include both boys and girls.
Q
What is the significance of amacha kuyo, or
tea offering, when giving our prayers?
In Japan, amacha, or sweet tea, is well known as an
ancient natural herb. In religion, the pouring of
amacha is most often associated with ceremonies
celebrating Buddha’s birthday on April 8, when amacha is
poured over small Buddha statues.
Amacha’s use as a form of blessing, however, is
unique to the Gedatsu Church. Together with Goho
practice and Hiho meditation, amacha kuyo is one of the
three sacred treasures that were left to us by our Founder.
Gedatsu Kongo recognized the mysterious power
of amacha through his own personal experience. Before
founding the Gedatsu Church, he suffered a lifethreatening illness. While hovering near death, he cried
out, “Amacha . . . amacha.” After being given amacha to
drink, he expelled toxins from his body, and his physical
health was gradually restored.
Thus, deeply believing in the benefits of amacha,
the Founder began to instruct early Gedatsu followers in
its use – not only as a medicinal drink for the body, but as
a purifier for the soul. He recognized the miraculous
ability of amacha, when combined with the Holy Goho, to
bless spirits and relieve their spiritual suffering.
A
“Amacha kuyo is not only for spirits’ peace,
but for those who offer them prayers.”
We offer three kinds of amacha blessings: (1) by
kuyo plaques, when we pour amacha over a memorial
plaque for a departed spirit; (2) by offering a cup of
amacha for our ancestor souls; (3) by spreading amacha
over the land or sea to console spirits connected to those
areas. In these blessings, the ability of amacha blessing to
bring relief to suffering spirits and purify the souls results
from the combination of the power of the Holy Goho, the
inherent qualities of amacha holy tea and our own
sincerity of heart.
While amacha kuyo is offered for the repose and
purification of spirits, more importantly, the person who
sincerely offers amacha kuyo for ancestors and other
spirits will be greatly blessed, as well. Thus, amacha kuyo
is not only for spirits’ peace, but for the peace and
happiness of those who offer them prayers.
Rev. George Matsuhashi
3|Page
OUR GEDATSU STUDY
SHINKO (Sincere Practice) - Conclusion
By Gedatsu Kongo
World Unity
For peoples around the world – having differing ideologies, beliefs, traditions and positions –
attaining Gedatsu is not an easy task.
People will submit if coerced, avail themselves if induced with benefits, but these are only
temporary effects.
It is not the power of ideas or propaganda that motivates sincere people to spiritually awaken
and requite the great blessing of God. Rather, it is the strength of religious faith that enlightens one to
the Divine Will and the righteous path.
Those who do not have faith cannot lead others who do. Those who do have faith, as God leads,
become self-obedient of the righteous path. Accordingly, to realize the legitimacy of God is the basic
question.
Those having faith at present and have not, as yet, been initiated into the mysteries of Gedatsu,
cannot be said to have true belief. To say the least, that faith is adulterated and is inconclusive. This is
because true faith will definitely impart righteousness and should evince the necessity for cooperation and
compliance to it.
Path of God is but one. The universe is unified by one law. On this point, we cannot expect too
much of the conventionally established religions’ propagation and publicity.
Only when one deals with people with the benevolence and sincerity disciplined by religion, one
can actually inspire them. At that time, one has already transcended religion.
Love is God, and is Power.
Sincerity is also the essence of God. The ultimate of all religions coincides here. The ultimate of
every religion is not the religion of opposing sects. It has surpassed religion and reached God.
Only by embracing Tenjinchigi’s Benevolent Will and coming in touch with the peoples of the
world, regardless of which religion they may be devoted to, will we be able to guide them.
For experiment’s sake, detach yourself from selfish interests and with all your heart and soul,
attempt to persuade just one of the onrushing multitudes. If you cannot persuade just one, you absolutely
won’t be able to lead scores.
4|Page
Commentary on “Shinko”
By Rev. H. Taki
The horrible terrorist attacks on September 11,
2001 shocked the whole world. The terrorists’ cruel act
in murdering 2,000 innocent people is unforgivable.
We must demonstrate to the world our firm resolution
to fight against terrorism so that such a tragedy will
never happen again.
I strongly feel that this tragic incident clearly
demonstrates how society’s current way of thinking
endangers the world. Through this tragedy, I keenly
realized that human views are limited and selfrighteous, and that it is very hard for us to accept and
appreciate other values and cultures. I think this
terrorist attack was based on man’s lack of
understanding and tolerance. While no act of terrorism
can be justified, retaliation without understanding the
very cause of this terrorism will never truly solve the
problem. Similar tragedies will likely recur.
No matter how cruel and unforgivable their acts
of terrorism, these terrorists must have harbored strong
hatred toward Americans. That’s why they perpetrated
such a violent act against Americans.
One-Sided Views of God
We must look at this seriously. After the
terrorist attacks, Americans sang “God Bless America,”
and prayed to God for His blessing. While this may be
right for Americans, we have to remember that many
people in Islamic countries prayed to God, as well, for
their victory of jihad against America. I wonder how
God felt about this situation. He must be bemused.
Gedatsu Kongo stated, “For the peoples
around the world – having differing ideologies, beliefs,
traditions, and positions – to attain Gedatsu is not an
easy task.” This statement does not mean that all
people should become Gedatsu members. How, then,
should we interpret the term “Gedatsu”? This is the
key to truly understanding Gedatsu Kongo’s thoughts.
The Founder’s Meaning of “Gedatsu”
Gedatsu Kongo used the term “Gedatsu” in
various ways. He attached many meanings to this term.
We should understand the meaning of the word in its
context.
Gedatsu Kongo stated the following:
“Path of God is but one. The universe is unified
by one law.”
“Love is God, and is Power. Sincerity is also the
essence of God. The ultimate of all religions coincides
here. The ultimate of every religion is not the religion of
opposing sects. It has surpassed religion and reached
God.”
We have to understand that the term “Gedatsu”
stated here means the universal truth, which is common
to all religions. There have been many religions in the
world from ancient times. You can find many
differences among their doctrines, rituals, and symbols
of worship. Some of them may look mutually exclusive.
However, looking deeply into them, you will surely be
able to see a common ground among them.
A Common, Universal Truth for All
Gedatsu Kongo called this universal truth
common to all beliefs “Gedatsu.” This ultimate universal
truth was expressed in various ways according to
historical, geographical and cultural backgrounds. These
expressions became various religions in the world.
Through the terrorist attacks on September 11,
2001, we learned that there are diverse traditions and
cultures in the world, and that it is really hard to accept
and appreciate other traditions and values. But, it is
quite clear that world peace won’t be possible without
mutual understanding and respect for other traditions
and values.
Open Minds and Hearts
We should try to pursue the path of mutual
understanding and respect for others, no matter how
hard it is. How can we find the path then? It is not the
path to force people or tempt people with rewards.
Remembering the Crusades in the Middle Ages, you can
understand this clearly.
Gedatsu Kongo stated, “It is not the power of
thoughts or propaganda to have sincere people
spiritually awaken and requite the great blessing of God.
It is the strength of religious faith that enlightens one to
the Divine Will and the righteous path.” We should
sincerely keep faith in our own religion, and at the same
(Continued on page 6)
5|Page
Commentary – Continued from page 5
time, try to be open to other traditions and values.
World peace will be possible only through this path of
mutual understanding and respect.
In the Bible, Jesus said, “Your Father in Heaven
makes His sun to shine on bad and good people alike,
and gives rain to those who do good and to those who
do evil.”
He also stated, “Why do you look at the speck
in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the log in
your own eye? First take the log out of your own eye,
and then you will be able to see clearly to take the
speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Walls of Self-Righteousness
We should learn from these words of Jesus
Christ. Looking up at the sky, you will see no partition
there. The sky is infinite. The universe is one. It is our
self-righteousness that builds up invisible walls around
us. All conflicts among different nations and religions
are caused by our self-righteousness.
Gedatsu Kongo did not say that we should force
all people to believe in the God in which we believe. He
urged us to be aware of the universal truth, which is
common to all traditions. This awareness will open the
way to our mutual understanding and respect, and
world peace. Sectarianism and dogmatism have
nothing to do with true religion. True religious faith
should be open to all different values and traditions.
This is Gedatsu.
In reality, each religion has its own history and
practices as an organization. Every religion may be in
conflict with other religions more or less. It is actually
hard for established religious organizations to break
down their sectarianism.
That is why Gedatsu Kongo stated, “On this
point, we cannot expect too much of the conventionally
established religions’ propagation and publicity.” This
statement must be an expression of his confidence in
Gedatsu. That is, Gedatsu can solve this problem.
A Lesson for Ourselves
However, the Gedatsu Church already has a
history of more than 80 years since its founding.
Therefore, it is important for us to be clearly aware that
the Gedatsu Church may also have the same tendencies
as other established religious organizations to create
walls of dogma and sectarianism.
When you show depth in your faith and try to
be open to other values and traditions, you will be
liberated from sectarianism and will see the universal
truth which is common to all religions. Regardless of
any doctrine, ritual or symbol of worship, your love and
sincerity will inspire people who have different
religions. This should be the first step toward world
peace. This is the ultimate goal of our Gedatsu study.
Commonality of Love and Sincerity
Love and sincerity is the essence of God. All
religions are unified at this point. I believe Gedatsu
Kongo established Gedatsu because he wished to urge
all people who have different religions to be free from
sectarianism and dogmatism, and be aware of this
universal truth.
We Gedatsu members worship Tenjinchigi as
our ultimate God. However, in fact, we pay our
respects to and revere the nameless universal truth.
Gedatsu Kongo named this infinite universal truth
“Tenjinchigi.” We should understand this. Actually God
has many names: God, Jehovah, Kami, Allah, Brahma,
Nyorai, Universal Buddha, Tathagata, etc. People in the
world worship this universal truth through different
names and images according to their cultures and
traditions.
If you deeply understand this, the only thing
you should do is actual practice. Gedatsu Kongo
encouraged us to practice Gedatsu. Gedatsu is not
hard, but neither is it easy. Your Gedatsu faith must be
expressed as your love and sincerity towards all people
around you. I believe this is what Gedatsu Kongo tried
to explain in this book.
This concludes my commentary on the book,
“Shinko, or Sincere Practice.” I will leave the rest to
your sincere practice of Gedatsu.
Editor’s Note: We thank Rev. Hisakazu Taki for the English
translation of Gedatsu Kongo’s book, “Shinko,” and to the
late Rev. Arthur Sakamoto, whose translation of the work
was referenced. We are further indebted to Rev. Taki for his
in-depth commentary, which has been invaluable in our study
of the Founder’s teaching.
The complete “Shinko” and Commentary will be posted on
the church website at www.gedatsu-usa.org.
6|Page
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Gedatsu Was Our Ray of Light
Out of the Darkness of Despair
By Rev. George Matsuhashi
Rev. George and Hitomi Matsuhashi
I would like to relate how my wife, Hitomi,
and I joined Gedatsu.
Before joining Gedatsu, we had a son, and
wished to have a daughter. The time when our
longed-for daughter was born was the beginning of
our Gedatsu study.
Hitomi started getting contractions at
midnight, and I drove her and her mother to the
hospital. A doctor examined her and said it would
take some time to deliver, so I left Hitomi and her
mother in the hospital and went home.
From Elation to Confusion and Fear
Around noon, her mother called me and
said that Hitomi had delivered a baby girl. I was
really happy, and decided to name her Anna, a
name that I had previously chosen. I rushed to the
hospital, and went to the nursery room with
Hitomi. There were many babies sleeping there. I
looked through the window to find my daughter. I
asked Hitomi which one was our daughter, Anna.
Hitomi then pointed to a baby in a bed on the far
side of the room.
When I asked Hitomi why Anna’s bed was
located away from the others, she dropped her
eyes and said, “I’m sorry.” When I asked why she
apologized to me, she said that Anna had a skin
problem. Not fully understanding what she meant, I
said, “There are many babies like her. Don’t worry.
She will be okay sooner or later.”
In truth, there was no baby like Anna. Her
skin did not at all improve. We became anxious
about her, but we could not ask doctors and nurses
about our daughter’s skin. I think it was because we
were afraid of her condition.
After leaving the hospital, we took Anna to a
dermatology clinic. A dermatologist examined her
and said, “This is an unusual disease. Your daughter
needs skin grafting many times until she reaches
adulthood. Otherwise, her skin won’t get better.”
The doctor also said, “If your baby had been
male, he would never have been born. Your
daughter was born because a female baby has
greater vitality. To advance our medical knowledge,
can you allow me to take pictures of the process of
her surgeries?” Feeling as if our daughter was being
put on display, we felt chagrined and powerless.
Our Sincere, but Desperate, Prayers
Fortunately, Anna’s face was normal.
Looking at her smiling face, I felt I had to take all
possible steps for her. I felt willing to donate my
skin for her surgery. We sincerely prayed for her
with desperate hope.
At that time, I remembered that my mother
had once told me, “The couple next door believes in
a religion.” They were very kind to everyone. I felt
that they were different because they had religious
faith. Until then, I thought that those who had
religious faith were weak, and that they cannot live
without depending on religion. I looked down on
religious people. I was arrogant, and believed that I
was right. Therefore, although I knew nothing
about religion, I rejected religion.
Until Anna was born, I had never paid
respect to God and ancestors. However, because of
(Continued on page 8)
7|Page
(Ray of Light – Continued from page 7)
Learning How to Conduct Our Lives
my daughter’s problem, I decided to join
Gedatsu, resigning to myself that I too was a
weak person who depended on religion.
Gedatsu Kongo stated, “Gedatsu is not
the path to cure a disease but is the path to
reform your mind.”
In the beginning, we were caught up in
our daughter’s illness and did not understand the
meaning of these words. But we eventually
started studying the path to reform ourselves. I
became aware that our attitude was completely
against the law of the universe. We thought
everything selfishly. We tried to change our
attitude under the guidance of God and deities.
We tried to take the lead in performing our
duties in business, society and the Gedatsu
Church.
We have had many hard times since then.
Sometimes we felt abandoned in our difficulties.
But each time, Gedatsu members encouraged us,
saying, “Everything that happened to you is
necessary for you to change your life. Every
night comes to an end. God never gives you a
trial that you cannot overcome.” We were able
to get through difficulties thanks to Gedatsu.
Stepping Onto the Gedatsu Path
I visited the neighbor and explained my
daughter’s condition. The couple welcomed me
warmly and said, “We will explain in detail to
your wife, Hitomi. Please let her come here.” So
I brought Hitomi to talk with them. They told her
about a person whose skin problem was
completely cured by her sincere practice of
Gedatsu. They also explained to my wife that
many people were saved by Gedatsu. They
spoke to Hitomi, who was filled with anxiety, in a
gentle and encouraging manner.
At that time, we were operating a small
shop. Hitomi had to take care of our children,
perform household chores, study and practice
Gedatsu, as well as tend to the business. She
was exhausted. To me, she looked just like a
salmon after laying eggs – worn out and about to
die. Seeing Hitomi in such an appearance, I was
determined to study Gedatsu with sincerity.
Every Day a New Gedatsu Experience
Before Anna was born, Hitomi and I
always quarreled and fought with each other.
We would have divorced with 100-percent
certainty if we had not had a chance to learn
Gedatsu. After joining Gedatsu, Hitomi changed
rapidly. We had fewer quarrels. We went to the
branch church to study almost every day.
Gedatsu was a new experience for us, and we
were fascinated with Gedatsu.
One day the couple next door, who was
very gentle to us, told us, “If you have no thought
of repaying society as a token of gratitude when
your daughter is cured, you should stop learning
Gedatsu now.” I did not fully understand what
they said, but I replied saying, “Yes!” After that,
they taught us step by step through our daily
living.
Demonstrating Our Appreciation
Gedatsu is a ray of light in the darkness
for us. The light is the divine law. I believe
everyone can attain peace and happiness by
living in accordance with the divine law.
It’s been 24 years since we started the
Gedatsu study. My daughter Anna is working
from 9 a.m. to midnight every day as a
beautician. Fortunately, she has never had skin
grafting. I am very grateful for that.
I believe that the propagation of Gedatsu
is my duty. I will try to have many people know
the divine blessing as a token of appreciation.
Through my experience until today, I have
learned that you can overcome any difficulties
when you try to perform your daily duties with
sincere appreciation. I would like to sincerely
serve as a minister of Gedatsu Church USA from
now on.
8|Page
APRIL 2015 OFFERINGS
2015 UPCOMING EVENTS
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Aug 8 (Sat)
Lake Tahoe Benzaiten Service (TBD)
Aug 16 (Sun) L.A. Benzaiten Service
Sep 6 (Sun)
Fall Grand Festival 10 a.m.
Sep 8 (Tue)
Church Closed (in lieu of Labor Day)
Sep 20 (Sun) L.A. Higan Service
Sep 27 (Sun) Sacramento Higan Service
Sep 27 (Sun) L.A. Events Meeting (after service)
Oct 3-4 (Sat-Sun) Autumn Moon Festival and
Holiday Crafts Faire 11 am – 6 pm
Oct 13 (Tue) Church Closed
(in lieu of Columbus Day)
Oct 18 (Sun) L.A. Ujigami service
Oct 25 (Sun) L.A. Events Meeting (after service)
Nov 1 (Sun)
L.A. Gedatsu Kongo Memorial Service
Nov 8 (Sun)
Sacramento Gedatsu Kongo Birthday
Nov 14 (Sat) L.A. Stateline Turnaround 7:00 am
Nov 15 (Sun) L.A. 7-5-3-Year Children’s Celebration
Gedatsu Kongo Birthday
Nov 26-27
Church Closed (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Dec 6 (Sun)
LA Archbishop Kishida Memorial
Service (Japanese & English)
Dec 13 (Sun) Sacramento Last Service of the Year,
All Souls Service, Archbishop Kishida
Memorial Service, Church Clean-up
Dec 13 (Sun) LA Church Clean-up (10:00 am)
Dec 20 (Sun) LA Christmas Service / Last Kanshakai
Of the Year (Japanese & English)
Dec 21 – 31 Church Closed
$5–$49: S/Y Shimazu, K. Kitasoe, V. Mizokami, S. Tanaka,
J. Hamamoto-Choy, M/M A. Shiroishi, K. Gibson, G. Hirami,
M/M A. Akashi, Y. Oishi, K. Tsukamoto, A. Okimura, M. Kubo,
M/M D. Ide, R. Nakatani, V,S&S Matsuura
$50–$99: K. Kuritani, M/M M. Murakami, M/M T. Harada,
M/M R. Tsujimura, Y. Ota, M/M S. Shaklan, M./J. Takara,
M. Fukushima, T. Johnson, M/M M. Okada, M/M B. Ide,
M/M H. Tsujimura, T. Nagao, M/M K. Kuritani, M. Numata,
M/M R. Sakamoto, M/M B. Hamamoto, Y. Oishi, S. Taketa,
N. Johnston, M/M P. Young, M/M D. Tsuboi, K. Tsukamoto,
T. Hirami
$100+: J. Detwiler, N. Okano, M/M S. Sekikawa,
H. Kumashiro, F. Miyamura, T. Ishida, T./A. Okimura,
D. Shiroishi, M/M K. Yamada, J./A. Shiroishi, K. Kitasoe,
K. Fujii, C. Tsujimura, M/M R. Ito, T./M. Nakamura,
T. Fukushima, S. Yokota, M/M K. Chinen, T. Wakabayashi,
M/M C. Morioka, F. Mills, M./M. Okada, C. Barthel,
M/M T. Hirami, M. Michiuye, H. Taki, H. Takahashi, I Fong,
M/M S. Matsuhashi, S. Fujimoto
$200+: K. Sasaki, C. Tanaka, S. Nishino
$300+: J. Ito
$500+: M/M S. Mukai
Special Acknowledgment *
Janice Tomita
Ajikan Meditation Appreciation ($100)
T. Wakabayashi
Appreciation for David Passing Test
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
$5–$49: Masaaki Chinen, M/M M. Hamada, G. Hirami,
M/M V. Mizokami, M. Nakamura, M. Numata, N. Takara,
C. Tomari, T. Toyama, K. Michioka
$50–$99: M/M K. Chinen, G. Hass, M/M T. Hirami,
M/M K. Kimura, H. Kumashiro, Kari Kuritani, M. Michiuye,
M/M K. Kuritani, M/M T. Matsumoto, M/M M. Murakami,
M/M S. Mukai, T. Murakami, Y. Oishi, M/M M. Okada,
T. Okimura, M/M H. Tsujimura, M/M R. Tsujimura
$100+: M/M R. Allum, M/M F. Barthel, T. Ishida,
T. Matsuura, T. Nakamura, N. Okano, M/M S. Shaklan,
H. Taki, M/M K. Yamada
$200+: J. Ito, M/M B. Shimasaki, D. Shiroishi
* “Special Acknowledgment” lists donations of $100 and more.
APRIL 2015 OFFERINGS (Continued)
Special Acknowledgment *
Diane Katko
Ancestor Blessing ($200)
Hasegawa &
Funeral Service for
Asada Family
Late Masao Mori ($1,000)
H. Taki
Hot Pot Donation ($196)
H. Makishi
49-Day Service Kofuku Makishi ($300)
H. Makishi
Appreciation Funeral Service for
Kofuku Makishi ($200)
L. Sanchez
Appreciation for Funeral Service
For Joe Sanchez ($2,500)
L. Sanchez
49-Day Service for Joe Sanchez ($500)
T. Okazaki
13-Year Service for Akiko Okazaki
($150)
9|Page
6 月度教会行事予定
ロサンゼルス教会
7(日) 10:00A 日本語感謝会
14(日) 11:00A 岡野準開教師新郎新婦の歓迎会
21(日) 10:00A 日英感謝会・父の日サービス
清田憲祐先生命日法要/
ゲダツ 101/イベント委員会
27 (土) -28 (日) 六地蔵バザー(サクラメント)
サクラメント教会
14(日) 9:30A
感謝会・清田先生メモリアル
27 (土) - 28 (日) 六地蔵バザー
6 月度みさとし
「人として一番慎むべきは妬み、恨み、高ぶりで
ありまして、そこから争いが起こり、
後には遂に悲しみとなります」
人は誰でも幸福な人生を望んでいるものではない
でしょうか。まさか不幸になりたいと願っている人
はいないでしょう。ところが、幸福になりたいと願
いながら、実際には不幸になる生き方ばかりを選ん
でいる人が案外多いものです。いったいなぜでしょ
う。それは、人間と世の中の成り立ちについての理
解が間違っているか、不十分だからです。つまり、
他と無関係に自分の幸福は成り立つと思っている
からです。われわれはみんなお互いに他のおかげで
生活させていただいていることを知らねばなりま
せん。ですから、自分本位な生き方は自他共に不幸
にしていくことになります。恨み、妬み、高ぶりの
心を捨て、おかげさまを知り、感謝と思いやりの心
に生きるとき、はじめて自他共に幸福が実現されて
いくのです。
解脱人生相談
＜質 問＞
私の家族に解脱教会の日曜感謝会に参加してほ
しいと思うのですが、子供たちは友人と一緒に地元
の仏教寺院へ行きたがっています。どうしたらよい
でしょうか？
＜回答者 神谷龍典＞
ご家族と一緒に解脱教会の日曜感謝会に行けた
らというお気持ちよくわかります。ですが、もし、
子供さんが友人と一緒に地元の仏教寺院へ行きた
いと思っているのであれば、その意思を尊重して、
子供さんたちご自身が解脱のみ教えに興味を持つ
ようになるまで、待ってあげてください。
解脱教会の日曜感謝会へは、あなたが毎週通い続
けて、教会で学んだことをご家庭で実践し、子供さ
んたちにとって良き母親となるよう努力してくだ
さい。そのうち子供さんたちが「うちのお母さんは
やさしくて素晴らしいお母さんだな。ずっと解脱を
勉強しているからに違いない。解脱教会の日曜感謝
会へお母さんと一緒に行ってみようかな」と思うよ
うになるでしょう。逆に、いつも愚痴ばかりを言っ
ていると、「どうしてうちのお母さんは解脱を勉強
しているのに、毎日愚痴や文句ばかり言っているん
だろう。解脱教会の日曜感謝会なんかお母さんとは
絶対に行きたくないな」と思わせてしまいます。
「解脱は一宗一派にとらわれるものではない」と
会祖解脱金剛様は申されました。解脱会では、ご先
祖様が代々信仰してきた各家の宗旨を大切にする
ようにお伝えしています。そのうえで解脱のみ教え
を学んでいただくことをおすすめしています。
子供さんたちが解脱教会の日曜感謝会に行かな
かったとしても、ガッカリなさらないでください。
もしかしたら、お孫さんたちの誰かが、将来、解脱
教会に通い始めるかもしれません。ちなみに、私の
妻の祖母は解脱会の会員でしたが、妻の母は解脱の
み教えに全く興味がありませんでした。祖母が亡く
なってから２０年以上経って、「解脱」という名前
を妻が記憶していたので、解脱会にひとりで入会し、
勉強を始めたといういきさつがあります。
解脱会の先生方がよく「生きているうちに解脱の
『種』をまいておきなさい」と言われました。まい
た種がいつ、どこで芽が出るかはわからないという
ことです。子供は神先祖からの授かりものであり、
自分の思うように操ることはできません。今あなた
にできることは、子供さんたちに折を見て、「私は
解脱のみ教えのおかげで、毎日がとても幸せで、あ
なたたちのような子供に恵まれて本当に感謝して
いる」と話してあげることではないでしょうか。
どうぞ日々の生活において、感謝報恩行を実践し
ていただき、解脱会員の模範となられることをお祈
りしております。
紙
上 講
話
「母は私の太陽です」
山田一雄
5 月の子供の日と母の日にちなみ、ある母と子の
話をしたいと思います。
『蟹工船』という小説を書いた小林多喜二という
小説家がいました。戦前にはプロレタリア作家とし
て弾圧され、作品は発禁処分になりました。
私は二十歳前後にこの小説を読みましたが、蟹工
船で酷使される労働者らの過酷な現状が描かれ、人
間の尊厳を考えさせられるいい作品で、なぜこれが
発禁処分になったのだろうかと思った記憶があり
ます。それだけ戦前の日本には思想統制にヒステリ
ックな時期があり、現代の日本では考えられないよ
うな悲痛な歴史があったのも事実です。

小林多喜二は明治 36(1903)年に東北の貧農の家
に生まれました。その後一家は北海道小樽に移住。
多喜二は苦学した末、21 歳の頃には銀行に勤め、
安定した生活を営めるようになりました。
ところが 4 年後の 3 月 15 日、全国で数千人の反
戦主義者たちが逮捕される弾圧事件が起きました。
多喜二は保釈された友人たちから過酷な拷問の話
を聞くに及んで、『1928 年 3 月 15 日』という小
説を発表し、特高警察の残虐性を世に問うたのです。
これにより彼は特高からの恨みを買うことになっ
たのです、
翌、昭和４(1929)年、26 歳の彼は労働者たちの
過酷な現状を描いた『蟹工船』を発表すると、文壇
ではプロレタリア文学の旗手として脚光を浴びま
したが、昭和 5(1930)年、不敬罪、治安維持法など
に問われて、彼は東京・多摩の刑務所に収監され、
作品は発禁処分となりました。取り調べといっても、
実際には顔形が変わるほどの拷問でした。

ある日、北海道の小樽にいる多喜二の母親に 5
分だけ面会が許されるという通知がありました。
多喜二の母は「1 秒でも生きている多喜二に会え
るなら」と言って近所の方から往復の汽車賃を借り
て小樽から乗り継ぎし、多摩の刑務所に指定時刻の
30 分前に到着しました。
看守があまりにも寒そうな母の姿を見て「火鉢に
あたりませんか」というと、母は「多喜二の所に火
鉢があるのですか」と聞き、無いと聞くと「あたり
ません」と言います。「うどんを食べますか」と聞
くと「多喜二は食べていますか」と聞き、食べてな
いと聞くと「いいです」と言いました。
面会では拷問で顔が分からないほど変形してい
たが「多喜二か？」と尋ねると、多喜二は「ハイ」
と応え、床に伏して泣くだけだったそうです。
わずか 5 分の面会時間です。言葉に詰まった母を
見かねた看守が、
「お母さん、あと残り２分ですよ、
何か言ってください」と言ました。
我に返った母は、「多喜二、お母ちゃんはお前を
信じる。お前の書いたものは一つも間違っておらん
ぞ。お母ちゃんはね、お前を信じとるよ」という言
葉だけを何度も繰り返したそうです。
その後、多喜二は一時釈放されますが、1933 年
2 月 20 日、再び築地の刑務所に収監され、その日
の拷問により絶命しました。
特高がステッキを振り上げていると、多喜二が右
手を挙げてしきりに何かを言っているようです。
「言いたいことがあるなら言え」というと、多喜二
は絞り出すような声で言ったそうです。
「あなた方は私を地獄に落とそうと思って拷問
されましたが、私は地獄には行きません。
なぜなら母親に信じてもらった子供は天国に行
くという言い伝えがあるからです。
母は私の小説は間違ってないと信じてくれまし
た。母は私の太陽です。母が私を信じてくれたから、
私は必ず天国に行きます」
そう言ってにこっと笑ってこの世を去ったので
した。29 才でした。
お母さんは名前が分かる程度で字が読めなかっ
たそうです。しかしそれでも子供の書いた小説を正
しいと信じる深い親子関係であったのです。その母
に対し、多喜二は「母は私の太陽です」と言ったの
です。
母の愛の本質は理屈を超えた愛そのものです。子
を思う母の心に思いを馳せたいと思います。
掲示板

解脱霊廟祭祀の申込について
本年のサクラメント秋季大祭( 9 月 6 日)での
霊廟祭祀の締め切りは 6 月 21 日です。各教会
にある「解脱霊廟祭祀申込書」に記入し、祭祀
料１霊につき 100 ドルをそえてお申し込みくだ
さい。なお、来年度より祭祀申込の帛料は１霊
につき 200 ドルになります。
 六地蔵・ラッフル・チケットにご協力を
六地蔵バザーが６月 27 日・28 日にサクラメ
ント教会で開かれます。ラッフル・チケットは
１冊＄10 です。ご協力のほどお願い申します。
 日本解脱会から２名の女子研修生来訪
今年の日本解脱会からの研修生、出口雅貴さ
ん（31 歳：御霊地管理部職員）、加藤順子さん
（21 歳、解脱錬心館職員）は、6 月 24 日サクラ
メントに到着。六地蔵バザーの奉仕のあと、ヨ
セミテ公園等を観光し、７月 1 日ロサンゼルス
教会、7 月 3 日ハワイ教会に寄り、７月６日に
帰国します。
 瀧先生来米スケジュール
7 月３日～9 月 29 日まで訪米。7 月 7 日～
16 日はハワイ教会、9 月 5 日～19 日はサクラ
メント教会に行かれる予定です。
GEDATSU COMPANION
Vol. 66 No. 6
June 2015
The Gedatsu Companion is published
monthly for members like Margaret Sakata
of Honolulu, Hawaii. A third-generation
Asian-American who grew up in Hawaii,
Margaret attended the Buddhist church as a
child, but all church-going abruptly ended
with the events of Pearl Harbor in 1941. During more than
three decades as a “no-church-going-person,” she
experienced “schooling, employment, independency,
marriage, parenthood and widowhood.” Shortly after being
widowed, Margaret was introduced to Gedatsu, but had “no
inkling as to what Gedatsu was.” Over the years, aided by
English-speaking ministers and more and more English
publications on Gedatsu, Margaret began “to comprehend
enough, and I liked what I learned about Gedatsu.”
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
Editorial contributors to this issue:
Katsushi Chinen, Rev. Tatsunori Kamiya, Tomoko Kamiya,
Rev. George Matsuhashi, Hitomi Matsuhashi, Rev. Naoya
Okano, Margaret Sakata, Delphine Sebe, Rev. Hisakazu Taki,
Calvin Tanaka, Janice Tomita, Rev. Kazuo Yamada, Yoko
Yamada
Sharing the Practice, Benefits of Ajikan Meditation with Others
Rev. Taki explains the significance of
Ajikan meditation, then guides the
patients through the practice.
Ajikan meditation, which is performed regularly at the L.A. and
Sacramento Churches, is finding a wider audience in northern
California, thanks to the efforts of long-time northern California
Gedatsu member, Janice Tomita.
Janice, a professional physical therapist, held a two-part Ajikan
meditation seminar at her clinic in Mill Valley, Calif., on April 3 and 10,
attended by 15 and ten participants, respectively. The sessions were
led by Rev. Taki, who explained the significance of the meditation and
then guided the groups through 20-minute meditations.
“Meditation is not a discipline, nor is it relaxation,” Rev. Taki
told the group. “Meditation is to be aware of yourself being here and
now, to appreciate what you are, to enjoy this present moment.”
The response by patients following the meditation was
immediate and positive. “They expressed more clarity in their minds
and felt that their emotions were much calmer,” reported Janice.
They were encouraged to practice meditation regularly at home so
they would be better able to cope with their stresses.
Rev. Taki plans to return to Mill Valley this fall to provide
greater guidance and instruction in Ajikan meditation.