GEDATSU COMPANION - Gedatsu Church of America

October 2015
Vol. 66 No. 10
GEDATSU COMPANION
GEDATSU CHURCH USA
www.gedatsu-usa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
3
4
5
6
9
News and Announcements
Dear Reverend: “My ex-wife is
against my raising our children in
the Gedatsu Church.”
Our “Inner God” –
Sermon by Bishop Okano
Saying “Thank You” – Joy Sebe
Gedatsu Kongo’s Post-War
Sermons 7 and 8 and Commentary
Offerings and Upcoming Events
Gedatsu Kongo’s
Thought for the Month
“A single word, expressed with
sincerity, means more than hundreds
of empty words.”
Modern society has lost trust in
the spoken word. That is because many
people today lie or verbally deceive
others without hesitation.
In many ancient civilizations,
however, people strongly believed that
one’s words contained spiritual power
and had the ability to create the world.
When we recite the Hannya
Shingyo prayer, we say, “gyatei gyatei.”
These words, or “mantra,” are holy
words containing mystic power.
Ancient people believed that reciting
mantras would make the words come
true.
We need to rebuild confidence in
the spoken word. By consistently
speaking with sincerity and
thoughtfulness to everyone, we can
gradually create a world filled with love
and trust. Then, our words will truly
have the ability to change the world.
OCTOBER 2015
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 11 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation
Sun 25 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sat 3 11 – 6
Sun 4 11 – 5
Sun 11
Tue 13
Sun 18 10:00 am
Autumn Moon Festival
Autumn Moon Festival
Church Open (until noon)
Church Closed (in lieu of Columbus Day)
Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Ujigami Service / Regional Board Meeting
Sun 25 10:00 am English Kanshakai Service
Ajikan Meditation / “Life in Your 20s”
“Gedatsu 101” / Event Meeting
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)
Sat 14 7:00 am Stateline Casino Turnaround
Sun 15 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
7-5-3 Chldren’s Celebration
Gedatsu Kongo Birthday Service
Regional Board Meeting
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
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Autumn Moon Festival – October 3 and 4
Order Your Kuyo Plaques by November 1
The L.A. Church’s annual celebration and fundraiser
will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4,
from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open to the public, the event
features ethnic foods – including the church’s famous
huli-huli teriyaki chicken, chow mein, sushi, fried won
ton and other delights – as well as a plants, farmers
market, games and cultural demonstrations and
entertainment.
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 this newsletter and mail it – by
November 1st – to your local church, along with your
check for payment.
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
Poster design by John Hayashi
Please support the event through your donations,
volunteering your time and encouraging family and
friends to attend. Raffle tickets for drawing prizes are
now on sale.
2015 Gedatsu Memorial Tower Enshrinements
The following spirits were enshrined in the Memorial
Tower in Sacramento on the occasion of the 132nd
Grand Fall Festival: Donald Mar, Kiyoshi Katako,
Izumi Yokota, Fumiko Yokota Blackburn, Joyce
Blackburn, Betty Hiroko Ozaki, Peggy Mitome Ogawa,
Jonny Kazuhiko Numata, Fumio Ishida, Tomiko
Tomita, Aiko Tomita, Nagao John Tomita, Hitoshi
Matsumoto, Roy S. Shiba, Kofuku Makishi, and the
Ancestral Spirits of the Nakamura Family, Ueshima
Family and Masuda Family.
Casino Bus Turnaround
L.A. members and friends will travel by bus to
Stateline, NV, for fun and games on Saturday,
November 14. 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 per person.
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 mail address for Rev. Okano:
[email protected].
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DEAR REVEREND
Q
“As a divorced father, I would like to raise my
young children in the Gedatsu Church, but my
ex-wife is against that. What can I do?”
First of all, as difficult and worrisome as your
A problem may be, please embrace your situation
completely and give your sincere thanks to God
and for allowing you to face it. This may seem
and ancestors
incomprehensible to you, but without your total
acceptance and sincere appreciation, you will not be able
to resolve this situation. Let me explain.
When a couple become parents, they assume huge
responsibilities. Not only must they provide their
children with the necessities of life – such as food, shelter
and clothing – but also a stable, loving home life and
proper education. Many parents also want to raise their
children in the faith in which they themselves were
raised.
Parents work hard to provide all these things, but
material desires are secondary to their wish for the
happiness of their children.
“Beyond all material and moral responsibilities
that parents have to their children is
their commitment to the care of their souls.”
Gedatsu Kongo taught us that true happiness is
realized only through a deep sense of appreciation to God
for the life we have been given – and for all the blessings
we receive that make our life possible. Therefore,
beyond all material and moral responsibilities that
parents have to their children is their commitment to the
care of their souls, which can only be accomplished
through the daily expression of sincere gratitude. This,
then, is the essential lesson we, as parents, need to teach
our children so they can lead happy lives.
Yes, it would be nice if your children could attend
the Gedatsu Church regularly, but attendance alone –
even instruction in Gedatsu principles – doesn’t
guarantee their happiness.
You can best resolve this conflict by
demonstrating to your children the Gedatsu way of life in
your own daily attitude, behavior, speech and, most of
all, in your sincere expression of gratitude for life’s
blessings. Your children, then, learn naturally through
your example, which makes a deeper impression than any
verbal lesson. In this way, your home becomes your
children’s religious study, and they can learn to live lives
of appreciation and gratitude.
Rev. Akira Sebe
OUR GEDATSU STUDY
Sermon at Fall Grand Festival
Tapping the Strength of
Our “Inner God”
By Bishop Teruo Okano
Translation by
Uzuko and Allen Shiroishi
Welcome everyone! I’m very happy to be here to
share and enjoy this Fall Festival with you. We also must
remember to thank God for our lives and good fortune.
Today, I would like to talk about our “inner God.”
No matter who you are, where you live, or what religion
By Bishop
TeruGod.” It is important
you practice, you possess
an “inner
to remember to always reach for your inner God, who is
also your Creator and who possesses perfect love and
wisdom. In times of difficulty, this inner God with love
and wisdom will help and guide you.
In Buddhism, the “inner Buddha” asks us to look
inside our heart and soul for help. Buddha’s help and
guidance cannot be found outside of us. Each human
being must dig deep in his/her heart and soul to reach the
spirit of this inner Buddha, which is the same as finding
the inner God who possesses the truth of the universe.
“Each human being must dig deep in his/her heart
and soul to reach this . . . inner God who possesses
the truth of the universe.”
In Shintoism, it is called the “divine spirit,” and in
the Christian religions, it is called the “inner God.” Jesus
said that it is important for people to discover who they
are by reaching sincerely for their inner God. Jesus said
that just as he knew who he was, it is important for
people to recognize who they are spiritually.
Meditation can bring your spirit and the universe
together into one. Many people have difficulty practicing
meditation, but if you make an attempt to practice as
often as possible---everyday practice is ideal---you will
discover the benefits of meditation. You will gain serenity
and an ability to focus on your inner God.
The most important thing that you can learn
through meditation is to experience a “oneness”--everything is one and everything is God. If you
Continued on page 4
3|Page
Our Inner God – Continued from page 3
understand that everything is God and can feel the inner
God in your heart and soul, you will be happy.
Remember, everything is one with God. “You are me,
and I am you.”
In addition, if you realize that “you are me,” then
we are truly united as brothers and sisters.
Consequently, there is no need to argue, fight, or engage
in warfare.
A few years ago, I shared the story of Helen
Adams Keller, the first deaf and blind college graduate.
Helen recognized the inner God in her heart, soul, and
spirit. She also recognized that her responsibility was to
help mankind attain harmony and peace in the world. In
spite of her handicaps, she worked toward helping
people.
God gives us the ability to love people and
forgive one another. However, He did not want us to
judge people. Buddhism stresses the same thing. If you
refrain from saying or thinking negative things about
people, your spirit will be pure and will rest peacefully in
the spiritual world. And, in the physical world, if you
refrain from criticizing and belittling your fellow man,
you will have positive life energy and empowerment.
The other day, a young lady asked me, “If I am
struggling, is God looking over me?” My answer was,
“Yes, God is always with you. God never leaves or
abandons you during difficult or good times. He tries to
encourage you all the time. He is guiding you all the
time, so it is important to be yourself and allow Him to
help you. You are never alone. You are fine, so don’t
worry.”
God wants you to be happy and to realize your
true self. In your lifetime, you will have various
experiences---some good and some bad. Remember to
always reach down deep to your inner God for guidance
and support. If you can do this, you will live a happy life
according to God’s plan for you.
God is always there to help you, both in good
times and those challenging bad times. We mature as
we survive those trying and difficult experiences that life
often presents. But, remember that those challenging
experiences often help you to mature into a stronger
and better person.
Consequently, we should appreciate both the
good and bad experiences that occur during our lifetime
and above all, remember to always thank God and never
forget to reach for your “inner God.”
I wish you all much happiness.
AROUND OUR CHURCH
Two Simple Words: “Thank You”
Joy Sebe, member from Seattle, Wa.,
served as program MC for the Grand
Fall Festival at the Sacramento
Church on September 6. At the
request of her young son, she spoke
of her late mother, Sumiko Sebe.
Sumiko was the wife of Rev. Akira Sebe and mother to
Joy and her sister, Delphine. She passed away three
years ago from pancreatic cancer.
Today, as Joy and her husband, Jason Detwiler, raise
their young sons, Nathan (8) and Noah (5), she recalls
her mother’s words and the simple, yet deeply
affecting, lesson she learned from her.
Endless “Thank You’s”
“My mother would always thank me every time I did
anything with her,” said Joy.
“This was especially true when I was a teenager and
could have done other things. When we went shopping
together, when we all came to help at the Bazaar or
Festivals, when we took her to the doctor, when we all
took a family vacation to Hawaii. During the trip to
Hawaii, my mother cooked our meals, watched the kids
and took care of everything for us so that we could
relax. But every day, she still thanked us.
Sumiko Sebe was
affectionately called
“Baba” by her grandsons.
She is shown here with
one-year-old Noah in 2008,
when she accompanied
Joy’s family on a trip to
New Zealand.
“Regardless of the activity, my mother always thanked
me, Jason and the boys. I would often think, ‘Of course.
There’s no need to thank us.’ But looking back, I realize
that it made us all feel appreciated. We knew that she
treasured the time we spent together.”
Continued on page 5
4|Page
”Thank You” – Continued from page 4
Remembering
and giving
thanks:
Joy Sebe and
Jason Detwiler,
with Rev. Akira
Sebe, and sons
Nathan (8) and
Noah (5).
“Thank You” – Unsung Heroines
Applying the lesson of appreciation, Joy led the
congregation in formally acknowledging the dozens of
Gedatsu ministers’ wives, who have “worked tirelessly
through the years to support the church. We in the
Gedatsu community, appreciate their work and
dedication.”
We thank the following U.S. ministers’ wives: Shigeko
Kishida, Reiko Kishida, Helen Shiroishi, Seiko
Yamadera, Mrs. Noda, Sumiko Sebe, Mrs. Ohtsuka,
Mrs. Shinchi, Mrs. Shimizu, Mrs. Suigita, Mrs. Kisaburo
Ito, Mrs. Takenori Okano, Hisae Sakamoto, Eiko Ishida,
Mrs. Kondo, Mrs. Tonogi, Mrs. Miki, Mrs. Inouye, Mrs.
Aoyama, Mrs. Inako, Tokiko Okano, Kiku Nakamura,
Chiemi Okano, Yuko Taki, Yoko Yamada, Tomoko
Kamiya, Hitomi Matsuhashi, Yuko Okano.
[To the extent possible, the names are listed chronologically.
We apologize for the lack of some first names. Editor]
“Thank You” – Our Sunday School Teachers
The congregation also formally acknowledged and
thanked two outstanding women – Jo Ann
Shiroishi in Los Angeles and June Tanaka in
Sacramento – for their many years of dedicated
service as Sunday School teachers. We appreciate
their devotion (countless hours of planning and
preparation and often personal finances) to the
care and instruction of our youngest members,
many of whom have grown to be parent-members
themselves. Thank you!
Sunday School Teachers,
Jo Ann Shiroishi (left) and
June Tanaka have taught
and inspired generations of
young Gedatsu members.
“Thank You” – Our Volunteers
No area of the Gedatsu Church operations would be
possible without the hard work and dedication of
volunteers – and it would be impossible to acknowledge
all of them by name. At the Fall Festival, Joy Sebe called
on our church’s youngest volunteers to come forward
to be thanked for their service at the Festivals, bazaars
and other functions. To all our volunteers – thank you!
Below, from left, Leslie Tanaka, Vivian McSwain, Everett
McSwain (behind Vivian), Courtney Ide, James Akashi,
Avalon Akashi, Mia Tsujimura, Gavin Tsujimura, Andrew
Shaklan, Cameron Kuritani, Caden Kuritani, Carson Kuritani,
Ryann Young, Tyler Young and Suzuna Matsuhashi. In front,
from left, Noah Sebe, Nathan Sebe, Conner Kuritani.
5|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 7: Kanshakai Service on March 1, 1947
Today is March 1, the day of Kanshakai Service. All mankind, practice Gedatsu! When you
seek happiness, you cannot achieve it. When you have no selfish thoughts and leave everything to
God, happiness comes to you. Live each day with appreciation and gratitude. Try to make your
home a place of peace and harmony. Without peace and harmony in your home, you won’t be able
to achieve true happiness. Now is the time of a big change. Those who have lived in accordance
with Gedatsu must be filled with joy and peace each day.
I dedicated the Sun Spirit Monument in Goreichi. I’ve devoted myself to the spiritual
improvement of people. You can learn Gedatsu from everything in the universe. Wheat is budding
under the snow now. Are you ready to start a new life? Wheat was sown in October or November
last year and is budding under the snow now. In the spring, wheat will have strong stalks, because
farmers step on young wheat many times during the winter. It will then be mature in the summer.
How great the work of Nature is! We should bring up our children as we grow wheat. People who
cannot practice Gedatsu will always suffer. You should fill the entire society with Gedatsu. Do you
have the courage to do that? When you practice Gedatsu, you can definitely enjoy a good life with
no suffering. If you don’t have the courage to practice Gedatsu, it is as if you were causing other
people to suffer. Let’s do our best!
Do your best in your duties without using your foolish brain, and wait for the blessings from
Nature. You will then be blessed by God. Trees in the universe have grown vigorously. It is spring
now. Are you truly aware of the coming of spring in your life? It is said that man is the lord of
creation. Do you really deserve it? Please closely examine yourself.
When you follow the path of Nature, you can fulfill your duties just as trees and flowers in
the universe do. Please be aware that rain makes flowers fall and also makes flowers bloom. If you
practice Gedatsu, you can appreciate rain, wind, heat and coldness. Appreciation and gratitude is
all that is necessary for us. As long as you have worries and troubles, you remain a long way from
Gedatsu. Flowers bloom according to Nature. We humans should have joy in the realities of life.
I remember that people in the business world became morally corrupt after the Great
Earthquake Disaster in 1923. That is why I decided to retire from the business world and started a
new life of religion. Only those who have worked diligently since then must be happy today. Put the
past out of your mind, and have joy in the present moment. Be hopeful for tomorrow’s life. Now is
the time of a big challenge.
Continued on page 7
6|Page
Post-war Sermons – Continued from page 6
If you practice Gedatsu, you will be able to stand as firm as a rock in whatever situation
you may be confronted with. No matter how many things might have been burned in the war,
your heart will never be burned. Be always second to none.
Do not complain. Do not envy. Do not bear a grudge against others. Do not fight. Be
humble. This is the natural providence, the voice from heaven.
Comments on Sermon 7:
In this sermon, Gedatsu Kongo explained what the Gedatsu life is. We human beings usually live
according to our thoughts and feelings, and are strongly influenced by them. But, our thoughts
and feelings differ from one another. Human beings have repeated conflicts among them because
of the difference of their thoughts and values. You should be clearly aware of this.
How can we move the ego out of the way then? Gedatsu Kongo explains the way for that
in this sermon. Closely observing how you live every day, you can be aware that you are allowed
to live by someone beyond you. You may call it God, the Universal Life Force, Natural Law, etc.
The name doesn’t matter, but actually we are allowed to exist by it.
Please closely observe how you live each day. You breathe the air, eat various foods, drink
water, live in a house, and drive cars….. You can be aware that all of these things are provided by
many people and things in the universe. You do not create anything. You only use or consume
these things. Your heart keeps beating even while you are sleeping. The food you eat is
automatically digested while you are chatting with your friends. Warm blood is always circulating
throughout your body. This is your life, which does not function by your will. The universe allows
you to exist.
When you become aware of this fact of your life, you will be thankful for everything. You
will then do your best in your daily duties to benefit the world as a token of appreciation. This is
the meaning of the Gedatsu Kongo’s statement: “Do your best in your duties without using your
foolish brain, and wait for the blessings from Nature. You will then be blessed by God.”
Sermon 8: Kanshakai Service on March 15, 1947
Today is March 15, the day of Kanshakai Service. I have repeatedly stated that all
mankind should practice Gedatsu. It is good for you to live each day joyfully with gratitude.
Those who have always appreciated and followed my thoughts must be happy today. Those who
have felt against my thoughts and used their selfish brains must be unhappy now.
I have dedicated the Three Monuments in Goreichi, which are Sun Spirit Monument, All
Souls Monument, and Monument of Encomium, and have strongly advocated Gedatsu. I believe
that the Gedatsu teaching is good and acceptable for everyone. I wonder why it has not spread
widely. One day I heard a voice from Heaven. “In this divine land of Japan, snow has melted now,
and it is the time for plum blossoms to fall and cherry blossoms to bloom.”
Continued on page 8
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Post-war Sermons – Continued from page 7
Now is the time for all of us to grow. Only when we advance in the Gedatsu practice, can we
live each day in happiness. This is God’s message that we should save beleaguered populations
without further delay.
Although there are a lot of people who are apprehensive about the world, few of them know
how to resolve the situation. It is only Gedatsu that will truly provide the answer. Hold up your head
and do your best. Everything is just getting started. I am contented. Does your heart measure up to
the greatness of the sun? Please examine yourself deeply.
Comments on Sermon 8:
In this sermon Gedatsu Kongo encourages us to practice Gedatsu again. God’s blessing is always
available before us. But usually our selfish thoughts and desires block the divine blessing. That’s why
we have worries and troubles in our life. When you stop using your selfish brain and do your best in
your daily duties with appreciation and humbleness, you will be guided to the most appropriate way.
This is Gedatsu, the path of happiness for everyone.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
The Founder’s Devotion to Social Service
In his speeches and sermons after World War II, the
Founder time and again implored church members to
work hard, be resourceful, help others and accept
difficult circumstances with courage and gratitude.
These were not empty words. Gedatsu Kongo was a
true social reformer and activist for the public good.
Following is an account by Japanese member, Mitsuo
Yuge, who joined Gedatsu in 1936 and was appointed
a teacher by Gedatsu Kongo, holding various
important posts in the Gedatsu Church in Japan.
“After the war, Gedatsu Kongo stared a variety of
service activities to benefit society and the country.
One of his important activities was to provide people
with tokoroten, or seaweed jelly, at a time of extreme
food shortage. Another important activity was to
provide needy people with jobs to produce clothes. I
participated in those activities.
“We started to provide tokoroten for people mainly in
the Tokyo area in July of 1946. We prepared
tokoroten the previous night. We made big barrels of
tokoroten without sleep. We asked the authorities
for permission to provide tokoroten beforehand, and
distributed coupons among people in that area.
tokoroten was distributed mainly on the school yards
of elementary schools.
“When the truck with barrels of tokoroten arrived,
there was a long line of people waiting for us. We set
up in a hurry and worked hard to provide them
tokoroten. People were very happy to receive a bowl
of tokoroten. They all thanked us. We were very glad
to see their happy faces, too. Their words of thanks
dispelled our fatigue. Observing everyone’s happy
faces, I felt gratified for being able to work for them. I
didn’t feel tired at all. I was very happy working there.
“Through this experience I learned that by benefiting
other people, you create happiness for yourself. I
believe that Gedatsu Kongo taught us the joy of
working for other people by having us serve tokoroten
to people. It was beyond normal thinking to help
others at a time of extreme food shortage when
everybody only thought of obtaining his own daily
bread. I was very fortunate to be taught the
importance working for other people’s happiness by
Gedatsu Kongo during that difficult time.”
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AUGUST 2015 OFFERINGS
2015 / 2016 UPCOMING EVENTS
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Dec 6 (Sun)
$5–$49: M/M B. Ide, K. Gibson, S. Tanaka, M/M A. Akashi,
F. Mills, K. Tsukamoto, N. Johnston, M/M R. Nakatani
$50–$99: S. Taketa, S. Nishino, M/M D. Ide
$100+: M/M S. Sekikawa, M/M C. Tanaka, T. Wakabayashi,
A. Sebe
$200+: M/M J. Davies, Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo
Special Acknowledgment *
Mary Harada
91st Birthday ($100)
S. Matsuda
Bazaar Raffle Appreciation ($250)
S. Simizu
Bazaar Raffle Appreciation ($500)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
$5–$49: H. Kumashiro, T. Okazaki, S. Saijo, T. Toyama,
M/M P. Young, M/M K. Chinen, M/M M. Hamada, G. Hirami,
M/M M. Mizokami, M/M V. Mizokami, M. Nakamura,
F. Sueyoshi
$50–$99: M/M T. Hirami, L. Inouye, M/M K. Kuritani,
M/M T. Matsumoto, M/M B. MIzokami, M. Mizokami,
M/M S. Mukai, M/M M. Murakami, T. Murakami, T. Naito,
Y. Oishi, M/M M. Okada, A. Reifslager, M/M H. Tsujimura,
M/M R. Tsujimura, Ms. Tiffany, C. Tomari
$100+: K. Fujii, T. Ishida, M/M K. Kimura, M. Michiuye,
F. Miyamura, T. Mizokami, T. Nakamura, M. Numata,
T. Okimura, M/M M. Palelek, M/M K. Yamada
$200+: M/M M. Ishida, M/M N. Okano, S. Okimura, J. Peck,
D. Shiroishi
$400+: J. Ito
Special Acknowledgment *
M/M V. Mizokami
Appreciation Ancestor Blessing ($200)
M. Michiuye/T. Okimura Offering for Benzaiten ($100)
Hass Family
Appreciation Ancestor Blessing ($150)
Dorothy Tomita
Ancestor Blessing for Tomita &
Katako Families ($200)
Alice Yokota and
Ancestor Blessing for Tomita &
Yokota Family
Katako Families ($200)
Naoya & Yuko Okano Appreciation for Move to
New Home ($200)
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)
“Character cannot be developed in ease
and quiet. Only through experience of the trial
and suffering can the soul be strengthened,
vision cleared, ambition inspired and success
achieved.”
Helen Keller, American author,
political activist and lecturer
* “Special Acknowledgment” lists donations of $100 and more.
Correction: In last month’s issue of the Gedatsu Companion,
the first name of Noah Muronaka’s grandparent was
misspelled. The correct spelling is Tamotsu Matsuura. Editor
9|Page
10 月度教会行事予定
ロサンゼルス教会
3 日(土)4 日(日）オータム・ムーン・フェスティバル
11 日(日）
教会正午まで開館
13 日(火）
振替休日（コロンバスデイ）
18 日(日）10:00A
日英感謝会・氏神祭
リージョナル委員会
25 日(日）10:00A
英語感謝会・阿字観法
ゲダツ 101/イベント委員会
サクラメント教会
11(日)
9:30A
感謝会・阿字観法
25(日） 9:30A
感謝会・阿字観法
10 月度みさとし
「一つの言葉でもまごころから出たら
百の空念仏に数等まさります」
言葉の力に対する信頼感を、現代人は失いつつあ
るように思われます。だから、嘘をついたり、人を
だますようなことが平気で行なわれる世の中にな
ってきたのではないでしょうか。日本人を含めて、
古代の人々は言葉に対して、現代人とはずいぶん異
なった感覚をもっていました。昔の日本人には言霊
信仰というものがあり、言葉には魂がこもっている
と信じられていました。古代インド人もそれとよく
似た、「言葉が世界を創造する」という感覚をもっ
ていたといわれます。般若心経の最後の部分に出て
くる「ギャーテーギャーテー」は呪（マントラ＝真
言）といわれ、この言葉を唱え祈ることによってそ
の言葉通りのことが成就すると、古代インド人は深
く信じていたのです。このような言葉に対する信頼
感を、われわれ現代人は取り戻す必要があります。
日常生活のなかで相手に対して、思いやりのこもっ
た言葉、まごころからの真実の言葉を掛けるよう心
がけることによって、この世は確実に、愛と信頼に
満ちた世界へと変貌していくことでしょう。世界を
変革するのは、われわれ自身なのです。
秋
季
大 祭
講
話
内なる神に気づくこと
総長：岡野 英夫
皆さま、ようこそおいでくださいました。皆さま
と共に、生かされている喜びと感謝の誠心を神に捧
げるこの秋季大祭を挙行できますことを心からう
れしく思っています。
本日は、内なる神についてお話をさせていただき
ます。いつの時代でも、どんな場所でも、宗教宗派
が違っても、真理を悟った人はみな同じことを申さ
れます。「内在の神を探すことが一番大切なことで
ある。自分の内にいる神が、自分を救ってくれる。
内在の神は創造主と同じだから、完全な愛と知恵を
持っている。その愛と知恵が私達を救ってくれるの
だ」と。
仏教には「内在の仏（ほとけ）」という言葉があ
ります。「外に仏を求めず、己の内に仏を求めよ、
内在の仏を顕現せよ」と教えます。私たちの魂の一
番奥底に横たわる「仏性」、すべての人が本来的に
持っている仏性は宇宙の本源・本質であり神と同じ
ものです。これがお釈迦様の「本来の教え」であり、
お釈迦様が一番言いたかったことなのです。
神道には「分け御霊」（わけみたま）という言葉
がありますし、西洋では「内なる神」といいます。
みんな同じ意味なのです。イエスも同じことを説か
れています。「私は自分が何者であるかを知ってい
るが、あなた達はそれを知らない。私とあなたの違
いはこれだけである」と。
宇宙の本源・本体と自分が一つになるのが座禅で
す。座禅・内観・瞑想というと難しく聞こえますが、
簡単に言えば、心を鎮め、意識を統一し、内在する
神に意識を集中する方法です。先ほど行いました
「阿字観メディテーション」も同じです。
一番重要なことは、瞑想を通して、「すべてがひ
とつ」、すべては神だと知ることです。すべては創
造主（父なる神）の分霊だから、皆同一のものであ
り、ひとつであり神そのものであるということです。
この「すべてはひとつ」という体験をすれば、
「あ
なたと私」ではなく、「あなたである私」だと分か
ってきます。自分と他人が一つであることが分かり
ます。それが分かれば、この地上に争いや戦争はな
くなるはずです。
数年前の大祭でご紹介したヘレン・アダムス・ケ
ラーも内なる神を認識されました。そして神の子と
して遣わされた者として、全てが調和する世界の実
現のために奉仕することが神から授かった使命で
あることを自覚し、生涯を世界の人々の幸せの為に
捧げられました。
「神仏は、人に、人を愛する権利と、人を許す権
利を与えたが、人を裁く権利は与えていない」と言
われます。仏教でも「一切、人を評価するな」と教
えています。
「人を悪く言わない」、「心の中で人を悪く思わ
ないこと」、これを徹底すると、飛躍的に魂は進化
すると云います。実際、悪口や非難、また人を見下
したりすると、その人の生命エネルギーはひどく衰
弱し落ちていきます。
私が、つらい思いをしているときも、神は見てく
れていますか？ と質問されたうら若き女性への
回答です。
神はあなたから一瞬でも離れているときはあり
ません。だからつらいときも楽しいときもいつもい
っしょです。そしてつらいときはあなたを励ますた
めに、いろんな方法で語りかけています。いつも見
ていてくださいます。だから思い切って生きなさい。
あなたはひとりじゃないんです。安心してください。
大丈夫です。心配はいりません。
あなたが自由に生きることが神の願いなのです。
あなたが様々な経験を積み重ねながら、自由に活き
活きと生きることは、神の願いをあなたがかなえて
くれていることになります。神もそのためにあなた
に手を貸そうとなさっています。これからあなたの
人生に起こることすべてを楽しんでください。いろ
んなことが準備されています。あなたがどんどん経
験を積めば、神はさらにあなたが成長するように、
どんどん準備をしてくださいます。楽しいこと、う
れしいこと、ドキドキすること、ワクワクすること、
すべて準備ができています。あとはあなたが選ぶだ
けです。楽しいことから選んでください。嬉しいこ
とから始めてください。それがあなたの人生を豊か
にしてくれます。
神はあなたといつも一緒にいます。だから、いつ
も神といっしょにあなたの人生を楽しんでくださ
い。皆さまの人生に幸多からんこと祈ります。
解脱人生相談
さして努力もしない人たちが
私より多くを得ています
＜質 問＞
私は自分と家族を養うのに一生懸命に働いてい
ますが、さして努力もしない人たちが私より多くを
得るのを見ると憤慨してしまいます。公正さは、ど
こにあるのでしょうか？
回答者： 松橋 伸次
ご安心ください。神はご照覧されています。あな
たが一生懸命に努力しているのなら、必ずあなたの
努力に相応しく恵まれるでしょう！
まずあなたは働ける自分を産みなしてくれた両
親、先祖、神に対して感謝することです。あらゆる
事情により、働くことが出来ない人が多い中で、あ
なたは働くことができるのですから。ますはその喜
びに気付いていただきたいと思います。
私はこの質問に対して次の二つの事柄が浮かび
ましたので申し上げます。
①あなたは他の人より自分の方が得ているもの
が少ないと感じているのなら、それは一時的なこと
と受け止めることはできないでしょうか？
今、あなたは長い人生の一場面しか見えていない
のかも知れません。イソップ寓話の「兎と亀」の話
はご存知だと思います。この兎と亀が競争する話に
あるように、たゆまぬ努力を重ねて一歩一歩確実に
歩みを進めた亀の方が、最終的に早くゴールするの
です。
兎は足が速いが故に努力を怠って途中で休んで
しまう。この話を人生に例えて、果たしてどちらの
生き方が良いいのかは、推して知るべしだと思いま
す。先人はこのような教訓として我々に教えてくだ
さっております。
②「不平等が平等だよ」という勉強があります。
私が解脱会に入会して間もない頃、色々と困難が私
や家族を襲う中、モチベーションのためにいただい
た勉強の一端です。
『一流ブランド等、その業界のトップ企業はほん
の少しの努力でその地位を確立したでしょうか？
それは一朝一夕になるものではない。何年もまた何
代も掛けて創意工夫や努力を重ねてきたからその
様になっているのです。当然自分だけのことに捉わ
れないで社会貢献や徳を積んできた賜物です。努力
しないものより、努力したものが恵まれる。神から
見たら、それが平等です。純然たる努力にはそうし
た神に通じるものがあるから、努力が維持されるの
です。家柄もまた同じ、君もしっかりと解脱の勉強
をして、良い伝統を積み上げて行けるように』と。
この様に励ましていただきました。
これらの教訓や教えの中で得ることは、解脱の勉
強は、自分自身の気持ちや行動を如何に神の御心に
合わせていくが、神とどう向き合うかが肝心なこと
なのです。足元をしっかりと見て、希望を胸に感謝
の気持ちで歩んでいけば、必ずや幸せになります。
あなたがこれからの人生をしっかりと解脱と共に
歩んで行けるようにと願っております。お互いさま
に精進して参りましょう。
2015 年度・解脱霊廟祭祀精霊
Donald Mar
Kiyoshi Katako
Izumi Yokota
Fumiko Y. Blackburn
Joyce Blackburn
尾崎 ベティ 洋子
Peggy Ogawa
沼田 ジョニー 一彦
石田 文夫
Tomiko Tomita
Aiko Tomita
Nagao J. Tomita
松本 濟
Roy S. Shiba
真喜志 康福
中村家祖先代々之霊
植島家祖先代々之霊
増田家祖先代々之霊
GEDATSU COMPANION
Vol. 66 No. 10
October 2015
The Gedatsu Companion is published
monthly for members like Victor
Mizokami of Los Angeles. Victor, who
serves as chairman of Gedatsu Church
USA, has never missed a Spring or Fall
Festival in Sacramento in the 63 years he
has been a member. He and his wife,
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
Marian, attend the festivals to show appreciate to God and
ancestors. Says Victor: “Gedatsu has always been there for
us through good times and tough times, so we have a lot to
be thankful for. We are blessed with two daughters, a son,
and four wonderful grandchildren. As full-time babysitters for
our two youngest grandchildren – 10-12 hours a day, five days
a week – they really do their best to keep us young!”
Rev. Kazuo Yamada, Editor
Joyce Reid, Editor-in-Chief
Editorial contributors to this issue:
John Hayashi, Victor Mizokami, Rev. Naoya Okano, Joy Sebe,
Rev. Akira Sebe, Jo Ann Shiroishi, Scott Shiroishi,
Rev. Hisakazu Taki, Calvin Tanaka, June Tanaka, Hisato
Tsujimura, Rev. Kazuo Yamada, Yoko Yamada
A Welcoming New Sign
L.A. Gedatsu Church’s sleek new eight-foot sign,
installed at the church entrance, offers a big, bold
welcome to visitors. And with its large message-display
area, the sign promises to draw community attention to
church programs and activities.
Planning for the new sign was led by the L.A. Regional
Board (composed of Cookie Barthel, Janet Hirayama,
Tetsuya Matsumoto, Donna Shiroishi, Cindy Tsujimura
and Hisato Tsujimura. Rev. Yamada serves as advisor).
Hisato points to three additional members who were
instrumental in the project: John Hayashi, who
provided the design and collaboration with the sign
company, and Kenny Kuritani and Scott Shiroishi, who
were responsible for preparation and installation of the
sign. “The Gedatsu Church owes these three gentlemen
a great deal of gratitude for the effort, time and hard
work they put forth to bring this project to a successful
conclusion.”
Top photo, from left, Scott Shiroishi, Kenny Kuritani,
Hisato Tsujimura and Rev. Yamada pose with the newly
installed sign. Bottom, the inaugural message
acknowledges the Monterey Mustangs organization for its
financial support of the project.
In addition, the Church thanks the Monterey Mustangs
organization and Cookie Barthel for their generous
financial donations toward the sign.