GEDATSU COMPANION - Gedatsu Church of America

March 2016
Vol. 67 No. 3
GEDATSU COMPANION
GEDATSU CHURCH USA
www.gedatsu-usa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
3
3
News and Announcements
Dear Reverend: “I am adopted. How
should I pray to my ancestors?”
The Sacred Rite of Manbu Kuyo
MARCH 2016
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 13 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation
Sun 20 1:00 pm San Jose Branch Kanshakai Service
Sun 28 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun
Fri
Sat
Sun
Sat
Sun
5
7
9
Archbishop Kishida – Remembered
“A Journey of Courage, Faith”
Gedatsu Kongo’s Post-War
Sermons 17 and 18 and Commentary
Offerings and Upcoming Events
6
11
12
13
19
20
10:00 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
10:00 am
8:00 am
10:00 am
Japanese Kanshakai
Propagation Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting
Monthly Memorial Service
Morongo Casino Turnaround
Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
Higan Service
Sun 27 10:00 am English Kanshakai / Ajikan Meditation
“Life in Your 20s” / Regional Board Mtg.
APRIL 2016
Gedatsu Kongo’s
Thought for the Month
“The path of appreciation and
gratitude begins with filial piety.”
Realize the significance of appreciation
and gratitude in your life. Your daily
existence is due to nothing less than the
blessings you receive from everyone and
everything in this world.
First, appreciate your life itself. No
matter your situation, realize that you are
allowed to exist right now. This is the
basic foundation of your existence.
Appreciation for your parents and
ancestors who gave birth to you is the
basis of a happy and prosperous life.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 10 10:00 am Spring Grand Festival
Saito Goma Service
Sun 17 1:00 pm San Jose Branch Kanshakai Service
Sun 24 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sun 3 10:00 am
Sun 10 10:00 am
Sun 17 10:00 am
Sun 24 10:00 am
Japanese Kanshakai Service
Spring Grand Festival (in Sacramento)
Japanese & English Kanshakai Service
English Kanshakai / Ajikan Meditation
“Life in Your 20s” / Regional Board Mtg.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spring Grand Festival – Sunday, April 10
Guest Minister Schedule
The Spring Grand Festival will be held at the Sacramento
Church on Sunday, April 10, beginning at 10 a.m.
Bishop Okano from Japan and Rev. Sebe and Rev.
George from Sacramento will visit the L.A. Church to
attend the Propagation and Board of Directors Meetings
on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12.
A chartered bus from the L.A. Church will leave for
Sacramento at 10 p.m. on Saturday night, April 9. Once
again, through the generosity of Deacon Jackson Ito, bus
riders will be able to ride free of charge.
Saito Goma and Manbu-kuyo Applications Due
Please submit your prayer applications for Saito-goma
and Manbu-kuyo services by April 3. [See article on
Manbu-kuyo on page 3.] Saito-goma application forms
were mailed in the February Companion. An application
form for Manbu-kuyo is inserted in this issue. Additional
forms are available at your local church.
New Date, Destination for Casino Bus Trip
Because free buffet coupons are no longer given at the
Stateline casinos, L.A. members and friends will instead
travel by bus to Morongo Casino Resort in San Bernardino
County.
The trip will be held on Saturday, March 19. The bus will
leave the church at 8:00 a.m., leave Morongo at 4:00 p.m.
and return to the church at approximately 6:00 p.m. Bus
fare is $25 per person. Other attractions include an
outlet mall close to the casino. Meals are on your own.
If you are interested in joining this fun excursion, please
sign up at the church.
L. A. Sunday School Back in Session
Sunday School is once again back in
session, led by Marylin Nakamura. The
sessions are held on the third and
fourth Sundays each month during
church service. Children ages three to
10 are invited to attend.
The focus of the Sunday School will be on Gedatsu basics
– such as Amacha blessing, prayers, etc. – and Gedatsu
principles, with emphasis on how children apply these
principles in their lives. What better way to instill the
teachings and morals of Gedatsu in young minds than
Sunday School. We encourage you to have your child
and/or grandchild attend.
Rev. Taki, guest minister from Japan, will visit as follows:
Honolulu
March 1 – 10
Los Angeles
March 10 – April 5
Sacramento / San Fran April 5 – 16
Los Angeles
April 16 – 27
Rev. Haruo Nishimura, chief director of Religious Affairs
of Gedatsu-kai Japan, will visit the U.S. in April. His
schedule is as follows:
Sacramento
April 8 – 12
Los Angeles
April 12 – 15
Honolulu
April 15 – 17
Rev. Nishimura will provide the keynote address at the
Spring Grand Festival, speaking in lieu of Bishop Okano.
L.A. Women’s Club Leadership Changes
The L.A. Women’s Club
announced that Kazumi
Chinen (far left) will step into
the role of president of the
Women’s Club. Yoko Oishi will
serve as her aide in assisting the Japanese-speaking
members of the Club. Mrs. Chinen and Mrs. Oishi will
work together in coordinating the activities of the
Women’s Club, which serves primarily as a hospitality
and support group for the L.A. Church. Many thanks to
former Club president, Marylin Nakamura, who will
serve as secretary and treasurer for the Club, as well as
Sunday School instructor.
New Baby in the Church
Gedatsu Church members congratulate new parents,
Rev. Naoya and Yuko Okano on the arrival of their son,
Ryunosuke Terry, born February 9. More on Baby
Ryunosuke (and photo) in next month’s Companion.
2|Page
DEAR REVEREND
Q
“I am adopted, so I know nothing about my
family or ancestors. How should I pray to
them?”
A
Our late teacher, Archbishop Kishida, said that
whenever we start to pray, our ancestors are
together with us.
There, in that simple statement, is a profound and
beautiful truth. When we put our hands together in
sincere prayer, we are communicating with the infinite
Universal Life Force, or God, that is one with all things –
including the spirits of our ancestors, whether we know
them or not.
OUR GEDATSU STUDY
The Sacred Rite of Manbu Kuyo
Twice a year, as part of the Gedatsu Spring
and Fall Grand Festivals in Japan, a memorial rite for
spirits is conducted on the Goreichi holy grounds.
Called “Manbu Kuyo” – literally meaning ten
thousand expressions of respect – the ceremony is
performed to liberate all spirits from suffering and
to transform them into protective spirits who can
benefit the living.
The Plea of a Buddhist Monk
“Expressing gratitude for God’s grace and blessings is
the gateway to understanding life’s true path.”
In truth, because we are always one with the
Universal Life Force, we are always united with our
ancestral spirits, as well. Prayer is simply acknowledging
the almighty grace of God that allows us to exist. When
we breathe in and out, filling our lungs with air . . . when
we feel our heart pumping with blood . . . when we quench
our thirst with cool water . . . these all are evidence of the
divine assistance of the Universal Life Force in our lives.
Our prayers are then the natural expression of
appreciation for this state of grace.
In Gedatsu, we learn about the existence of the
spiritual world and ancestral karma – the spiritual laws of
cause and effect that are carried forward through one’s
family line. Many members are focused on dissolving the
negative karma they have created or inherited.
While it is important to address this aspect of our
study, both Gedatsu Kongo and Archbishop Kishida
stressed appreciation to the Universal Life Force above
everything else. Expressing gratitude for God’s grace and
blessings is the gateway to understanding life’s true path.
If we can give our heartfelt, sincere appreciation every day
for the divine blessings in our lives, we are slowly, but
surely, balancing our spiritual karma at the same time.
So how should we pray for our parents and
ancestors, even if they are unknown to us? By simply
giving our sincere thanks for the blessings we receive every
day from God. When our heart and mind are immersed in
thankfulness, our parents and ancestors are naturally
there with us – praying with us and receiving our prayers
of gratitude, as well.
Rev. Akira Sebe
The origin of Manbu Kuyo dates back to the
summer of 1934, when the soul of a deceased
Buddhist monk appeared during a member’s Goho
Shugyo session, imploring that Manbu Kuyo be
conducted for his peaceful repose in the spirit world.
Unfamiliar with the practice, the member consulted
Gedatsu Kongo, who, through his spiritual insight,
had anticipated this moment, saying that he awaited
this request to initiate the practice.
After this, Gedatsu Kongo immediately
prepared for the first Manbu Kuyo ceremony, which
was conducted at the 1934 Fall Festival and has
been performed twice a year since then.
Elevating Souls – Deceased and Living Alike
The rite of Manbu Kuyo purifies and pacifies
souls and spirits through the sacred power of
Gedatsu Kongo and the holy Goho. This enables
those spirits to free themselves from negative
aspects that hinder them from working effectively in
the spiritual realm, ushering them into a peaceful
state that enhances their ability to aid the living and
guide souls.
The rite also renders a positive effect on
those who are living, focusing the power of Manbu
Kuyo for self-cultivation and developing one’s
character.
(Continued on page 4)
3|Page
OUR GEDATSU STUDY
(Manbu Kuyo – Continued from page 3)
Gedatsu Kongo urged members to request
Manbu Kuyo for their departed ancestors and
other souls. At the same time, he stressed the
sacredness and power of this prayer, and
instructed members to take great care and
consideration when undertaking this practice.
Making a Personal Commitment
According to the Founder, by requesting this
Kuyo, you are taking a sacred oath that you will
live purposefully – fully performing your duties in
life and working for the betterment of society and
mankind.
Therefore, think seriously when requesting
Manbu Kuyo. Reflect deeply on the state of your
mind and will, and convey your thoughts and
intentions about the Kuyo with your family
members and relatives.
Members who would like to apply for
Manbu Kuyo, should complete the application
form that is included in this Companion
newsletter, or request a form from your nearest
branch church. It is recommended that you
consult with one of the church ministers, who can
explain the significance of the service and the
various categories on the form, as well as guide
you on the appropriate Kuyo for which you should
apply.
Following the Manbu Kuyo ceremony in
Japan, applicants will be sent certificates signifying
the completion of this sacred prayer.
Enclosed with each certificate is a note
containing the same brief statement that was
printed with the first certificates in 1934: “Please
have all your family members understand the
significance of this Manbu Kuyo, and keep this
certificate as your family treasure forever. This
certificate will be preserved in the All Souls
Monument in Goreichi as long as the earth exists.”
Thus, these certificates should be
reverently and permanently displayed on your
home altar as a family treasure.
The Manbu Kuyo rite is a beautiful, solemn ceremony, in
which a wooden casket – containing the certificates of
kuyo entreaties – is solemnly carried and placed before
the All Souls Monument. As Hannya Shingyo prayer and
Amacha kuyo are given, offerings of flowers and tea are
made. Following the service, the Manbu Kuyo lists are
retained in the memorial shrine forever, and a formal
certificate is sent to each of the Kuyo applicants.
4|Page
OUR GEDATSU TEACHERS
Archbishop Eizan Kishida
Archbishop Kishida –
Remembered
We continue our
tribute to the memory
of Archbishop Eizan
Kishida, beginning with
a brief reflection on the
circumstances that led
to his decision to come
to America in 1950.
It is difficult to imagine what our lives would have been
like had Archbishop Kishida decided to remain in Japan,
where his leadership skills undoubtedly were viewed as
vital assets in building the Gedatsu-kai organization
following Master Gedatsu Kongo’s death.
To fully understand and appreciate Archbishop
Kishida’s decision to come to America is to understand
and appreciate the man himself.
At great personal sacrifice, he courageously chose to
relinquish the security of his familiar life and powerful
station in Japan to establish a nascent religion in the
unknown “new frontier” of a foreign land. His choice is
a testament to his far-sighted vision and selfless
aspiration to reach out to and uplift his fellow man.
____________
A word about this series: The history of the Gedatsu
Church in America was briefly sketched in a six-part
series of articles that was published in the Gedatsu
Companion in 2014. Therefore, this series is not
intended to be a historical chronology of events and
milestones. Rather, in keeping with the tribute to
Archbishop Kishida, we focus on specific events,
activities and/or experiences that help us to better
understand the personality and character of our great
teacher.
Joyce Reid
Editor-in-Chief
A Journey of Courage, Faith
In 1950, at age 45, the late Archbishop Eizan Kishida,
faced a crossroads in his life.
A farmer’s son at birth and a printer by trade, Eizan
possessed a keen intellect, firm moral character, strong
convictions and a compassionate nature. He was also
proving himself to be a courageous and charismatic
leader, while developing a deeply spiritual outlook.
Since his initial meeting with Gedatsu Kongo 15 years
earlier, he had propagated the Gedatsu teaching
widely throughout Japan, ushering in thousands of new
members to the church.
Not surprisingly, his proven leadership qualities made
him the natural choice to succeed Gedatsu Kongo to
lead and organize the Gedatsu-kai organization in
turbulent post-war Japan following the Founder’s
death in 1948.
On the Horizon: A Broader Vision
And yet . . . less than two years after assuming his
demanding new responsibilities, Archbishop Eizan
Kishida contemplated taking a different path – a path
that would dramatically alter his life’s arc. His lifechanging crossroads came as a result of his meeting
with Mother Ine Kiyota.
Mother Kiyota was a devoted disciple of Gedatsu
Kongo, who had instructed her to “propagate the
Gedatsu teaching in America to save people.”
This she did with her characteristic fervency, first
among fellow internees of the relocation camp where
she was assigned in World War II, and later among her
many devoted followers, who continued to seek her
Gedatsu instruction after they returned to their homes
in Sacramento and San Francisco after the war.
Following Master Gedatsu Kongo’s death, a griefstricken Mother Kiyota returned to Japan to pay her
respects to her teacher. She spent three months in
(Continued on page 6)
5|Page
(Archbishop Kishida – continued from page 5)
Japan, staying at the home of Eizan Kishida, who kindly
took care of her. During her stay, Eizan listened
intently to Mother Kiyota’s earnest appeals to assist
her in spreading the Gedatsu teaching in America.
Archbishop Kishida with his
wife, Shigeko, on his left, and
Mother Kiyota visit Goreichi,
Japan, prior to his departing
for America.
Moved by her pleas, Archbishop Kishida resolved to
travel to the United States to work with her in
propagating Gedatsu. From that moment, he
embraced this new mission with all his heart.
So, on June 28, 1950, Archbishop Kishida said good-bye
to his wife and daughter and boarded a ship out of
Yokohama Harbor, bound for the United States.
Inspiration and Resolve Born Amid the Waves
Rev. Sebe wrote of Archbishop Kishida’s ordeal on his
voyage to America:
“Archbishop Kishida boarded a ship from a rainy Yokohama
port. In his heart and mind, he had a firm resolve to spread
the Gedatsu teaching in the United States.
“There were many people aboard the ship who became
seasick, and Archbishop Kishida also began to feel
uncomfortable. He went up to the deck. The ship was
rolling heavily, and huge ocean waves came into view.
“It was then, while observing the rough waves, that he
received an inspiration. He felt deeply that he could not let
a trivial thing like seasickness overtake him if he were to
accomplish his mission. His resolve was so strong that,
while he was standing and watching the raging waves, his
seasickness disappeared.”
Archbishop Kishida made initial contact with the U.S. in
Honolulu on July 5 and then in San Francisco Bay on
July 10. He was greeted at the dock by a joyful Mother
Kiyota and American Gedatsu pioneer, Kukichi Sakai.
Immediately after his arrival, Archbishop Kishida
rented a room at the Fuji Hotel in San Francisco’s
Japanese Town. This place became both his residence
and the first Gedatsu church in America.
He was introduced by Mother Kiyota to many of the
Gedatsu followers she had established, and soon the
hotel rooms were filled with visitors from the Bay Area
and Sacramento, eager to hear the Gedatsu doctrine
from their knowledgeable and charismatic new
teacher.
A Kinship of Trust, Friendship and Faith
A lasting bond of trust and friendship quickly
developed between Archbishop Kishida and the
American pioneer members who sought his counsel
and spiritual guidance in those early days. This was
especially true of the Sacramento members, whose
hard-working farm life undoubtedly struck a chord with
Archbishop Kishida, remembering his own rural
upbringing.
These members believed so fervently in Gedatsu – and,
now, in Archbishop Kishida – that after only six months
after his arrival in America, a 20-acre property in
Sacramento farmland was purchased for the Gedatsu
Goreichi with the pooled financial contributions of
Sacramento members. Their only stipulation: that
Archbishop Kishida stay permanently in America.
Archbishop Kishida marveled: “In a strange, new land,
it would seem to be almost impossible to gain the
people’s confidence and trust within a few months. I
believe it was God’s will and Gedatsu Kongo’s guidance
that helped make it possible to purchase the Goreichi
land for the future.”
Archbishop Kishida made his pledge to stay, saying “I
will live in America until I die.”
(Next issue: Creating a Vision to Bridge East-West
Religious Traditions)
6|Page
OUR GEDATSU STUDY
Gedatsu Kongo’s Post-War Sermons
Translations and commentary by Rev. Hisakazu Taki
Sermon 17: Dedication Ceremony of Tokyo Dojo, June 6, 1948:
I would like to say a few words at this time. It is always difficult for me to say Shinto prayers. I am
not good at it, because I am not a professional Shinto priest. However, I’ve been always speaking the
truth. I always say at the festivals that religious teachers must self-reflect. I want you to understand that
Gedatsu should be practiced in your daily lives. This is the essence of Gedatsu study and practice.
You are all leaders of the Gedatsu branches. Please remember that a leader’s error will lead to the
errors of many. You must truly understand the essence of Gedatsu practice. Be aware that you are lacking
in harmony with other people. As long as you are out of harmony, you will be troubled and suffer. Please
ponder this.
I want to speak longer to make you understand it better. But, even if I speak more, you’ll soon
forget it. So, I will simply tell you only the essential points.
You must be aware of the essence of Gedatsu beyond words. Gedatsu is true religion beyond
creed. It is wrong to blindly adhere to any specific sect or denomination. What sect or denomination we
belong to is not an essential point for our religious study. What is important is to express gratitude to
Tenjinchigi, the Supreme Spirit of the Universe. It’s quite simple, isn’t it? I want you to understand this and
correct your attitude from this point forward.
Today, I came to Tokyo from the country after four years. Seeing this war-ravaged Tokyo, I cannot
imagine that it was once the metropolis of civilization. I understand that you have suffered extremely
difficult circumstances. However, please train your heart and do not feel defeated no matter what may
happen to you. You must remember that Japan is under occupation now. Please endeavor to improve
your character. Let us endure the hardships for a while and endeavor to rebuild the country. It is our duty
to pay taxes. Let us work hard to rebuild Japan.
I want to say more. But, as I’ve mentioned before, it is no use if you don’t remember what I say.
Let us get along with each other and live happily.
This speech may be too simple for the opening of the Dojo, but I thank you all for coming from all
parts of the country. Again, please understand that one person’s error will lead to the errors of many. This
concludes my speech today. Thank you very much.
Comments on Sermon 17:
The old Gedatsu Church in Tokyo was burned down by air-raids during the war. The new church was built
three years after the end of the war, and its dedication ceremony was held on June 6, 1948. Gedatsu Kongo was
seriously ill and required complete bed rest in those days. But he was very happy to see the completion of the
new Tokyo church, and he really wanted to attend its dedication ceremony. He traveled to Tokyo by car from
Kitamoto. This was his last visit to Tokyo.
Gedatsu Kongo spoke simply at the dedication ceremony. Although he was in serious condition, he spoke
warm-heartedly to members to encourage them to endure the difficult post-war conditions.
7|Page
(Post-war Sermons – Continued from page 7)
Sermon 18: Kanshakai Service, July 1, 1948
We are in the middle of the year already. Have you practiced what I told you at the
beginning of this year? First, have you practiced humility and poverty? If you have not, reform your
thinking immediately. The future is quite uncertain for those who don’t practice what I say. Only
those who have practiced what I said must be happy now. Stop complaining. You are too narrowminded to think of your family and descendants only. Your way of life must be full of mistakes.
Please correct them.
The doctor and others asked me not to speak today. However, I can’t help but speak to you
as long as I am alive. I cannot sit still as long as I see you before me.
Gedatsu is to discard selfish thoughts and improve yourself as a human. Rise above selfinterest, curb your carnal appetite, discard egoism and reflect on yourself. This is Gedatsu practice.
However, no one can practice Gedatsu completely because we are humans. Observe
children. Although they may be selfish, children are indeed pure and genuine. If you start learning
Gedatsu when you are child, you can learn everything correctly. The older one becomes, the worse
one gets. You must remember that you are always imperfect in spite of your advancement in
knowledge. The sun, moon, stars and everything in the universe change each day. We humans
should also change every day. You should be aware that there is nothing more stupid than humans.
Society is thus chaotic today. What should we do now? The sun, moon, stars, animals and plants
are always teaching us what we should do. Are we worthy to be called the lord of creation? I’ve
always urged you to live together in peace. Please remember we have received immeasurable
blessings from society.
Don’t act smart when we are, in fact, not smart. We should live honestly. We should be
aware of the law of cause and effect. Live each day with joy and gratitude. The seasons change
with regularity. Our life should also change and improve steadily.
If your heart is pure, things will turn out as you wish them to be. The right attitude will cause
good results, and the wrong attitude will bring negative results. This is only natural.
Gedatsu is to learn and realize by yourself. Gedatsu is to discard your ego and change into a
brand new person. Home should be the foundation of all studies and science. Be aware of the
greatness of Gedatsu as a family-based religion.
Comments on Sermon 18:
In his last days, Gedatsu Kongo spoke with passion at each Kanshakai service to try to awaken members
spiritually, although he was in a critical condition. He always spoke simply and repeated the essential points of
Gedatsu: to discard ego and advance in our Gedatsu study and practice.
8|Page
JANUARY 2016 OFFERINGS
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
$5–$49: J. Scott, S. Tanaka, M/M R. Nakatani,
M. Fukushima, K. Tsukamoto, C. Tagawa, K. Gibson,
M/M D. Tsuboi,
C. Umeda, M/M D. Ide
$50–$99: June Tanaka, M/M S. Matsuhashi, Y. Shimazu,
N. Johnston, A. Sebe, S. Taketa
$100+: J. Detwiler/J. Sebe, M/M B. Ide, M/M C. Tanaka,
M/M S. Sekikawa, S. Nishino, F. Mills, M/M A. Akashi
$200+: Senkakukan
$300+: Jean Tanaka, S. Matsuda
Special Acknowledgment
J. Detwiler
Donation of annual Gedatsu website fee ($156)
A. Sebe
Appreciation for family gathering ($100)
T. Wakabayashi Appreciation for family memorial service ($200)
M/M J. Davies In gratitude to God ($250)
S. Matsuda/H. Takahashi Appreciation for memorial service ($800)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
$5–$49: M/M K. Chinen, M/M T. Hirami, C. & M. Kono,
Kono Family, H. Kumashiro, M/M T. Matsumoto,
M/M V. Mizokami, K. Nagao, M. Numata, A Okimura,
J. Shimatsu, T. Toyama
$50–$99: C. Chu, M/M M. Hamada, M/M R. Kageyama,
T. Matsumoto, T. Murakami, M/M L. Muronaka, T. Nagao,
M. Nakamura, R. Nakamura, Y. Naruko, M/M A. Shiroishi,
S. Kono, M/ M H. Tsujimura, M/M P. Young
$100+: C. Barthel, K. Fujii, T. Ishida, J. Kaku, S. Kaku,
M. Kimura, K. Kuritani, M/M K. Kuritani, K. Michiuya,
M. Michiuye, Y. Oishi, Michiuye Family, F. Miyamura,
M/M C. Morioka, M/M J. Peck, M/M M. Murakami,
T. Nakamura, M/M M. Okada, T. Okimura,
M/M H. Tsujimura, M/M R. Tsujimura, M/M K. Yamada
$200+: M/M N. Okano, L. Sanchez, M/M S. Shaklan,
D. Shiroishi, J. Shiroishi
$500+: J. Ito, M/M S. Mukai
$1,000+: A. Tomita
$5,000+: C. Tsujimura
Special Acknowledgment
Mary Kimura
Appreciation for 49-day service for
Late Ken Kimura ($500)
M/M Howard Tsujimura Appreciation for memorial service for
Sumiko Tsujimura , Frank Young and
ancestral blessing ($100)
Rudy/Arlene Tsujimura Appreciation for Sumiko Tsujimura
memorial service and Sarah’s Royal Court
Princess 2016 ($200)
Special Acknowledgment (Continued)
Naomi Inoue
Appreciation for Konami Miyaka
memorial service ($500)
Ken/Ikuko Kuritani
Appreciation for ancestor blessing
($100)
Rudy/Arlene Tsujimura Appreciation for blessing and
Gedatsu study ($100)
Tomita Family
Appreciation for 7- and 49-day
service for late Dorothy Tomita
($1,000)
Mariko Michiuye
Appreciation for 13-year memorial
service for Grace Sato ($500)
Greg Yip
Donation for dojo use ($325)
2016 UPCOMING EVENTS
May 8 (Sun)
Sacramento Joen-no-gi (Plaque
Burning)
May 15 (Sun) L.A. Mother’s Day Service
May 31 (Tue) Church Closed (in lieu of Memorial Day)
Jun 12 (Sun)
Sacramento Kiyota Sensei’s Memorial
Service
Jun 19 (Sun)
L.A. Kiyota Sensei’s Memorial Service /
Father’s Day Service
Jun 25-26 (Sat-Sun) Rokujizo Bazaar, Sacr’to 11 am
Jul 5 (Tue)
Church Closed (in lieu of Independence
Day)
Jul 17 (Sun)
L.A. Obon Service / Graduates Honored
Jul 24 (Sun)
Sacramento Obon Service
Aug 6 (Sat)
Lake Tahoe Benzaiten Service (TBD)
Aug 21 (Sun) L.A. Benzaiten Service
Sep 4 (Sun)
Fall Grand Festival 10 am
Sep 6 (Tue)
Church Closed (in lieu of Labor Day)
Sep 17 (Sat)
L.A. Rummage Sale (TBD)
Sep 18 (Sun) L.A. Higan Service
Sep 25 (Sun) Sacramento Higan Service
Oct 1-2 (Sat-Sun) LA Autumn Moon Festival
11 am – 6 pm
Oct 11 (Tue)
Church Closed (in lieu of Columbus Day)
Oct 16 (Sun)
L.A. Ujigami Service
Nov 6 (Sun)
L.A. Gedatsu Kongo Memorial Service
Nov 13 (Sun) Sacramento Gedatsu Kongo Birthday
Nov 19 (Sat)
L.A. Casino Turnaround (TBD)
Nov 20 (Sun) L.A. 7-5-3 Children’s Celebration /
Gedatsu Kongo Birthday
Nov 24-25
Church Closed (Thanksgiving Holiday)
9|Page
3 月度教会行事予定
ロサンゼルス教会
3 日(日）
10:00A
11 日(金）
10:00A
12 日(土）
10:00A
13 日(日）
10:00A
19 日(土）
8:00A
20 日(日）
10:00A
27 日(日）
10:00A
サクラメント教会
20 日(日）
1:00P
27 日(日）
9:30A
日本語感謝会
布教会議
理事会
祥月追善法要
モロンゴ・バス・ツアー
日英感謝会・彼岸法要
リージョナルボード
英語感謝会・阿字観法
サンノゼ支部感謝会
感謝会・彼岸法要
3 月度みさとし
「感謝報恩の第一歩は孝に始まる」
感謝の心をもつことの大切さは、（それが実践できて
いるかどうかは別にして）誰もが自覚しているところ
だと思います。それは、日々の生活のすべてがこの世
の一切の人々やもののおかげによって成り立ってい
るからです。なかでもまず第一番に知るべきは、「い
のち」そのものに対する感謝です。なぜなら、「いの
ちあっての物種」といわれるように、われわれはいの
ちと肉体が与えられているおかげで日々の生活を送
り、さまざまな仕事をすることができているからです。
つまり、肉体生命を与えられたことこそわれわれの人
生の根本基盤なのであって、自分をこの世に生みなし
てくれた親先祖に対する感謝こそ、幸せな良い人生を
送るための基本であることをしっかりと自覚したい
ものです。
Never Forgotten
LA 教会「祥月追善法要」をご活用ください
ロサンゼルス
教会では、毎月第
2 日曜日午前 10
時から教会主催
で合同の「祥月追
善法要」（マンス
リー・メモリア
ル・サービス）が
行われます。どな
たでも参加しや
すいように、とても簡素な形での法要で、無料です。
教会にある申込書に霊名や必要事項を記入し申込み
いただけば、どなたでも法要が受けられます。ぜひお
友達にもお勧めください。なお 4 月は春季大祭にてお
休みです。4 月の命日の方は 3 月の法要日に一緒にさ
せていただきます。
誌 上 講 話
「解脱」があればシニアライフも意義深い！
山田一雄
私は還暦を過ぎ「定年」が間近な視野に入って
より、リタイア後の生活からどのような死を迎えるか
までをたびたび想像しては楽しんでいます。しかし赴
任生活が長く、まだどの地で定年を迎えるかも読めな
い立場ですので、単に想像するのみで具体的な準備に
入れないのがもどかしいほどです。そんなわけですか
ら、教会に来られる先輩シニアの皆さんとお話しする
のは、私にとっては私自身の 70 代、80 代の将来への
勉強になる楽しみの一つなのです。特に私より 10 年
以上も年配の皆さまが教会行事に喜々としてご奉仕
くださる姿を見るにつけ、私も元気をいただきます。
ロサンゼルス教会の 80 代半ばの女性会員が、ある
超越的な心境を語ってくれました。
「70 代ころまでは老いていくことへの恐怖や死へ
の不安があったのですが、解脱の教えを聞いているう
ちに、死ぬということも怖くなくなってきました」
彼女は肉体にハンデを背負い体が不自由になった
ぶん出来ないことも増えましたが、教えによってすべ
てを自然に受け入れられるようになり、出来ることが
あることに喜びを見出し奉仕を続けてくれています。
また彼女より一歳年上のある男性会員は、「教えに
より霊魂の不滅を知っただけでも何の不安もない。た
だ生かされている以上、自分にふさわしいようお使い
いただきたいという心境のみです」と常々語っていま
す。解脱の教えが安心立命への道となっているのです。
楽しさを追求しながらも人の道は外さない
還暦を過ぎたばかりの私でも、若いころに比べ
てだいぶ身体機能が落ちたことを自覚しています。し
かし不思議なことに、老いていくにもかかわらず若い
ころに戻りたいという気は起こらないものですね。今
現在が一番幸せであるような気がしてなりませんし、
若い頃には想像もできなかったような老いへの肯定
感があるのです。これは肉体を超えた魂の感覚から来
る心境でしょうか。
人は年とともに多くの体験を重ね、肉体は衰えます
が、精神は円熟を増します。体力が気力に追いつかな
掲 示 板
くなったぶん、より内面的な人間力で対応せざるを得
ない局面も増えます。しかし、私たちの本質は霊的な
存在であることを思えば、それはそのまま人格や霊性
を磨く修行になっているのではないかと思います。そ

の意味では、解脱会員である高齢者は幸せです。「解
脱」を軸とした心のあり方こそ、生死を超えた魂のた
どるべき不変の道でありガイドであるからです。

孔子の回想に「七十にして心の欲する所に従えども
矩（のり）を踰（こ）えず」とあります。「七十歳に
して心の赴くままに行動しても道から外れることが
なくなった」という境地です。現代風に言えば、楽し
さを追求しながらも人としての道は踏みはずさない
ということでしょう。それは「解脱」を学ぶ私たちに
とっても一つの理想的な生き方ではないでしょうか。


ちなみに孔子は常に反省を怠らず、足らざるを改める
努力を生涯にわたってされた方だと言われています。
心の土台に「解脱」があれば深い喜びがある

今年より戦後のベビーブーマーの世代、いわゆ
る団塊世代の人たちが年々70 歳代に突入しはじめま
す。ということは、日本では 3 年後には 4 人に一人が
70 歳以上という高齢化社会になるということです。
高齢化社会というと、世間では医療費や年金制度や
介護の問題とともに語られますので、何かと「老い」
に関してネガティブな面ばかりが脚光を浴びます。一
般には「老い」という現象自体がやっかいなものとし
て捉えられているからではないでしょうか。
確かに年をとれば体力は確実に衰え、見た目にも髪
が白くなり、シワやシミが増えたり、皮膚がたるんだ
り、体形が崩れたりしてきます。しかしそれは自然の
摂理なので、実際様々な問題はあるにせよ、主観的に
はネガティブに捉える必要は全くないのです。むしろ
若い頃には気づかなかった物事のありがたみが見え
てきますので、自然の摂理に照らしてみれば、老年期
は死を控えた人生の総仕上げとしての時期であり、心
を練る機会が与えられたのだとポジティブに受け止
めるべきだと思います。
「永遠に不滅の生命を自覚し得ることは力強きこ
とである」と金剛さまは言われます。まさに解脱の土
台に立った人生観を得るほど、勇気と希望を呼び起こ
させてくれるものはありません。「解脱」を心の土台
にし、深い喜びのあるシニアライフを送りましょう。



柴燈護摩および萬部供養の申込受け付け中です
なるべく 3 月末までにお申し込みください。
岡野総長布教会・理事会出席のため来訪されます
岡野英夫総長は 3 月 10 日にロサンゼルス入り
し 16 日に帰国されます。
ＬＡ教会から春季大祭の無料バスが出ます
サクラメントの春季大祭に向けロサンゼルス
教会からバスが 4 月 9 日（土）夜 10 時に出発し
ます。バス代は、ジャクソン伊藤さんが寄付くだ
さいますので、無料です。この機会にぜひ多くの
方をお誘いし参加ください。バス利用希望者は、
教会のサインシートにお名前を記入ください。
春季大祭には西村晴夫先生が来訪されます
今回の春季大祭には、日本から解脱会本部・教
務局長の西村晴夫先生が来訪されます。西村先生
は 4 月 8 日にサクラメント入りし、大祭後はロ
サンゼルスとハワイ教会に立ち寄ります。日程は
次の通り。4/8 – 4/12 サクラメント、 4/12 – 4/15
ロサンゼルス、 4/15 – 4/17 ハワイ、4/18 日本着。
ＬＡ教会・3 月のカジノ・ツアーの目的地は「モ
ロンゴ」に変更されました
ステートラインでは食事の無料クーポンが廃
止となりましたので、目的地をサンバーナーディ
ノ郡のモロンゴ・カジノ・リゾートへと変更いた
しました。アウトレット・モールも隣接されてお
りますので、ショッピングにもご利用ください。
昼食は各自でお取りいただきます。
バスは、3 月 19 日土曜日午前 8 時に解脱教会
を出発します。 帰路は午後 4 時にモロンゴを経
ちますので、午後 6 時頃に教会に戻ります。バス
料金は、一人 25 ドルです。ぜひ友人をお誘いし
ご参加ください。希望者は、教会ロビーのサイン
シートにお名前をご記入ください。
ＬＡ教会ではサンデースクールが復活しました
ロサンゼルス教会ではマリリン中村さんによ
り、サンデースクール（日曜学校）が復活しまし
た。毎月第 3 および第 4 日曜日の感謝会に開かれ
ます。3 歳から 10 歳の子供たちを預かります。
子供たちが解脱の教えを活かせるよう教えの基
本を学び、心にしみ込ませます。ぜひお子さんや
お孫さんを出席させてください。
ＬＡ教会ウーメンズ・クラブの新・女性部長、副
部長が決まりました
ＬＡ教会ウーメンズ・クラブのプレジデントに
知念和美さん、サブに大石洋子さんが決まりまし
た。マリリン中村さんは、秘書と会計係を引き受
けます。どうぞ活動にご協力ください。
解脱霊廟への斎祀料が値上がりします
2016 年は１霊につき 200 ドル、2017 年から
は 300 ドルとなります。ご了承ください。
GEDATSU COMPANION
Vol. 67 No. 3
March 2016
The Gedatsu Companion is published
monthly for L.A. members like Greg
and Akemi Wood, who reside in
Camarillo, Ca. They are grateful for a
chance meeting in 1960 of Akemi’s
family, the Nagao’s, and the family of
the late Rev. Ishida aboard a ship to
America. “Rev. Ishida’s persistence introduced us to Gedatsu
some ten years later,” say Greg and Akemi. “After all these
years, we are still learning and are much appreciative for the
wonderful teachings of Master Gedatsu Kongo.” When time
permits, the Woods enjoy motorcycle rides, making music
with guitars/drums (Greg) and harp (Akemi) and “having play
dates with our two granddaughters.”
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:
Jeffery Mukai, Rev. Naoya Okano, Rev. Akira Sebe, Hisakazu
Taki, Calvin Tanaka, Akemi Wood, Greg Wood
Facebook Users “Like” L.A. Church
Thanks to Rev. Naoya Okano and L.A. member,
Jeffrey Mukai, the L.A. Gedatsu Church is
generating interest on Facebook, the popular
online social networking site. Jeffrey created the
church’s Facebook page several years ago, and
Rev. Okano, as page administrator, has been busy
ever since – posting pictures, comments and
updates of church activities and events.
“Facebook is a great propagation tool to let
people know about Gedatsu, especially young
people,” says Rev. Naoya. “But in order to be
successful, we need constant input from members
in the form of posts, photos and comments.
“Plus we need ‘spreaders’ – readers who click
‘Like’ or ‘Share’ so the page is exposed to others
outside our church. This has the potential of
generating many more visits to our page and
increasing the number of people who ‘like’ it.
“Check out our Facebook page and actively
participate by showing your posts and ‘likes.’”