SLO Buddhist Temple: March 2010
Home ..............President's Message... ........ . March Calendar ..............email: minister@slobuddhisttemple.org
President's email: president@slobuddhisttemple.org..................................................
Spring Higan & Refreshment: March 28th
Higan, which means the "other shore" of Nirvana or Enlightenment as opposed to "this shore" of delusion, is observed during the spring and fall equinox of each year. In our denomination, Spring Higan Service is called Gathering in Praise of the Buddha. During these two times of the year, the days and nights are equal in length and the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. It is a time for Buddhists to meditate on the harmony of nature which percades the universe.
Traditionally there are six practices (Paramitas) to attain Higan or Buddha's world. They are as follows:
1. The path of giving ................................. Dana
2. The path of right behavior .................... Sila
3. The path of endurance and patience .... Ksanti
4. The path of endeavor or effort ............. Virya
5. The path of meditation .......................... Dhyana
6. The path of Buddha's Wisdom .............. Prajna
These six paramitas are practice to attain Buddha's Wisdom that makes us possible to see ourselves as we are. Fortunately we come to know Buddha's Wisdom in Amida's Vows. So Spring Higan Service is the service for us to deepen our insight by and through the Vows. Everyone is invited to this service. Otoki refreshment follows in the Social Hall.
.................................................... In Gassho,
Garth Wilwand & Shannon Baird, both Temple members, were married at the Temple on Feb. 20th. Congratulation!
.......................... In Gassho,
Clean-Up Day
The big storm in January left the temple facilities and property very messy. Thanks to some of our members, the temple grounds were cleaned before a retreat group from Los Angeles arrived.
A big Thank You to:
Thomas Guernsey, who fixed the traffic mirror and helped burn branches.
Barry Bridge, who burned branches.
Ruth Vines and Mrs. Fujii, who helped clean the retreat house.
Henry Okui, who helped fix and clean the retreat house shower.
............................. In Gassho,
The San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church would like to acknowledge your membership and contribution to the Sangha with a special affirmation ceremony for those who have joined our Temple in recent years. The ceremony is called Nyu-mon-shiki, which means "for those who enter the gate of the Teachings of the Buddha."
There are two dates the ceremony will be offered. Please let Rev. Fujii know which date works better for you.
The SLO Buddhist Church thanks you for your tireless effort towards your service to the temple and for being a true follower of the Buddha Dharma.
..................... In Gassho,
..................... Ruth Vines
..................... Hospitality Chairperson
Nyu-mon-shiki Dates:
* Sunday, April 18th - Hana Matsuri Service: Birthday of Shakamuni Buddha
* Sunday, May 23rd - Goh-Tan-Ye Service: Birthday of Shinran
Dharma Message by Rev. Fujii
When we make tofu, we see okara (waste). When we eat food, we see feces (waste). When we learn to use a calculator, we lose some of the ability to do math in our heads. When we use the computer, we forget how to spell. When we get something good, we get something bad at the same time. Is it possible for us to gain only something wonderful?
....................................................................................................... In Gassho,
Rummage Sale: March 13th and 14th (9am - 2pm)
Your donations are greatly appreciated. Please call Sylvia Bridge (805-489-3594) or Rev. Fujii (805-704-6996) if you would like to make arrangements to pick up your donation. Thank you.
In Gassho,