01 May Rev. D’s Message
Gotan E (May 17)
Gotan E is the Major Service for the month of May, when we are able to recognize the birth of Shinran Shonin. It was a tumultuous time in Japan.
The hardships of wars and natural disasters brought uncertainty to daily life. It was decided to have Shinran enter the monkhood on Mt. Hiei so that he could have access to an education as well as safety from the turmoil below. Jodo Shinshu followers everywhere share in the appreciation of the birth and life of the founder of our Shin Buddhist tradition.
Each year, we take this opportunity to reflect upon the life and journey of Shinran Shonin. We remember significant events that mark his path and the development of the Nembutsu teachings.
The stories and the teachings have touched each of us. The Nembutsu path may have been a part of our family legacy for generations. Or, the Nembutsu path may be a new influence that has come to resonate with our views and our values. As we recognize a personal connection to the teachings of Shinran, we may feel a sense of validation. Being Shin Buddhist and “a fellow traveler along the way” becomes a part of our identity. Connections validate. The Gotan E Service will be on May 17 at 10:00 AM.
Also upcoming this month will be cemetery visitations on the Memorial Day Weekend. Cemetery services will be held for the Buddhist Temple of Alameda on Saturday May 23. Please see the listings of visitation times provided separately. Please mark your calendars to participate. It is always touching to visit the gravesites of our family members. We thank those we have lost for how they have impacted the lives we live today. It becomes even more special to do this with temple friends along with family members. We look forward to joining in service together and having the opportunity to meet and visit. Hope to see you there.
The summer months are right around the corner, too. Temple committees have already been hard at work planning for the Vacationland Bazaar that will take place Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28. The two day bazaar is again the norm. Each year we look to see how we can improve and streamline our bazaar operations. We look forward to working together with temple members, family and friends. We happily welcome everyone who comes out to pitch in! Our neighboring temples are already sharing their posters and raffle tickets to promote their bazaars. We stagger our dates so we don’t conflict with each other, and we can also plan to visit their bazaars.
We identify with our own temple efforts and food presentations, but it is fun to see what the other temples offer and how they do things both similarly and differently. Sometimes we find a good idea over there. Sometimes we come back thinking, “Ours is better ….”
Overall, we share in a deeper sense that all our efforts from temple to temple are to partake in the Dharma and to provide for the Sangha. We walk together on the Nembutsu Path. Our lives are illuminated by the light of Amida touching us as compassion. As long as we keep in mind the Three Treasures of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, we keep our heart, spirit, and mind in proper perspective. We’ll see you at the temple.
Gassho, Rev. Dennis Fujimoto
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