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ISSUE 204 August 1, 2007 KOYASAN JIHO
NEWS Excerpts from Shingon-shu no Kyogi, translated by Bishop Seicho Asahi §
Awakening
to Universal Life The Buddhist teaching transcends the physical world, and recognizes the Universal Life of the Spiritual world. The physical world is the world we see and hear with our physical senses. Since the spiritual world cannot be seen with our physical eyes and ears, it is hard to explain. Let’s use the example of our body to help us to understand. We are able to live our lives because we have a physical body. Within our bodies are physical organs and systems that all work together to sustain our life. If I were to ask you to locate within your body where your life is, you may not be able to locate it. However, you understand that your life exists within your body. The concept of Universal Life is like this. Universal life covers not only our own lives, but also the entire world. Shakyamuni Buddha preached that everything changes and nothing lasts forever. This principle is one of the laws of Universal Life. He also preached that things neither increase or decrease because of the law of Karma. This is also considered the law of Universal Life. §
Mahavairocana
Buddha Shingon teaching is based upon the truth of Universal Life. We call this Mahavairocana (Great Sun) Buddha. Because it is just like the Sun that shines on us giving benefit to all beings equally. The Rishu-Kyo is a major Sutra of the Shingon-Shu, and has the word ‘Vairocana’ in it many times. The Light mantra also has the word ‘Vairocana.’ This is the same as the Mahavairocana Buddha. It is a source and energy that sustains all life. This is why these two powers are represented by Compassion and Wisdom. We use the syllable ‘A’ as a seed syllable of Mahavairocana Buddha. The sound ‘A’ is considered as a mother of all sounds; therefore, the letter ‘A’ is the first letter in the alphabet chart in many languages. Kobo Daishi entered into eternal samadhi because he deeply understood this teaching and he wanted to assist people perpetually throughout time. §
The
Method of Enlightenment Many methods were created in order to experience the concept of Universal Life. Mudra represents the actions of body, mantra signifies the sacred speech and pictures, statues, Mandalas and implements symbolize the visualization of mind. These are practiced in ritual meditations to assist us in realizing the nature of Mahavairocana within. There are many methods used in the Shingon tradition. They are supported by methods and doctrine, they are just like the two wheels of a cart, one cannot go forward without the other. The annual OHIGAN
MEMORIAL SERVICE ON SEPTEMBER 16th There will be two Autumn Higan Services on Sunday, September 16th. The service at the Harbor City Koyasan will be held at 10:00 a.m. and at the Betsuin starts at 1:30 p.m. Okumotsu (offerings) will be distributed to the congregation. Please make every effort to attend the service. FAMILY
SERVICE & STUDY CLASS ON BUDHISM TO START The new services will start in October for members and friends. The last Sunday of each month, there will be Meditation session, Family Service, Study Class on Buddhism and Dharma school for children in the morning. Bishop Seicho Asahi will conduct the meditation session and Study class on Buddhism. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. The Family service is designed for any ages and the Dharma class is a fun program for children to learn basic Buddhist teaching by making craft or art. The following is the schedule of the services: Meditation session 9:00 a.m. Guided meditation Family Service 10:00 a.m. Shorted version of service Study Class on Buddhism 10:30 a.m. Teaching on Buddhism KOYASAN
TAIKO CLASS TO COMMENCE Bishop Asahi formed the Taiko
Group in KITCHEN
RENOVATION FINISHED The temple kitchen was not able to be used for about 8 months due to the renovation. The work was finally completed just before Obon Service in July. The kitchen stoves and ventilation have passed inspection and we now have the up-to-date kitchen. We appreciate those who have contributed generous donations to the renovation project. REVEREND
SATO JUST MARRIED A traditional Japanese Wedding
was held for Rev. Shinyu Sato and Miss Hiroko Yuhara on Saturday, July 7th.
The couple exchanged their vows, juzus and rings at the ceremony and started
their new lives. Mrs. Sato will be attending law
school in FAREWELL TO THE OLD PINE TREE The old pine tree was in the temple yard since 1940’s. But, it became dangerous when it leaned toward the parking lot due to termite problems. Volunteer members chopped it down in July. Prior to the cutting, a prayer was held to show gratitude to the tree. Thanks go to those volunteers for their hard work. JIZO
BON & OKURIBI Two annual mid-summer events,
the Jizo Bon and Okuribi rituals will be held on Sunday, August 19th
at 10:00 a.m. in the PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE AND
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR A-BOMB VICTIMS The
62nd annual memorial service for the victims of the atomic bombs
and prayer for world peace will be held on Sunday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. at
Betsuin. The service is co-sponsored by the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Survivors
Organization. The temple has been preserving the Hiroshima Peace Flame since
1984. Everyone wishes for World Peace. This is a wonderful opportunity to
pray for peace, so please make an effort to attend the event. |
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