How quickly the time passes when everybody is actively involved in our Temple Activities. I am now writing the message from the Board for our final Bodhi Mind issue for 2011.
Our Fall Bazaar with the guidance of our co-chairs, Dave Ohori and Yvonne Nakano was a great success with majority of our food items sold out well before our closing time. We wish to thank all the people who came to help in the food preparations and to the patrons for all their support. Special thanks to Joanne and Yvonne for making the hakusai tsukemono and the shime saba for the saba zushi.
As the most important Jodo Shinshu observance this is the date chosen to commemorate Shinran Shonin’s passing. The Hoonko Service in 2012 will be particularly significant, as it marks the 750th year since the passing of Shinran. At our Mother Temple, Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, special musical services have been conducted since April 2011 leading up to their Hoonko Service in January 2012.
Dharma Circle, an English Dharma gathering will start at 7pm, with a service format that more closely follows those observed at Nishi Hongwanji, our Mother Temple. Following the short service, there will be opportunity for the group to explore the Dharma and the Nembutsu teachings. Great for those who are curious about the dharma and for those experienced seekers.
Reverend Aoki will lead this tour to Hongwanji in February 2012. Everyone is welcome. Please see page 7 of the BodhiMind or click here to view or print an overview of dates and stops.
How time passes so quickly when you are involved in Temple activities and your daily happenings. I thought I had just written the article for the January issue of our Bodhi Mind and I received an email from our English Editor, Joanne, that articles for the February issue are needed to be handed in.
Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada.―The religious experience of Jodo Shinshu is rooted in what is known as Shinjin in Japanese and often defined as ‖the awakening of faith‖ in English. While the ultimate objective of life in Jodo Shinshu lies in the achievement of Buddhahood, life‘s immediate purpose is realized in the awakening of Faith.‖
( From Encountering the Buddha: 108 Teachings of Buddha—
Toshihide Numata [Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai])
Sakyamuni Buddha teaches us that,
Those who practice the path of Buddhism should be
prudent in every step they take. No matter how lofty
their aspirations are, they must get there one step at
a time. Do not forget that the path is to be found in
life every day. (Sutra of Forty-two Sections, Jpn. Shijunishokyo)
The Path here means the Eightfold Path for
entering into the state in which suffering has been
-New Publication, History Book of the
Vancouver Buddhist Temple.
Over five years ago, a committee was
organized to compile a history of our temple from
when it was first established back in 1904. It was felt
that a written record would be very meaningful and
enjoyable to past, present and future members and
family. To learn about the struggles and hardship
endured by our pioneers, past and present, is an
important legacy for our future stability and growth of
our wonderful Teaching.
On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank Aoki
Sensei for all his hard work and guidance
throughout the year. Best wishes Sensei, to you and
your family.
1.New gym heater installed and now running.
2. Remembrance Day service attended by 200 under
showery clouds
3. Annual temple Pot-luck dinner attended by 50
people, video of Hokkaido Snow Festival by
JTB rep.
4. Year-end temple clean-up of whole building Dec.
3, 35 had lunch provided by Toban.
5. Annual Mochitsuki. Very successful event
attended by 120 with lunch of special mochi
dishes and hot dogs. Coordinated by
J.Harada.
6. Constitution to be updated and registered with BC
Please join our monthly gift card purchasing
group and spend a small part of your dollars on gift
cards. This means that one would commit to certain
card(s) every month. For example, a member could
purchase a $50 or $100 Esso gas card or a Safeway
card every month. For more information you can
visit www.shopandsupport.ca click on 'Retail
Partners' then 'Dynamic Retail Gift Card List' to see
all shops involved in the program.
Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada
A Happy, Healthy, and peaceful 2012 to all
our students and their families, and friends. The New
Year‘s Day Service is an especially heartwarming
one; the atmosphere in the Hondo is palpable with
joy, goodwill, and gratitude as we gather with family
and friends to extend good wishes. The children
leave the Hondo with smiling faces and their gift of
"otoshidama".
How time passes so quickly when you are involved in Temple activities and your daily happenings. I thought I had just written the article for the January issue of our Bodhi Mind and I received an email from our English Editor, Joanne, that articles for the February issue are needed to be handed in.
Annual Mochitsuki, 150 lbs.mochi made, attended by 130
35 people attended New Years Eve service followed by toshi-kohi soba
Bell-ringing service at UBC 1130pm Jan. 31 attended by 230-250
Hoonko service on Jan 8th guest speaker, Rev.
Inokoji-Kim of Sacramento, CA, observed 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin with Musical service patterned after Hongwanji 750th Service.
Not a week into the new year, an interesting group of people gathered at the Vancouver Buddhist Temple. We gathered at VBT from across Canada and
points in California to focus on the process of Tokudo Ordination. Tokudo Ordination is a ceremony that takes place at our Head Temple, Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. When one has performed the rights, one is considered a formal student of the Nembutsu Teachings. It is also considered to be the first formal
Have you ever driven up to garage door of our temple and wondered who those people are, gathered around the building next door? They are people who frequent that blue building, the LivingRoom Drop-in Centre. (Following exerpt taken from http://lookoutsociety.ca/LivingRoom.html)
On Sunday, March 25, the Vancouver Buddhist Temple will be holding its Annual Spring Food Bazaar.Though it‘s still two months away, there is already much to do in preparation. Please come and help make the famous VBT Manju on the following dates:
Saturday, February 4—9:00 am
Saturday, March 10—9:00 am
More help will be needed on the following dates ring the weekend of the bazaar:
Date:
Friday, March 23, 2012 - 09:00 - Saturday, March 24, 2012 - 03:00
he 750th year since the passing of Shinran. At our Mother Temple, Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, special musical services have been conducted since April 2011 leading up to their Hoonko Service in January 2012. January Poster.jpg)
We are off to a gentle start to the new year after an active and busy end to 2011. 
