Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Road P.O.Box 349 <-- New Mailing AddressPenryn, CA. 95663(916) 652-6139office@placerbuddhistchurch.org
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A Dharma Message by Rev. Matt Hamasaki
A Dharma Message by Rev. Matt Hamasaki
April 2025
April 2025
In April, we celebrate Hanamatsuri. This is to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama who would eventually become the Buddha. As legend has it, after the baby was born, the trees burst into bloom, and it rained sweet tea from the sky. Then he took seven steps and pointed toward the sky and the earth and said, “in heavens above and earth below, I alone am the World-Honored One!”
In April, we celebrate Hanamatsuri. This is to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama who would eventually become the Buddha. As legend has it, after the baby was born, the trees burst into bloom, and it rained sweet tea from the sky. Then he took seven steps and pointed toward the sky and the earth and said, “in heavens above and earth below, I alone am the World-Honored One!”
Of course, it is an incredible feat to have a newborn baby walk and talk. But perhaps what is even more impressive is that this person knew exactly what they were going to be when they grew up from the instant they breathed air on this planet. Many of us are unsure about what it is we want to do in life, in our career, as well as in our personal time. The world we live in is also so full of opportunities, near and far, always evolving with novel things constantly on the horizon.
Of course, it is an incredible feat to have a newborn baby walk and talk. But perhaps what is even more impressive is that this person knew exactly what they were going to be when they grew up from the instant they breathed air on this planet. Many of us are unsure about what it is we want to do in life, in our career, as well as in our personal time. The world we live in is also so full of opportunities, near and far, always evolving with novel things constantly on the horizon.
On top of all the choices we have externally, internally we also have the unending conversation of what it is that we should be doing. Should we follow our passion? Should we do what’s stable? What’s frugal? Am I wasting my time? This anxiety can be the cause of lasting suffering in our daily lives. In times like this, it is important for us to reflect upon ourselves.
On top of all the choices we have externally, internally we also have the unending conversation of what it is that we should be doing. Should we follow our passion? Should we do what’s stable? What’s frugal? Am I wasting my time? This anxiety can be the cause of lasting suffering in our daily lives. In times like this, it is important for us to reflect upon ourselves.
First and foremost, it is vital to think about whether our choice will cause unhappiness to others or ourselves. Rarely is it ever so black and white an answer, but this line of thinking may help clarify the direction. From there, finding our motivation will also open our understanding. Are we doing something for the approval of others? Or does it genuinely bring us joy? And finally, to separate ourselves from expected outcomes. If we are too focused on what may be in the future, our goals become hindrances rather than pathways to success.
First and foremost, it is vital to think about whether our choice will cause unhappiness to others or ourselves. Rarely is it ever so black and white an answer, but this line of thinking may help clarify the direction. From there, finding our motivation will also open our understanding. Are we doing something for the approval of others? Or does it genuinely bring us joy? And finally, to separate ourselves from expected outcomes. If we are too focused on what may be in the future, our goals become hindrances rather than pathways to success.
This year, as we observe Hanamatsuri, it is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to think about the wondrous birth of the Buddha and and how we can metaphorically bring new life into the different facets of our lives. Being able to accomplish this will set us off on the right course for the year.
This year, as we observe Hanamatsuri, it is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to think about the wondrous birth of the Buddha and and how we can metaphorically bring new life into the different facets of our lives. Being able to accomplish this will set us off on the right course for the year.
Gassho,
Gassho,
Rev. Matt
Rev. Matt
The Placer Buddhist Church is located at 3192 Boyington Road in Penryn California, County of Placer. It is located at the scenic base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just off Interstate 80. It is approximately half way between San Francisco and Reno, Nevada.
The Placer Buddhist Church is located at 3192 Boyington Road in Penryn California, County of Placer. It is located at the scenic base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just off Interstate 80. It is approximately half way between San Francisco and Reno, Nevada.
The Church was founded in 1902 in the small foothills town of Penryn. The original church was near the center of town approximately 3 miles from its current location. The church moved to its current location in approximately 1963. The church is well known in the community for the annual food bazaar which is always held on the 4th weekend of September. The annual food bazaar started in 1964, just after the church moved to the new location.
The Church was founded in 1902 in the small foothills town of Penryn. The original church was near the center of town approximately 3 miles from its current location. The church moved to its current location in approximately 1963. The church is well known in the community for the annual food bazaar which is always held on the 4th weekend of September. The annual food bazaar started in 1964, just after the church moved to the new location.
The church supports many organizations such as the Placer Buddhist Women’s Association (PBWA), Sierra Bonsai Club, Dharma School, and Placer Ume Taiko Group. The church also holds various classes during the week including Buddhist Study Classes, Tai Chi, Obon dancing and exercise classes. See the church calendar for class times.
The church supports many organizations such as the Placer Buddhist Women’s Association (PBWA), Sierra Bonsai Club, Dharma School, and Placer Ume Taiko Group. The church also holds various classes during the week including Buddhist Study Classes, Tai Chi, Obon dancing and exercise classes. See the church calendar for class times.