August 2024

Happy August, Everyone!

Let's hope this month gives us a little break from the sweltering heat we had in July. With the heat last month, I spent a lot of time indoors and didn't get out much. I found that I spent a lot of time alone, and I didn't like that. This gave me a lot of time to think about my beliefs and what I say and do and how it may affect others.

I know it's difficult to be objective about our own beliefs and prejudices, and I also think that being isolated keeps us from having our beliefs and prejudices in check. When my kids were at home, we spent a lot of time arguing, always trying to get our own points of view across. Without having those daily arguments, I realized I don't have someone keeping me "in line," and so my opinions are based on what knowledge I have, however limited that may be.

I don't know if my thoughts about people, politics, religion, etc. are right or wrong, but I realized I need to have discussions with others to get other points of view before I set that hard decision that my train of thought is the "right" thought. So even at my age, I'm working on being more open-minded and listening and evaluating other points of view before making decisions on what I think, say, or act on. As I am writing this article, I realized this is how the Buddha might have intended us to apply the Eightfold Noble Path by having the right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration, we can navigate through life with wisdom and mindfulness.

And now that I've moved on from those deep thoughts, let's get to our August activities!

This is Obon month, a time to reflect and show our gratitude to our loved ones who have passed on before us. The roots of this Buddhist tradition come from a Buddhist disciple, Mogallana, who had a vision of his recently deceased mother suffering in a hell-like realm. Being adept at meditation, Mogallana sought guidance from the Buddha. The Buddha advised him to make offerings to the monks, which Mogallana did. This act of compassion and generosity freed his mother to the Pure Land, making Mogallana so happy that he danced with joy!

Services and Obon Odori will take place on Saturday, August 3rd, with the following schedule:

• 8:00 a.m. Service at Auburn Cemetery

• 9:00 a.m. Service at Newcastle Cemetery

• 10:00 a.m. Service at Rocklin Cemetery

• 11:00 a.m. Obon/Hatsubon/Shotsuki Hoyo service at the temple officiated by our guest minister, 

  Rev. Dennis Fujimoto from the Buddhist Temple of Alameda, 

  followed by somen lunch provided by PBWA.

• 6:00 p.m. Hot dogs and shaved ice for sale

• 7:00 p.m. Obon odori and Placer Ume Taiko performance

In addition to Obon, PBC members are gearing up for the annual Food Bazaar and are actively recruiting volunteers to help out during this major fundraiser for PBC. If you have not been contacted to volunteer, please let one of our organizers know you're interested in volunteering, or if you have friends or family members that would like to volunteer.

Once again, we will open Ba-chan's Treasures, a store with gently used Japanese artifacts such as Japanese dishes, dolls, art, and clothing (e.g., kimonos and yukatas). If you have donations for Ba-chan's Treasures, you may drop them off at the church at services or on Thursday mornings during office hours.

Thank you for your commitment to Placer Buddhist Church. May this August bring peace, reflection, and community to all.

In Gassho, 

Rene' Yamashiro, PBC President