Everyone of us has something to share. Something weÕve learned and spent some time thinking about and working with. Something we hold important and of value. Sometimes we donÕt recognize what we might have to share but others may see it. Sometimes we think its something and it turns out to be something unexpected. Often the unexpected reveals something of ourselves that we may have overlooked and not appreciated. In the past few months there have been two projects that I had been working on. The first was a seminar that I was invited to conducted on Maui. The other was an invitation to be the guest speaker at our Earth Day Service. Both invitations were eagerly excepted. To be excited about our temple’s invitation may seem odd but it became a reason for a project. Projects are always opportunities to learn; invitations to speak are opportunities to share. For the Maui seminar the idea was to present the identification and alignment of Buddhadharma, Jodo Shinshu and temple core values. Using examples I tried to illustrate the importance of alignment with core values in visionary companies and the similarity with the dharma and temple. When we returned home, Reverend Murakami sent the evaluations that the participants filled out. The majority wrote great topic, great speaker, need more like this. Two evaluations said poor presentation, not familiar with material. Of course that stuck with me. When I was asked to be the speaker for our Earth Day Service my first thought was an aquaponic demonstration. I began planning the system and determining a timeline with May 5th as the target. A minimum of two weeks would be necessary to cycle a new pond. Once the system was in place, bacteria and mosquito fish from home would be put in to help begin the process. The first seedlings were to be placed in late March to have something to show on Earth Day. After a long search a seller of catfish in the Santa Cruz mountains was located. The catfish provide the waste that would fertilize the plants. The production of produce and protein with a light environmental footprint is the goal of aquaponics. That was the plan. The first lettuce that went in look good until the aphids started arriving. I began searching for a way to discourage them from eating the lettuce. The passive way to do that is to plant things they donÕt like and things that will attract ladybugs and lacewings. There was not enough time for that so something that would kill aphids but would not be harmful to fish and beneficial bugs needed to be found. The solution turned out to be soap. Insecticidal soap has been used for a long time. Basic ingredient is potassium salts of fatty acids. Not harmful to ladybugs or bees and is broken down by soil microbes. While focused on the aphids the high pH was left unattended. Plants do well in low pH, fish do well in higher pH, bacteria that convert fish waste into plant food function near the middle of the fish pH range. If the pH is too high plants are unable to take up nutrients. If the pH is too low fish donÕt do well and bacterial activity slows down. The plants are being grown in a deep water culture. Plants require oxygen that is provided through aeration or moist space beneath the growing platform from which plants can draw air. Without air plants will drown. Air is important. pH is important. Pest control is important. Keeping everybody happy and productive is not so easy. The adventure continues. Hopefully, there was something to present at Earth Day. In both of these experiences there were things to learn and things to share. On Maui I shared what I learned in the temple. In aquaponics I learned what was shared by others. In both experiences the separation between learner and sharer is not so distinct. On Maui I learned from the experiences of the participants. On Earth Day I shared what I learned about aquaponics. The Buddhadharma is not something that is separate from what we do all the time. It is simply about addressing the difficulties we cause and experience that result from our preferences; our likes and dislikes. Our stubborn and often well intended attachment to how we see and understand things result in difficulties. We are, after all, unenlightened. If we are not unenlightened then we are Buddha. There is nothing wrong with that. Amida assures us of the eventual resolution of difficulties. That assurance, however we might think of it, abstract, literal, infinite, metaphorical, allows us to begin to look at our unenlightened state and what that might mean. Amida’s assurance allows us to begin a cycle of learning, sharing and learning again. Not of information but of the effects of the assumptions I make, the results of my expectations, the effects of my prejudices, my foolishness.

April 04, 2013 Betsuin Board of Directors Meeting

by Joyce Iwasaki

The intent of the Betsuin Board Bullets is to highlight Board actions, decisions, special events and projects.  Please contact the Betsuin board officers, directors, or the ministers for more details on any item.

Prior to the April Board Meeting, Aloha Buddha, a DVD, was shown for the benefit of the Board members. This historical documentary, winner of  “Best Documentary” at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 2011, tells the story of Japanese Buddhism in Hawaii. Information includes historical temple buildings, many of which have fallen into disrepair, been demolished or abandoned altogether as well as the history of Buddhist followers, practices and adapting to life in Hawaii.  In the early 1900’s, Buddhism was a major religion in Hawaii, with about 50% of the population belonging to one of 170 temples across the islands.  However, according to the 2010 census, the number of Buddhists in Hawaii has shrunk to less than 5%.

• Correspondence

A letter from Leon Kimura, San Jose JACL President, was received by the Board President and Members of the Betsuin Board announcing that the 2014 JACL National Convention will take place in San Jose at the time of the SJ Obon festival.

• Motions

It was moved/seconded and passed to accept the March 2013 minutes as corrected.

It was moved/seconded and passed to augment the original previous authorization of $20,000 for initial architectural research and schematics with an additional $10,000.

It was moved/seconded/passed to amend the above motion to include information that the funds will be taken from the Betsuin Building Fund.

It was moved/seconded and passed to cover the expenses (the sum of $750) for Rinban and Mrs Fujimoto, Rev and Mrs Sakamoto, and Mr and Mrs Steve Doi to attend the May 10, San Jose Taiko’s 40^th Anniversary Dinner to act as official Betsuin representatives at the Betsuin table. Funds are from the Public Relations budget.

• Membership Committee Report  - Dennis Akizuki

The committee met on March 23^rd to work on obtaining rosters of all Betsuin affiliated and sponsored organizations to begin to analyze and understand the scope of membership, and to understand how and where people participate in various Betsuin activities and organizations.

• Education Committee Report - Mas Nishimura

As per last month request from Todd Tsudama, the Facilities Project Timeline Chair, Mas Nishimura presented the 2013 Education Committee Objectives:

Continuing/Adult Education

Re-establish the Open Door Café as a venue for Dharma School parents’ communication and Buddhist education

Continue to foster practical Buddhism through the Tuesday Night classes

Increase membership attendance

Increase overall attendance

Children Education

Conduct a Gatha Sunday session to teach/foster gatha understanding and appreciation

Offer a summer Dharma School program

Outreach

Continue to coordinate Obon Buddhism 101

Open the hondo during Nikkei Matsuri

Outreach to local university and college aged adults

Partnership with the Betsuin Communications Committee

Makes gathas available on the Betsuin website

Increase the number of dharma talk postings on the website

• Infrastructure Committee Report – Ruth Shikada

Cody Anderson Wasney Architects submitted a schematic design proposal for review.

• Notice of Proposed Amendment for the Betsuin Bylaws – Janice Doi

Under our bylaws section 10.1, the Board must be given 30 days notice before a vote on a change to the bylaws. A memo was distributed at the Board meeting for this purpose.

In order for the Betsuin to apply with the Board of Equalization to obtain an Exemption for property tax on the parsonages and facilities used for religious purposes, the Betsuin needs to include an irrevocable dissolution clause in the bylaws.  Currently, our bylaws  state our property will go to the BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) however our articles of incorporation do not state that the BCA is an organization organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes and is tax exempt under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The proposed bylaws changes will correct the existing wording in our Betsuin bylaws to reflect the above in two stages with the changes in the Articles of Incorporation coming at a later time.

• 2014 Giving Campaign Report – Roy Yamanouchi

All Board members are expected to donate and participate in the fundraising effort.

The Giving Campaign Committee asked the Board members to think about and list people in their personal circles each can reach out to and are willing make personal contact with those on their individual lists.

Budget and Finance Committee Report – Ted Nakano

The Betsuin Paypal account is now available.  Fundraising donations and membership pledges can now be implemented by Randy Suzuki, Office Manager.

• Girl Scout Discussion – Roy Yamanouchi

Roy distributed a timeline of events that led to the decision of some Girl Scout families and scouts to leave Troop 60782. This information is helpful to the Board members to better understand the set of circumstances, decisions and actions.

• San Jose Taiko’s 40^th Anniversary Dinner – Joyce Iwasaki

May 10, 2013

DoubleTree by Hilton, San Jose

San Jose Taiko began at the Betsuin as a YBA activity and has grown into an international Japanese American taiko group.

To celebrate San Jose Taiko’s 40^th Anniversary and the long term relationship this group continues to have with the Betsuin, it was recommended to sponsor a table of ten and to cover dinner costs of Rinban and Mrs Fujimoto, Rev and Mrs Sakamoto, and Mr and Mrs Steve Doi.

• Human Relations Committee – Janice Doi

Prior to this meeting the Human Relations Committee emailed a DRAFT employee handbook for members to respond with comments and suggestions.  The committee will take feedback into consideration.

The Betsuin holiday schedule is in review.  The committee is working on a recommended schedule for eventual Board approval.

• Ministers’ Report – Rinban Fujimoto

The Coast District Jr. YBA Conference was held at the SJ Betsuin on Saturday, March 16, with the theme Harry Potter and the Path to Enlightenment.  The District youth and advisors showed creativity in organizing the workshops and in setting the mood to fit the theme.  CD YBA hosts this conference every two years. 210 people registered for this conference.

The Federation of Dharma School Teachers’ Leagues (FDSTL) will be having their annual conference on April 26-28, in San Mateo, hosted by the Bay District.  Many of the teachers and both ministers will be attending.

Next year’s FDSTL conference will be hosted by our Coast District and work is under way to plan for this.  The theme for the 2014 Conference will be: Shinran’s Journey, My Journey, Our Journey.   The sub-theme is, Join us in looking at Shinran’s journey – his life and insight – to better understand our own path.

• Communications Report – Joyce Iwasaki

Committee members are: Dennis Akizuki, Roy Batchelor, Janice Doi, Rinban Fujimoto, Joyce Iwasaki, Mas Nishimura, Reverend Sakamoto, Roy Yamanouchi.

Support Committee members are: Al Hironaga, Kevin Ross, and Michael Stock.

Roy Batchelor conducted a tutorial for a group of videographers to record the Sunday dharma talks and to post them on YouTube linking them to the Betsuin website.

• Ministerial Affairs Committee (MAC) – Joyce Iwasaki

The Betsuin Ministerial Affairs Committee has been re-established after a long hiatus.  Members of this committee are: Allan Hikoyeda, Al Hironaga, Steve Ichinaga, Joyce Iwasaki and Sumi Tanabe.

Al Hironaga was appointed as committee chair and Board representative.  Joyce Iwasaki was appointed committee secretary.

The committee met on April 03, 2013.

At this meeting, it was agreed that initial order of business is to determine and define the goals and responsibilities of this committee.

• 2013 Betsuin Golf Tournament Report  - Joyce Iwasaki

June 03, 2013

San Jose Country Club

Check in:    9:30 am

Start time:   11;00 am

Entry forms are located on the Betsuin website, in the Office and in the April and May issues of the Dharma. Entry deadline: May 19, 2013.

Hole in One – courtesy of J. Morey Company and SJ Betsuin Golf Committee

$25,000

Special Raffle – $50 per ticket (only 300 tickets will be sold)

$4,000        first prize

$  100         next ten prizes

The Board members and Golf Committee members are securing tournament and hole sponsors as well as raffle donations.  Additionally, each is selling special raffle tickets, some are golfing while others are volunteering at the event.

Dinner will be catered by Kubota Restaurant and will take place in the Betsuin Annex.

Golf Committee:     Greg Aso, Rinban Fujimoto, Mas Horiuchi, Denise Imamura, Peter Imamura, Rod Iwamura, Joyce Iwasaki, Bud Mine, Steve Onishi, Bob Terasaki, Larry Utsurogi

• Dana Club Report – Al Hironaga

Dana Club members are helping the Rebuilding Together organization during their Spring Rebuilding Day on Saturday, April 27.  Club members will be assigned to one of many homes of elderly and disabled people in the local area who need help with their home maintenance and repair.

Dana Club members will be sorting food at Second Harvest Food Bank on Wednesday, June 12, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  Please contact Al Hironaga if you can volunteer (limit 15 per volunteer group).

• EcoSangha Report  - Al Hironaga

The Betsuin Earth Day activities will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013.  Reverend Sakamoto will be presenting an appropriate Dharma message during the 9:30 family service.  Following the family service, there will be displays and activities in the gymnasium and on the Sixth Street property.  The EcoSangha has been working closely with the Betsuin Dharma School in planning the activities to ensure that there are appropriate activities for the different age groups.  Dharma School students will be participating in the hands-on activities during their regular school times and parents and interested adult members are invited to attend the activities following the Dharma School sessions.

October 13, 2013
Mountain View Temple

The other day at our Spring Ohigan service, Rev. Shibata referred to the Four Gratitudes, gratitude to parents, gratitude to the ruler of the nation, gratitude to sentient beings and gratitude to the Three Treasures, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The one that caught my attention the most was the gratitude we should feel towards sentient beings.

Buddhism often refers to all life and not just humans by talking about sentient beings. Most people will understand this as referring to all of those beings that sacrifice their lives for us to be able to live the lives that we have. Others will understand this to also include those that complete our lives as pets and friends. However, there are also things that we may consider as pests that are also important in our lives.

Some of you may have noticed, but I like to think of things that most people would not consider. While listening to Rev. Shibata, I started to think about termites. Most people would never think about termites as being something that we should feel gratitude towards. Most people would see termites as being pests that destroy their homes and other structures that make their lives comfortable. How can we be expected to feel gratitude towards termites?

When we think of termites in nature, we can see that they do play a valuable role in the balance of things. They help break down dead trees in forests and such so that new growth can have room to grow and prosper. In the process of breaking down the dead trees, they also return nutrients to the soil so that the new growth and other plants can have what is needed to prosper. Without termites, piles of dead trees will create a supply of highly flammable fuel for forest fires. The termites will create space for new trees that will provide food and shelter for animals, and they take part in process to create fertile soil so that other, useful plants can flourish.

This shows us that the balance of nature has a definite and productive role for termites and their abilities. Is it their fault that they cannot distinguish the difference between a dead tree in the forest and the dead trees in our homes? Do they really deserve the hatred and animosity of people for doing what they have evolved into to find a productive niche in the greater ecosystem? We are the ones that changed the environment in which they live and they are making a simple adaptation to those changes. How can we judge what they are doing as being “bad?”

To look beyond our ego-centric, human centric thinking and see the value of all life as part of the world in which we live, is what is we are being reminded that we need to do in order to truly appreciate this wonder we call life. To come to see our indebtedness to all life and to see how it is linked to our lives is to realize the gratitude that we are constantly being encouraged to express. This is also the life of the Nembutsu.

I have thought of the Three Poisons of hatred, greed and ignorance as drivers that push us along through the six realms of existence, through samsara, through the rounds of birth-and-death. The samsara mandala depicts this as a wheel with six spokes. The spokes separate the realms of hells, hungry ghosts, fighting spirits, heavenly beings, humans and animals. On the outer rim of the mandala is the twelve chain of causation. At the hub, around which the wheel turns, are the three poisons.

The three poisons are not the cause that keeps us moving through samsara. The three poisons are the characteristics of samsara. The cause of hatred, greed and ignorance is our inability to see things as they are. We see the world through our likes and dislikes, our prejudices, what I want and don’t want. Seeing the world in this way separates the world up into likes and dislikes. Providing opportunities for differences and conflict. I want this, I don’t want this. I like you, I don’t like you. Hatred, greed and ignorance are expressions, characteristics of seeing the world in this way. They are expressions of samsaric life.

We live in samsara. As unenlightened people we cause difficulties for ourselves and others. This is not a matter of right or wrong, good or bad, it is simply a condition of unenlightenment, not seeing things as they are, seeing things through our likes and dislikes. Buddhism addresses the difficulties we experience that result from not seeing things clearly. Its not about how to not be angry or not be greedy or not be ignorant. It addresses the cause from which these experiences arise.

In Jodo Shinshu we too understand that as unenlightened beings we cause and experience difficulties. We know that difficulties arise from our limitations; the narrowness of my thinking and perception. But we also recognize how difficult it is to change that. I may be successful at curbing anger and greed at times, I may even cut through ignorance sometimes, but to be consistent and thoroughgoing is impossible. Shinran understood, and what I understand now, is that regardless of my lack abilities and skills, regardless of the difficulties that result from my foolishness, I am moved toward the resolution of difficulties.

The Buddhadharma is not about making things more difficult. It is not about complexity or definitions. Buddhism is not about Buddhism. The Buddhadharma addresses the difficulties we experience as human beings. Recognizing that difficulties result from my inability to see things as they are. The only separation between my experience of the difficulties of samsara and the absence of difficulties of nirvana is my inability to see things as they are; my tendency to see the world through my likes and dislikes.

Recognizing, acknowledging my foolishness as the cause of difficulties, I am grateful that the difficulties I cause and experience will be resolved. The assurance of the resolution of difficulties allows me to look more openly at my limitations. Knowing how foolish I am deepens my gratitude for the life that supports and sustains me. Life that moves me toward the resolution of difficulties. Circumstances do not change. How I experience and engage the world is changed.

“When a foolish being of delusion and defilement awakens shinjin,
He realizes that birth-and-death is itself nirvana;
Without fail he reaches the land of immeasurable light
And universally guides sentient beings to enlightenment”
– Shinran, Shoshinge, Service Book, p43

March 07, 2013 Betsuin Board of Directors Meeting

by Joyce Iwasaki

The intent of the Betsuin Board Bullets is to highlight Board actions, decisions, special events and projects.  Please contact the Betsuin board officers, directors, or the ministers for more details on any item.

Prior to the March Board Meeting, the Board Members and Members of the Komon Group were invited to meet Chris Wasney, AIA, of Cody Anderson Wasney Architects. This is the architectural firm the Board hired for phases I and II of the master plan upgrades and improvements.

• Correspondence

Mr. and Mrs. William Hamada donated a car to Cars 4 Causes, an organization that supports various non-profit groups through charitable car donations.  Through this organization, Mr. and Mrs. Hamada designated their donation to the Betsuin, which totaled $3804.50.

Bob Uenaka donated a 58” plasma screen TV, DVD player, mounting brackets and cables to the Betsuin.

• Motions

It was moved/seconded and passed to accept the December 2012 minutes as corrected.

It was moved/seconded and passed to accept the February 2013 minutes as corrected.

It was moved/seconded/passed to accept the Japanese Language School’s proposal of a 2013 JLS summer session.

It was moved/seconded/passed to direct the $3804.50 donation from Mr. and Mrs. Hamada to the Betsuin Building Fund.

It was moved/seconded and passed to cover the expenses for Rev. Sakamoto to attend the April 25, 2013 Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Boy Scout Council Character Award dinner as well as subsidize attendance of former/present Boy Scout leaders and current Board members up to $500.

• Girl Scout Discussion

Since the end of last year, families and leaders of one of our Brownie Troops have withdrawn from the Betsuin sponsored troop due to some internal issues.

Several meetings have been held with those directly involved and others who would be affected directly or indirectly, but there still seems to be some confusion regarding this matter.

After discussion at the Board level, it was reaffirmed that the scouting awards programs are open to all, regardless of any particular troop affiliation and that anyone will be welcome to the Dharma School and other temple activities.  The Betsuin Board will continue to address such issues and will strive to provide a safe and open environment for all.

Roy Yamanouchi, as VP of Youth is working on a fact sheet for all Betsuin Board members so each can effectively answer questions to whomever has questions and concerns.

• Facilities Improvements Timeline – Todd Tsudama

Todd has taken on the task of developing and managing the timeline for the facilities improvement project and for the fundraising efforts.  Such a document can help us stay focused to our tasks, achieve benchmarks and milestones.  A key outcome of a timeline is the coordination of the various elements of the improvement and construction project.

• Human Relations Committee – Janice Doi

The Human Relations Committee is developing an employee handbook that will be reviewed and accepted by the Board in the near future.

Al Hironaga presented a DRAFT of the Betsuin organization chart which includes all elements of our organization.

The re-establishment of the Ministerial Affairs Committee has begun.  Al Hironaga agreed to coordinate the members of this committee which will begin its work by establishing the committee charter.

• Capital Campaign Fundraising Committee – Roy Yamanouchi

Roy Yamanouchi agreed to chair the Capital Campaign Fundraising Committee. At this time, a core group of people is developing a strategy to raise funds for the facilities project.

• Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Boy Scout Council – Joyce Iwasaki

The SVMB Boy Scout Council is having their 8^th Annual Character Awards Dinner on April 25, 2013 at the Summit Center in downtown San Jose. The purpose of this event is to recognize Business and Community leaders and to raise funds for the BS Council’s programs. Mr. Yoshihiro Uchida, a Betsuin member, businessman and community leader, is one of five honorees at this year’s event.

It was proposed to delegate Rev. Sakamoto to represent the Betsuin at this event because of the SVMB Boy Scout Council’s long history and partnership with BS Troop 611.  Additionally, it was proposed to subsidize former boy scouts and leaders and current Board members to attend this event as well.  No more than $500 is designated for our participation.  The funds will come out of the Public Relations Budget.

Coordination of attendees and payment will be handled by Joyce.

• Ministers’ Report – Rinban Fujimoto

Nirvana Day, the memorial for Sakyamuni Buddha, was held on February 17, with Rev. Dr. Shoyo Taniguchi as the guest speaker.

• Property Management Report – Steve Onishi

The curtains on the stage and in the multi-purpose room were cleaned and treated with fire retardant by Coit on March 06, 2013.  Sample pieces were given to Coit and they will submit them to the Fire Marshall for certification.

The removal of the redundant curtains on the stage was not completed due to equipment issues.  Another plan to remove those curtains is currently being researched.

• Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Ministers Association Meeting and National Council Meeting (NCM) ~ February 26 – March 02, 2013, Marriott San Mateo San Francisco Hotel

Rinban Fujimoto and Reverend Sakamoto attended the BCA Ministers Association Meeting and the National Council Meeting as Betsuin representatives.  President Janice Doi and President-Elect Todd Tsudama attended the BCA National Council Meeting as official Betsuin delegates.

Approval by vote was to accept the 2013 – 2014 BCA budget. Two items by vote did not pass: elimination of proxy votes, and implementing proportional voting according to temple size.

The Ministers’ Association presented to the National Council a resolution to encourage the Boy Scouts of America to include and accept all scouts and leaders regardless of sexual orientation.  This will be sent to the Boy Scouts of America organization.

• Dana Club Report – Al Hironaga

On Sunday, February 24, 28 sangha members joined with the members of the Wesley Untied Methodist Church and the Silicon Valley JACL in a food packaging activity for Stop Hunger Now. Within a two-hour period, the group of about 70 people prepared 10,000 meal packages that will be distributed to hungry people around the world.  Each meal consists of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins/minerals/flavoring mix. Besides providing manpower, the Betsuin also presented a check for $1,000 to the Stop Hunger Now organization. This donation was from generous individual donations and the osaisen from the 2012 December Bodhi Day Service.

• EcoSangha Report  - Al Hironaga

The EcoSangha has ended its athletic shoe collection and recycling drive in connection with the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program.  500 pairs of athletic shoes were collected, boxed and shipped to the Nike facility where the different shoe parts are ground up to make padding for tracks, athletic fields and indoor gyms.

The EcoSangha went on a tour of the Newby Island Recycling Center in Milpitas on Wednesday, February 27.  The facility run by Republic Services, processes waste from all San Jose commercial establishments, including our Betsuin.  Eleven sangha members donned reflective vests and hard hats and climbed over and around the machinery that both automatically and manually sorts the incoming mixed recyclables into separate bundles/containers of like material, e.g., cardboard, plastic bags, newspaper, other paper, aluminum, ferrous metal, glass, and different types of plastics.  The bundles are then sold to companies that recycle or reuse the material.

The Betsuin Earth Day activities will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013.  Reverend Sakamoto will be presenting an appropriate Dharma message during the 9:30 family service.  Following the family service, there will be displays and activities in the gymnasium and on the Sixth Street property.  The EcoSangha has been working closely with the Betsuin Dharma School in planning the activities to ensure that there are appropriate activities for the different age groups.  Dharma School students will be participating in the hands-on activities during their regular school times and parents and interested adult members are invited to attend the activities following the Dharma School sessions

• Pentitencia Creek Cleanup
• Spirit of Japantown
• Pinewood Derby (January)
• Blue & Gold Dinner (February)
• Boy Scouts Sunday
• Scout-o-rama (May)
• Scout Olympics (June)
• Nikkei Matsuri (April)
• Obon (July)
• Cemetery Cleanup
• All-Scouts Picnic (August)

February 07, 2013 Betsuin Board of Directors Meeting

by Joyce Iwasaki 

The intent of the Betsuin Board Bullets is to highlight Board actions, decisions, special events and projects.  Please contact the Betsuin board officers, directors, or the ministers for more details on any item.

The majority of meeting time was set aside for a Board members discussion of expectations of managing our renovation project tasks, raising money to do so, managing ongoing temple activities, and coordinating all the components during this transition period.

Some business matters were discussed, but most information was presented in written form.

• Correspondence

A letter was sent to the Betsuin Board from Bishop Umezu informing the San Jose Sangha that Rinban Fujimoto will be one of the Buddhist Churches of America ministerial representative to their June 10 – 13, 2013, Hawaii Kyodan Ministers Seminar.

• Motions

It was moved/seconded and passed to accept the January 2013 minutes as corrected.

It was moved/seconded and passed to comply with the City of San Jose Fire Marshall’s requirement to have the curtains certified by having the curtains and drapes in the annex and multipurpose room cleaned and treated. The cost should not exceed $4,660.  The certificate of compliance thereafter should be good for two years.

It was moved/seconded/passed to hire Cody Anderson Wasney Architects for Phases I and II of the facilities Master Plan upgrades and improvements.

It was moved/seconded/passed not to exceed a $10,000 initial retainer with Cody Anderson Wasney Architects.  The funds will be taken from the Betsuin Building Fund.

It was moved/seconded/passed to grant San Jose Buddhist Judo Club a $100 waiver from the rental charges for their December 2013 event in the annex.

It was moved/seconded/passed to waive the 2013 Nikkei Matsuri Festival two-day annex rental fees in return for a Betsuin $1,000 sponsorship level acknowledgement from the Nikkei Matsuri Committee.

It was moved/seconded/passed to recommend the 2013 Betsuin BCA National Council Meeting representatives vote in favor of eliminating proxy votes.

It was moved/seconded/passed to recommend the 2013 Betsuin BCA National Council Meeting representatives vote in opposition to proportional voting.

• Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Ministers Association Meeting and National Council Meeting (NCM) ~ February 26 – March 02, 2013, Marriott San Mateo San Francisco Hotel

Rinban Fujimoto and Reverend Sakamoto are attending he BCA Ministers Association Meeting and the National Council Meeting as Betsuin representatives.  President Janice Doi and President-Elect Todd Tsudama are attending the BCA National Council Meeting as Betsuin representatives.

Items for vote include the 2013 – 2014 BCA budget and temple assessments, retention or elimination of proxy votes, and implementing proportional voting according to temple size.  All these items have been researched and discussed at committee levels, at the BCA National Board Meetings, and well as other BCA National Council Meetings.  More information will be presented at the upcoming NCM.  The Betsuin NCM representatives asked the Betsuin Board for recommendations of which these measures would best serve our temple. The Betsuin Board made recommendations (see above in the Motions section) knowing that new information may be presented at the NCM which may alter our representatives understanding of each item.  Therefore, the Betsuin Board understands the representatives will vote in the best interest of our temple.

• Ministers’ Report

The Ho-onko, Shinran Shonin’s Memorial Services were held on January 13, 2013 with Reverend Hoshu Matsubayashi as the guest speaker.

• 2013 New Year’s Luncheon Written Report – May Horio

The New Year’s Luncheon was held in the annex on January 13, 2013.  191 people paid for either Kubota obento lunches or pizza lunches.  There were 15 non-paying guests in attendance.  The net expenses are $399.80.  Co-Chairs of this event were Cindy Iwamura and May Horio.

• Infrastructure Committee Report – Janice Doi
  • The January 31, 2013 Board Study Session was held to inform the Board members the process of interviewing the three architectural firms and to make a recommendation of which firm best serves our needs.  This study session was conducted by the members of the Infrastructure Committee who presented solid information which led to its recommendation of Cody Anderson Wasney Architects of choice.
    • 624 and 642 Fourth Street Structures

Janice Doi, Rinban Fujimoto and Reverend Sakamoto met with San Jose City Councilmember Sam Liccardo regarding the structures on the Betsuin’s Fourth Street properties.

Janice Doi, Reverend Sakamoto, and Joyce Iwasaki then met with Leslie Masunaga, past Chair of the Community Congress of San Jose for background information of how we should proceed in the context of being part of the Japantown neighborhood.  Janice passed out information the Betsuin obtained in 2002 plus information from the San Jose Japantown Historic Context and Reconnaissance Survey, Cary & Company, September 2004.

• Dana Club Report – Al Hironaga
  • The Dana Club will be helping the Rebuilding Together organization during their Spring Rebuilding Day o April 27, 2013 if there is enough interest.  This is the day before Nikkei Matsuri so many of our members may be busy preparing for that activity.  Please contact Al Hironaga if you are interested in participating.
• Betsuin Golf Tournament Report – Rinban Fujimoto

The 2013 Betsuin Golf Tournament is set for Monday June 04^th at the San Jose Country Club.  A special raffle will be offered again this year with a $4000 top prize and ten $100 prizes.  Tickets are $50 a piece. No more than 300 special raffle tickets will be sold. The winners will be selected and announced at the Golf Tournament banquet.  People may purchase special raffle tickets from any Golf Committee member as well as any Board member.