Previous Messages

December 2004

Eitaikyo Service ~ Sunday, November 14, 2004
Guest Speaker ~ Reverend David Matusmoto, Director, Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies of the Institute of Buddhist Studies

The San Jose Betsuin Sangha received beautiful gifts for this special Buddhist Holiday. The gifts were the words, wisdom and time shared by guest speaker Reverend David Matsumoto.

Reverend Matsumoto is the Director of the Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies that focuses on seminars, publications and programs for the academic community as well as the interested lay community. Prior to his current assignment, Reverend Matsumoto served at the Buddhist Church of Stockton for six years under the guidance of Rinban Ohata. Reverend Matsumoto grew up in the Midwest, obtained a law degree at the University of Minnesota and practiced law for six years. Thereafter, he completed his studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies and continued on and obtained his Masters degree fro Ryukoku University. Rev. Matsumoto is also currently working on his Doctorate degree at Ryukoku University.

In both the Dharma School Service and the 10:10 Service, Rev. Matsumoto shared part of a poem by Kaneko Misuzu which reads:

Today is today
Yesterday is today
Tomorrow is today

This passage helps us understand the meaning of Eitaikyo that translates literally as (Ei) eternal (tai) generations (kyo) sutras. Countless of generations that came before us chanted the sutras and shared the Dharma that was passed down throughout the years. Today, we have the joyful responsibility to continue to chant the sutras and share the Dharma. And, today acts as the springboard for tomorrow.

In his Dharma School message, Rev. Matsumoto wanted us to always keep in mind that the reasons for us to gather at our hondo are the Three Treasures. We may be distracted from these core concepts from time to time, so we all must be mindful of the pure essence of our temple.

In the 10:10 Service, Sensei reminded us that life cannot be controlled ~ life is life and we can only live our lives with our eyes wide open.

We are fortunate to hear wonderful messages from Reverend Matsumoto, a brilliant scholar and teacher.

End of the Year, End of the Term

A couple of months ago, my Dharma Newsletter article focused on three goals I set out to accomplish during my two terms as Betsuin President. Those goals and accomplishments serve as that very same springboard Rev. Matsumoto mentioned in his Eitaikyo talk. What we do today sets the stage as what can be followed in the future.

This is particularly true of the Facilities Master Plan document produced by Richard Tanaka. As with all things, our structures have a life span and as we change as an organization, our space needs change. And as years go by, upgrades, renovations, new structures and remodeling need to be considered. So, this Master Plan documents our needs and has suggestions as to how to go about meeting those needs. We are set to take the next steps with the new Betsuin President and Board of Directors. If we believe that upgrades, renovations, and/or new structures are the next steps, we must realize funds outside of our operating funds must be generated. Are we ready to step up and make that investment in our future? The incoming President and the 2005 Board of Directors will pose this challenge to our Sangha, family and friends.

Along those same lines of investing in the future, the Buddhist Churches of America is in the middle of a $30 million campaign to make BCA stronger by providing more services and programs to all our Sanghas throughout the United States, for providing space to the Institute of Buddhist Studies, and to overseas entities such as Ryukoku University. Our ministers, many of our Sangha leaders and major donors have made contributions to this campaign. In January, our Betsuin will start our BCA every member campaign to give all of you the opportunity to invest in the strength of BCA.

As my term as Betsuin President ends, there are numerous leaders who stood shoulder to shoulder with me to strengthen our organization, to set Temple policies, to oversee the financial growth and stability of our organization, and to oversee various activities and projects. Thank you to the ministers, the staff, the leadership, the entire Sangha for working on the three articulated goals.

Ending Thoughts

Our vibrant Sangha is nourished through our Jodo Shinshu Teachings, the basis for all our Betsuin activities.

Back to Top

Back to Home Page