Dharma September 2007

Do We Pray?

K. Ken Fujimoto

Each August, the BCA Ministers Association holds its annual summer seminar and meeting. A few years ago the seminar was hosted by the Northern California District and the topic of study chosen was, "The Question of Prayer." Our Jodo Shinshu teaching has been taught as not having prayer, but this question needed to be revisited. This is especially true in an environment where the popular understanding of religion is based on a theistic model. What has been generally taught regarding this topic has been based on a popular or common understanding (or misunderstanding) of prayer. This was muddled even further by the Japanese understanding of prayer based on the selection of words chosen by early Japanese Christians in translating the term into Japanese as inori. We have to ask ourselves if the popular concept of prayer gives us a true picture of the spectrum of the word. Are there different types of prayer? What role does prayer play in other traditions?

With the help of our speakers, Prof. Akira Omine, Professor Emeritus of Osaka and Ryukoku Universities and Prof. Thomas Kasulis of Ohio State University, we were taken through the range of meanings that the term "prayer" can have in different religious traditions. The problems in translating the word "prayer" and the imperfect match with the Japanese term, inori, were also discussed. We were shown that there seems to be unnecessary baggage associated with that term while, at the same time, it may not be as encompassing as the term "prayer" in other areas.

What role does saying the Nembutsu have, especially before and after meals, our chanting at services and reciting the Nembutsu as a group? Are they not forms of prayer in the broad sense of the word? How does the progression of the Bodhisatta Dharmakara wishing for the religious liberation or salvation of all beings, establishing the Pure Land and the means to attain life there, and the fulfillment of that desire in order to become Amida Buddha fit into the framework of prayer? This whole process can be seen as the dynamic of prayer at work. That the process is an ongoing one can be witnessed in Amida's desire or prayer to reach out to each and every living being. Though this vow or prayer has been fulfilled, it is also an ongoing process because there are still those of us who have not realized the embrace in the great compassion.

The general conclusion was that there is no petitionary prayer, the form that comes to most people's minds when they talk about prayer, in Jodo Shinshu, but we do have prayers of gratitude or thanksgiving and Amida's vows for the liberation of all beings can be considered a great prayer. An interesting side note was that there is discussion in Christian theological circles as to the validity of petitionary prayer. If you are praying to an all knowing, all powerful God, would God not know what you need and what you want? Would an all powerful God even care whether you make a basket, get a base hit or hit a jackpot? Are there not more important things that require attention in the world?

The practice of prayer can be a means to encounter the great compassion and as such, we should look into incorporating it in our lives. Prayer should not be an ends in itself, but rather a means to a deeper appreciation of life and all that make our lives possible. It should not be a means to get what we want. It should be a tool to help us encounter Amida's great prayer that is constantly working to free us from the darkness of ego and ignorance and lead us into light so we will become able to see what we need, rather than continue to focus on what we want.

Both of the instructors challenged us to develop a system and definition of prayer that fits our setting and wil serve as a means to open our eyes and the eyes of others to a greater truth. This will require study and discussion for there are pitfalls that must be carefully avoided. We cannot have prayer that will deter us from the working of the absolute other power. It must not be a situation where we think we are saved because of the prayer, but one where we can appreciate that it comes through the workings of the great compassion, through the interdependent and interconnected nature of life.

Whatever form it takes and however it comes to be taught, it should not include saying the Nembutsu before you pull the handle of a slot machine, shoot a basket or hit a putt. It may include saying the Nembutsu after you hit a jackpot, make the basket or putt in appreciation. Ideally, it would have us saying the Nembutsu whether we hit the jackpot of not, whether we made the basket or threw up a brick, whether we made the putt, lipped it out or missed it badly, because we would be appreciative of just having had the opportunity to do so.

The ministers were challenged by the instructors to redefine, do research and find ways to incorporate prayer in this curent day setting in accordance with our teachings. This is a challenge that must be taken up, not only by the ministers, but by all of us seeking the joy of being embraced in the compassionate-wisdom that we know as Amida Buddha.

Greeting from Japan

G. Sakamoto

It has been a wonderful first trip to Japan for our family which began with the Jr. Choir's first tour of Japan.

Elaine Jones and Phyllis Sugimoto, along with their team leaders and coordinators, organized our trip down to the finest detail. The choir had performance clothes that were sewn by parents. We had travel day shirts with designs by choir members that actually kept people from getting lost. Schedules for when we needed to put our luggage out to when we would meet in the morning. When we moved it was like a force of nature. Seventy two people is a large group. Even when we split up for different interests, we would seem to fill the space we were in.

The highlight of the trip was the choir's performance at the Mombo Kaikan, which may seem strange since it was at the beginning of the trip. But, in a way, it set the tone of the trip. Their earlier performance at the YBA conference had to be cancelled. The choir trip did not start out as planned. While on take off the plane struck a bird in air that damaged its landing gear. There were some tense moments when fuel was released and the plane was turned around. An unexpected overnight stay in San Mateo prevented the choir's performance at the YBA conference. But, with new travel shirts and underwear, the choir arrived safely a day later than expected.

Performance day began with a visit and tour of Hozan and Hyuinkaku, followed by lunch and a private audience with Gomonshu. Our visit with Gomonshu would seem like a simple matter, but every detail had been planned: when we were to arrive, when we were to be in our seats, where Mrs. Jones and I had to sit, what we were to do when Gomonshu arrived and what would happen next. There were no photos or video. He spoke and I replied on behalf of the group. It all went very quickly and he was gone. It seemed like a simple thing but it meant a great deal. It was their second day in Japan. An aborted flight, unexpected stay in San Mateo, 6:00 am service Sunday morning for some, visit to Movieland for others, visits to Fushimi Inari, Nishiki, visit with Gomonshu and now rehearsal and downstairs for the performance. I am not sure how others felt, but I was a bit anxious.

I wanted to hear the choir for the first time at performance, so I had avoided listening in on rehearsals. What I heard that afternoon was truly wonderful and fun. The audience that filled the lobby of the Mombo Kaikan must have felt something too as they called for an unexpected encore. Delighted, but surprised by the response, the choir was unsure of what to do. But Mrs Jones gathered up the choir and invited the audience to join in singing Ondokusan. It was a great way to start a wonderful trip to Japan.

What's Been Happening

Al Hironaga

For this month's article, I am highlighting things that have been happening around the Betsuin.

Office Staff - I am sad to report that Adriana Jenkins has decided to leave the office staff for personal reasons. Adrana had joined the offce staff less than a year ago and quickly picked up the responsibilities to become a major part of the Betsuin's staff. We wil truly miss her and wish her the best in her future endeavors. If you are interested in applying for the position on the office staff, see or leave your resume with Randy Suzuki or Glenn Kurimoto in the office. See separate ad for the job in this issue.

Membership Day Fair (AKA Organization Day) - Have you ever wondered what the BWA, ABA, DSPO or Dana Club is all about? Or were you wondering how to join the Choir, Jr. Choir, Jr. YBA, Scouts or the Sangha Support group? Maybe you just want to get more involved and were wondering how to become closer to your church. On Sunday, September 9, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, the Betsuin is having its first organization information fair in the gymnasium, where all Betsuin organizations will be present to provide information about their organization, answer any questions and accept new members. You are invited to come and see what the various organizations are about, what they are doing and what they have planned for the future. If you have Dharma School aged children (preschool thru high school), this will also be the first day of Dharma School and registration will also be taking place that day. I hope to see you there.

Sixth Street Property - The Sixth Street propert has undergone a major change in the past two months. Thanks to Jim McClure, two Boy Scouts, Ryan Ichinaga and Mark Akizuki, and many other workers. The fences were relocated, the pantry storage was moved closer to the kitchen, new soil was brought in and the properties were graded, the chicken cooking pits were built, two walkways were constructed between the Sixth St. building and the Fifth St. property, and the sidewalk along Sixth Street was repaired. The building itself has been remodeled by Mike Doi and the Girl Scouts. The building was used for kimono dressing and was reported to be a very busy place during the Obon festivities.

Kawakami Property - Having used the Kawakami property for many years for storage of Obon and other material, the Betsuin has accepted the responsibility of managing the property. The property consists of four units occupied by Reppie's Tours, Camille Beauty Salon, and the units previously occupied by Crown Cleaners and Dr. Kawakami's office. A special committee consisting of Bob Idemoto, Mas Horiuchi and Jimi Yamaichi is working on making improvements to the property and finding renters for the two vacant units. If you are interested in renting one of the units, see one of the committee members for details.

Dana Club - The Dana Club starts the 2007-2008 year with a project to help the Second Harvest Food Bank on Wednesday, September 26. The members are also helping the Georgia Travis Homeless Center on Friday, October 5, by providing lunch for the homeless families. If you would like to help in one of these activities, or want to become a member of the club, send an email with your name and telephone number to me at [email protected] or come by the Dana Club table at the Membership Day fair on September 9.

Betsuin Fundraiser - The 1st Annual Betsuin Golf Tournament wil be held on Saturday, September 29th at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club. We are looking for golfers and hole sponsors for the tournament. What a fun way to enjoy the day with the Sangha and help the Betsuin. See ad for further details.

Jr. Choir Trip to Japan - Welcome back to the Betsuin's Jr. Choir, which has retured following a whirlwind tour of Japan. Their daily activities with photos were reported on a blog hosted by Rev. Sakamoto. Thank you to Rev. Sakamoto for the great photos and comments. Those who couldn't make the trip were able to follow the Jr. Choir's daily activities right from home. Read the Jr. Choir's article for more information.

In Gassho,
Al Hironaga