February 2025
We are off and running in 2025! There are lots of activities coming up in the very near future. I do want to take a minute to acknowledge the efforts by the DSPO (Dharma School Parents Organization) and the Jr. YBA (Young Buddhist Association) for putting on a great luncheon at December’s Bodhi Day program. It was definitely enjoyed by all!
January was busy as well…with our Shusho-E service on January 1st and then our Ho-Onko service on Jan. 12 with a message from our guest minister Rev. Nariaki Hayashi from the Tri-State Temple in Denver. It was a “full circle” moment as he spent time with us when he first arrived in the United States to receive initial orientation from our own ministers. He lived in the “little cottage” across from our temple for three weeks. This was after a crew of volunteers made repairs, had the floors replaced, painted the entire interior and thoroughly cleaned the house.
February’s schedule is also filling up rapidly. There will be several of our annual fundraisers this month. Feb. 1 is the Jr. YBA Spaghetti Dinner. Hopefully, you will have already purchased tickets for the event. The next day, Feb. 2 is the showing of the movie Hito Hata. This was directed and produced by a local filmmaker, Duane Kubo, and is a film about the lives of some Japanese Americans and their struggles in America. This is a fundraiser for the new Dharma Center project. On Feb. 15, the BWA has its chirashi and bota mochi fundraiser. Back by popular demand, we will have our next One Sangha luncheon on Feb. 16. As always, we need volunteers to help out with this fun event. Then the last two weekends of the month will be consumed with the BCA National Council Meeting, culminating with a BCA Etaikyo service (online) on March 2 (more info to follow).
After I completed this Dharma article, the terrible fires down in the Los Angeles area began. Fortunately, the Pasadena Buddhist Temple was spared from the Eaton fire. Although it suffered some minor fire damage, the temple was saved by the efforts of a few Sangha members along with some very special neighbors. Unfortunately, some Sangha members did lose their homes. They are collecting donations to help out those members. Please see the temple website for more information.
Pasadena Buddhist Temple – Pasadena Buddhist Temple
Gassho,
Steve