Compassion Gratitude Community - 72nd Annual Northwest Buddhist Convention - February 15-17, 2019 - White River Buddhist Temple
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72nd Annual Northwest Buddhist Convention
Hosted by: White River Buddhist Temple
Compassion
Gratitude
Community
February 15-17, 2019
DoubleTree Suites
Tukwila, WA
Table of Contents
3 Introduction of Theme
4-8 Greeting Letters
9 Map of Hotel
10 Friday Schedule
11 Saturday AM Schedule
12 Saturday Afternoon Workshop Schedule
13 Saturday Evening Schedule/Sunday Morning Schedule
14 Saturday Morning Opening Service
15 Juseige
16 Three Treasures
17 Ondokusan II
18-21 Workshop Session Descriptions
22 Banquet Program
24 Sunday Morning Closing Service
25 Sanbutsuge
26-31 Minister & Speaker Bios
32 Acknowledgements
Follow Us On Social Media!
@WhiteRiverBT
#NWCGC2019
2
Compassion, Gratitude,
Community
We live in a time of unparalleled technology and connectivity.
Most of us never have to look forward to day after day of
backbreaking manual labor. Technology has taken care of that.
The world has never been “smaller.” The internet has taken care
of that.
Yet, life still throws at us difficulties and challenges that at times
seem insurmountable. We’ve all felt this and have wondered
“How come I feel this way?” and “How do I get myself out of
this?”
Based on the primary Buddhist tenets of Impermanence and
Interdependence, Shin Buddhist teachings provide clues/
principals that when practiced in our daily lives help us navigate
our ever-complex and challenging world.
Compassion - Empathize with and resolve to help others;
Gratitude - Focus on the wonderfulness of today;
Community - I am not alone. I can gain strength from others.
3
4
5
6
7
8
Meeting and Banquet Facilities
Terrace
Pinnacle
Summit II
NWL
Private
Dining Rainier Summit I
Room
Northwest Ballroom
Northwest W M
Alki III
Atrium Lounge
Landing
Dash Sunrise
Point Redondo Alki II
Atrium
Elevators
Paradise
Alki I
Business Center
Women
Women
Fitness Gift Executive
Men
Men Front Desk
Sauna
Center Shop Offices
Dry
Cyber Cafe
& Gift Shop
Racquet
Main
Pool
Entrance
Ball
Hot Tub
9Friday Schedule
Time Activity Location
4:00 – 9:00 pm Registration Ballroom Foyer
Snack Bar Alki Foyer
4:00 – 7:00 pm NW District Ministers Room 1201
Meeting (2nd Floor)
5:00 – 7:00 pm Communications Meeting Pinnacle
5:00 – 9:00 pm BWA Sales Paradise
7:00 – 8:00 pm Meditation Dash Point
7:00 – 9:00 pm NW District Council Meeting Alki I & II
Game Night - open to all! Summit I & II
7:00 - 10:00 pm Hospitality Room 1204, 1207, 1208
(2nd Floor)
10Saturday AM Schedule
Time Activity Location
7:00 - 7:45 am Oasaji -Early Morning Gathering Redondo
Shoshinge-sofu
7:30 – 9:00 am Registration Ballroom Foyer
7:30 – 8:30 am BWA Representatives Meeting Summit I & II
BWA Sales Paradise
8:30 – 9:00 am Oshoko – Incense Offering Dash Pt/Redondo/
Live Music by Don & Judy Gardner Alki
9:00 – 9:45 am Opening Service Dash Pt/Redondo/
Alki
9:45 am Dharma School Children are dismissed Rainier
*Parent/Guardians please escort children
10:00 – 10:30 am Keynote Address: Compassion, Gratitude, Dash Pt/Redondo/
Community – Rev. Matt Hamasaki Alki
10:40 – 11:30 am Plenary Speaker: Rev. Umezu Dash Pt/Redondo/
Alki
11:30 am – 12:35 pm Lunch Pick up in atrium/
restaurant
BWA Sales Paradise
NW YBL Meeting Summit I & II
YABA Meeting 1204 (2nd Floor)
11Saturday PM Workshop Schedule
Adult 1: Don’t Miss the Ocean for the Waves - Dash Point
LGBTQ+ and Buddhism
Speaker: Anthony David Gipe
12:45 – 1:45 pm Adult 2, YBL & College+: Future Leaders of the Redondo/Alki
Dharma
Workshop Session I Panelists: Jason Yokoyama, Emily Ko, & Emma Inge
Japanese: Shinshu Monto to Syakai no Kakawari - Sunrise
Zengyo ka Hoon ka
Speaker: Rev. Sugahara
Dharma School Rainier
Adult 1: The John Volken Academy Dash Point
Speaker: Walker Stahle, John Volken Academy
Adult 2: Temple Culture Redondo
Speaker: Rev. Hirano
2:00 – 3:00 pm Japanese: Learn CGC from a Japanese folktale Sunrise
“The Motherly Ghost (AMEYA NO YUREI)”
Workshop Session II Speaker: Rev. Kusunoki
College+ and YBL: “Only Half Step Away” Summit I & II
Speaker: Rev. Sugahara
Dharma School Rainier
3:00 – 3:20 pm Break Ballroom Foyer
Adult 1: Shinran Shonin’s Understanding of Dash Point
Compassion and What We Can Then Do
Speaker: Rev. Miyaji
Adult 2: American Sutra: Dharma Lessons from Redondo/Alki
3:25 – 4:25 pm WWII
Speaker: Duncan Williams
Workshop Session III YBL: Finding CGC - A Photo Project Sunrise
Facilitators: Valerie Yamanaka/Kendall Kosai
College+: Welcome Matts Podcast Summit I & II
Speakers: Rev Matt Hamasaki & Matt Nitta
Dharma School Rainier
12Saturday Evening Schedule
Time Activity Location
4:30 – 5:30 pm BWA Sales Paradise
Duncan Williams Book Signing Alki Foyer
Dharma School Teachers’ League Summit I & II
Meeting
5:00 – 6:00 pm No host bar/Social hour Ballroom Foyer
6:00 – 8:00 pm Banquet Dash Pt/Redondo/Alki
8:00 – 9:30 pm Entertainment - Dash Pt/Redondo/Alki
Variety show!
9:00 – 11:00 pm Hospitality Room 1204, 1207, 1208 (2nd
floor)
Sunday Morning Schedule
Time Activity Location
7:00 - 7:45 am Oasaji – Early Morning Gathering Redondo
Shoshinge - Gyofu
8:30 – 9:30 am NW District Council Meeting (as Alki I & II
needed)
BWA General Membership Summit I & II
Meeting
Meditation Dash Point
Workshop Session IV: Recap Alki III
Speaker: Rev. Warrick
9:30 – 10:00 am Oshoko – Incense Offering Dash Pt/Redondo/Alki
Live Music by Don & Judy
Gardner
10:00 – 11:30 am Closing Service – Dharma Talk by Dash Pt/Redondo/Alki
Rev. Matt Hamasaki
13Oasaji - Morning Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin
Saturday, February 16, Double 7:00 am, Redondo
Shoshinge and Wasan (sofu) Rev. Jim Warrick, available Ministers
& Ministers Assistants
Opening Service
Saturday, February 16, DoubleTree Ballrooms
8:30 am Oshōko and Live Music by Don & Judy Gardner
9:00 am Service and Keynote
Ministers and Ministers Assistants, please assemble in Ballroom Foyer at 8:30 am
Kansho, calling bell Ruth Terry
Processional Ministers
Opening Remarks Sharon Kosai, Chairperson
Opening Meditation Rev. Katsuya Kusunoki
Welcome Message Valerie Yamanaka, Convention Co-Chair
Daihyo Oshoko by Temple Representatives
Buddhist Churches of America Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
NW District Council Spokane Buddhist Temple
NW District Buddhist Women’s Association Tacoma Buddhist Temple
NW Dharma School Teachers’ League Vancouver Buddhist Temple
NW Young Buddhist League Yakima Buddhist Temple (including
Young Adult Buddhist Association Columbia Basin)
Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple White River Buddhist Temple
Oregon Buddhist Temple
Sutra Chanting - Juseige (next page) Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop
The Three Treasures (page 16) Rev. Jim Warrick
Gatha – Ondokusan II (page 17) All
Closing Meditation Rev. Yuki Sugahara
Recessional Ministers
*Dharma School Dismissed *Parents/Guardians – Please escort your children to Rainier Room*
Introduction of Guests Sharon Kosai
Keynote Address – Compassion, Gratitude, Community Rev. Matt Hamasaki
Closing Remarks/Announcements Sharon Kosai
14Juseige: “Three Sacred Vows”
# Ga gon cho se gan Ko so jo man zoku # Na man da bu
His-shi mu jo do I yo ro jip-po
Shi gan fu man zoku Nichi gatsu shu ju ki Na man da bu
Sei fu jo sho gaku Ten ko on pu gen Na man da bu
Na man da bu
Ga o mu ryo ko I shu kai ho zo Na man da bu
Fu i dai se shu Ko se ku doku ho Na man da bu
Fu sai sho bin gu Jo o dai shu chu
Sei fu jo sho gaku Sep-po shi shi ku
(ekoku)
Ga shi jo butsu do Ku yo is-sai butsu # Gan ni shii ku do ku
Myo sho cho jip-po Gu soku shu toku hon Byo do se issai
Ku kyo mi sho mon Gan e shitsu jo man Do hon bo dai shin
Sei fu jo sho gaku Toku i san gai o O jo u an ra ko (ku)
Ri yoku jin sho nen Nyo butsu mu ge chi
Jo e shu bon gyo Tsu datsu mi1515 fu sho
Shi gu mu jo do Gan ga ku e riki
I sho ten nin shi To shi sai sho son
Jin riki en dai ko Shi gan nya ko ka
Fu sho mu sai do Dai sen o kan do
Sho jo san ku myo Ko ku sho ten nin
Ko sai shu yaku nan To u chin myo ke
Kai hi chi e gen
Mes-shi kon mo an
Hei soku sho aku do
Tsu datsu zen shu mon
15The Three Treasures
Leader:
Fortunate is it to be born into human life. Now we are living it. Rare is it to
encounter the Teachings of the Buddha. Now we hear it. If we do not seek the
Truth of the Dharma in this life, in what life shall we find it? Let us reverently take
refuge in the Three Treasures of the Truth.
Sangha:
I TAKE REFUGE IN BUDDHA. May we all together absorb into ourselves
the principle of the Way to Enlightenment and awaken within us our highest
aspiration.
I TAKE REFUGE IN DHARMA. May we all together be submerged in the depth
of the Dharma and gain wisdom as deep as the ocean.
I TAKE REFUGE IN SANGHA. May we all together become units in true accord
in a life of harmony, in a spirit of universal brotherhood, freed from the bondage
of selfishness.
Leader:
Even through ages of myriads of kalpas hard is it to hear such an excellent,
profound, and wonderful teaching. Now we are able to hear and receive it. Let
us thoroughly understand the true meaning of Tathagata’s Teaching.
1617
WORKSHOP SESSION I
Adult I: Don’t Miss the Ocean for the Waves - LGBTQ+ and Buddhism
Speaker: Anthony David Gipe
Join us for an enlightening and stimulating conversation regarding how our community can
share common compassion for those different from us, gratitude for our differences, which
enrich our lives, and build a community of differences as vast as the ocean we really are.
Anthony is happy to answer all of your questions.
Adult II & YBL & College: Future Leaders of the Dharma
Panelists: Jason Yokoyama, Emily Ko, and Emma Inge
In 2018, the country saw Millennials and Gen-Z students quickly gain influence and power.
From the March for Our Lives campaign to becoming the most diverse generation ever,
young people are making a difference in their community through compassionate means.
Learn more about these young influential Northwest Buddhist leaders’ perspectives on how
Buddhism applies to their everyday lives while understanding how to keep them engaged in
your home temple.
Japanese: Shinshu Monto to Syakai no Kakawari - Zengyo ka Hoon ka
Speaker: Rev. Yuki Sugahara
Shin Buddhists’ Relationship with Society - Good Deed or Act of Repaying the Debt of
Gratitude-
WORKSHOP SESSION II
Adult I: The John Volken Academy
Speaker: Walker Stahle
The John Volken Academy is a long-term (minimum 24 month) residential treatment center
which primarily focuses on drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The John Volken Academy
addiction recovery program is modeled after the therapeutic community approach to
addiction treatment, providing students with healthy lifestyle changes needed to live
successful and sober lives, in the long term. We focus on life skills training, educational and
18vocational training, leadership opportunities as well as community involvement. Students
learn gratitude, importance of volunteering, self-confidence, discipline, humility, integrity
among many others. The John Volken Academy is truly a place where students come to
change their lives – forever!
Adult II: Temple Culture
Speaker: Rev. Jerry Hirano
What culture is your temple? Although for many years our Buddhist Churches of America
(BCA) temples could have been defined as Japanese American temples. Over the past
30 years this has changed drastically. However, without understanding what creates a
temple’s culture, our temples and thus BCA cannot succeed. “Compassion, Gratitude,
Community” is the theme for this year’s Northwest District Convention. There is a great
deal of misunderstanding between compassion in a general sense and the Jodo Shinshu
understanding of compassion. Our temples are not dispensers of compassion, merely the
recipients. In developing our temple cultures, it is important that we develop a culture based
upon Jodo Shinshu teachings and how we live a life of gratitude. In this way, we may create
temples with a culture of gratitude and community.
College/YBL: “Only Half Step Away”
Speaker: Rev. Yuki Sugahara
Join Rev. Yuki to hear him share about his favorite musician, whose thoughts are really close to
Buddhism, and some music of his own.
Japanese: Learn Compassion, Gratitude and Community from a Japanese
folktale “The Motherly Ghost (AMEYA NO YUREI)”
Speaker: Rev. Katsuya Kusunoki
This folktale has been told at the Kogenji temple, which is Rev. Kusunoki’s family temple in
Nagasaki, Japan.
19WORKSHOP SESSION III
Adult I: Shinran Shonin’s Understanding of Compassion and What We Can
Then Do
Speaker: Rev. Takashi Miyaji
What is the Jodo Shinshu interpretation of compassion? What is the source of compassion?
Normally, in the everyday usage of the term, we often feel that we must be compassionate
towards others and that by doing so, this is what it means to be a “good Buddhist.” But
the significance of compassion in Shin is a little more complex than this. Together, let us
look at how Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, came to understand
and receive the compassion of Amida Buddha. It is only when we understand the true
source of compassion, that we can then move forward in our lives in the dynamic reality of
compassionate activity.
Adult II: American Sutra: Dharma Lessons from WWII
Speaker: Duncan Ryūken Williams
Based on stories from his new book “American Sutra” about Buddhism and the WWII
Japanese American incarceration, Duncan Ryūken Williams will discuss how one can draw
on one’s Buddhist faith in uncertain times. At a time of loss and dislocation, our Dharma
ancestors drew on fundamental Buddhist teachings of dynamic change and interdependence
to foster an orientation to the world that helped them recognize that they were not alone in
the world.
Stories from the past inspires us to see the timeless Buddhist virtues of a compassionate heart
as we see how helping others is interlinked to our own well-being; a sense of gratitude
towards all that sustain our life; and the building of a Sangha community that strengthens
and enhances our Buddhist practice. From building Buddhist altars from desert wood to using
guard tower searchlights for meditation practice, we’ll also learn from the wartime stories
about how to make the best out of what is karmically available to us and to achieve freedom
even in the midst of a state of non-freedom.
20College: Welcome Matts Podcast
Speakers: Rev. Hamasaki & Matt Nitta
Go behind the scenes with Rev. Matt (Hamasaki) and Matt (Nitta) as they introduce their
podcast, “Welcome Matts,” where they talk about Buddhism, pop culture, and anything in
life that comes up. They will share their goals and the creative process of podcasting. This will
be their first time recording a podcast with a live audience, so they will be looking for lots of
interaction!
YBL: Finding Compassion, Gratitude, and Community – A Photo Project
Facilitators: Kendall Kosai & Valerie Yamanaka
While the we live a life of dukkha (suffering), it can be difficult to see the realities of our
interdependence of the tenets of compassion, gratitude, and community. Buddhism teaches
one to come to this through our own self-realization. Join us for an interactive workshop that
asks us to find the compassion, gratitude, and community in our everyday lives. While the we
live a life of dukkha (suffering), it can be difficult to see the realities of our interdependence
of the tenets of compassion, gratitude, and community. Buddhism teaches one to come to this
through our own self-realization. Join us for an interactive workshop that asks us to find the
compassion, gratitude, and community in our everyday lives.
WORKSHOP SESSION IV
All: Recap
Speaker: Rev. Jim Warrick
The White River Buddhist Temple has made the convention theme, “Compassion, Gratitude,
Community,” our own Temple’s mission over the past several years. This includes integrating
community speakers into our regular schedule, learning more about individuals and
organizations in the surrounding community, and how we can help and relate to one
another. Join Rev. Warrick for a discussion session recapping the convention workshops
and theme and how your temple can become a part of the larger religious landscape in our
communities.
21Banquet Program
6:00pm - 8:00pm –DoubleTree Ballrooms
Welcome and Introductions Melissa Ong
Sokuzen No Kotoba - Words before the meal Rev. Don Castro
Banquet Dinner
Shokugo No Kotoba - Words after the meal Rev. Kosho Yukawa
Introduction of BCA President Melissa Ong
Greeting from BCA President Rick Stambul
Zaidan Offering YBL
Introduction of NWDC President Melissa Ong
NWD Minister Recognition John Inge
Introduction of Speaker Melissa Ong
Banquet Keynote Address Rev. Ann Spencer
2020 Convention Hosts Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
Announcements
Variety Show
Hosted by Brady Kameshige, Kendall Kosai, Reese Morikubo
including special guests, Rev. Matt Hamasaki & Matt Nitta.
This year’s variety show is packed with
games, trivia, and much more. Stick
around and you might find yourself
competing head-to-head against Rev.
Matt in a race against time!
2223
Oasaji - Morning Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin
Sunday, February 17, 7:00 am, Redondo
Shoshinge and Wasan (gyofu) Rev. Jim Warrick, available Ministers
& Ministers Assistants
Closing Service
Sunday, February 17, DoubleTree Ballrooms
9:30 am Oshōko and Live Music by Don & Judy Gardner
10:00 am Service and closing Keynote
Kaikyoshi Ministers please assemble in foyer at 9:40 am
Kansho, calling bell Ruth Terry
Opening Remarks Char Grinolds, Chairperson
Opening Meditation Rev. Takashi Miyaji
Sutra Chanting, Sanbutsuge led by Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop
Closing Keynote Address Rev. Matt Hamasaki
Closing Meditation Rev. Jerry Hirano
Invitation to World BWA Convention Janet Umezu and Susan Bottari
IBS Program Update Landon Yamaoka
Installation of Officers Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop
NW District Council NW District Young Buddhist League
NW District Buddhist Women’s Assocation NW District Dharma School Teacher’s League
Appreciation Convention Co-Chairs
Announcements Char Grinolds
24Sanbutsuge: “Praises of the Buddha”
# Ko gen gi gi Gan ga sa butsu Ryo ga sa butsu # Na man da bu
I jin mu goku Zai sho ho o Koku do dai ichi
Nyo ze en myo Ka do sho ji Go shu ki myo Na man da bu
Mu yo to sha Mi fu ge datsu Do jo cho zetsu Na man da bu
Na man da bu
Nichi gatsu ma ni Fu se jo I Koku nyo nai on Na man da bu
Shu ko en nyo Kai nin sho jin Ni mu to so Na man da bu
Kai shitsu on pei Nyo ze san mai Ga to ai min
Yu nyaku ju moku Chi e i jo Do datsu is-sai
(ekoku)
Nyo rai yo gen Go sei toku butsu Jip-po rai sho # Gan ni shii ku do ku
Cho se mu rin Fu gyo shi gan Shin-netsu sho jo Byo do se issai
Sho gaku dai on Is-sai ku ku I to ga koku Do hon bo dai shin
Ko ru jip-po I sa dai an Ke raku an-non O jo u an ra ko (ku)
Kai mon sho jin Ke shi u butsu Ko butsu shin myo
San mai chi e Hyaku sen noku man Ze ga shin sho
I toku mu ryo Mu ryo dai sho Hotsu gan no hi
Shu sho ke u Shu nyo go ja Riki sho sho yoku
Jin tai zen nen Ku yo is-sai Jip-po se son
Sho butsu ho kai Shi to sho butsu Chi e mu ge
Gu jin jin no Fu nyo gu do Jo ryo shi son
Ku go gai tai Ken sho fu gyaku Chi ga shin gyo
Mu myo yoku nu Hi nyo go ja Ke ryo shin shi
Se son yo mu Sho butsu se kai Sho ku doku chu
Nin o shi shi Bu fu ka ge Ga gyo sho jin
Jin toku mu ryo Mu shu setsu do Nin ju fu ke
Ku kun ko daiA Ko myo shis-sho
Chi e jin myo Hen shi sho koku
Ko myo i so Nyo ze sho jin
Shin do dai sen I jin nan ryo
25Speakers
Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop
Birthplace: Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Background: Received a B.A. from Ryukoku University in Kyoto in 1973 and
M.A. from the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley in 1976. After arriving
in the UnitedStates in 1973, served at the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple until
1976. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1976-1980. Then served at the Los Angeles
Betsuin and Buddhist Church of Oakland before being reassigned to serve as the
Executive Assistant to the Bishop in 1996. In 2005, appointed as the Interim Di-
rector of the Center for Buddhist Education and became the full Director in 2006.
In April 2012, became the Bishop of the Buddhist Churchesof America, and is
currently serving his secondterm. Also serves as the Chancellor of the Institute of
Buddhist Studies and Editor-in-Chief of the Wheel of Dharma.
Rev. Jim Warrick
Background: He got his start in the field of electronics while serving in the U.S.
Air Force during the Vietnam War. After returning to civilian life he furthered
his studies at Bossier College in Shreveport, LA, went on to work in the field of
Biomedical Engineering for 40 years,and retired from General Electric in 2014.
He received Tokudo in 2003, Kyoshi in 2007, and became a part time volun-
teer Kyoshi minister at the Seattle Betsuin. After retiring, he and his wife traveled
extensively. They’ve decided to take a break from retirement and spend their
time spreading the Nembutsu teaching, and have served at White River since
July 2018.
Family: Married to Rona Warrick for the last eighteen
wonderful years. We have five children between us,
four girls and one boy, and seven grandchildren, six girls
ages, 12 to 22 years old, and one grandson, age 10.
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
A Roy Rogers on ice
What would you be doing if you weren’t a minister?
I would be on a cruise ship in the South Pacific.
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
Honesty
26Rev. Matthew Hamasaki
Birthplace: Berkeley, California
Background: After graduating Berkeley High he got his Bachelors in Arts in
Religious Studies from UC Davis and went on to get his Masters in Buddhist
Studies from IBS. After receiving ordination in Japan he was assigned to the
Central California District for two years before being transferred to the Bud-
dhist Church of Sacramento in January 2018.
Family: Wife, Michelle, and dogs, Reggie & Louie
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
The ability to empathize.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year?
Balancing time by saying “no” to things.
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
Whiskey on the rocks.
Rinban Kutsuya Kusunoki
Birthplace: Nagasaki, Japan, as the 2nd son in a temple family
Background: He graduated from Miyazaki University, majoring in primary
education and his hobbies are baseball and softball. While in college he took
a break and spent ~2.5 years coaching baseball in Zimbabwe in a Japanese
volunteer program, like Peace Corps, before returning to Japan to complete
his studies. After graduating, he spent three years teaching 3rd and 6th grade
before deciding to become a minister. His advanced training includes the
Hongwanji-ha Rituals course for leaders (Gonshiki). His first assignment in the
U.S. was Lodi Buddhist Temple in 2010, and he was transferred to Seattle in
April 2017.
Family: wife, Ayano Kusunoki, and son, Yuiya Kusunoki
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I have (had) a scuba diving license. (Maybe it is already expired!)
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
Shochu (from sweet potatoes)
What would be your personal motto?
No rush. One by one. Don’t hesitate. Just step forward. You will see what is going on.
27Rev. Jerry K. Hirano
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah
Background: Minister: Salt Lake, Ogden, Honeyville, IOBT. Co-Director BCA Center
for Buddhist Education; Co-Executive Assistant to Bishop Umezu; Director of Minis-
ter’s Assistant Program
Family: Married to Rev. Dr. Carmela Javellana, daughters Kacie (23) and Taylor (19)
Who is someone you admire, and why?
My wife; she has to live with me. She came from a Third World country to finish her
MD and dual boards at Ohio State and IBS certificate in Jodo Shinshu Shinshu Stud-
ies. She carries on with her private practice while running the meditation program at
temple with the other Minister’s Assistants at temple, along with running adult study
class.
Name three words that you describe you.
Blessed beyond belief
What movie or novel character do you most identify with and why?
Ebenezer Scrooge - not his miserly qualities, but a mean old man who, despite his
shortcomings, the world embraced and taught to be grateful.
Rev. Takashi Miyaji
Birthplace: Ogden, Utah; grew up in Los Angeles, CA.
Background: Bachelor’s in Philosophy & Japanese language/literature from
U.C. Berkeley, Master’s in Buddhist Studies from IBS, Master’s in Shin Buddhist
Studies from Ryukoku University, where he also completed doctoral course-
work. He specializes in Japanese Buddhism and religion, translation of Bud-
dhist scripture, and Jodo Shinshu doctrine and ethics. He’s received Tokudo
and Kyoshi qualifications and has been the minister at the Tacoma Buddhist
Temple since Dec. 2017, and is currently working on his dissertation on Shin
Buddhist ethics. He also likes music & used to DJ.
Family: Wife, Kaori, from Kumamoto, Japan. Son, Keisai (2).
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
I admire friendliness in others.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year?
I learned that making weekly Dharma talks is very hard!
28Rev. Yuki Sugahara
Birthplace: Kurayoshi, Tottori, Japan
Background: Born as a son of temple families in Shimane prefecture. Received
Tokudo in 1996, Kyoshi in 2002 and Kaikyoshi in 2011. Graduated from
Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, in Political Science, and Musashino University
in Tokyo, in Human Science (Buddhist Studies).
Family: Namiko (wife), Aoi (6 year old daughter), and Hikaru (2 year old son)
Who is someone you admire, and why?
The late Rev. Jitsuen Kakehashi. His words in “Seiten Seminar Kyogyoshinsho
Shin no Maki” (not yet translated) had a huge impact on
understanding what the Tathagata’s “salvation” means. I will quote them
below: “Salvation of Tathagata” is not to forgive and compensate what we
have done. It is to give us right wisdom to recognize our false as false and
give us courage and capacity to take responsibility for what we have done. It
is to turn our self-centered idea to feel sympathy for the other’s pain (karuna/
compassion) and to wish for people’s happiness (maitra/friend). It is to
cultivate our mind to be able to know the importance of these mind.
Name three words that you describe you.
Beer, Buddhism, Bass guitar
What would you be doing if you weren’t a minister?
Musician or Martial Artist or Mover or Izakaya worker.
29Rev. Anne Spencer
Birthplace: Grayland, Washington
Background: Graduated Whitman College with a degree in Biology-Psychology
1987. Masters degree in Genetic Counseling from UC Berkeley in 1991 and a Mas-
ters in Buddhist Studies from IBS/GTU in 2012. Tokudo ordination in 2010 and Kyoshi
certificate in 2018. She is a licensed genetic counselor, currently working in private
practice and teaching at Boise State University.
Family: Married for 31 years to Eric. We have one son, Quinn, who is 23 years old.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I love working with leftovers and can turn almost anything I find in the refrigerator into a decent meal or dessert.
My recipe for a pie I called “Creamy Cranana Razzle” won first place in a small-town cooking contest.
If you were to tell one person “Thank You” for helping me become the person I am today, who would it be and
what did they do?
My second grade teacher who was especially kind to me when I was going through a difficult time at school.
Her name was Mrs. (or Miss) Yamamoto. She taught at Ocosta Elementary School in Westport, WA in the early
1970’s. My mother thinks she was from the Auburn area. If you know her, please let me know--I’d love to be
able to thank her in person.
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
The ability to listen and respond to others in a way that helps them feel they are important.
What superpower would you like to have?
Super power glasses that would allow me to find lost items, especially my keys.
Walker Stahle
Background: Walker Stahle is originally from Logan, Utah. Most of Walker’s career
has been spent in hospitality. He attended school at the University of Alabama and
has worked in a variety of hotel chains with various positions. As a recovering drug
addict and alcoholic, Walker now works as the Program Director of the John Volken
Academy in Kent, Washington.
He began with the John Volken Academy as a student and graduated from the
program in May 2018. He then accepted the Program Director position at the John
Volken Academy in Gilbert, AZ. He returned to the Seattle area last November to
continue on as Program Director. He understands the struggles related to addiction
and is helping others overcome their addictions.
30Duncan Ryūken Williams
Background: Williams was born in Tokyo, Japan to a Japanese mother and British
father. After growing up in Japan and England until age 17, he moved to the U.S.
to attend college (Reed College) and graduate school (Harvard University, where
he received a Ph.D. in Religion). He ordained as a Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest in
1993 at Kotakuji Temple in Nagano, Japan. He is currently the Director of the
USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture. Previously, he held the
Ito Distinguished Chair of Japanese Buddhism at U.C. Berkeley and served as the
Director of Berkeley’s Center for Japanese Studies. He also served as the Executive
Vice President of Japan House/LA, a public diplomacy initiative of Japan’s Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. Williams is the author of The Other Side of Zen: A Social History
of Sōtō Zen Buddhism in Tokugawa Japan (Princeton University Press) and editor of seven books. He has a
forthcoming book American Sutra: A Story of Faith and Freedom in the Second World War (Harvard University
Press, February 2019).
Anthony David Gipe
Background: Anthony started a practice in law after a short career as an intelligence
analyst and interpreter. Anthony has focused on complex civil litigation his entire
career, in Oregon, Washington, and California, in the areas of Civil Rights, Business
Litigation, Personal Injury, Family Law, and Gay and Lesbian Law. His current
practice also includes advising other attorneys in their practices, including ethics,
employment matters, and related issues.
Anthony spends half his time working as a judicial officer, serving as a pro tem
judge in King County District Court, City of Seattle, and City of Kent, and part of his
practice includes serving as an arbiter and mediator.
Anthony devotes significant time to volunteering in the profession. He was a founding board member and faculty
of the Washington State Bar Association Leadership Institute Advisory Board since its inception. He is also a
founding board member of QLAW and other minority bar associations. Finally, Anthony has served within the
Washington State Bar Association for fifteen years including as a committee chair, At Large Governor, and he
served as President of the WSBA in 2013-2016.
When Anthony is not practicing law, he pursues his hobbies in fitness, fine arts, and painting.
31Donors
White River Buddhist Temple would like to express our deepest appreciation to the following
businesses for their generous gifts toward the convention.
Ivars Seattle Mariners
Museum of Popular Culture Sugimoto Tea
Seafair Uwajimaya
Convention Boosters:
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Akiyama Lily Kato Its & Yuri Shiotani
Asato Ohana Stogie & Pat Kawabata Taketa/McKinney Family
Randy & Eva Chun Katie Komoto Mark & Ruth Terry
Roger Fukai & Shirley Kanda Mark & Sharon Kosai Takako Uchida
Bill & Norma Geenty Wayne & Sally Mizuki Rev. Jim & Rona Warrick
Charlene & Lorin Grinolds Ron & Karen Murakami Darlene Yamada
Joan & Dave Hoskin Kathryn Natsuhara Yoshiko Yamada
Rosie, Mike, & Louise Kato Charles Natsuhara Dennis Yamashita
Randy Okimoto
Convention Committee
Convention Co-Chairs: Charlene Grinolds, Sharon Kosai, Valerie Yamanaka
Advisor: Rev. Jim Warrick
Banquet Centerpieces: Barbara Akiyama
Banquet Program: Valerie Yamanaka
Dharma School: Rona Warrick
Entertainment: Don & Judy Gardner, Reese Morikubo
Equipment Transportation: Charles Natsuhara
Hospitality: Alva Nishimura, Curtis Yamanaka
Hotel Coordinator: Charlene Grinolds
Meals: Shirley Kanda, Kathryn Natsuhara
Mobile App: Curtis Yamanaka
Program Booklet Design: Kendall Kosai, Sharon Kosai, Valerie Yamanaka
Program Booklet Artwork: Tessa Asato
Programming: Charlene Grinolds, Sharon Kosai, Rev. Jim Warrick, Valerie Yamanaka
Registration: Kelsey Asato
Schedule: Kendall Kosai, Sharon Kosai
Services: Ron Murakami, Rev. Jim Warrick
Social Media: Tessa Asato
Sponsorship: Kendall Kosai
32Family Owned & Operated for Over 50 years!
253-854-5692
1148 Central Ave N
Kent, WA 98032
carpinito.com
____________________________________
Nursery & Garden Center
Bark | Topsoil | Compost | Steer-Gro | Play Chips | Gravel
You-Haul or We Deliver!
Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Pottery, Tools & much more!
____________________________________________________
Farm Fresh Local Produce Stand
Locally Grown Produce from Carpinito Farms & Other WA Farms
Fruit & Vegetables in Season: Jun-Dec
__________________________________________________________
__
______________
Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
20+ Acres of Pumpkins | Farm Fresh Produce Stand
Farm Animals | Kids Activities at our Farm Fun Yard
Yard.
Fall Décor | Food & Drink Concessions | Fun for All Ages!
__________________________________________________________
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
1,000’s of Green & Flocked Trees | Wreaths | Garland
Florist Quality Poinsettias | Holiday Décor
Santa’s Reindeer | Moses the Nativity Camel
__________________________________________________________
33lcome
We
34
3536
Aloha Delegates
The Breath of Buddha
Welcomes All to our 72nd NW District
Buddhist Convention
Namo Amida Butsu
Mahalo Nui Loa
Asato Ohana
37Thank you, White River Chapter,
for hosting the
72nd NW District
Buddhist Convention
Tacoma Buddhist
Women’s Association
OGISHIMA & ASSOCIATES
– Providing quality service since 1946 –
AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BUSINESS • BOAT
MEDICAL • EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • PENSIONS
2535 Beacon Avenue S. • Seattle, Washington 98144
206-328-1806
3839
40
SANGHA
CARING RESPECT
FELLOWSHIP
LOVE THANKFUL
JOY
PEACE
WARMTH
EMPATHY
Our Sincere Appreciation
To
NICE HAPPY
White River Buddhist Temple
For Hosting
The 72nd Annual NW District
Buddhist Convention
CONSIDERATE PATIENCE
“Compassion, Gratitude,
Community”
THOUGHTFUL
FRIENDLY
GIVING
ADMIRATION GASSHO
Arigatou Gozaimasu!
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association
41& Sharing the D
g ha
n
in the Northwest Congratulations and thank you
rm
vi
Li
White River Buddhist Temple
a
from the Oregon Buddhist
Temple on a successful 2019
Oregon Buddhist Temple
established 1903
NW Buddhist Convention!
Visit us at: Weekly Sunday Services
3720 SE 34th Ave at 10:00 am
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 234-9456
www.oregonbuddhisttemple.com We are also on Facebook.
Oregon
Buddhist
Women’s
Association
Best wishes White River Buddhist Temple
for a successful convention
4243
44
Thank you, White River Buddhist Temple
For Hosting the 2019
Northwest Buddhist Convention!
Spokane Buddhist Temple
927 S. Perry Street, Spokane, WA 99202
www.SpokaneBuddhistTemple.org
Email: SpokaneBuddhistTemple@gmail.com
(509) 534-7954
Sunday services 10:30 am
All Are Welcome!
Splendor of an Evening Sky (Seiya)
By Lady Takeko Kujo
Splendor of an evening sky,
Who can ever fathom its timeless mystery?
Million eyes, when sparkling bright
In the sable sky,
Touch my heart, my lonely heart with serenity.
More than all the countless sands
Ganges river holds
Are the infinite Buddhas who fill this universe,
Ever watchful over us, Throughout day and night.
Hearing this, my lonely heart,
Fills with lasting peace.
White River BWA sends Greetings and Best Wishes for an Inspiring Conference!
45To the Northwest District Sangha ~
Congratulations!
On your
72nd Annual
Northwest
District
Buddhist
Convention
Thank you for another
inspiring Nembutsu experience:
COMPASSION, GRATITUDE, COMMUNITY
Gassho,
BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA
46THANK YOU
WHITE RIVER BUDDHIST
TEMPLE
for hosting the
72nd NW Buddhist Convention
Save the date for the
73rd NW District Buddhist convention,
BCA National Council Meeting and IBS Symposium.
Participating will be almost all of BCA’s resident
ministers!
4716th World Buddhist Women’s Convention
August 30 – September 1, 2019
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
San Francisco, California
Keynote Speakers:
Reverend Yukiko Motoyoshi
Minister, Buddhist Churches of America
Keiko Toro
Independent Buddhist Scholar
Live the Nembutsu
Vivemos no interior do Nembutsu
お念仏に生かされて
Registration: www.wbwconvention.org | info@wbwconvention.org
Presented by the Buddhist Churches of America | Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations
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