Monday, August 30, 2010

2010 DCJC Camp, Prayer,

August 13-14-15, 2010, DCJC Camp was held at the camp site on the Lake Geneva. Hiroko’s Hula Dancer friend took three ladies to the camp with her Cadillac.

Two hours drive to Lake Geneva from the northside of Chicago.
Here comes camp.

This is the special house for these four ladies to stay.

Inside of the House

“What time will the breakfast be served?”
“The breakfast will not be first. There will be morning prayer time.”
“It will be 8:00 AM for prayer time and 8:30 for breakfast.”
“There is no dinner served this evening.”
“O.K.! Let’s go for the dinner to the town of Lake Geneva, then.”
These four ladies in the Cadillac, no one have any sense of direction. They had safely left the house to the town.
First, they missed the turning corner.
“Where are we?”
“The middle of the corn field!”
“We missed the turn. Let’s go back. Let’s watch the 120 highway.”
“O.K.”
“Here it is. Turn at the corner.”
The Cadillac owner turned to left. No one said anything.
“Where are we now?”
“The middle of the corn field!”
“Well, we turned the wrong way. Let’s go back.”
“You should look at the map.”
“Why me?”
“You’re sitting on the passenger seat.”
“O.K.! O.K.!”
“Here comes the town of Lake Geneva.”
Finally, these ladies could sit down at the nice sea food restaurant called “Popeye’s.”
It was raining so hard when they finished their dinner. Many people came to the restaurant, so they felt bad to stay just talking. For their dessert a pie and a bowl of ice cream were ordered. The dinner and the dessert were so delicious. The rain had stopped, so they left the restaurant for the camp.
On the way back it started tt rain so hard again.
“We sure enjoyed the food at the restaurant, didn’t we?”
“Please remember the name of the restaurant for next time”
“Too bad, I forgot to take a picture for the restaurant.”
“Can we come here in the winter time?”
“We can.”
“By the way, where are we?”
“The middle of the corn field!”
“Aren’t we going to the direction of east?”
“No. We faced to the sunset. It means we are driving to the west direction.”
“Well, then, it is wrong way, again.”
“Let’s concentrate on the map and the road.”
Finally, these ladies reached the house they were staying.
These four ladies were enjoying talking and forgetting time.
“The air-condition is too cold. It is better to set at 80.”
“Oh, no, 80?! It should be at 60.”
“Well, take the shower and let’s go sleep.”

Hiroko’s bed area.

August 14, Saturday - The busy and interesting day was starting.
All the campers, not only Devon but also other church’s campers got together in this dining hall for each meal.

Dining Hall and Workers

Breakfast




Breakfast scenes

At 9:30 AM Adult Bible study time
This year’s Pastor’s teaching was how to pray. However, it is not only teaching, but explaining prayer model ACTS – A for adoration, C for confession, T for thanksgiving, S for supplication, then, everyone find the quiet place to meditate on the word, and come back together to share your thought. Hiroko give thanks to the Lord personally for being able to recognize again how powerful, loving and wonderful God the Lord chose her.

At 12:30 lunch at the hall
Healthy hamburger and home-made potato chips were served.

At 1:30 PM Intergenerational Activity
“What is intergenerational activity?”
“Everyone, old and young participate this games.”
“Games?!”
“No, we cannot move.”
“You don’t have to do anything. You are just cheering for children. Here is the number of your group.”
“Group?!. Well, just cheering that we can do.”

It wasn’t only cheering. Cadillac lady and Hiroko had to hum the song for everyone to find out what song they were humming.
Another lady have to walk around and around from corner to corner for the game.
Game for pictionaries – guessing the pictures and draw the pictures.
How many games were there? These four ladies were so tired.

Now, these ladies had to go to the town for ice cream.

This is the town of Lake Geneva

This is very delicious ice cream shop.

Finally, these ladies didn’t do any wrong turn or forgetting to turn. They went to the town and came back to the house without getting lost.
They had time for rest little while, but dinner time came soon. After the dinner Campfire was scheduled.
These ladies and Campfire!? - Unthinkable!
These ladies did not waste any time, and went back to the house soon after the dinner.

August 15, Sunday
Cadillac lady, the Hula Dancer had to go back to Chicago to perform Hula Dance at the Ginza Holiday (Posted this article previously), so those ladies left the camp around 8:00 AM and having breakfast at the town of Lake Geneva.

This is the restaurant these ladies had the breakfast.

These foods were ordered.


These three ladies and Hiroko had wonderful time together.
Thanks to Cadillac lady to drive three days.

Give thanks to our Lord for His presence with us to keep from any accidents.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Mitsuko, VII Enkakuji-Temple 2, Recipe - Dip

It was Saturday, a half-day working day of the Swedish Trading Company where Mitsuko was working. Some were having fun going shopping, seeing movie, and others were going out on dates. Mitsuko made a decision to go to Enkaku Temple to do Zazen.
Before going to the temple, Mitsuko went out for lunch at Chinatown with three of her close friends. They have had questions about zazen, so Mitsuko said to them,
“You don’t learn anything from talking, so all of you come with me to the temple someday, if you really want to know.”
One young man asked, “Does your leg hurt sitting legs folded like that?”
“Counting the number ten to twenty while you sit, seems a wasting of time for me” said the middle-age woman.
“If you assure me to resolving the problems my messed up life, I will think about it” said young beautiful lady.
“With zazen you might be resolving any of your problems” Mitsuko said.
“No. How can it be?” Three of Mitsuko’s friends were interested to hear that.
“You may be able to change your view at the problems in a new light, and also you may understand the purpose of your life.”
“I want to know the purpose of life” said a young man.
“I already have a purpose of my life which is to get married, have babies and to have a wonderful family. Can I find a good men in the Temple?” said the beautiful young woman.
“Tokyo University and Waseda University students are coming” said Mitsuko.
“My friends said that our lives steadily advance to death, so our ultimate purpose of life is the death. Isn’t it sad to think that way?” the young man said.
“It is only hardship in our life” said the middle-age woman.
“Wow! I’m seriously thinking about attending the temple” said young man.
“You said you can’t bear the pain of your legs.”
“Does it really hurt?”
“Yes, it hurt, but I can sleep even though I’m in pain.”
Three of them laughed at Mitsuko because they know Mitsuko was able to sleep anywhere. The Young man asked Mitsuko to take him to the temple next time. The others said they would like to go to the temple on New Year’s Eve to ring the bell and to go see the New Year’s sunrise at Sagami Bay. Mitsuko and her friends were enjoying their lunch and talking and laughing.

Watching the sceneries which were changing to the autumn color from the electric train window, Mitsuko was thinking about the things that happened last four or five years since Mitsuko started to attend the Temple.

Mitsuko graduated the university with difficulty because of her English record. However, she had obtained the teaching certificate for English and Japanese. She tried to get teaching position at the several schools. Even Professor Gaka said he would recommend her to his school, but Mitsuko could not accept his offer. Thinking about Professor Gaka, Henkutsu tea teacher, and Enkaji Temple’s Roshi (the Head priest of the temple), she was scared with the responsibilities of teaching those children.

At the same time, many marriage proposals were brought to her life. Mitsuko’s mother and auntie were giving Mitsuko the photos of candidates for omiai (to meet the person for marry.) These men had colorful backgrounds; such as a politician, a tea-teacher, and an artist. A co-worker and one of Professor Gaka’s group members were asking Mitsuko to have a date. I heard later that the politician was a successful politician, and the artist became very famous. One from the Professor Gaka’s group had a cancer and passed away couple of years later. His mother rejected Mitsuko to marry him because Mitsuko was couple of years older than him. Mitsuko understood that Mitsuko slept in the electric train while they were going to have lunch. Mitsuko was given another photo and personal history from her landlord in Roppongi. Mitsuko was thinking about this.

“Kita-Kamakura” the conductor said. The voice brought Mitsuko back to the present time. There were more than three hours before Zazen started, so Mitsuko wondered around the town, and ate oshiruko (Japanese sweet.) Now she had to rest a little to prepare herself for Zazen. When she was sitting and resting at the back stairway of the main temple, the woman who was taking tea ceremony lesson with the same teacher of Mitsuko came to Mitsuko, and said,
“Hello! I heard you have been here quite a long time, but I have ever seem you before. How are you doing?”
“Thank you! I’m glad to see you. I also heard that you were here.”
Then, she started to talk about the temple Mitsuko didn’t know about. She stayed at the women’s quarter where Zazen-jo included. She came early morning and practiced Zazen there all day. She was so happy because the Roshi called her to meet the day. She could say in front of Roshi “I was deep in the Buddha’s bosom” while she was looking the Roshi. Roshi didn’t say anything but gave her big mile. She said she was so happy that. Then, she said good evening and left.

Sending her off, Mitsuko thought how could it be. If people are deep in the Buddha’s bosom, how people could exist and lose oneself. Well, the time came, Mitsuko went to the Zazen-do and was told she was called by Roshi that night. She was thinking and expecting that the thoughts like the lady would be flashed across her mind in front of Roshi. Thinking those things anxiously, Mitsuko’s fingers might be out of shape. Tapping Mitsuko’s shoulder with the stick made Mitsuko up, so that she bent down her upper body as she was told and was patted her should and back. Now she could be doing Zazen well.

Coming to see Roshi had always been strained. Announcing her name out-side of the fusuma (door like) of the Roshi’s room Mitsuko waited Roshi’s response. Mitsuko entered the room and bowed nine times (san-pai kyu-hai no rei – kind of worshipping) to Roshi, and then, sat in front of him. Roshi was sitting in front of Buddha alter. Nothing came to Mitsuko’s mind, so Mitsuko’s mind was busy to think this and that. Roshi was able to see Mitsuko’s unsteady and anxious mind, and said one word, “Mu.” Mitsuko went back to Zazen-do and continued Zazen.

This time Mitsuko didn’t over sleep and did samu (cleaning) and any necessary things in the following morning. Toki-no-bo-san announced to attend the Roshi’s talking after the finishing morning practice. The following is the Mitsuko’s understanding of the Roshi’s talking:
“Buddha says that it is suffering all our life. To live is continuous suffering and it will happen with karma. All the things will not exist independently, but existing depending each other. The life is only suffering, so finding out the cause of suffering, and trying to take the cause out from one’s life. For this purpose, people should extinguish one’s desire, and should do necessary of the training. Well, what is training? Buddha continuously says, that is “Hasshodo” means the viewing of justly; the thinking justly, the trying justly, the carrying justly, and the mental concentrating justly.”
How can anyone live perfectly righteous? To Mitsuko, it is same as called a “sinner” at Christian group meeting. However, Roshi said anyone can obtain this perfect righteous life by training oneself. The sin mentioned by Christian would not solve by our own effort, said by the Christian. Mitsuko was so confused after she heard Roshi’s talking.

There wasn’t Toki-no-bosan in the Zazen-do, but his note said to stay for lunch. Honda-san and some other people said they accepted the offer. Mitsuko would also like to stay for lunch. All of those staying for lunch were sitting together around the kitchen table and discussed what Roshi said. Mitsuko had a chance to ask them about her question “after death.” One said that he doesn’t want to be coming back in any form of animals and he had no confidence to go to where Buddha is. Another one said that he read Buddha had put aside those unsolvable matters, such as after death, the world life after or the existence of the soul. Honda-san said that it couldn’t be avoided to think about the death, it is as important as any other matters, but how to live this present life is much important as Roshi talked this morning.
Toki-no-bosan came back with the foods for lunch. Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers were on the table. The cheese sandwich and salad was served and enjoyed those tasty lunches.

It was said that Buddha enlightened for his own philosophy on December 8. For one week concentration Zazen before the December 8 was held every year. 22 hours from 4:00 AM to 2 AM next day spent for Zazen. Mitsuko was attending this concentrated Zazen almost every year. Each year, on the way home Mitsuko wondered what she can get during the week of Zazen. One thing she could surely think was the satisfaction of the completion, and awful coldness.

In August same type of the concentrated one week Zazen was held. This time the Zazen was done in the hot, hot weather. The perspiration was rolling down in the half opened eyes while sitting. The wind blown into the Zazen do made people feel very refreshing.

At the end of the week, mushi-boshi (putting air into the treasures for preservations) was also held. On one occasion, the larger picture of Buddha’s nirvana was hung on one of the widest walls. It should be the picture of the time of the death of Buddha, but it was very beautiful picture and no shadow of death could be seen in it. Ten Buddha’s disciples and animals, flowers and trees around Buddah were crying in the death of Buddah.

Mitsuko remembered the picture of the Jesus hanging on the wall of Professor Gaka’s home. Professor Gaka told Mitsuko that the comparison of the religion was not a good idea, however, Mitsuko was thinking of those two pictures. On the head of Jesus there are thorn of crown which made him bleed, and Jesus’ blood was rolling down from where the nail was drove in His hands and legs, and from his shoulder and back whipped. Why Jesus had to die so ugly and miserable way, Mitsuko thought. Mitsuko thought she would like to die like Buddha peacefully and beautifully. However, it is much important to think how to live than how to die.
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I’d like to give the following recipe of the dip to Toki-no-bosan. He’ll enjoy it.
Dip
For sliced green Pepper, carrots, cucumber, celery or mushrooms
Various crackers
1. For vegetarians
½ cup Sour Cream
½ cup Mayonnaise
½ bag Ranch Powder Dressing
Mix these three ingredients

Add other items to make tastier
1 Tbs. Graded onion or cucumber
1 Tbs. Chopped celery or parsley

2. For non-vegetarians
Add these items
½ cup Crab meat or shrimp
Fried crunchy bacon, crumbs

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Ginza Festival, Dancing and Singing Songs

August 15, it is O-bon festival day in Japan. How did you spend Obon festival?
In Chicago the annual “Ginza Holiday” festival was held at the Chicago Midwest Buddhist Temple. This festival became so famous that the News Program of Channel 9 introduced as Japanese cultural festival. This festival day has always been a nice weather but a hot day.

Hiroko regrets that she didn’t take the front view picture of the temple.

At first Hiroko and her friend went to the ticket counter to buy the tickets for the teriyaki chicken which is the best tasting chicken in Chicago that has been said.

Ticket booth and Beer booth next each ti other
It is better to get the chicken before leaving this place. Udon bowls, sushi dish and shaved ice (kintoki) were bought for lunch. After lunch, the air conditioned hall at where the exhibitions (vendors) were held in the basement of the temple was nice place to visit.

Sumie booth (brush painting)

Hand-made small articles --- Japanese craft books booths

About 10 Ikebana were lined up in front of the head wall. Silk flowers booth

Another hand-made articles --- hand-made frames booths

Paper dolls --- Articles made with Japanese dolls booth

Bonsai booth
All these articles except those flower arrangements were selling. They were quit expensive, because most materials came from Japan and all the articles were made by hand.

Another exhibition booths and the stage were setting out-side. On the stage Taiko performances had just finished. Regrettable for missing the Taiko performances!

The next performances were Judo and Kendo.

In this hot weather many audiences were eagerly watching.

Here are out-side exhibition booths. Please guess what kind of booths they were.






Japanese swords booth
All those articles were selling.

There was a cute boy wearing the Jinbei (Japanese craftsman’s work cloth).

Taking the picture of the boy, he noticed that and posed for Hiroko. Those cards he pointed were made by his friend’s father.
-----------------
Well, it is the time for the performance by Ukulele and Hula dance group bringing Hawaii atmosphere in Chicago. One of Hula dancer invited Hiroko and friend.

Hawaiian song was sung, and Hula dance was performed.

Hiroko’s landlord’s wife had both knee operation, but she danced very well saying “Ouch, ouch” of her knee.

Hawaiian songs were sung very well by pre-teen girls taught by their Hawaiian father every day. The MC asked them their age and about their practice.

The Last Hula dance medleys including "Aloha Oe" were performed very well.
They have been getting better year by year.

Finishing to watch the Hula Dance, now the Teriyaki chickens would be picked up.

Cooking the chicken, --- many people were enjoying their foods.
Well, let’s go home and enjoy the Teriyaki Chicken dinner.
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It has been said in the Christian community that the dancing and some kinds of songs were not appropriate to do or watch. However,
1. in the Bible King David danced wearing the Ebote (kind of the vest). King David was overjoyed to see the ark brought into the Jerusalem.
II Samuel 6:14-16
14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
2. Israelites were freed from the bondage of the slave in the Egypt, and escaped from the danger. However, now, at the back of them there were powerful Egyptian Army and in front of them was the sea. The Lord God opened the sea and let Israelites walk on the dry land, and closed the sea over the Egyptian Army when they stepped in the dry land. All the soldiers died. Moses elder sister Miriam and other women were dancing with tambourine when they saw this scary miracle.
Exodus 15:19-20
19 When Pharaoh's horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing.