Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Road P.O.Box 349 <-- New Mailing AddressPenryn, CA. 95663(916) 652-6139office@placerbuddhistchurch.org
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Upcoming events:
Upcoming events:
Wine and More - October 25
Wine and More - October 25
4:00pm - 8:00pm
4:00pm - 8:00pm
A Dharma Message by Rev. Matt Hamasaki
A Dharma Message by Rev. Matt Hamasaki
October 2025
October 2025
In Japan in October on the second Monday, they celebrate what’s known as Sports Day. The first one was held in 1966, commemorating two years following Japan hosting the Summer Olympics. It is a day to promote sports and health, and both schools and organizations hold an Undo-kai, or field day, which typically consists of activities such as races and competitions like tug-of-war. Not only does it bring attention to the physical health of everyone, but it also tries to generate community spirit within families and communities. By coming together, cheering, and using teamwork, they foster the sense of collective effort that has high value in Japanese culture.
In Japan in October on the second Monday, they celebrate what’s known as Sports Day. The first one was held in 1966, commemorating two years following Japan hosting the Summer Olympics. It is a day to promote sports and health, and both schools and organizations hold an Undo-kai, or field day, which typically consists of activities such as races and competitions like tug-of-war. Not only does it bring attention to the physical health of everyone, but it also tries to generate community spirit within families and communities. By coming together, cheering, and using teamwork, they foster the sense of collective effort that has high value in Japanese culture.
Physical well-being is also important in Buddhism. In an accompanying story to the Dhammapada, there was a King Pasenadi of Kosala who went to listen to the Buddha after eating a lot of curry rice (supposedly this was 15 lbs., but I think I may have done the conversion wrong). Because he ate so much prior, he felt very sleepy during the Buddha’s lecture and was nodding off the whole time. Noticing the heavy eyelids of the King, the Buddha advised him to try eating a little less rice every day. Following this advice, the King found that he felt lighter and was healthier. The Buddha then spoke the words, “Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth; a trusted friend, the best relative; Nirvana, the ultimate bliss.”
Physical well-being is also important in Buddhism. In an accompanying story to the Dhammapada, there was a King Pasenadi of Kosala who went to listen to the Buddha after eating a lot of curry rice (supposedly this was 15 lbs., but I think I may have done the conversion wrong). Because he ate so much prior, he felt very sleepy during the Buddha’s lecture and was nodding off the whole time. Noticing the heavy eyelids of the King, the Buddha advised him to try eating a little less rice every day. Following this advice, the King found that he felt lighter and was healthier. The Buddha then spoke the words, “Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth; a trusted friend, the best relative; Nirvana, the ultimate bliss.”
Now, just to be clear, I’m not saying that we should all cut down on our rice intake. Rather, we should be aware of our health because it is linked to our spiritual well-being. If we are healthy, it is easier for us to study Buddhism, as well as to do everyday tasks. The Buddha realized from his own experiences that it was imperative to find a Middle Way between physical emaciation and overindulgence and so he teaches that on the Path, we must also be conscious of our physical health. In doing so, it takes less effort for us to pay attention to spiritual health and leads to a more content life.
Now, just to be clear, I’m not saying that we should all cut down on our rice intake. Rather, we should be aware of our health because it is linked to our spiritual well-being. If we are healthy, it is easier for us to study Buddhism, as well as to do everyday tasks. The Buddha realized from his own experiences that it was imperative to find a Middle Way between physical emaciation and overindulgence and so he teaches that on the Path, we must also be conscious of our physical health. In doing so, it takes less effort for us to pay attention to spiritual health and leads to a more content life.
Gassho,
Gassho,
Rev. Matt
Rev. Matt
The Placer Buddhist Church is located at 3192 Boyington Road in Penryn California, County of Placer. It is located at the scenic base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just off Interstate 80. It is approximately half way between San Francisco and Reno, Nevada.
The Placer Buddhist Church is located at 3192 Boyington Road in Penryn California, County of Placer. It is located at the scenic base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just off Interstate 80. It is approximately half way between San Francisco and Reno, Nevada.
The Church was founded in 1902 in the small foothills town of Penryn. The original church was near the center of town approximately 3 miles from its current location. The church moved to its current location in approximately 1963. The church is well known in the community for the annual food bazaar which is always held on the 4th weekend of September. The annual food bazaar started in 1964, just after the church moved to the new location.
The Church was founded in 1902 in the small foothills town of Penryn. The original church was near the center of town approximately 3 miles from its current location. The church moved to its current location in approximately 1963. The church is well known in the community for the annual food bazaar which is always held on the 4th weekend of September. The annual food bazaar started in 1964, just after the church moved to the new location.
The church supports many organizations such as the Placer Buddhist Women’s Association (PBWA), Sierra Bonsai Club, Dharma School, and Placer Ume Taiko Group. The church also holds various classes during the week including Buddhist Study Classes, Tai Chi, Obon dancing and exercise classes. See the church calendar for class times.
The church supports many organizations such as the Placer Buddhist Women’s Association (PBWA), Sierra Bonsai Club, Dharma School, and Placer Ume Taiko Group. The church also holds various classes during the week including Buddhist Study Classes, Tai Chi, Obon dancing and exercise classes. See the church calendar for class times.
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