Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Road P.O.Box 349 <-- New Mailing AddressPenryn, CA. 95663(916) 652-6139office@placerbuddhistchurch.org
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A Dharma Message by Rev. Yuki Sugahara
A Dharma Message by Rev. Yuki Sugahara
May 2025
May 2025
The Spirit of Hospitality
The Spirit of Hospitality
Many of you have probably experienced this yourselves: when guests are expected, we tend to clean our homes more thoroughly than usual and pay special attention to decorations.
Many of you have probably experienced this yourselves: when guests are expected, we tend to clean our homes more thoroughly than usual and pay special attention to decorations.
This reminds me of something that happened six years ago, when I was serving at the Oregon Buddhist Temple. During that time, the World Buddhist Women’s Convention was held in San Francisco, and we had the great honor of welcoming the Monshu (Head Priest) to the Oregon Buddhist Temple. Of course, it wasn’t a surprise visit—there had been official communication from the head temple specifying the schedule— but since such an opportunity is quite rare, we carefully coordinated every detail with the head temple staff. Together with the temple members, we cleaned the temple grounds, arranged transportation for the Monshu and his party, and prepared to welcome them properly.
This reminds me of something that happened six years ago, when I was serving at the Oregon Buddhist Temple. During that time, the World Buddhist Women’s Convention was held in San Francisco, and we had the great honor of welcoming the Monshu (Head Priest) to the Oregon Buddhist Temple. Of course, it wasn’t a surprise visit—there had been official communication from the head temple specifying the schedule— but since such an opportunity is quite rare, we carefully coordinated every detail with the head temple staff. Together with the temple members, we cleaned the temple grounds, arranged transportation for the Monshu and his party, and prepared to welcome them properly.
Looking back now, it’s a cherished memory, but I clearly remember how nervous I was at the time, worried that we might make a mistake.
Looking back now, it’s a cherished memory, but I clearly remember how nervous I was at the time, worried that we might make a mistake.
At the Oregon Buddhist Temple, we held the kikyoshiki (Affirmation Ceremony) followed by a potluck lunch. I still remember the Monshu looking very happy during the meal. Witnessing that joy made me realize once again that what truly matters is the heart with which we offer our hospitality—a heart of respect for our guests and a sincere wish to welcome them warmly.
At the Oregon Buddhist Temple, we held the kikyoshiki (Affirmation Ceremony) followed by a potluck lunch. I still remember the Monshu looking very happy during the meal. Witnessing that joy made me realize once again that what truly matters is the heart with which we offer our hospitality—a heart of respect for our guests and a sincere wish to welcome them warmly.
At our temple, we adorn the O-naijin (the altar area) with decorative cloths such as mizuhiki and uchishiki (the cloths covering the tables in the altar area) during special services. These embellishments express our reverence for the Buddha. I once heard a Dharma message from a senior teacher in Japan who remarked that “temple adornment is a kind of play on our part.” Indeed, the Buddha never asks us to decorate in this way, so I understand the perspective. But personally, I feel that adorning the Buddha’s space goes beyond mere play.
At our temple, we adorn the O-naijin (the altar area) with decorative cloths such as mizuhiki and uchishiki (the cloths covering the tables in the altar area) during special services. These embellishments express our reverence for the Buddha. I once heard a Dharma message from a senior teacher in Japan who remarked that “temple adornment is a kind of play on our part.” Indeed, the Buddha never asks us to decorate in this way, so I understand the perspective. But personally, I feel that adorning the Buddha’s space goes beyond mere play.
This May, we will observe Gotan-e, the celebration of Shinran Shonin’s birth. On this occasion, we will once again adorn the altar with mizuhiki and uchishiki. Every time I unfold these cloths, I see the embroidery:
This May, we will observe Gotan-e, the celebration of Shinran Shonin’s birth. On this occasion, we will once again adorn the altar with mizuhiki and uchishiki. Every time I unfold these cloths, I see the embroidery:
“Commemorating the Japan Visit – October 1963 – Shinyo and Chiu Sato.” These decorative cloths were donated by the Sato family to commemorate their visit to Japan in 1963. Isn’t it truly elegant and heartfelt to mark such a trip with a donation of beautiful altar cloths for the temple?
“Commemorating the Japan Visit – October 1963 – Shinyo and Chiu Sato.” These decorative cloths were donated by the Sato family to commemorate their visit to Japan in 1963. Isn’t it truly elegant and heartfelt to mark such a trip with a donation of beautiful altar cloths for the temple?
What inspired the Sato’s to make such a gift? I believe it must have been a feeling of gratitude toward the Nembutsu teaching, and a heart of reverence for the Buddha.
What inspired the Sato’s to make such a gift? I believe it must have been a feeling of gratitude toward the Nembutsu teaching, and a heart of reverence for the Buddha.
The altar adornments, such as the mizuhiki and uchishiki, express reverence toward the Buddha, but I also believe they represent our hospitality toward those who come to the temple. During special services, people travel great distances to join in. By welcoming them with a beautifully prepared altar space and gathering to join our hands in gassho before the Buddha, we honor both the sacred and the social aspects of temple life. While the Buddha never requested such decorations, and perhaps it is “play” on our part, it seems like it would be missing the point. Adornment can be a genuine expression of respect for the Buddha and hospitality for our guests.
The altar adornments, such as the mizuhiki and uchishiki, express reverence toward the Buddha, but I also believe they represent our hospitality toward those who come to the temple. During special services, people travel great distances to join in. By welcoming them with a beautifully prepared altar space and gathering to join our hands in gassho before the Buddha, we honor both the sacred and the social aspects of temple life. While the Buddha never requested such decorations, and perhaps it is “play” on our part, it seems like it would be missing the point. Adornment can be a genuine expression of respect for the Buddha and hospitality for our guests.
Also, that embroidered “Commemorating the Japan Visit” message reminds me each time that the temple exists thanks to the generous donations of many. The pews we sit on during service, the sutra books we use—they are all made possible by the kindness of others. Knowing this, how could we treat them carelessly? Let us handle them with care and continue using them for many years to come.
Also, that embroidered “Commemorating the Japan Visit” message reminds me each time that the temple exists thanks to the generous donations of many. The pews we sit on during service, the sutra books we use—they are all made possible by the kindness of others. Knowing this, how could we treat them carelessly? Let us handle them with care and continue using them for many years to come.
Gassho,
Gassho,
Rev. Yuki
Rev. Yuki
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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