From July 24^th to July 30^th many of our temple families participated in a home stay program for students from Honganji affiliated high schools in Japan. First of all, I would like to thank these families for all their hard work and dana to these students. The counselors and teachers all commented that the home stays provided by our temple were extremely well received by the students. They said the opportunities and the experiences provided to the students were the best they ever witnessed. Many of these teachers and counselors have participated in many programs, therefore, these comments were not just empty words, but were meant in all sincerity. We can truly be proud of our temple and thank you for all you did.

In many ways the program was interesting in that I noticed, the students were from Honganji affiliated High Schools, yet they knew very little about temple etiquette and Buddhism in general. I feel that it would not be too far from the truth, to suggest that many of these students have never been to the temple, with the exception of a family member's funeral or possibly memorial service of some sort. If you ask many Japanese about their religion, they aren't sure how to answer. If you receive an answer, they reply "My family is Buddhist or Christian." Whatever the case may be. Many also comment that the temple is a rather dark or scary place. Where is the difference between our temple and Sangha and these students and Japanese in general.

I firmly believe that living in Utah has it's benefits, religiously. Although there are times when the dominance of the LDS church makes it difficult growing up Buddhist. It can also serve as a catalyst for each of us to fully confront what we believe individually. While I was growing up, I was often asked, "What do Buddhists believe?" Although I didn't have any deep religious knowledge, I was always proud that I was Buddhist. I told them, "As a Buddhist I believe that the Amida Buddha loves me as I am, without judgment." When it would be suggested that I was doomed for hell. I would reply, "I don't believe I will go to hell. Amida Buddha is non judgmental and would not send me to hell." The person questioning me would usually stop the harassment. However, as a result of this questioning, I was forced to choose my religious beliefs from a young age. I began to question who I was.

This was done without coercion from my parents. My father firmly told me that he was Buddhist and that my mother and grandparents were Buddhists. He explained that these teachings had helped them in their lives. However, he explained that I will have to chose a religion for myself. He expressed his belief that as a human being, it was more important to believe in something, rather than not have a spiritual life. I guess his simple explanations worked.

I also believe that parents should give their children the chance to question and explore their own spiritual inklings. Rather than telling your children what they should believe, by acting as a role model, you teach far more through example, than words. Our temple is very fortunate that a great majority of parents attend Dharma School with their children. Parents make a huge difference in how their children perceive and develop their own spirituality. I don't want to suggest that you must lecture and espouse religious principles and tracts to your children. This leading by example should be simple, yet an important part of your life. Encouraging your child to say "itadakimasu" or "gochisosama" is good. Taking the time to say these things along with your children is better. Telling your children that you love them is important. Explaining that just as you love them, Amida Buddha loves them and all things, is better. It would serve as a great example if you could even take the time to go with your child before your Obutsudan (if you have one, if not, why not?) and gassho together, once or twice a week is good, everyday is better.

Of all the riches and lessons you may give your child. I firmly believe that developing their sense of the importance of spirituality will be a long lasting treasure you can provide for them. Money and material comfort is important, however, these things are very fragile. A true sense of self and one's place in the world can only be understood through spirituality. However, please ask yourself first, "Am I a spiritual person?" If you can answer "yes", I believe you have already begun to teach your child. If the answer is "no". You must ask yourself, "Am I really happy and sure about my self? Do I know who I am?" I would be surprised if you could answer those questions positively, if you do not consider your spirituality as an important aspect of your life.

On September 9^th, we will have our Dharma School picnic at North Canyon Park in Bountiful beginning around 11:00 am. This is the park we have held our picnic at for the past few years. If you are not sure about its location, please call myself, Stephanie Sueoka or Karen Seo. Please join us for a new year of discovering who we are. Our dharma school students and parents have been asked to bring salads. The Dharma School will provide the chicken and drinks. We hope to see many familiar and new faces. I also hope to see some of our fujinkai and older temple members take part. Our Sangha is not just about young families with children. This picnic is for all of us, please join us. We will begin our regular Dharma School on September 16^th at 10:00 am. Hope to see you there at one of these events, but both would be great.....Namo Amida Butsu.

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