LBBC
Sangha
Newsletter
Minister's
Message
President's
Message
Thanks
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Upcoming
Events
Spring 2025
Message from the Minister
After revisiting the Dhammapada, I was struck by a line that resonates deeply with the Mahayana’s Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra: “Let go of past, let go of the future, let go of the present. Gone beyond becoming, with the mind released in every way, you do not again undergo birth and old age.” This line, found in one of the earliest texts of Theravada Buddhism, shares a similar theme to the Heart Sutra’s mantra, “Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha,” which speaks of going beyond, beyond all shores of awakening.
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Going beyond refers to fully letting go of dualistic thinking—wanting or avoiding, grasping the past, desiring the future, or even clinging to the present. Buddhism is often simplified as living in the present, but the Buddha’s teaching of “letting go of the present” is shocking. It challenges the common view that the present moment is always wonderful, especially when it’s painful. How can the present moment be wonderful if you’re suffering?
The Dhammapada continues by stating that those who are mindful and focused on what is unpleasant can cut the bonds of desire and Mara, the demon of attachment. This idea of focusing on discomfort is opposite to our usual instinct to avoid pain. I remember being told as a child in a doctor's office to look away from a painful shot, but the Buddha’s advice is to face it. By calming the mind and observing pain without attachment, we can free ourselves from suffering and Mara’s bonds.
This connects to the Heart Sutra and the idea of letting go—of past, present, and future—to be truly free, transcending birth and death. The Middle Way isn’t just about moderation; it’s about freeing ourselves from dualistic thinking, from concepts of true and false selves, and from the distinction between suffering and enlightenment. By letting go of all attachments, even to the present moment, we experience true freedom and find peace amidst suffering. This is the practice that cuts through Samsara (endless process of birth and death) and leads to liberation.
Gassho,
Seigaku Amato
アマト誠覚和尚
Message from the Board President
Dear Members and Friends,
As we look forward to 2025 for the Long Beach Buddhist Church, we have several events that are planned. Please join us as we host our Hanamatsuri Celebration honoring Buddha’s Birthday on April 13th. On May 18th a fundraiser to Harrah’s Casino (near San Diego) is planned and on June 1st we will have a Teriyaki Chicken Food Sale.
We are also exploring the removal of the Sangha Hall building and adding a free-standing building that can be used as a Social Hall. This would open the parking area to additional parking and more room for Obon activities.
Thank you to Seigaku Sensei and Tosei Sensei for their ongoing commitment to Long Beach Buddhist Church conducting our weekly services. The Board hopes they move forward towards becoming fully certified.
We are looking forward to your continued support and joining our future events and activities. As always, the Church thanks you for your continued commitment to keeping our Buddhist Church and its teachings as part of your daily lives.
Gassho,
Susan Eastman
Obon Happi Coats
In our Winter newsletter, we forgot to express our gratitude to Patricia Ornelas for her donation of the happi coats sold at our Obon Festival in August. The Board created the design and she was extremely patient with us in working out the details so that her company could assemble and sew the happi coats. Thank you so much!
Hanamatsuri at Long Beach Buddhist Church on April 13
Please join our service on April 13 to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. We will be serving a sushi and chirashi lunch with miso soup and Chinese chicken salad after the service!
Harrah’s Casino May 18
Please join us for a fun day at Harrah’s Casino in Valley Center near San Diego on Sunday, May 18th departing the church at 9 AM. Return will be at approximately 7 PM. Snacks and drinks will be provided and we will play Bingo on the bus for $2 per card with winners receiving cash! You must be at least 21 years of age to participate. The cost is $25 per person.
Teriyaki Chicken Food Sale on June 1
We are reviving our annual Food Sale with Teriyaki Chicken! Please support us by purchasing our Teriyaki Chicken.
Obon Festival on August 23
We look forward to everyone joining us for Obon on April 23rd with traditional and contemporary Bon odori dances and music!
Superbowl Viewing Party
At the beginning of the year, a 65” television was installed at the front of the main hall. So we celebrated with a Superbowl Viewing Party. Special thanks to David and Lisa Yamamoto jointly with Robert Yasumura for organizing and to Robert for bringing a second television for viewing. It was fun and it looks like this may become an annual event!
