THE ARRIVAL OF REV. HIKARU SUGIURA AND THE UPCOMING JSBTC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
With the start of Daylight-Saving Time, the days are feeling noticeably longer. On top of that, the temperature has gradually risen from -10°C to nearly 0°C, and we are beginning to sense the arrival of spring here in Toronto.
On March 25, Rev. Hikaru Sugiura arrived in Toronto. Beginning April 1, he will be working with me at the Toronto Buddhist Church. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to those who generously donated furniture, dishes, and other essentials for his apartment, as well as to those who helped set things up. Your kindness and support have been truly appreciated.
Rev. Sugiura is 27 years old, two years younger than I am, and this will be his very first time living overseas. Like me, he completed the Master’s Program in Practical Shin Buddhism at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. Within the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha tradition, he holds specialized credentials in both Dharma talking and ritual chanting and etiquette.
Although he is unable to become a full-time Kaikyoshi Minister due to responsibilities at his home temple in Japan, he will be serving as an Assistant Minister here at the Temple for the next two to three years. During this time, he will walk the path of the Nembutsu together with all of you.
Rev. Sugiura will be sharing a Japanese Dharma talk once a month at the Shotsuki (Monthly Memorial) Service and will also share English Dharma talks one to two times a month during our Sunday Services. As this is his first experience living abroad, he may encounter some challenges adjusting to different customs and ways of life. I hope you will warmly welcome him and kindly offer your support to him whenever needed. I am truly looking forward to seeing how he becomes part of our Sangha and how he walks the Nembutsu path here in Toronto.
As I enter my second year at the Toronto Buddhist Church this April, I feel deeply encouraged to have another companion on the Nembutsu path. Above all, it is my greatest joy and support to be walking this path together with all of you—our Sangha members. Alongside Jeff Wilson Sensei (Assistant Minister), Dennis Madokoro (Minister’s Assistant), and most importantly, with each and every one of you, I hope to continue working toward our shared aspiration of making the Toronto Buddhist Church the temple where the sound of the Nembutsu is heard more than anywhere else in the world.
From April 24 to 27, Toronto will host the JSBTC (Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada) Annual General Meeting. All the Ministers, board members, and representatives from the Women’s Federation will gather from across Canada to meet and discuss the future of JSBTC.
Two years ago, while I was studying in Kamloops, I had the opportunity to attend the JSBTC AGM in Steveston as an observer. I was deeply moved by the warm and inclusive atmosphere of the gathering. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and it was one of the reasons I readily accepted Bishop Aoki’s offer to intern at TBC.
On Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m., following the AGM, there will be a special presentation in celebration of the 120th anniversary of JSBTC, with each temple in Canada offering a 10 to 15 minute presentation. Then, on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., we will hold the JSBTC 120th Anniversary and Memorial Service.
This year, we are blessed with multiple milestones: the 80th anniversary of Toronto Buddhist Church, the 20th anniversary since moving to our current location, and the 120th anniversary of JSBTC. We warmly invite you to join us for these meaningful events and celebrate together.
Namo Amida Butsu
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