Gassho and congratulations! Thank you to everyone who made this occasion possible. This celebration has been long overdue. We were a little broken-hearted when we had to postpone our 60th anniversary celebration and then eventually canceled because of the happenings in the world. When I look to the past, I see that our temple has meant so much to so many. It has been a place for families, friends, wanderers, and students. It has been a quiet home to reflect and learn. It has helped to nurture many generations of leaders and scouts.
The names of Masuoka, Mohri, Matsubayashi, Miyaji, Iwohara, Mayeda, and “Grandpa” Fujimura as well as the many Presidents, Advisors, Board Members, Dharma School Teachers, Chairs, and Members have all set ripples in the thousands of lives that have pass through this place. I think of the potential of hosting an event and turning it into an experience that creates the memories of a lifetime. The Teachings take this moment and turn it into an epiphany. The light we all spread will forever change our appreciation and outlook for the next.
As your resident minister, I have been able to watch the temple change while always holding to the core teaching of realizing the efforts of those that have done so much for us and then entrusting. Everyone is a Future Buddha, and we are all on this journey together basking in the warmth of the Light and Life of the temple.
As part of this community, the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple continues to take each step as one. Let’s move forward! Reconnect with those that are not here! Reinforce the support that we give to each other! Reintroduce the values of the hard work of those that made and currently make our lives so GREAT!
Together with Heads Bowed or Hands in Gassho, let’s work for our children and the future.
Gassho and Namo Amida Butsu,
Rev. Kory Quon
May 2025