Buddhist Temple of Salinas to Receive Cherry Blossom Tree From Consulate-General of Japan

On June 23 at 10 AM the Buddhist Temple of Salinas will receive and plant a Japanese Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Tree donated by the Consulate-General of Japan to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. Representatives from the Consulate-Generals Office will participate in the planting.

Japan donated 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States in 1912 in an effort to “bridge” the two countries and improve relations. The trees were planted in the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The trees have been a symbol of continued close relationship between the two countries.

The tree to be planted is the Yoshino variety and is a clone from the original Cherry Blossom Trees donated in 1912. These cherry blossom trees, including some of the original ones from 1912, bloom every spring along the Potomac River in Washington D.C.

This initiative by the Consulate-General of Japan to celebrate this centennial is being organized to promote cultural and people to people exchanges, strengthening Japan-US alliances. Through this event, people from Japan and the United States will have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of exchanges and the importance of relations between the two countries.

The Buddhist Temple of Salinas is proud to accept this offering from the people of Japan on behalf of the Citizens of Salinas and the Japanese-American Community. We hope to nurture this tree to symbolize continued friendship for another 100 years. 

Japan-US Cherry Blossom 100 Year Centennial

Memorial Day Services, Monday May 28, 2012

An Interfaith service. Sponsored by the Salinas Valley JACL.

9 AM Garden of Memories (850 Abbott St, Salinas CA, corner of Abbott and Romie Lane, next to crematorium.)

10 AM Yamato Cemetery 1131 Abbott St, Salinas, CA

Offciated by Rev. Doyle of Lincoln Presbyterian Church and Rev. Orai Fujikawa of Buddhist Temple of Salinas.

In our busy lives, it's important to slow down sometimes to reflect on how our deceased family members and friends have not only shaped who we are, but how they continue to influence and support us even when they are no longer physically with us.

Please join us at the cemetery to honor the memory of our deceased family and friends, and also say hello to all the family and friends who still bless our lives. 

In Gassho....

Gotan-e and May Shotsuki Service, May 13, 2012 (Mother's Day)

Officiant and speaker, Rev. Orai Fujikawa

GOTAN-E celebrates the birth of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), the founder of Shin Buddhism. The life and teachings of Shinran Shonin constitute one of the most significant developments in the history of Shin Buddhism. He discovered a path which ensured that the treasures of the Dharma would be accessible to all people without discrimination. This May celebration is also called Fujimatsuri, or Wisteria Festival, after the purple flower which represents our sect. Though the flowers grow high on intertwined branches of a tall and sturdy tree, unlike other flowers which stand up when in full blossom, the wisteria hangs down, as if in humility.

The May monthly memorial service is a service honoring family and friends who passed away in the month of May.

Monthly Buddhist Meditation at Villa Serra, April 19, 2012. 3 PM

The Meditation is open to the public. Please visit your friends and family at Villa Serra and also join in on the meditation. The address for Villa Serra is 1320 Padre Drive, Salinas, CA.

Asian Festival, April 28, 2012

The Asian Festival is a special free event of the Salinas Chinatown Renewal Project. For more information: www.salinasasianfestival.com