Source: Richmond News
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=66,7314,0,0,1,0
It'll be a three-generational affair with Reverend Grant Ikuta, the newly appointed minister and grandson of the temple's first reverend, Shinjo Ikuta, presiding over the celebrations.
Grant's father, Kyojo, who is now retired, but who earlier presided over many of the temple's weddings and services, will also be there. Shinjo passed away in 1980.
The temple is for followers of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, founded in Japan about 800 years ago. A principal difference between this school of Buddhism and others is that the reverends can marry and have families, whereas in other schools of Buddhism the temple leaders are all monks.
"It is religion for common people, and family is very important," Kyojo said.
The church follows Amida Buddha, which is the Buddha of infinite light and boundless compassion.
The Buddha has two hands forming a circle with the thumb and index finger.
The right hand symbolizes wisdom, so that circle is perfect wisdom, and the left hand symbolizes compassion, so that circle is perfect compassion, Grant said.
"Between the Buddha's fingers there is webbing to show that the compassion of the Buddha does not let anyone slip through," Grant said.
His father likened their Buddhism to the first verse of the Christian hymn, Amazing Grace.
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me .... I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see," the song lyrics read.
"It's not that you find God, but that God finds you," says Kyojo.
The original temple was opened on Sept. 28, 1928 at First Avenue and Moncton Street where the Steveston branch of the Royal Bank now stands.