Chinese Juk at a Japanese temple

It is a beautiful day here on the Island. Sunny, a little overcast, but not too warm..yet.

I went to Sunday morning service at the temple today. It was not a “special” service like last week, so the turn out was not large, pretty small in fact. Mostly an older crowd, Obaa-san and Ogii-san’s. I got a Yokoso from Rev. Sensei when I arrived and another introduction this time as another “Karate” Sensei (sigh, Kung fu please, my ego) . The sermon was short today which was good. He spoke on how we as people tend to keep barriers up between us an others. Instead of letting our “inner”light shine. This is due to our ego. It is very hard to completely get ride of it, but we should try daily. This is my simple translation.

After service, there was a couple of guest, sisters from Chinatown, they were giving a demo on making Juk. Which is a Chinese rice gruel. I was going to pass on it until I heard they made some vegetarian Juk as well. Basicly a rice gruel with chicken , pork or both then added garnish, such as ginger, green onions, cilantro. Mine was the veggie style. It was pretty good, light taste, less filling. The grated ginger gave it a nice kick.

I was surprised to hear one of the cooks was a Kung Fu and Tai Chi Master, at least so said Sensei. She teaches Tai Chi in the Park over in Chinatown. It sounded like Rev, Sensei also takes classes there from her. I’m glad I did not say anything about my teaching him some Tai Chi, I’ll ask him on Tues if he is playing Tai Chi as well. The Rev. Sensei is a pretty amazing guy. The lady I met today named Yumi ( like the Kyudo bow, I will remember her name) Said how nice the Rev. Sensei is and different from other old school Japanese of his generation. So true that is. Yumi was interesting to chat with, she is originally from NY. and said there were back in the day only two Buddhist church’s on the East Coast one in NY, one in New Jersey. Back after the war or during the War, they, theJapanese could get out early or something like from encampment to get bused to the temple/church. She also said she went to the church in Oakland for a while but did not feel they were as friendly as this one, the Alameda Buddhist Temple. The people do make a difference. One reason I am not involved with the Berkeley Soto group, the people. My Chan group people feel like family. The ABT people are nice, Rev Sensei is very nice, I have not met anyone though that I can directly relate to, but that is normal, because I am not. I am however sleepy , so I’m taking a nap before heading off to Kyudo.