FDSTL Conference Lives Up to Theme of ‘Making the Dharma Coming Alive’

Dharma School teachers from across the BCA and Hawaii gathered in April for the annual FDSTL conference in Fresno, California — and brought the Dharma alive through storytelling. 

The annual conference was held on the weekend of April 18-19 at the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple with the theme of “Making the Dharma Come Alive.” The conference drew about 80 teachers and supporters.

Our desire as teachers is to connect with each and every young Buddhist to make the Dharma live in their hearts and minds and to learn to live a life of gratitude.

For many of us, this is easier said than done. The Dharma School teachers from our Central California Dharma School Teachers’ League, under the leadership of Conference Chair Chris Lavagnino and advisor Gordon Misaki, provided all the attendees with the passion and motivation to bring our stories to life.  

Featured speakers were: storyteller Yasu Ishida from Cleveland, Ohio, Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada and local author Nikiko Masumoto.

Rev. Harada noticed Ishida’s storytelling talent during a trip to the Cleveland Buddhist Temple, and this, in turn, led to the connection between Ishida and the FDSTL.

Ishida incorporates traditional Japanese theatre, lion dance, music, origami and magic into his storytelling. He has a master’s degree in theater, and is an award-winning magician, director and storyteller. He is a graduate of the Chavez Studio of Magic in Crown Point, Indiana, which has been training magicians and those interested in the art of magic since 1941.

Ishida has performed all over in the United States, including at Disney’s SummerStage Kids series, an outdoor arts and family festival in New York City, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. 

He shared a kamishibai story, which turned into a performance of energy, creativity, acting, magic and heart that captivated the entire audience. 

The teachers were also treated to the gentle and compassionate ways of Freddie the Frog, the longtime companion of Rev. Harada. Freddie is so well-known that he even has an Onenju with his photo. 

Rev. Harada and Freddie delivered a message to the teachers and students. 

“Imparting the Dharma to our young people is a most important undertaking, especially in the difficult and stressful time we live in,” Rev. Harada said. 

He encouraged teachers to make the Dharma come alive and resonate with young Buddhists.

“This is our challenge as ministers and Dharma School teachers,” he said.

Through the efforts of Clinton Mukai, Jennifer Lavagnino, Kim Nishimoto and Gordon Misaki, more creativity was presented during the workshops.  

Ishida conducted a workshop with an origami story, in which teachers worked in groups to write and create a story. 

A paper was folded, origami style, and the participants could only see the sentence written by the previous writer. The complete story revealed a twisting tale full of comedy and confusion — prompting smiles and laughter from the audience.

For the evening activity, local author Nikiko Masumoto read from “Every Peach Is a Story,” a book she co-wrote with her father, David Mas Masumoto, the farmer and award-winning author.

Born in the Central Valley, Nikiko spent her childhood eating overripe peaches on the Masumoto family farm. She is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree in Gender and Women’s Studies. She received a master’s degree in Performance as Public Practice from the University of Texas, Austin.

In 2011, she began the Valley Storytellers Project as a means to create a public space for Central Valley residents to tell their own stories.  

Nikiko’s story brought to life the journey of discovery through all of life’s seasons. Through the relationship of Ojiichan and a girl named Midori, she tells a story of deep family connection and the roots allowed to grow through patience, hard work and endurance. Every peach on the farm is interwoven with the sweet reminder of how this Japanese American family’s farm holds the story of who they have become. 

The conference also included recognitions of dedicated Dharma School teachers.

The Bishop’s 10-year teacher recognition certificates were presented to Jenna Tokeshi-Nitta (Sacramento) and Mika Ito (Los Angeles Higashi).  

FDSTL certificates for 25 years of service were presented to: Barbara Fukuji (Venice), Jennifer Kubo (Florin), Kerry Wong (Stockton), Tom Yamaguchi (Venice), Gregg Yonekura (San Diego) and Judy Yuki (Florin).  

The FDSTL also recognized three teachers for 50 years of service. Certificates and gifts were presented to Ruby Kato (Stockton), June Kondo (Nishi) and Reiko Kondo (Nishi).  

We truly appreciate all the years of dedication provided by all of these amazing teachers. 

Rev. Harada also conducted the installation of the FDSTL Executive Board.

As returning President, I am extremely grateful for the years of dedication and inventiveness from our dedicated board. Thank you to our board for returning for another term: Vice President of Education Mas Nishimura (San Jose), Vice President of Administration Avis Honda (San Diego), Treasurer June Kondo (Nishi), Secretary Reina Chheang (San Jose) and Director of Media Communication Brent Izutsu (Mountain View).  

The FDSTL constantly works to provide quality education to our youngest Sangha members. Every encounter is an opportunity to refine our practice of the teachings and expand our ability to transfer our knowledge and inspire the next generation of Sangha members and leaders.  

We congratulate the Central California Dharma School Teachers’ League for providing exciting ways to enhance our teaching skills and help all our teachers continue our journey in “Making the Dharma Come Alive.”