Upon arrival, everyone commented that the setting was very scenic and peaceful.
The LA County park facility was very well-kept also.
It was nice to just wander along the lovely paths
The retreat began with a short traditional Shin Buddhist service; here,
Diane Hata offers incense
The affable Bishop Akinori Imai, also head minister of Berkeley Higashi
Honganji, was on hand to welcome participants and to deliver the Japanese
talk
Rev. Gyoko Saito of LA Higashi Honganji delivered the English talk
Monrovia Canyon Park has a very nice conference room, which was perfect
for our retreat
(l-r) Baby-boomers Ruby Kagawa, Richard and Claudia Haraguchi, Claire Hansen
and Pat Sato listen intently to Rev. Saito's talk
The Japanese-speaking group enjoyed the lovely patio area
After the delicious lunch, many scenic highlights, such as this stream,
were discovered by hiking and exploring the surrounding area.
Teens Kevin Hata (l) and Brandon Leong enjoy decorating some pumpkins after
lunch
