The Hoonko Service is the annual memorial observance for Jodo Shinshu's founder, Shinran Shonin. With his Hoonko Dharma message, Rev. Kuniyuki took us back over 750 years ago and the evolution of Shin Buddhism.
Rev. Kuniyuki gave us a homework assignment. As a Shin Buddhist, what's my take on the missile false alarm that occurred on January 13?
We celebrated Bodhi Day, which was on December 8. Bodhi Day commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. A Bodhi tree in the temple was decorated with lights representing enlightenment, a string of beads representing all beings' interdependence, and three bulbs representing the Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
In his Dharma Talk, Dennis reflected on the past year. What inspirations and influences have we received during the last 12 months? While we reflect back with satisfaction, we look forward with anticipation of our days to come.
The Family Service was followed by the General Membership meeting and the installation of officers for 2018.
Today's service was about Ohigan (Autumn Equinox) and Peace. Rev. Umitani said Ohigan is when we should set aside time during our busy schedule to listen to the Buddha's Teachings for guidance.
September 21 was a day people all over the world celebrated International Day of Peace (aka "Peace Day"). Rev. Umitani said we should understand the importance of peace and that peace comes from within.
At the end of the service, the Sangha individually rang the temple bell ("Kansho") to announce our want for world peace.
Our first Family Service since our summer break was also our Rededication Service. Rev. David Nakamoto gave today's Rededication Dharma Talk and reflected on his conversations with the late Rev. Dr. Alfred Bloom, who recently passed away.
Being that it was also our First Sunday Family Service, children and adults alike participated in two fun craft activities after the service: making peace bracelets in celebration of Peace Day later this month, as well as coloring paper dolls. The dolls are on display in the church.
The new uchishiki (altar cloth) donated by the Kailua Hongwanji Buddhist Women's Association (KHBWA) was on display on the alter. Rev. Umitani helped to order and pick up the uchishiki on one of his trips to Japan.
International Peace Day is on September 21, 2017
We held our Hatsubon Service today, remembering those who passed before us and those in particular who passed since last year's obon. Families of those who passed in the last year were called individually to offer incense.
Rev. Umitani gave the Dharma Talk, focusing on the hatsu ("first") portion. The left side of the kanji character for hatsu represents clothes and the right side is a sword. To make clothes, one must first cut the cloth.
We had a special Gotan-E and Mother's Day Service today. Gotan-E celebrates the birthday of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinsu Buddhism.
Rev. Umitani gave today's Dharma Talk and explained the GAS we all have and the suffering that results. GAS in this case is Greed, Anger, and Stupidity, and its something we all experience as humans.
Since today is also Mother's Day, the mothers received a gift at the end of the service.
Our Guest Speaker for today's Eshinni Day Service was Rev. Barbara Brennan. On Eshinni Day, we honor Eshinni-sama, the wife of Jodo Shinshu founder Shinran Shonin.
Barbara Brennan is originally from Mesa, Arizona. She received her Bachelors degree from the University of Arizona in Asian Studies and a Masters in American Studies from the University of Hawaii. Shereceived certification as a dental hygienist from which she retired in 2010.
Barbara grew up in a Jodo Shinshu family and was active in the Arizona Buddhist Temple. She moved to Hawaii almost 50 years ago and joined the Hawaii Betsuin. Barbara is married to Barry Brennan and has two children and two grandsons.
In July 2016 she attended the Tokudo training session in Kyoto, Japan which has given her the opportunity to serve the Temple in many new ways. She is on the Kyodan's Compassionate Care committee with a focus on serving the elderly through Project Dana. She recently implemented a Buddhist discussion group series at a senior residence in Honolulu. After Tokudo she has enjoyed sharing her history and experiences with others.
We celebrated Buddha Day, or Hanamatsuri, at our April 9th Sunday Family service at Kailua Hongwanji. Hanamatsuri occurs on April 8 and marks the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha around 2,500 years ago. It is said that sweet rain fell when he was born, so sweet tea was poured over the statue of baby Buddha. The hanamido was decorated by KHBWA the day before.
Rev. Umitani gave today's Hanamatsuri Dharma Talk, showing us how distance challenges our relationships (left side, with "me" in the center) and how the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha connect to ease those challanges (right side).
We also had a birthday in our Sangha to celebrate. Happy birthday Monte!
Rev. Umitani introduced has family. From left to right, his daughters Riho and Naho, and his wife Yoshiko. Eldest daughter Naho was born while Rev. Umitani was serving as Kailua Hongwanji's resident minister.
Rev. Bert Sumikawa, resident minister of Moiliili Hongwanji, was the guest speaker for our Spring Ohigan service. We observe Ohigan twice a year - the Spring and Autumn equinox - when the hours of the day and night are equal.
Our guest speaker on March 19, 2017 for Ohigan Service is Rev. Bert Sumikawa. Rev. Bert is a “Kailua boy”. He is the son of a grocer and attended Kailua Elementary & Intermediate School before attending Roosevelt High School and graduating from Iolani School. Rev. Bert received his B.S. degree from Marquette University, majoring in Zoology and minoring in Theology and Philosophy. He then graduated from Marquette with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After a 2 yearresidency at the Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, he returned home to practice pediatric dentistry.
A former Christian, Rev. Bert returned to his Buddhist roots and pursued and received Tokudo (minor ordination) in 2007 whereupon he was assigned briefly to Kailua Hongwanji followed by a stint at the Kapolei Buddhist Sangha. After receiving Kyoshi and Kaikyoshi (full ministerial ordination) in 2010, Rev. Bert served as Interim Minister at Moiliili Hongwanji, followed by assignment as an Associate Minister at the Betsuin. He is currently back at Moiliili Hongwanji as their Resident Minister and has been for the last 3+ years.
Some of you may know that Rev. Bert is the brother of longtime Kailua Hongwanji member Wallace Sumikawa who passed away last year.
Kailua Hongwanji Mission celebrated its 3rd annual Founders’ Day during the Sunday Family Service on February 26, 2017. It is a day to remember those whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude for all that they have done over the years to make Kailua Hongwanji Mission what it is today.
For today's Dharma Talk, Rev. David Nakamoto had everyone break into smaller groups to "talk story." Each person was asked to share what the Dharma teachings mean to him or her.
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