Betty Okamoto shared her thoughts about previous guest speakers' Dharma Talks.
Rev. Umitani shared that Hongwanji Mission School's summer session performance is Honk! Jr., a musical adaption of the Hans Christian Anderson story The Ugly Duckling. Performances are on July 14 and 15 at Honolulu Myohoji Mission, Maluhia Hall. More information and tickets are available here.
Dennis Tashiro gave today's Dharma Talk, highlighting several key events happening for him in July: Kailua Hongwanji's Bon Dance on July 22, the 4th of July holiday, and the upcoming Tashiro family reunion, which takes place every 5 years. While all three are distinctly unique events, they are all opportunities to express gratitude for those who've come before us.
After the service, we had two First Sunday craft activities for both kids and adults. We decorated fans, perfect for our Bon Dance, and we made 4th of July lanterns to hang at home.
Rev. Umitani gave today's Dharma Talk, sharing with us the difference between a "house" and a "home." The kanji character for "west" (nishi) depicts a bird settling into its nest, or its home.
We got a preview of next week's First Sunday craft activities for July from Dennis and Prudence. We will be decorating fans (just in time for Kailua's Bon Dance) and making 4th of July windsocks.
Yes, Cotton Candy grapes actually taste like cotton candy!
Our Guest Speaker, Pieper Toyama, President of Honpa Hongwanji of Hawaii, gave us a special Father's Day Dharma Talk. He shared seven Shin Buddhist principles through the letters written by his father while he was attending the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Pieper Toyama was born and raised on a sugar plantation on the Big Island. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a BA in English and Northeastern University with a Masters of Education Degree. His teaching experiences include teaching in high schools and at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Pieper is the founding head of the Pacific Buddhist Academy. It is the first Shin Buddhist high school in the Western Hemisphere. One of the primary missions of the school is to develop students with the courage and skills to nurture peace within themselves, in their communities and in the world. Every facet of the school’s curriculum and operations is driven by the values of gratitude, compassion, mindfulness, and unconditional acceptance of others. Along with values, its peace education program is firmly based on the importance of critical and independent thinking among its students and faculty.
He is retired and currently serves as president of the Honpa Hongwanji Missions of Hawaii (state organization of Hongwanji’s 34 Buddhist temples).
He is married to Lois and has two daughters, Malia and Eily, and three grandchildren.
Our M.C. for today's Family Service was the Fujikawa family and Rev. Umitani shared a Dharma Talk about the writings of D. T. Suzuki, who studied Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and the concept of living vs. practicing.
Shirley Yanagisawa shared a message of gratitude and photos from her recent trip to Japan. After the service and refreshments, Cynthia Rodriguez lead our First Sunday family activity, where we personalized our own colorful visors, just in time for summer.
Today's Dharma Talk was given by Michael Jaffe. We also celebrated Everly's birthday with a special birthday cupcake!
Today's Dharma Talk was given by Keiji Kukino. Kuki talked about his younger days living in a small village called Kaueleau, which now days may be difficult to find on maps
He was first exposed to Buddhism by his devout parents. He reminisced riding a "motor car" - old bus modified with train wheels - past Hilo then up the Hamakua coast to Paauilo.
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 our First Sunday Family Service was Rev. Brian Nagata, a director with Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai America. Mahalo for the omiyage -- "Outward wise, inward a fool" pins!
"Pinch hitting" this week for Rev. Umitani was Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki, Buddhist Study Center Director. Mahalo Rev. Kuniyuki!
Continuing with the celebration of Children's Day in May, today's Family Sunday activities included making paper fish and whales, along with coloring fish cards.
In addition, members could design their own colorful mugs using hot water and nail polish.
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