family service

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Year End Family Service

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In his year-end Dharma message, Rev. Umitani asked us to express gratitude for the past year and reflect on the interdependency on all life and all the things that have made it possible for one to live through the year. The saying, ichinichi senkin (一日千金), "every day is worth a thousand pieces of gold," reminds us that each and every day holds great meaning for our lives and we must live it wisely and meaningfully. 

After the service, we rang the kansho (temple bell) to celebrate the end of the year. Jyo-ya no Kane (除夜の鐘) is the Japanese tradition of ringing the temple bell 108 times on New Year's Eve. Watch the video and see if we came close (we weren't counting!). After ringing the bell, we enjoyed soba noodles, also a year-end tradition.

The year-end service also marked the conclusion of Rev. Umitani's assignment as Kailua's interim minister. Mahalo Rev. Umitani and family for being a part of our temple in 2017!

Happy New Year!

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Sunday Family Service

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For today's Dharma message, Betty shared stories about Rev. David Nakamoto, who recently retired as Kailua Hongwanji's minister. Betty has known Rev. Nakamoto for many years. We're looking forward to Rev. Nakamoto being our Dharma Talk speaker on January 14, 2018.

At the conclusion of today's service, Joy and Brin treated us to a special oboe and flute rendition of "Let it Snow." Click on the play button below to enjoy their awesome performance!

Sunday Family Service

For today's Dharma message, Rev. Umitani asked everyone to pause for a moment during the busy holiday season and think of the gift of life we've received, each day, each morning, and each moment. The holidays are a time for families and friends to share stories, smiles, and laughter and it is important to feel this sense of togetherness and oneness.

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Bodhi Day Service

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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.

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First Sunday Family Service

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Prudence spoke about Bodhi Day, explaining so the children (and adults) could understand why we observe Bodhi Day. She based her talk on the book “Prince Siddharta.” Pictures projected on the wall added to her talk and captured the attention of all. 

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Sunday Family Service

Are you living S.M.A.R.T. or with G.A.S.? That was the question Rev. Umitani asked us during today's service. 

S.M.A.R.T.

  • Single
  • Moment
  • Appreciation
  • Realization
  • Treasure

G.A.S.

  • Greed
  • Anger
  • Stupidity

The younger members pitched in to help to clean the temple after we enjoyed refreshments.

Sunday Family Service

Today's service was about giving thanks. The Eitaikyo service gives thanks to those who have handed down the Nembutsu teachings and have protected the temple through multiple generations. Rev. Umitani spoke of his home temple growing up in Japan, where services were held every morning, 365 days a year.

Sunday Family Service

Keiji Kukino gave today's Dharma Talk, focusing in on two Japanese words that Rev. Umitani shared in a previous Dharma message: mottainai (もったいない) and okagesama (おかげさま). Kuki asked us to consider incorporating these words into our daily vocabulary, much in the way that other Japanese words have become part of our everyday language.

The amaryllis bulbs that we planted last week have started to grow.

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First Sunday Family Service with Guest Speaker Dexter Mar

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Dexter Mar was our guest speaker at today's First Sunday Family Service at Kailua Hongwanji. Dr. Mar is a Hawaii Betsuin Certified Ministers’ Lay Assistant who serves the Betsuin temple and Honpa Hongwanji of Hawaii buddhist temples with buddhist education programs through the Buddhist Study Center. Mahalo Dr. Mar for your informational and inspirational talk! Dr. Mar's Dharma Talk, "Experiences Along the White Path," can be replayed below.

Families participated in several First Sunday activities. Upon entering the temple, everyone wrote down something that they were thankful for on an assortment of leaves. The leaves were hung from our Thankful Tree and is currently on display in the temple. The second activity was making paper-bag turkeys, which were stuffed with popcorn.

Finally, the children and several of the most senior attendees planted amaryllis bulbs. The bulbs will be kept at the church and will hopefully bloom over the next several weeks, just in time to be taken home for the holiday season.

Sunday Family Service

Today's service by Rev. Umitani was about the Nembutsu. Though he had many followers of his Nembutsu teachings, Shinran did not consider himself to have disciples. Rather, he was given the Nembutsu, just as we all are given the Nembutsu. Our recitation of the Nembutsu expresses our gratitude for what Buddha has given us.

Following the service, the sangha enjoyed several spooky treats, including "worms in dirt" and spider cupcakes. 

Prudence previewed next week's First Sunday family activities. We will be hanging leaves filled with what we're thankful for on our Thankful Tree. We'll also be making stuffed mini-turkeys.