Dinner & A Movie Night was on Sunday, May 28 at the temple. We enjoyed a dinner of Zippy's chili, fried chicken, hot dogs, pizza, and a variety of desserts.
After dinner, we watched Moana and munched on freshly popped popcorn.
Sunday Family Service
Today's Dharma Talk was given by Michael Jaffe. We also celebrated Everly's birthday with a special birthday cupcake!
Sunday Family Service
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.
Gotan-E & Mother's Day Service
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.
First Sunday Family Service with Rev. Nagata
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.
May 2017 Newsletter
Children's Day Koinobori
After our Earth Day Sunday Family service, members assembled the koinobori, or "carp streamer" used to celebrate Children's Day on May 5. The koi symbolize strength and determination and are flown in honor of children for a healthy and strong future.
Sunday Family Service (Earth Day)
We celebrated Earth Day at our April 30 Sunday Family Service. Rev. Umitani's Dharma Talk was about symbiotic relationships, such as that of the Nile crocodile and the Egyptian Plover, and shared the Hongwanji Legislative Assembly's "Green Hongwanji" proclamation. At the 2017 Legislative Assembly, all temples were asked to complete the first Green Hongwanji Survey.
As part of the effort to be more green, members are being asked to bring reusable utensils for refreshments after the Sunday service instead of throwing away plastic forks and paper cups. Reusable bamboo chopsticks and utensil sets were on sale, as well as uniquely decorated nail polish art mugs.
In addition, Prudence prepared a spray bottle for each family to take home with an Earth-friendly all-purpose household cleaner made without chemicals.
Eshinni Day Service with Rev. Brennan
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.
Guest Speaker Barbara Brennan
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.
Sunday Family Service
Bob Nishita's Dharma Talk was a message of change and thinking outside of the box. Jennifer Kane made her M.C. debut. After refreshments, the kids had a candy-filled egg hunt. And our food drive resulted in two full boxes of can goods and dry foods for the Hawaii Foodbank.
