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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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Bell Ringing for Queen Lili'uokalani

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Kailua Hongwanji joined churches across Hawaii in honoring Queen Lili'uoklani, who passed away on November 11, 1917. On the 100th anniversary of her passing, church bells statewide tolled 100 times in commemoration at 8:30 a.m.

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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.