In his Dharma Talk, Dr. Michael Jaffe shared what he’s learned about Hawaii after moving his family to the islands a couple years ago. Dr. Jaffe has found that the aloha spirit is what makes Hawaii special and that it often parallels the spiritual principle of karma, or causation, where kind thoughts lead to kind words, which in turn lead to kind actions.
Sunday Family Service & Dharma School
We were joined today by Cub Scouts of St. Anthony’s School Pack 223, who attended our Sunday Service and Dharma School. They read the story, Stone Soup, learned about interdependence, and took part in a fun physical challenge to untangle themselves through the use of good communication (and the help of some of the adults).
Today’s Dharma Talk was given by Rev. Sumikawa, who shared the principle of dependent arising. Dependent arising, or dependent origination, can refer to the cycle of rebirth in Buddhist teachings, as well as things depending on causes and conditions.
Dharma School
First Sunday Family Service
Today’s Dharma Talk was given by Keiji Kukino. Kuki gave a brief history of yesterday’s first ever Bon Dance Festival at Windward Mall and how it came to be. Kuki also shared how he came to the understanding through Shinran’s teachings that the remembrance services after a death are really for the living, as the deceased are already cared for.
After today’s service, we celebrated October birthdays and, following refreshments, we welcomed the return of our monthly inter-generational First Sunday activities. Today’s activity was a toilet paper pumpkin craft.
Happy October birthdays, Jett and Annette!
First Sunday Activity: Toilet Paper Pumpkins
Bon Dance Festival at Windward Mall
In collaboration with Windward Buddhist Temple, Windward Mall in Kaneohe hosted their first ever indoor Bon Dance Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Attendees danced in air conditioned comfort around our yagura, repainted for the Bon Dance and relocated to the mall’s air conditioned Center Court.
WBT’s Keiji Kukino served as the emcee for the Bon Dance, which took place from 2 pm to 4 pm and featured members of the Ko’olau Sakura Odori Kai and Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi.
At the Windward Buddhist Temple booth, our famous andagi, as well as homemade takuan, boiled peanuts, and Bon Dance towels were available for purchase. The food items sold out before the end of the Bon Dance! White paper fans were the perfect canvas for creative keiki (and adults), who stopped by to customize them with their own personalized artwork.
October 2019 Newsletter
Sunday Family Service
Rev. Sumikawa’s Dharma Talk asked the question, “Are Shakyamuni & Shinran’s Teachings the Same?”
We often focus only on Shinran’s (the founder of Jodo Shinshu) teachings. We need to remember that the true founder of Buddhism is Shakyamuni. Although Shinran used terms such as Amida, Pure Land and Nembutsu, Shakyamuni never did. Terminology may be different, but the essence of the teachings are the same. They obtained the same awakening – Shakyamuni: Bodhi and Shinran – Shinjin. They both said that “life is suffering and we need to understand this.” Their universal message was the liberation from suffering.
Scholars agree: Shakyamuni & Shinran had the same teaching – one authentic awakening by experience. They attained it and taught it.
Sunday Family Service & Remembrance Day
Today’s Dharma Talk was given by Jennifer Kane. For this month’s Remembrance Day, Shirley read the names of family and friends who passed away during the month of September.
Jennifer shared about her life growing up. She remembers that at a young age she argued with her Mother, saying “I’m Japanese” and her Mom said, “no you’re not, you are Jewish and Hawaiian.” Jennifer then replied, “Nope. I know that I am Japanese.” She had Japanese neighbors with a young daughter who was the same age as Jennifer. They played together often and were good friends through their early years.
Jennifer also shared about how she became interested in Buddhism and what led her to become a Windward Buddhist Temple “Sangha family” member. She said that during Oshoko, a “deep sense of love and belonging seems to swirl around with the incense - and this always brings me home.”
Jennifer concluded her message by saying “I can confidently say Namo Amida Butsu and feel great comfort in knowing that it’s not just me saying something but something comes back to me and to everyone.” “It’s not just me calling to Amida Buddha – it’s Amida Buddha calling to me.”
Kailua Peace Day Walk
In celebration of Peace Day, which will be observed this year on Saturday, September 21, members of Windward Buddhist Temple held a Peace Day walk around Kailua. Peace Day cranes, which were folded by members during this month’s First Sunday activity, were shared with businesses and individuals around Kailua to inform them about Peace Day and share a message of peace.
Fall Ohigan Service
For our Fall Ohigan Service, we welcomed guest speaker Rev. Mariko Nishiyama, resident minister of Pearl City Hongwanji. Fall Ohigan marks the change of seasons and Rev. Nishiyama delivered a special Dharma Message in observance of the occasion.
We also tried a couple of new gathas today, accompanied by Rev. Sumikawa and Shirley Yanagisawa on ukulele.
Sunday Family Service & Dharma School
September marks the end of summer. It’s an exciting time, as it means the start of a new school year for the kids and the beginning of new seasons for UH football and volleyball. Dennis Tashiro shared his thoughts in today’s Dharma Talk.
“So let’s leave Summer behind and move forward by —
Rededicating ourselves to listen to the Dharma
Accepting things and people as they are
Using the right words and actions
Walking in Peace”
WBT Dharma School
As mentioned in this month’s newsletter, today marked the start of a new Dharma School year. Dharma School is held on the second Sunday of the month from September to July. Dharma School teachers Kathi & Annette taught today’s lesson on interdependence.
Dharma School participation is not limited to temple members and their families. We welcome any and all keiki interested in learning the Buddha’s teachings!
