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Remembrance Day Service

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Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

Remembrance Day Dharma Service for Sunday, January 29, 2023 with Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple. Rev. Sumikawa's Dharma Talk is about our egos and how it gets in the way of peace, love, and spirituality.

Remembrance Day is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of January, regardless of the year. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:13 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:45 - Meditation

    03:46 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:58 - San Bu Jo & Aspiration

    10:22 - Remembrance Day

    14:48 - Sutra: Juseige (page 54 in the red service book)

    20:52 - Recitation: Our Pledge

    22:03 - Gatha: Listen To His Voice (page 92 in Praises of the Buddha)

    24:31 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

    46:47 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)

    48:39 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    50:17 - Announcements

    52:39 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    53:29 - February Schedule

    53:39 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    53:48 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

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Hoonko Service

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Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

Hoonko Service for Sunday, January 22, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple. The Hoonko Service is the memorial service of Jodo Shinshu founder, Shinran Shonin, who passed away on January 16, 1263.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:14 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:42 - Offering of Flower & Light

    03:27 - Meditation

    04:30 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 165 in Praises of the Buddha)

    06:43 - San Bu Jo & Aspiration

    10:58 - Sutra: Shoshinge (page 11 in the red service book)

    17:23 - Gatha: With These Hands (page 174 in Praises of the Buddha)

    19:38 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

    43:06 - Gatha: Arigatai

    45:34 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    47:47 - Announcements

    53:07 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    53:58 - January Schedule

    54:08 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    54:17 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

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Family Dharma Service

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Jennifer Kane

Dharma Service for Sunday, January 15, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Lay Speaker Jennifer Kane at Windward Buddhist Temple. Jennifer shares her return to the temple and the sangha after over 2 1/2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was followed by our monthly bingo activity.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:33 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:33 - Meditation

    04:24 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 165 in Praises of the Buddha)

    06:41 - Sutra: Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)

    16:31 - Recitation: The Creed II (page 4 in the red service book)

    17:55 - Gatha: On This Morn (page 119 in Praises of the Buddha)

    20:07 - Dharma Talk: Jennifer Kane

    34:20 - Gatha: Quest of Life (page 126 in Praises of the Buddha)

    36:09 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    38:07 - Announcements

    42:27 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    43:16 - January Schedule

    43:25 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    43:35 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

Bingo Activity

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Intergenerational Dharma Service

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Dennis Tashiro

Dharma Service for Sunday, January 8, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Dennis Tashiro at Windward Buddhist Temple. The first service of the month is our Intergenerational Service, with a Dharma message for both kids and adults. The book Dennis reads is "Waiting is Not Easy," an Elephant and Piggie book by Mo Willems.

"Waiting is Not Easy" at Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3WXPEBW

This was followed by an intergenerational craft activity. This month, we made Galaxy Glitter Jars.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:18 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:59 - Meditation

    04:14 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:42 - Sutra: Gassho With Amida

    12:42 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)

    13:51 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 74 in Praises of the Buddha)

    16:08 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

    21:36 - "Waiting is Not Easy" by Mo Willems

    33:32 - Gatha: Buddha Loves You (page 24 in Praises of the Buddha)

    34:44 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in Praises of the Buddha)

    36:46 - Announcements

    42:58 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    43:44 - January Schedule

    43:53 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    44:03 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

Galaxy Glitter Jars Activity

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New Year's Day Dharma Service

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Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

New Year's Day Dharma Service for Sunday, January 1, 2023 with Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple. Rev. Sumikawa shares a New Year's message from Monshu Kojun Ohtani, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, as well as his own New Year's Dharma Message. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:28 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:03 - Meditation

    03:53 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:08 - Sutra: Sanbutsuge (page 47 in the red service book)

    14:34 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    16:07 - Gatha: May Peace Prevail

    19:26 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

    31:14 - New Year Metta For Peace

    34:39 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in Praises of the Buddha)

    36:47 - Announcements

    41:45 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    42:31 - January Schedule

    42:40 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    42:51 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

New year’s Celebration

A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan

Happy New Year Everyone!

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? “Where did 2022 go”? As we get older it seems the days pass much too quickly. Do we appreciate each day, or do they become forgotten with time?

In Buddhism there is the teaching of Ichigo-Ichie, which means, “Every day is the first day and the last day of our life.” One opportunity, one encounter, never to be repeated. As in the tea ceremony, the chance to drink another tea exactly like the one just served is not possible, which reflects the impermanence of life.

The Buddha considered having friends as the most important thing in following the path of Buddhism. Here at Windward Buddhist Temple, many of you have been good friends for a long time, and you also welcome new friends including those who have been away for a while. Yes, it is important to renew our ties with family and friends as we begin the new year.

Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shin School of Buddhism, lived from 1173 to 1262 - over 700 years ago. Soon we will be observing Hoonko. On January 16th in Jodo Shinshu temples throughout the world, special Hoonko services are held in commemoration of the death of Shinran Shonin. (WBT’s Hoonko service will be held on January 22, 2023.) At our services we sing a gatha titled “Ondokusan” which was written by Shinran Shonin. “Ondokusan” is the heart and essence of the Hoonko Service. This is when we honor Shinran’s life and the teachings which he has given to us.

As a boy of 9 years, Shinran was ordained into the Buddhist priesthood and for 20 years, he practiced the contemplative and scholastic disciplines of Tendai Buddhism. At age 29, Shinran abandoned the ascetic disciplines and accepted the Teachings of Amida Tathagata. Buddhism had a new meaning for Shinran. He adopted a way of life for the common people giving himself the name of Gutoku, baldheaded one, neither priest nor layperson.

What makes Shinran Shonin’s teachings relevant through the years and even in today’s world? According to Rev. Akira Hata, Shinran followed the Nembutsu teaching with a singleness of heart. And he shared the teachings of spiritual attainment that was possible even for ordinary persons of the times. He shared that Amida Buddha’s Vow tells us to come just as we are, with all our faults, limitations, and our egos. By putting trust in Amida Buddha’s Vow with a sincere heart, to call his name and to be born in his land, this is the 18th Vow called Hongan. It is through the power of the Vow that we can receive Shinjin (pure faith).

Here is a quote from Rennyo Shonin, the 8th Monshu (spiritual leader) of the Hongwanji dated 1477:

“The extent of Shinran’s Benevolence is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean. How can we fail to express gratitude? How can we not express appreciation? Thus, as an annual observation, this most important service is conducted for a period of seven days to specifically express our feelings of appreciation and gratitude.”

In gassho,
Rev. Barbara Brennan

A Message from President Dennis Tashiro

Happy New Year! Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu! Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!

As the new (second time around) president of Windward Buddhist Temple, I look forward to serving you once more.

Under outgoing president Prudence Kusano’s stewardship, WBT was able to navigate through the pandemic and emerge with new ways of propagating the teachings. I am committed to working with the Board and temple members on building on that and using the momentum to move us forward. WBT is fortunate to have a mutli-purpose building that was designed for dharma seekers as well as an inviting place to gather in fellowship. I encourage everyone to utilize the temple facilities and to take advantage of the activities currently being offered such as tai chi, exercise, and other programs.

In 2022, Sunday service attendance has steadily increased to near pre-pandemic levels. If you have not had the opportunity to attend service, I invite you to come to the temple and experience hearing the temple bell resonate, offering incense, singing gathas, listening to a dharma message and connecting with friends. There are also some fun activities after service on select Sundays such as crafts and bingo.

The 2023 Windward Buddhist Temple pledge cards have been sent out. Your annual pledges help sustain our temple and its programs. Thanking you in advance for your generosity and commitment to Windward Buddhist Temple.

I wish you and your family a happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2023.

In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

New Year's Eve 2022 Bell Ringing (Joya-no-Kane)

We gathered on New Year's Eve for Joya-no-Kane at the temple. Joya-no-Kane is the customary ringing of the temple bell 108 times on New Year's Eve.

Why 108 times? It signifies the 108 worldly desires that we have and need to cleanse ourselves of as we enter the new year.

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Remembrance Day Service

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Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa & Rev. Barbara Brennan

Remembrance Day Dharma Service for Sunday, December 18, 2022 with Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple. Rev. Sumikawa discusses the meaning of Christmas, shares a book, "The Peace Book" by Todd Parr, and performs the rap "Shinran, Baby, He Broke the Rules" that he and Dr. George Tanabe originally performed years ago.

Remembrance Day is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of December, regardless of the year.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:22 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:57 - Meditation

    04:15 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:28 - San Bu Jo & Aspiration

    10:13 - Remembrance Day

    19:10 - Sutra: Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)

    29:20 - Recitation: Our Pledge

    30:46 - Gatha: Ondokusan II & Gratefulness

    33:49 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

    56:29 - Shinran, Baby, He Broke the Rules Rap

    01:00:49 - Gatha: The Wondrous Gift of Peace (page 176 in Praises of the Buddha)

    01:02:50 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    01:05:21 - Announcements

    01:09:35 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:10:52 - January Schedule

    01:11:00 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    01:11:11 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook