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Dana Day & Pet Memorial Dharma Service

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Sharyn Sekine & Rev. Barbara Brennan

Dana Day & Pet Memorial Dharma Service for Sunday, February 12, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Sharyn Sekine at Windward Buddhist Temple. Sharyn is a Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin board member and is active with the Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA) serving in multiple leadership roles. Sharyn gave a wonderful Dharma Talk sharing examples of dana, or "selfless giving."

Today was also our annual Pet Memorial Remembrance Service. Pets provide us with selfless giving with their unconditional love and companionship. A loss of a family pet is often our first encounter with mortality as children.

Visitors from Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin

Junior YBA officers, Rev. Brennan, & advisor Joy Nishida

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:21 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:56 - Meditation

    03:47 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 165 in Praises of the Buddha)

    05:58 - Aspiration

    08:13 - Pet Memorial & Offering of Incense

    15:32 - Sutra: Junirai (page 60 in the red service book)

    24:07 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    25:53 - Gatha: Golden Chain of Love

    28:00 - Dharma Talk: Sharyn Sekine

    49:37 - Gatha: Ondokusan / Gratefulness

    51:48 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    54:05 - Announcements

    01:04:43 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:05:29 - February Schedule

    01:05:42 - 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 Sunday

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111th Legislative Assembly - Giseikai

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The Legislative Assembly (Giseikai) is the annual meeting of ministers and leaders of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. As a temple within the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, Windward Buddhist Temple’s minister and delegate vote on resolutions and other matters related to the operations of the Hongwanji in Hawaii.

This year’s meeting was held as a hybrid, both in-person and via Zoom. This was the first in-person Giseikai since February 2020. The 109th and 110th Giseikai were held exclusively via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

WBT’s delegate, temple president Dennis Tashiro

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Intergenerational Dharma Service

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Rev. Barbara Brennan

Dharma Service for Sunday, February 5, 2023 with Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. The first Sunday of the month is our Intergenerational Family Service and Rev. Brennan read from the children's book "Zen Socks" by Jon J. Muth.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:17 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:00 - Meditation

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

    05:58 - Sutra: Verses Reaffirming the Vows (page 117 in the red service book)

    12:27 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge - II (page 6 in the red service book)

    13:44 - Gatha: Children in Japan (page 29 in Praises of the Buddha)

    16:43 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan

    30:24 - "Zen Socks" by Jon J. Muth

    38:59 - Gatha: Flying Free

    43:48 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    46:23 - Announcements

    54:29 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    55:20 - February Schedule

    55:32 - 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

Adult Dharma Class: "Basic Buddhism"

Basic Buddhism

Adult Buddhist Dharma Classes

Conducted by Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa and assisted by Rev. Barbara Brennan

Classes are open to all interested in learning about Buddhism.

When: Saturdays, March 11 through April 15, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00am.

Where: Classes will be held at Windward Buddhist Temple (Kailua Hongwanji Mission) located at 268A Kuulei Road, Kailua, HI 96734, across from the Kailua Public Library

Cost: None, however registration is required.

Registration: To register, or for more information, please call Rev. Sumikawa at (808) 492-7254.

Download the Flyer
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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