A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan

Rev. Barbara Brennan

Aloha and Happy New Year, everyone!

In this time of wishing joy and peace to all, it is hard to realize that there is hatred and violence halfway around the world. Recently, a statement was made by some leaders from churches in the Nuuanu Valley Interfaith community: “We may feel powerless to make any significant change in generations of conflict we don’t even fully understand. We can; however, refuse to accept any expressions of hatred, violence, and antisemitism here, and call upon each other to remember the aloha with which we work and live every day.” A statement well taken.

Monshu Kojun Ohtani writes: “In order for there to be peace. We must first be aware that all things in this world are interconnected. We should care for and value other people’s lives as well.” How do we attain peace as we seek in the world today? In order to help stop problems such as war, terrorism, confrontations between nations and peoples, and political clashing, it is necessary that we first treat others with the same care and respect that we would ourselves.”

December quickly ended another year. Time doesn’t stand still as we look to 2024, the Year of the Dragon, to make plans with family, friends and our Sangha.

During 2023 Windward Buddhist Temple (WBT) held many activities as we worked to keep our Hongwanji active and present in the community. One such activity was the Windward Mall Bon Dance last October. Many members and friends helped to make it a success. (We can’t forget all the freshly cooked andagi which were in such great demand). It is said that “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Everyone worked selflessly from beginning to end. All sales proceeds were donated to the Maui Wildfires Fund through Hongwanji headquarters. Thank you for your hard work and contributions, which was a reflection of Dana in the truest sense of the word.

It is important to share the Buddha-Dharma whenever we can. When I started at WBT, I was surprised to learn that all WBT Dharma talks are available on YouTube. This is a dynamic way to share the Jodo Shinshu teachings. Kudos to Ryan for his diligence in filming, editing, and posting our talks online so that friends, family, and all those seeking to learn about Buddhism can enjoy being part of our Sangha. Remember, everyone is welcomed into the Sangha just as you are. It is Amida’s Vow that reaches out to us and embraces us unconditionally. How fortunate we are to have the Buddha-Dharma as our guide.

The message of the Buddha and Jodo Shinshu is universal. The Buddha wants all people to live a happy and peaceful life. The Shin Buddhist Path is open to anyone. It does not require that you become a monk or nun. It does not require you to give up your home or your job. It does not require you to live in the mountains, or to learn Sanskrit, Chinese, or Tibetan. Man, woman, or child may follow the Shin Buddhist path. If Shin Buddhism is to reach a greater audience in the US and Western world, it will have to elaborate more eloquently, the universality of its teachings and tradition.

Let’s continue to share the Dharma through our actions and contributions in the community.

It is with deep gratitude that I thank all of you for the kindness and support I’ve received. Okagesama de (thanks

to you).

In gassho,
Rev. Barbara Brennan

A Message from President Dennis Tashiro

2023 has passed by quite rapidly. It was another year of interesting, exciting, and fun activities at WBT.

Sunday service attendance has surpassed pre-pandemic levels! The after-service intergenerational craft activities and bingo games are enjoyed by many. Rev. Barbara Brennan delivers most of the dharma messages, with temple lay members and guest speakers rounding out the schedule.

The first Sunday of each month is designated as 1st Sunday Family Service. Dharma messages for these services are geared toward children and families and it is followed by an intergenerational activity.

WBT continues to offer adult dharma classes and in 2023, we have had Spring and Fall-Winter classes led by Rev. Bert Sumikawa. Tai chi and exercise classes are also ongoing. Bon fitness and ikebana classes are two new activities that began in 2023. We encourage everyone to utilize the temple facilities and to take advantage of the activities mentioned and any additional programs that are offered.

In July, we resumed holding a bon dance at the temple. It was a huge success thanks to the hard work of many temple members and friends!

In an effort to become more visible in the windward community, members have participated in social concerns and earth-friendly events. Rev. Brennan and others are involved with a windward interfaith group comprised of several different faith organizations. We also have an aikido club practicing at the temple twice a week.

E komo mai (welcome)! We’d like to see you at the Sunday Services and/or participate in WBT activities. Temple greeters and leaders are ready to welcome you and share their aloha at Sunday services.

Mahalo to the members of the WBT Board, temple committees and volunteers for your continued dedicated efforts in supporting the temple.

My best wishes to everyone for a 2024 filled with good health, peace, and happiness. Thank you and In Gassho, Dennis Tashiro, President

In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

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Family Dharma Service

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Bob Nishita

Dharma Service for Sunday, December 31, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Lay Speaker Bob Nishita at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan. 

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    02:36 - Meditation

    03:43 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:49 - Sutra: Twelve Homages (page 120 in the red service book)

    12:53 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    14:23 - Gatha: Golden Chain

    16:49 - Dharma Talk: Bob Nishita

    42:59 - Gatha: Namo Amida Butsu (page 104 in Praises of the Buddha)

    45:28 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    48:40 - Announcements

    55:50 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    56:49 - January Schedule

    57:05 - 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

Joya No Kane

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Remembrance Day Service

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Shirley Yanagisawa & Rev. Barbara Brennan

Remembrance Day Dharma Service for Sunday, December 24, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. 

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

    00:19 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:20 - Meditation

    04:07 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:19 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    10:52 - Remembrance

    18:42 - Sutra: Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)

    28:56 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)

    30:01 - Gatha: Arigatai

    33:26 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan

    49:04 - Gatha: Gentle Hands

    50:35 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    52:52 - Announcements

    01:02:44 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:03:38 - December Schedule

    01:03:53 - 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

Happy Holidays!

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Bodhi Day Service

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Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. David Nakamoto

Bodhi Day Dharma Service for Sunday, December 17, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by guest speaker Rev. David Nakamoto at Windward Buddhist Temple. Rev. Nakamoto previously served at Kailua Hongwanji (now Windward Buddhist Temple) from 2010 until his retirement in 2017. Rev. Brennan officiated the service.

Bodhi Day was on December 8 and commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha's attainment of Awakening under the Bodhi tree. Rev. Nakamoto shares the story of how Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:20 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:12 - Offering of Flowers & Light

    03:59 - Meditation

    05:02 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    07:19 - Loving Kindness Metta

    09:19 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    12:44 - Bodhi Day Aspiration

    13:12 - Sutra: Sanbutsuge (page 46 in the red service book)

    21:45 - Gatha: The Bodhi Day (page 20 in Praises of the Buddha)

    27:13 - Dharma Talk: Rev. David Nakamoto

    51:34 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)

    53:36 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    55:57 - Announcements

    01:04:28 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:05:23 - December Schedule

    01:05:38 - 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

December Intergenerational activity

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Intergenerational Dharma Service

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Rev. Barbara Brennan

Dharma Service for Sunday, December 10, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. For today's intergenerational service, Rev. Brennan shared the story "What Do You Do With An Idea?" by Kobi Yamada (https://amzn.to/3R9Dcxe).

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    02:49 - Meditation

    03:57 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:09 - Sutra: Gassho With Amida

    12:45 - Recitation: Our Pledge

    14:07 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 74 in Praises of the Buddha)

    17:01 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan

    27:32 - Gatha: When We See the Golden Sun (page 173 in Praises of the Buddha)

    29:23 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    31:41 - Announcements

    37:02 - December Birthdays

    39:10 - December Schedule

    39:26 - 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

Celebrating Birthdays

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Eitaikyo Service

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Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

Eitaikyo Service for Sunday, November 26, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Sumikawa. 

Eitaikyo is a special service where we remember all those who came before us at our temple who have helped to propagate the Dharma, and, in doing so, have ensured that others are able to do so in the future as well. Eitaikyo is comprised of two Japanese words, Eitai ("perpetual") and Dokkyo ("sutras"). 

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:39 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:07 - Offering of Flowers & Light

    04:10 - Meditation

    05:01 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    07:08 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    10:32 - Eitaikyo Aspiration

    11:18 - Sutra: Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)

    21:13 - Recitation: The Creed (page 4 in the red service book)

    23:02 - Gatha: Becoming Free (page 18 in Praises of the Buddha)

    26:00 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa

    43:07 - Gatha: Shinshu Anthem (page 147 in Praises of the Buddha)

    45:43 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    47:52 - Announcements

    56:14 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    57:08 - December Schedule

    57:23 - 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

Visit to Jikoen Hongwanji

Members of Windward Buddhist Temple visited Jikoen Hongwanji in Kalihi and attended their 85th Anniversary and Keirokai Service on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Jikoen Hongwanji and Windward Buddhist Temple are two of the four temples in the Honolulu District of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Mahalo and congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Nishiyama and the entire Jikoen sangha on their 85 years of sharing the Dharma and playing a vital role in the community.

Sunday Services at WBT will resume on November 26, 2023 with our Etaikyo Service. The Etaikyo Service is a time to remember those who came before us at WBT and helped to propagate the Dharma. In doing so, they've ensured that others are able to do so in the future as well. Rev. Bert Sumikawa will be officiating the service and will share a Dharma Message. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we'll see you on Sunday!

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Remembrance Day Service

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Rev. Barbara Brennan

Remembrance Day Dharma Service for Sunday, November 12, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. Rev. Brennan continued an earlier Dharma Talk about learning more about our altar and the Seven Patriarchs of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

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

    00:25 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:58 - Meditation

    04:03 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:13 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    10:53 - Remembrance

    14:23 - Sutra: Sanbutsuge (page 46 in the red service book)

    22:42 - Recitation: The Creed (page 4 in the red service book)

    24:35 - Gatha: Golden Chain

    27:24 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan

    44:13 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)

    46:01 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    48:30 - Announcements

    59:39 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:00:29 - November Schedule

    01:00:43 - 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