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
