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A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan

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Gratitude for this life is saying Namo Amida Butsu!

This is my last message as WBT's minister as I will bid aloha to the Sangha at WBT at the end of July. I have mixed feelings about leaving. It has been such a privilege serving this temple and meeting all of you in this very special Sangha. I have been the recipient of your friendship, guidance, support, patience and warm smiles and laughter. But now is the time to spend with my three grandsons, Kainoa, Kenji and Renzo. Each day with them is precious. This next journey is as a lucky bachan (grandmother)!

While getting through life is no easy matter, it is in the midst of our challenges that we find ourselves illumined by the Light of Amida's Compassion. When we see ourselves in the Light of Compassion, this awakening imparts us with a lasting sense of peace that helps to get us through life.

Shinran taught that the true meaning of a person's life is determined by living with awareness of the Buddha's compassion moment to moment throughout one's life. The spirit of mindfulness and gratitude in which the words "Namo Amida Butsu" are recited is the key to our happiness.

Rev. Ty Unno wrote that for us to be grateful for anything, we must be able to recognize and acknowledge things done for us. He explained that the original term for gratitude in Japanese is "On" which primarily means kindness, goodness, grace, etc. Everything that we receive in life that sustains us is by virtue of on.

“Shinran taught that the true meaning of a person’s life is determined by living with awareness of the Buddha’s compassion moment to moment throughout one’s life. The spirit of mindfulness and gratitude in which the words “Namo Amida Butsu” are recited is the key to our happiness.”

Another meaning for on is our appreciation for this gift of life and our deep wish to compensate or repay it which is conveyed in the word gratitude. It is this word that is the basic ethical principle in the life of many Buddhists. Traditionally in Buddhism we speak of the Four Gratitudes - to Mother, Father, Buddha and Teacher of the Dharma. They give us life, nourish us and enrich our existence. To them we ought to feel infinite gratitude. We must be able to recognize and acknowledge things done for us. If we are not aware of the good that comes our way, no matter how many blessings we receive, there is no way that we can feel any sense of gratitude. There are so many things that others have done and are doing for us that we never know about. Not only do we fail to recognize the favors and kindnesses that others have done for us because of our egos (self-concern), we are unaware of the pain that we may have inflicted on others. Reflecting on the Four Gratitudes - Mother, Father, Buddha and Teacher of the Dharma-how many of us really and truly live in thankfulness for the countless gifts we receive from them? As we go about our daily activities, let us reflect on this life and cherish the memories with joy, remembrance and deep gratitude.

Jeff Wilson writes in his article Path of Gratitude: "As a Shin Buddhist, my primary practice is not meditation, sutra study, ritual or precepts. All of these can be valuable, but in Shin Buddhism our main focus is the practice of gratitude through the recitation of the Nembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu. For Shin Buddhists being aware of our interconnectedness involves being aware of the teachings of Amida Buddha and Shinran Shonin and to acknowledge the generosity of all who come into our lives."

Let us reflect each day on our amazing good fortune to simply be who we are, just as we are, in the here and now. And let us appreciate and make the very most of each miraculous day. Namo Amida Butsu!

It is with sincere gratitude I say aloha to all of you and look forward to visiting Windward Buddhist Temple whenever I can. With a warm smile and with hands together in deep respect, Namo Amida Butsu!

Rev. Barbara Brennan

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Remembrance Day Service

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Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. Bert Sumikawa

Remembrance Dharma Service for Sunday, June 30, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Sumikawa and Rev. Barbara Brennan. 

Join us for our Bon Dance in Kailua on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 7 pm - 10 pm!

The monthly Remembrance Service is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of June, 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

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

    03:12 - Meditation

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

    06:15 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    10:06 - Remembrance

    14:52 - Sutra: Twelve Homages (page 120 in the red service book)

    21:44 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    23:40 - Gatha: On This Morn (page 119 in Praises of the Buddha)

    26:08 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Bert Sumikawa

    46:07 - Gatha: Flying Free

    50:20 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    52:41 - Announcements

    01:02:14 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:03:01 - July Dharma Service Schedule

    01:03:17 - 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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Neil Yamamoto

Dharma Service for Sunday, June 23, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by WBT lay speaker and board member, Neil Yamamoto. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan and recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhism Temple in Kailua, Hawaii. Neil is a foodie and, like his earlier Dharma Talks, he brings a fun perspective to food and his Buddhism journey.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    03:20 - Meditation

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

    06:19 - Sutra: Junirai (page 59 in the red service book)

    15:43 - Recitation: Our Pledge

    17:08 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)

    19:33 - Dharma Talk: Neil Yamamoto

    30:50 - Gatha: Quest of Life (page 126 in Praises of the Buddha)

    33:10 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    35:11 - Announcements

    40:12 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    41:03 - June Dharma Service Schedule

    41:18 - 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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Father's Day Dharma Service

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Shirley Yanagisawa & Rev. Barbara Brennan

Dharma Service for Sunday, June 16, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by WBT lay speaker, Shirley Yanagisawa. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. Bert Sumikawa and recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhism Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.

Shirley reads a book about friendship and sharing, "Too Many Mangos" by Tammy Paikai and Don Robinson. Buy the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z578Fy

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:24 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)

    02:44 - Meditation

    03:30 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:42 - Sutra: Verses Reaffirming the Vows (page 117 in the red service book)

    12:31 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge II (page 6 in the red service book)

    13:40 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 74 in Praises of the Buddha)

    16:05 - Dharma Talk: Shirley Yanagisawa

    29:16 - Gatha: Arigatai

    31:55 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    34:22 - Announcements

    41:50 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    42:41 - June Dharma Service Schedule

    42:56 - 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

Ron’s Lego Display

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Family Dharma Service

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Dennis Tashiro, Emma Fujikawa, Lisa Fujikawa, & Rev. Barbara Brennan

Dharma Service for Sunday, June 9, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. Bert Sumikawa and recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhism Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.

During the announcements, we recognized Emma Fujikawa, who graduated from high school as part of the Class of 2024. Emma is a Junior YBA member and serves as an MC for WBT's Dharma services. Congratulations Emma and best wishes at Oregon State!

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    02:45 - Meditation

    03:44 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:51 - Sutra: Juseige (page 54 in the red service book)

    12:44 - Recitation: The Creed (page 4 in the red service book)

    14:22 - Gatha: Shinshu Anthem (page 147 in Praises of the Buddha)

    17:35 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan

    36:37 - Gatha: Becoming Free (page 18 in Praises of the Buddha)

    39:29 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    41:46 - Announcements

    46:03 - Congratulations Emma

    47:46 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    48:52 - June Dharma Service Schedule

    49:07 - 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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Intergenerational Dharma Service

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Dennis Tashiro

Intergenerational Dharma Service for Sunday, June 2, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by temple president, Dennis Tashiro. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan and recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhism Temple in Kailua, Hawaii. Dennis reads the story, "The Sour Grape" by Jory John and Pete Oswald.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    02:32 - Meditation

    03:29 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:40 - Sutra: Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)

    16:02 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)

    17:19 - Gatha: Namu Amida Butsu (page 104 in Praises of the Buddha)

    20:48 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

    41:05 - Gatha: With These Hands (page 174 in Praises of the Buddha)

    42:54 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    45:16 - Announcements

    48:35 - June Birthdays

    50:00 - Bon Dance Announcements

    51:50 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    52:40 - June Dharma Service Schedule

    52:55 - 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

Intergenerational Craft activitY & Birthdays

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Remembrance Day Service

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Rev. Bert Sumikawa

Remembrance Dharma Service for Sunday, May 26, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa. Are the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and Shinran Shonin the same? Or are they different? That's the question Rev. Sumikawa asks and answers in his Dharma Talk. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Sumikawa.

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

    00:16 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)

    03:06 - Meditation

    03:50 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:55 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    10:00 - Remembrance

    13:21 - Sutra: Sanbutsuge (page 47 in the red service book)

    20:54 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    22:11 - Gatha: Golden Chain

    24:32 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Bert Sumikawa

    44:01 - Gatha: Ondokusan / Gratefulness

    46:05 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    48:30 - Announcements

    53:45 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    54:39 - June Dharma Service Schedule

    54:54 - 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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Joy Nishida

Dharma Service for Sunday, May 19, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Lay Speaker, Junior YBA advisor, and WBT Board Member, Joy Nishida. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. It's graduation season, and Joy shares her thoughts and reflects on this milestone occasion for many.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:11 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)

    02:37 - Meditation

    03:21 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:29 - Sutra: Gassho With Amida

    11:49 - Recitation: Our Pledge

    13:00 - Gatha: Gentle Hands

    15:19 - Dharma Talk: Joy Nishida

    35:01 - Gatha: Buddha Loves You (page 24 in Praises of the Buddha)

    36:28 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    39:14 - Announcements

    43:08 - Members' Mother's Day Thoughts read by Rev. Brennan

    46:37 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    47:25 - May Dharma Service Schedule

    47:40 - 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

Origami

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Mother's Day Dharma Service

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Rev. Barbara Brennan

Mother's Day Dharma Service for Sunday, May 12, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. Rev. Brennan shares the history of Mother's Day.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:27 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)

    03:20 - Meditation

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

    06:15 - Mother's Day Aspiration

    07:04 - Sutra: Twelve Homages (page 120 in the red service book)

    14:54 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge - II (page 6 in the red service book)

    16:10 - Gatha: Children in Japan (page 29 in Praises of the Buddha)

    19:14 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan

    36:11 - Gatha: Arigatai

    38:46 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    41:36 - Announcements

    47:29 - Announcement from Rev. Brennan

    51:07 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    51:50 - May Dharma Service Schedule

    52:05 - 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