Obon & Hatsubon Service
Rev. Jeffrey Soga
Our annual Obon & Hastubon Service held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by guest speaker Rev. Jeffrey Soga, resident minister of Waipahu Hongwanji. Obon is a time when Buddhists remember those who have left this world before us, with gratitude for enabling us to exist and to encounter the dharma. This was also our Hatsubon Service, for families of those who passed away since the last Obon.
The service was officiated by Rev. Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.
Join us at our Bon Dance in Kailua on Saturday, July 13, 2024. One night only! Visit https://tinyurl.com/bondance2024 or https://windwardbuddhisttemple.org for details.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:16 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)
02:58 - Offering of Flowers & Light
03:45 - Meditation 04:41 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:57 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)
10:11 - Obon Aspiration
11:22 - Hatsubon Remembrance
14:28 - Sanbutsuge (page 46 in the red service book)
22:16 - Gatha: Obon Obon It's Festival Day (page 115 in Praises of the Buddha)
24:43 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Jeffrey Soga
51:53 - Gatha: Ondokusan/Gratefulness
54:19 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
56:45 - Announcements
01:06:25 - July Birthdays
01:08:09 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
01:09:03 - July Schedule
01:09:19 - How to Donate to WBT
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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
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
July Birthdays
Bon Dance 2024: Building the Yagura
“Some Assembly Required”
Mahalo to the team that assembled the yagura this morning for next week's Bon Dance. Our yagura is a bit unique in that it can be completely disassembled for storage. Each year the team puts all the pieces together, along with the lights and chochin (lanterns). We hope to see everyone on Saturday, July 13 at WBT!
July - August 2024 Newsletter
A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan
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
Remembrance Day Service
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.
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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
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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
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Family Dharma Service
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.
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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
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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
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Father's Day Dharma Service
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
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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
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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
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Ron’s Lego Display
Family Dharma Service
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!
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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
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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
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Intergenerational Dharma Service
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.
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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
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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
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Intergenerational Craft activitY & Birthdays
