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Dana Day & Pet Memorial Service

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Cindy Alm

Dana Day and Pet Memorial Dharma Service for Sunday, February 9, 2025 with a Dharma Talk by Cindy Alm from Hawaii Betsuin. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhism service was officiated by Rev. Sol Kalu, resident minister of Windward Buddhist Temple.

Dana, or selfless giving, is one of the six paramitas. Cindy shares a history of Dana Day and the Buddhist Women's Association (BWA), and a story of dana, as told by the late Pono Shim about a cup and a half of flour. As Cindy mentions, the podcast where he told the story can be found on the Greater Good Radio website.

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.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    02:50 - Meditation

    03:38 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:39 - Pet Memorial Aspiration

    06:29 - Pet Memorial

    12:47 - Sutra: Sanbutsuge (page 46 in the red service book)

    20:38 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge II (page 6 in the red service book)

    21:31 - Gatha: Golden Chain

    23:38 - Dharma Talk: Cindy Alm

    43:10 - Gatha: Gentle Hands (page 62 in Praises of the Buddha)

    44:49 - The Nembutsu (page 145 in Praises of the Buddha)

    46:22 - Announcements

    50:48 - Giseikai

    53:06 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    53:55 - February Dharma Service Schedule

    54:11- 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

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Family Dharma Service

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Rev. Sol Kalu

Dharma Service for Sunday, February 2, 2025 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Sol Kalu. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Kalu. Rev. Kalu gave a Dharma Talk about the power of words. Right speech is important in Buddhism, so much so that it is one of the steps in the Eightfold Path.

The ability to use language enabled humans to meet and interact and has contributed to the development and continued survival of the human race. At the same time, because not everyone uses the same set of words to communicate, human language has also played a big role in wars and conflicts due to misunderstandings or deliberate distortion of words.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    02:52 - Meditation

    03:39 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:45 - Sutra: Gassho to Amida (page 123 in the red service book)

    12:09 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    13:50 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 22 in Praises of the Buddha)

    16:13 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Sol Kalu

    33:34 - Gatha: Splendor of an Evening Sky (page 194 in Praises of the Buddha)

    35:42 - The Nembutsu (page 145 in Praises of the Buddha)

    37:46 - Announcements

    46:07 - February Birthdays

    47:54 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    48:41 - February Dharma Service Schedule

    48:56 - 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

Intergenerational Activity: Year of the Snake

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Remembrance Day Service

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Rev. Sol Kalu

Remembrance Dharma Service for Sunday, January 26, 2025 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Sol Kalu. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Kalu. Rev. Kalu's Dharma Talk is about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who we honor and remember in January.

The monthly Remembrance Service 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

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

    02:42 - Meditation

    03:41 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:42 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    09:27 - Remembrance Aspiration

    10:15 - Remembrance

    17:22 - Sutra: Twelve Homages (page 120 in the red service book)

    24:36 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge

    25:34 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 93 in Praises of the Buddha)

    27:57 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Sol Kalu

    44:03 - Gatha: Shinshu Anthem (page 178 in Praises of the Buddha)

    46:34 - The Nembutsu (page 145 in Praises of the Buddha)

    48:09 - Announcements

    58:23 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    59:09 - February Dharma Service Schedule

    59:24 - 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 (Shinran's Memorial) Service

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Rev. Shinkai Murakami & Rev. Sol Kalu

Hoonko (Shinran's Memorial) Service for Sunday, January 19, 2025 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Shinkai Murakami of Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Dharma service was officiated by WBT Resident Minister, Rev. Sol Kalu.

The Hoonko Service is a special service that commemorates the death of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism founder, Shinran Shonin.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    03:12 - Meditation

    04:01 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:14 - Offering of Flowers & Light

    06:49 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)

    12:39 - Sutra: Shoshinge (page 11 in the red service book)

    15:09 - Gatha: Children In Japan (page 41 in Praises of the Buddha)

    21:09 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Shinkai Murakami

    56:45 - Gatha: Nami Amida Butsu (page 104 in Praises of the Buddha)

    59:04 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    01:01:06 - Announcements

    01:03:26 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    01:04:07 - January Dharma Service Schedule

    01:04:22 - 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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Shirley Yanagisawa

Dharma Service for Sunday, January 12, 2025 with a Dharma Talk by Shirley Yanagisawa. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Certified Minister Lay Assistant (CMLA) Prudence Kusano. Shirley shares the book "How to Be a Hero: From A to Z" by Lynn Daue and illustrated by John O'Neill.

The book is dedicated to Micah Nishizuka, nephew of the late U.S. Air Force Captain Reid Nishizuka. Captain Nishizuka graduated from Kailua High School, whose campus is a few miles away from WBT, and gave his life serving his country in 2013.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    03:17 - Meditation

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

    06:17 - Sutra: Junirai (page 59 in the red service book)

    16:01 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)

    15:09 - Gatha: On This Morn (page 153 in Praises of the Buddha)

    20:16 - Dharma Talk: Shirley Yanagisawa

    32:17 - Gatha: With These Hands (page 216 in Praises of the Buddha)

    33:47 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    35:51 - Announcements

    37:53 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    38:38 - January Dharma Service Schedule

    38:53 - 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

Bingo

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New Year Dharma Service

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Rev. Sol Kalu

New Year Dharma Service for Sunday, January 5, 2025 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Sol Kalu. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Kalu. During this time of New Year's celebrations and revelry, Rev. Kalu shares a message of "the middle way" and the power of the mind.

This was followed by an intergenerational activity, tissue art.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

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

    03:34 - Meditation

    04:21 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:29 - Sutra: Verses Reaffirming the Vows (page 117 in the red service book)

    13:28 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    15:09 - Gatha: Becoming Free (page 30 in Praises of the Buddha)

    18:37 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Sol Kalu

    39:31 - Gatha: Arigatai (page 14 in Praises of the Buddha)

    42:09 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    44:05 - Announcements

    47:00 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    47:44 - January Dharma Service Schedule

    47:59 - 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

Tissue Art

New Year Message from President Dennis Tashiro

Aloha Everyone,

Happy New Year!

Although my current term as Windward Buddhist Temple (WBT) president is about to end, in January 2025, I will begin another two-year term as WBT president. With the Buddha and Dharma as guides and along with fellow officers, I'll continue to serve the temple Sangha.

In 2024, Rev. Sol Kalu was assigned as WBT's minister. Rev. Bert Sumikawa, although now a retired minister, continues to support WBT in different ways and assists Rev. Kalu when needed.

Sunday services are recorded and available on YouTube for viewing, often the same day. WBT's website (www.windwardbuddhistemple.org) is updated real time and has been a source of many dharma seekers who have found their way to the temple. (Google has been good to us!)

WBT is a place for members and dharma seekers, collectively the sangha, to gather, listen to the dharma, socialize and participate in activities. After Sunday Services, refreshments are available and there are activities such as intergenerational crafts and bingo games. Other activities currently offered at the temple include tai chi classes, ikebana classes, gardening classes, exercise sessions and bon fitness classes.

WBT has two adult Dharma classes, a Spring Class and a Fall-Winter Class. The classes have been led by Rev. Sumikawa, who also holds meditation sessions every Thursday.

Whereas most temples have one bon dance a year, WBT has two. In July, we held a bon dance on our temple grounds. Each October, WBT co-sponsors a bon dance at Windward Mall. Last October's Windward Mall bon dance signified our fourth annual bon dance collaboration. Both bon dances were well attended and resulted in successful fund-raising events for WBT.

In an effort to become a more integral part of the windward community, members have participated in social concerns and earth-friendly events. WBT participates in a program to provide hot meals and snacks to houseless people in the Kaila area. We also do an annual cleanup along Kuulei Road.

WBT partners with the Kiwanis providing them with a meeting place and in turn the group has helped the temple with manpower and support for many events, including bon dances. There is also an aikido club practicing at the temple twice a week.

I encourage members and friends to attend Sunday Services and/or participate in one of the temple's many activities. WBT temple greeters and leaders are ready to welcome you and share our aloha.

Mahalo to the officers & directors, ministers, CMLAs, lay speakers, greeters, emcees, refreshment teams, yard/cleaning crew, flower arrangement group, pianists, our webmaster & video recorder, service coordinator, facilities coordinator, activities coordinators, volunteers that clean inside the building, Kiwanis and those working behind the scenes to ensure the WBT experience is a pleasant one. You make it happen!

My best wishes to everyone for a 2025 of good health, peace and happiness.

Thank you once again and In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

New Year Message from Rev. Sol Kalu

Rev. Sol Kalu

Aloha, and a Happy New Year 2025 to all the members and friends of Windward Buddhist Temple!

We look forward to a New Year with renewed hopes and aspirations, greater efforts whether at work, school, family life in general and, not to neglect, our spiritual cultivation through the temple, to make the best version of ourselves ever.

The previous year, 2024, admittedly, was not a very good year for me. Besides continuing to be on dialysis treatments, it was a busy time of assignment transfer from Mililani to Windward Buddhist Temple and multiple travels to the mainland for medical testing as part of my continuing effort to receive a kidney transplant. And then, the worst crisis of my life came towards the end of the year, in December, when my mother passed away at the age of 94.

It was overwhelming to face several problems all at one time and there have been times that I longed for an earlier, easier time in my life when I have not yet lost much of my freedom to end stage renal disease. But that is all now wishful thinking. The Buddha taught that the present is all that we really have, the past is past, and the future uncertain. What this teaching tells me is that it is futile to dwell in the past and regret what could have been, and it is equally pointless to worry unnecessarily for that which is yet to come. I remember one of our lay speakers remarked that dwelling in the past is akin to having depression and worrying about the future is like having anxiety. It is so very true.

"If you want to know why you are what you are now, reflect on your past deeds, if you want to know what you will be in the future, reflect on what you are doing in the present moment." It is important for us to understand well the Buddha's words of wisdom about mindfulness and living in the present moment. For it is in the present that we can sow the seeds, not only of our happiness and well-being, through the law of cause and effect, but also progress towards our spiritual path to Enlightenment and the Pure Land.

Namu Amida Butsu,

Rev. Sol Kalu


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Year End Dharma Service

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Rev. Sol Kalu

Year End Dharma Service for Sunday, December 29, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Sol Kalu. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Kalu. Rev. Kalu reads the Gomonshu's New Year Message and, in his Dharma Talk, reflects on the concept of time.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:22 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)

    03:06 - Meditation

    03:51 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    05:57 - Sutra: Juseige (page 54 in the red service book)

    12:19 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge II (page 6 in the red service book)

    13:17 - Gatha: Gentle Hands

    15:08 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Sol Kalu

    29:59 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)

    31:56 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    34:07 - Announcements

    41:01 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    42:09 - January Dharma Service Schedule

    42:24 - 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