Bodhi Day: Celebrating Buddha s Enlightenment By Reverend Richard Tennes

Transcription

1 Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple OCEAN Volume 7, Issue 12 Path of Entrusting - Live the Teachings! December 2013 Bodhi Day: Celebrating Buddha s Enlightenment By Reverend Richard Tennes Most of us know that Buddhism began a long time ago in India with the enlightenment or awakening of Shakyamuni Buddha. In December, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, a time to reflect on the Buddha s enlightenment and to consider what that awakening has to do with our lives today. Shakyamuni Buddha is the way we traditionally refer to the historical Buddha, the person who lived in Northern India about 2,500 years ago. His name, before he became the Buddha (the awakened one ) was Siddhartha Gautama or just Siddhartha for short. Siddhartha was an ordinary person, a human being, like all of us. What is his story? Unlike most of us, however, Siddhartha s father happened to be a king, and he wanted his son to be king after him. One thing he was afraid of, though, was that his son might become a religious seeker. If that happened, he knew that his son would never be the king. To be a king, a person really has to care about ruling over others; he has to enjoy power. But spiritual seekers don t care about power; they are only interested in what is good and true. So, in order to keep Siddhartha safe from the kind of thoughts that inevitably lead to spiritual questions, questions about life and death, his father kept him in a wonderful palace where he could have everything he wanted and where he never saw anything that might disturb his happiness. Here, Siddhartha was given everything he could ever want, and what s more, he never experienced or saw anything that might have suggested the existence of suffering in the world. In other words, he never saw sickness, old age, or death. His father actually shielded Siddhartha from anyone who was sick or old or unhappy or angry; he even protected him from hearing stories or news about such things! Everyone that Siddhartha saw, everyone that took care of him, had to be young, healthy, and beautiful and had to be happy and smiling all the time. He must have thought that everything in life was always happy, young, and new! In this way, Siddhartha was kept from encountering anything that might have awakened him to the truth of impermanence, to reality. In this way, Siddhartha s father tried to ensure that his son would become a good king and not a religious seeker. But, as you might guess, when parents try to shield their children from reality, it seldom works out well. As Siddhartha s father got older, he too had to stop visiting his son. Otherwise, Siddhartha might have seen his father ageing and start to realize that there is impermanence in the world. Anyone who got sick or had problems of any kind which might have revealed that life was not all happiness and goodness had to leave the palace. When this happened, Siddhartha must have wondered why his friends and family members eventually disappeared, one-by-one, from his life. Even though his father was successful in preventing his son from seeing people age, Siddhartha must have asked himself where did they go? He must also have begun to wonder what went on outside his wonderful palace! One day, despite all the precautions his father had taken, Siddhartha was able to sneak out of the palace and to take a look at the real world. He was really shocked by what he saw. He saw people working desperately hard growing grain and vegetables. He saw others laboring to make bread and other foods. He saw poor people suffering from hunger. This was unbelievable to Siddhartha because he had always received whatever (continued on next page)

2 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 2 Bodhi Day: Celebrating Buddha s Enlightenment (continued from previous page) he wanted without even asking! His life was so easy! Why should these people have to suffer and be hungry? he must have asked himself. He saw sick people and dying people and funerals with families crying in pain because of losing their loved ones. This really shook Siddhartha to the core of his being! He was immediately filled with compassion for all these suffering beings. How can I go back to my easy and happy palace life now he asked himself, when the world is so full of suffering? I am no better than anyone else so I must give up my comfortable life and go off by myself until I discover the truth of why there is suffering and how to cure it! So, from that point on, Siddhartha became a seeker of truth. He listened to teachers and followed their advice and tried many different ways to find an explanation and a cure for the sufferings of the world. But eventually he had to just sit down by himself and reflect deeply on his own life and his relationship with the world. When he did this, it is said that he became enlightened. That means that he woke up to life, to the truth, which we call Dharma. He became the Buddha, the one who is awake. From then on, he saw the world in a totally new way, which allowed him to appreciate every moment of life without any anxiety or worry. He didn t worry about himself anymore; he saw everything and everyone in the light of the Dharma. He became like an empty vessel filled with light. And because of the great Truth he had found, he only wanted to share what he had learned with everyone around him; he wanted everyone to have the opportunity to leave behind their suffering and begin to appreciate their lives; and so he began to teach the Dharma. Because of him, we too are able to hear the Dharma; through the Dharma, we too are able to truly appreciate every moment of our lives. Of course, most of us are not yet able to become completely enlightened as Siddhartha did. We cannot yet become Buddha, no matter how much we think we understand. But it s no problem for us because the Buddha s enlightenment already includes all of us limited deluded people; we are all embraced by the Buddha s infinite Compassion and Wisdom. That is the meaning of Namo Amida Butsu. All we have to do is trust that the Buddha s Compassion and Wisdom is always guiding and helping us. There is no need for anything else. Then we can all deeply appreciate every moment of life, whether our circumstances seem to be happy or sad, whether we are sick or healthy, old or young. The reason for this is because, in Namo Amida Butsu, in the Mind of Amida, every moment of our life is completely pure, joyful and filled with wisdom and gratitude. Let us celebrate the Buddha s Enlightenment, let us awaken to the life of Namo Amida Butsu. With hands together in reverence, Rev. Richard Tennes ANNOUNCEMENTS The Maui Hongwanji Ministers Association is organizing a special Community Memorial Service in support of the Victims of Typhoon Haiyan on Friday, December 20 at Kahului Hongwanji Mission. For more information, please call the temple office. Reverend Tennes s open office hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, 10:30 am 12:30 pm. If you wish to see Rev. Tennes outside these times, please call the temple at or him at shaku.nyokou@gmail.com to set up a time to meet. Join Rev. Tennes Monday mornings at 8:00 a.m. in the Kahului Hongwanji Hondo for a short morning chanting meditation followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee. A great way to start the week! (Call for more information.) EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

3 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 3 President s Corner A year has many definitions: There is the calendar year that in most countries runs from January to December. There is the fiscal year that usually runs from July 1 to June 30. There is a fiscal year that is set by an organization and may be different from the July to June year. There is the academic year that now uses different start and end months depending on location of the school. There is the anniversary year that marks a year from a personal event happy or sad. And, there is the year marking the end of the two-year term of Kahului Hongwanji Board Members. This is such a year. Many of the current members of the KHM Board have actually served for more than one term, meaning they had made the commitment of leadership for at least four years. Others have provided the stability and group memory that is so important by being a board member for ten years or more. It is important for a board to have new members and experienced members. New members provide different approaches, different expertise and experiences. Experienced members have a knowledge of successful projects accomplished. They know the history of our organization and can keep KHM from spinning wheels or going in directions already tried without knowing adjustments must be made. Kahului Hongwanji is fortunate to have both new and experienced board members. Please go over the enclosed slate of officers carefully. Complete it and then send or bring it to the office by December 30. Come to Kahului Hongwanji s yearly General Membership meeting and New Year s Celebration on Sunday, January 12, This is when the election of officers will be made official. Please notice that the office of President does not have a name listed. Our By-Laws state that the president shall serve only two terms four years. This is my fourth year (altogether six years as President). The Nominating Committee tried very hard to find someone to say Yes. Analyzing the reasons why there is this development, the Executive Board worked on a plan to address the demands of the position. Basically, the plan revolves around more people being willing to become actively involved in the temple s activities religious and social. This means each and every one of Kahului Hongwanji s board members, and its general members and their families. Don t be afraid to agree to help, to coordinate. Yes, it takes time, but the benefits are great! You will gain a greater connection with people and a deeper understanding of Buddhism, the Way of Life that we have chosen. These connections and understandings will be greater and much more satisfying than these few words can express. All of this will happen over time. There it is again, the word Time. Time is an investment. We invest time when we read to our children and go to their games. Let us make another investment of time so we, our children, and our children s children will be able to continue coming to Kahului Hongwanji as a home. In Gassho, Janet Remember: January 12, 2014! General Membership Meeting and New Year s Celebration! DONATION TO HONPA HONGWANJI You can now make a donation to Honpa Hongwanji through online with your Credit Card. Please visit our website at and click Donation to Honpa Hongwanji on the main page. Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law.

4 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 4 Mark Your Calendar! Service Responsibilities Dec 1 Jr. YBA Dec 8 Bodhi Day service Dec 15 General clean-up no service Dec 22 BWA Dec 29 Kyodan Hosha: Year-end General Cleanup Sunday, Dec 15, 7:30 a.m. Hosha means to give or to help as an expression of one s gratitude. In the spirit of hosha, let s all come together to work at KHM s Year-end General Cleanup of the temple and facilities. General Membership Meeting & New Year s Luncheon January 12, a.m. Temple service at 9 a.m. is followed by the: General Membership Meeting Installation of Board of Directors Installation of BWA Officers for Fukunaga Dana Award Presentation The New Year s Luncheon with games and prizes immediately follows the meeting. Adults -$5 per adult Children 18 yrs. old and under Free Please call the temple office by Tuesday, Jan. 2, to let us know if you are coming. Bodhi Day Service Plus Yard Sale! Sunday, December 8 KHM will mark this year s Bodhi Day with a short service by the Bodhi tree at 6:30 a.m. followed by the year-end Yard Sale from 7-11 a.m. On Bodhi Day (December 8), Gautama meditated under the Bodhi Tree (Tree of Enlightenment) and became a Buddha, perfect in Wisdom and Compassion. This historic event took place as the first faint light of day began to glow in the eastern sky. By his example he showed us that it was possible for man to become a Buddha a fully Enlightened Person. We are, therefore, in possession of this potentiality Buddha- Nature which, when awakened and cultivated, will enable us to achieve supreme Wisdom and Compassion. Excerpt from Shinshu Buddhist Handbook Please refer to the included flyer for more information on the Yard Sale! Mochitsuki Saturday, December 28 Using mochi machines (no manual pounding!) and beginning at 7:30 a.m., these wonderful delicacies will be created! Each family is to bring their own mochi rice (soaked for at least one day and night), potato starch, an (beans), and containers in which to put finished mochi. Limit is 5# per family. Please plan on staying until all families are through with their mochi this is a get-together time when everyone helps everyone else. Please call the office to let them know you will be coming and how many pounds of mochi rice you will be bringing. (One batch is 2 1/2 pounds and takes 45 minutes to cook and steam.) New Year s Eve Service 7:30 p.m. New Year s Day Service 9 a.m. Usher out the old and welcome the new! Please come to both services. Simple refreshments to follow. Dates to Remember December - January - Dec 8 KHM Bodhi Day Service/Yard Sale Jan 1 New Year s Day Service Dec 15 Year-End Clean up Jan 12 General Membership Meeting & New Year s Dec 28 Mochitsuki for Families Celebration Dec 31 New Year's Eve Service Jan 26 Ho-onko Shinran Shonin Memorial Service

5 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 5 Hojukai Pummelos (Pomelos), more commonly known in the islands as jabon, were used to make these fabulous Halloween décor. The Hojukai attendees enjoying this creative holiday activity are certainly talented and had lots of fun! Many thanks to Arleen Yoshimoto for leading this project and for 4- Hers for their assistance. Thank you also to Chieko Hiwatashi for her donation of goods for future Hojukai lunches PHILIPPINES DISASTER RELIEF We have seen the massive destruction in the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan struck earlier this month. As the country begins the process of rebuilding and healing after this disaster, our Sangha would like to do its part in supporting relief efforts there. The HHMH Committee on Social Concerns has approved a total of $15,000 to aid in relief efforts. The following organizations will receive the funds: American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter $5,000,The Filipino Community Center/Consuelo Foundation $5,000, and the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation $5,000. It is only through your generous contributions to our annual fund drive that makes this kind of immediate response possible. We know many members would like to personally contribute to aid in relief efforts. The Committee on Social Concerns recommends the following organizations to donate to: American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter 4155 Diamond Head Road Honolulu, HI Checks made payable to: American Red Cross Aloha for Philippines Filipino Community Center/Consuelo Foundation Mokuola Street, Suite 302 Waipahu, HI Checks made payable to: Filipino Community Center Aloha for Philippines You can also donate to these organizations at any of the following banks: American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii, Bank of the Orient, Central Pacific Bank, Finance Factors, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii National Bank, HomeStreet Bank, Ohana Pacific Bank, Pacific Rim Bank and Territorial Savings Bank. Tzu Chi Foundation, USA, Hawaii Chapter 1238 Wilhelmina Rise Honolulu, HI Checks made payable to Tzu Chi Thank you for your continued generosity and support during this time of tragedy; your Dana will save lives. Mahalo! A special Community Memorial Service in support of the victims of typhoon Haiyan is being planned for Friday, December 20 at Kahului Hongwanji Mission (see Announcements on page 2).

6 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 6 Dharma School As 2013 is nearing its end, the Dharma School students are gearing up for the oncoming holiday season. Sunday, October 27 was the annual Halloween party for the students. Everyone dressed up in fun costumes and enjoyed the snacks and had fun playing the games. A special thanks to the 4-H Shooting Stars for organizing the event! Happy Holidays to all!

7 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 7 4-H Shooting Stars Where did October go? The month flew by quite fast. First my 4-H club and I marched in the Maui Fair parade. I got a chance to wave at all of my adoring fans as we walked along Kaahumanu Avenue to the fair grounds. This year we were in the sixteenth position in the parade and finished marching just as the fair gates opened for business. No lines yet for rides HOORAY! Our next October project was 4-H Sunday. What an experience. We never had the opportunity to run a service. I never realized what goes into preparations for Sunday service. With the help from Mrs. Shimada and Reverend Tennes, we were somewhat prepared. We had a practice session prior to the actual service with Reverend Tennes. It was a learning experience. He explained the procedures and how he wanted the service to be conducted. Reverend Tennes patiently offered advice and suggestions to us to help ease our nerves of public speaking. On the day of the service, we were a little nervous but ready to go. Emma and Renee did a great job conducting the service as the emcees. Stacie and I represented our club with the duties of greeter and Dana collectors. I think that we did a good job for our first time helping with Sunday service. I cannot wait until next year; maybe I will be able to see over the podium. Then Emma and Megan participated in the October Hojukai activity. They helped decorate jabongs instead of pumpkins for Halloween. Those senior ladies were quite creative. When given some glitter and glue, great things happened. Our last major project of the month was the Halloween party for the dharma school students. The experience of planning and organizing a party was not as easy as I had expected. First, we decided at the last minute to plan for the party. We had never organized something like it. During the early planning stages, the adults let us have the freedom to plan and decide what were going to do. Stacie was in charge of the event. She divided everyone into committees to handle each stage of the party. After we brainstormed and put everything down on paper, I felt that we were ready. We decorated the Lumbini room prior to Sunday. Everyone worked together to put the streamers all around the room and set up the spider web. I thought that the room looked kind of scary and had that Halloweeny feel to it. On the day of the event, we had a group of children ready to party. First we started with a game of musical chairs. We found out that when you play musical chairs with little kids, you need to use smaller chairs because the regular chairs can seat two kids instead of only one. Next was my favorite the donut eating contest. Aunty Gail (my mom) hung up the donuts and the contestants were ready to chow down. I think that the donuts were too big because everyone took too long to eat even half the donut. After everyone s face was covered with icing from the donut, a winner emerged. It was Renee. The last game of the day was a relay game. The relay consisted of popping a balloon, hula hooping, and spinning with the head resting on a bat. After the kids were dizzy from the relay, they finished the day breaking a piñata. Everyone was happy and loaded with candy. I think that we did an okay job for our first time planning a party. But next time, I think that we should start planning earlier. We were quite busy with many activities, and I can t wait for what fun is in store for us next month. Domo arigato Dayna Saito

8 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 8 Pack 64/Troop 64 Pack and Troop 64 would like to say THANK YOU to the Kahului Hongwanji Mission for its support. Our Scouts are thankful to be a part of KHM family. Webelos Trever has been busy completing his requirements for his Arrow of Light Award and will receive his badge at the December Court of Honor. The Arrow of Light Award is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn and is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. Trever will be joining the Troop in January. Scout Edgar is on his way to earning his Tenderfoot rank and will be having his Board of Review in December. He has been working on merit badges and helping Trever complete his requirements for joining the Troop in January. Life Scout Devin has been busy working on his Eagle rank. He has been helping Edgar and Trever with their requirements and showing them how much fun scouting can be. We wish that everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving!!! If you know a boy that would like to join KHM Scouting program, please call Kevin Tanaka at or contact the temple office at Recipe Corner PHILLY CREAM HOLIDAY CAKE 1 block cream cheese (8 oz) 1 c butter 1 ½ c sugar 1 ½ t vanilla 4 eggs 2 ¼ c cake flour (divided) 1 ½ t baking powder 1 c fruitcake mix (chopped fine) 1 c walnuts (chopped fine) Cream cheese, butter and sugar. Add vanilla. Blend well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Sift 2 cups of the flour with the baking powder. Mix remaining ¼ cup flour with the chopped fruit and nuts. Add sifted flour mixture to creamed mixture and mix well. Add floured fruits and nuts. Grease bundt or tube pan. (3 small loaf pans may be used.) Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. (Bake for 1 hour for small pans.) HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Recipes Welcome Please share a favorite recipe with our sangha. Send a copy to the temple office or send it via to kahuluihongwanji@hawaii.rr.com. Please your picture and we will gladly insert it in the Recipe Corner. Mahalo!

9 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 9 Highlights of Kahului Hongwanji Mission Board Meeting Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Members Present: Rev. R. Tennes, J. Shimada, S. Emura, S. Higa, G. Hironaka, G. Hiyakumoto, H. Nakamura, E. Nishimura, C. Suyama, I. Tokishi, D. Toyama, H. Toyama, A. Yoshimoto, I. Matsuda UNFINISHED BUSINESS Solar Panels Report KHM has been on-line from the week of September 22, Nomination Committee The slate of officers will be officially presented to the Board at the next meeting, then will be sent to members via Ocean. 125th Anniversary Honpa Hongwanji Rev. Ai Hironaka and Janet Shimada will be the chairs from Maui on the planning committee. NEW BUSINESS December Yard Sale There continues to be an abundance of donations which are presently in our storage areas. Motion was made and seconded to hold a Yard Sale on December 8, 2013, with proceeds to go into the CIP Fund and affiliates to receive a donation for their assistance. Motion carried. Air Conditioning for the Temple The main temple is presently the largest enclosed area on KHM grounds for use for a large group gathering. Suggestion was made that it can become a comfortable location for various types of uses. Motion was made and seconded to authorize Gerald Hiyakumoto to research the feasibility of installing air conditioning in the main temple. Motion carried. Proposal Executive Director rather than Temple President With no one available to fill the office of Kyodan President, restructuring of the position may be necessary. A meeting to discuss the leadership position(s) will be held on Monday, October 28, at 1:30 p.m. All are invited. REPORTS Minister/Office Report Weekly Morning Service, Coffee & Dharma continues at 8:00 a.m. in the KHM Hondo & Minister s Office. Held most Mondays. The six session introduction to Shin Buddhism entitled Embraced by Great Compassion began on October 12 at KHM on Saturdays at 10:30-12:00 noon. The class/discussion group is facilitated by Rev. Tennes and Rev. Sol Kalu of MHM. Dharma Education Service Responsibilities/Window Cleaning Helpers January (proposed) January 5 Jr. YBA January 12 Dharma School General Meeting/NY Celebration? January 19 Kyodan January 26 BWA Ho-onko? Window cleaning on 1/18 Dharma School Jr. YBA Per information received from Wendy Wells, Maui United Jr. YBA is in charge of hosting an overnight Federation meeting and Olympic Games on January 18-19, The site is yet to be determined. Other Business For coordination purposes, KHM organizations/affiliates are asked to please schedule usage of temple facilities with the office. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

10 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 10 Grateful Acknowledgments As of November 11, 2013 FUNERAL In memory of James Ushijima Arthur & Ruth Ushijima MEMORIAL SERVICES In memory of Norman N. Murakami Tomoye Murakami Eleanor Nishimura Marlene Nishimura In memory of Katsuto Shimizu Eleanor Nishimura Marlene Nishimura Tomoye Murakami In memory of Kama Miyasato (13 year) Clarence & Jean Miyasato In memory of Saburo Ota (7 year) & Robert Ota (25 year) K.K. Ota & W. Lau Hee T. Lau Hee & W.N. Lau Hee Janice Ota In memory of Clara Takamura Brenda Tatsuhara Cary Takamura Craig Takamura Baron Sumida Sandy Sumida Chieko Hiwatashi In memory of Thelma Nakashima (7 year) Jean Fragoza SPECIAL Henry & Florence Tasaka Anonymous (Butsudan disposal) In memory of Toshimi Shimazu (17 year) Chieko Hiwatashi In memory of Ralph Kazumasa Kimura Masue Kimura Audrey Takitani H. Taira & R.S. Taira In memory of Guy Toyama (1 year) Douglas & Harriet Toyama Isaac & Jane Toyama In memory of Harumi Haraga (13 year) Ayae Heishman In memory of Nobuko Kamada (25 year) Isaac & Jane Toyama In memory of James Ushijima Ayae Heishman Mikiko Gushi Toshio & Yvonne Kishi Bernadine Tagomori OBON (not previously listed) In memory of Shizuka Abe James & Sharon Uno OHIGAN (not previously listed) Satsuko Kanechika Yoshio & Yukie Kohama DANA FUND Contributors to Sunday, October 27 service s special dana collection for this fund NOKOTSUDO Alan & Irene Matsuda Janice Ota COPY MACHINE Bernadine Tagomori PROPERTY USE Friends of Old Maui High School Harry & Janet Shimada GOLD AWARDS Yukie Kohama Teruko Yamashita Lillian Sakuma Betty Yoshimura K. Higashi Patsy Saki Thank you for your most generous donations. Kahului Hongwanji depends greatly on the support of its ohana. We are sorry if we have omitted or misspelled your name. Please assist us by calling the office ( ) so we can make proper corrections. Also, if you prefer your listing to be Anonymous, please let us know by indicating this desire on your check. Mahalo.

11 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 11 Memorial Listing DECEMBER 1 YEAR (2012) Sorayama, Alice, 87 December 18 Hozaki, Jamie, 61 December 28 3 YEAR (2011) None 7 YEAR (2007) None 13 YEAR (2001) Fujii, Tsukasa, 86 December 12 Yayoshi, Masaharu, 84 December YEAR (1997) Kunitake, Teruko, 85 December 21 Makita, Satoshi, 36 December 26 Sasada, Ayame, 84 December YEAR (1989) None 33 YEAR (1981) Omoto, Megumi, 67 December YEAR (1964) Mochida, Yujiro, 83 December 21 Kawano, Satsu, 75 December 21 JANUARY YEAR (2013) Matsuda, Hideyuki, 96 January 22 Taguchi, Edith Hisayo, 90 January 30 3 YEAR (2012) Hozaki, Mitsuo, 88 January 24 Ueda, Hiroshi, 89 January 30 7 YEAR (2008) Hiranaga, Bessie Chimoto, 93 January 1 Inaba, Flora Otsuma, 90 January 4 Tanaka, Franklyn Mamoru, 60 January YEAR (2002) Fuchikami, Kiyoko, 76 January YEAR (1998) Ogata, Kunio, 80 January YEAR (1990) Nakagawa, Miyoki, 68 January 15 Uchimura, Irene Shizuyo, 78 January YEAR (1982) Kanechika, Katsuyo, 94 January 2 Tomita, Kazuo, 69 January 10 Fujii, Tomeichi, 93 January YEAR (1965) None IN MEMORIAM Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple extends deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the following members who passed away recently: Hatsuyo Misawa, 99 October 5, 2013 Tokie Hidani, 96 October 20, 2013 James Ushijima, 90 October 22, 2013 MEMORIAL SERVICE A memorial service is held in gratitude for the compassion of Amida Buddha and the life of Nembutsu. It is a time for family members and friends to gather together on behalf of the departed person, to share their memories, and to express thankfulness and gratitude. To make arrangements for a memorial service, please call the temple office at

12 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 12 Highlights of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii HEADQUARTERS UPDATE 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii Phone: (808) Fax: (808) Web: NOVEMBER 2013 Marriage Equality in Hawaii At the 98 th Legislative Assembly of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii held in February 2010, presided over by State President Mr. Alton Miyamoto and Bishop Thomas Okano, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, upon the recommendation of the HHMH Committee on Social Concerns, officially adopted a resolution supporting the rights of same-gender couples which was shared with the General Public. In February 2011, Civil Unions were recognized in the State of Hawaii. On September 9, 2013, the Honorable Governor Neil Abercrombie called for a Special Session of the Hawaii State Legislature relating to Marriage Equality or Same-sex Marriage. The Senate Hearing was held on October 28, 2013 and the House Hearing was held on October 31, 2013, at both Hearings Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii testified in person in support of Marriage Equality with the following moving testimony. In Strong Support of Senate Bill 1 Relating to Equal Rights (Testimony given at Senate Hearing and House Hearing by Rev. Eric Matsumoto, Bishop) I would like to express my strong support of Senate Bill 1. The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii is the largest Buddhist denomination in Hawaii with 33 temples throughout the State. For nearly 125 years, we have been sharing the message of an All-Inclusive Wisdom and All-Embracing Compassion which aspires for the peace and happiness of all existence. Guided by Great Wisdom and Compassion, we are encouraged to equally respect all people. The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii s support of marriage equality is based on the equality of all people. We believe that marriage equality is a basic civil right of any person. Further in any relationship, what are most important are the commitment, respect and trust that people bring to the relationship. The choice to marry the person you love is a freedom that should not be denied to anyone. Gay and lesbian couples wish to marry for similar reasons as anyone else to make a lifetime commitment filled with love and fidelity to the person they love. I believe that religious freedom is adequately protected by the bill. It is clear that no member of the clergy will be required to perform a wedding ceremony with which he or she does not agree. On the other hand, the passage of the bill will provide clergy the opportunity to marry all individuals who are deeply committed to each other. It is clear that some religious denominations will perform marriages for same-gender couples, and some will not, just as some houses of worship perform interfaith marriages and some will not. This bill does not change this fact. This bill expands religious freedom and rights to more people in our Nation through our State. I believe it is in the spirit of our great Nation and our Aloha State to welcome, embrace and provide for all people. I know our ministers would welcome the opportunity to perform weddings for same-gender couples as it also affirms our spiritual values. True Compassion and Aloha includes all! I humbly ask for your support for same-gender couples having the right to marry in Hawaii. Thank you for this opportunity to testify. Bishop Matsumoto was also one of several clergy who spoke at a rally held by supporters at Capitol Rotunda which was also attended by Rev. Shindo Nishiyama and Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani. Bishop Matsumoto was present at the State Capitol during various times throughout the special session to show the support of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. There were some tense moments between supporters and opponents who had gathered at the State Capitol, but in the end Hawaii lived up to its name of the Aloha State.

13 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 13 Highlights of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii continued Rev. Blayne Higa, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Concerns, also sent letters of support to all Senators and Representatives on behalf of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. He delivered an Invocation at the opening of the House of Representatives to provide guidance to those in attendance. He served as the critical link between the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and various other supporting organizations such as Hawaii United for Marriage, ACLU, other clergy in support of marriage equality and many other groups including Legislators. Bishop and he were invited to attend the By-Invitation only signing of the Bill by the Governor of Hawaii held at the Hawaii Convention Center on November 13, 2013 which made Hawaii the 15 th State together with the District of Columbia in the Nation to recognize same-sex marriage. In attendance to witness this significant moment was Representative Richard Onishi of Hilo, Hawaii. The support and presence of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, as the largest denomination of Buddhism in Hawaii, was appreciated by many supporters and seems to have impacted a significant number of individuals including Legislators. Bishop Matsumoto stated that he was very proud to represent the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and expresses his appreciation to the Members and Supporters of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii for sharing their perspective and value on the equality of all people with the rest of the Community. He is overjoyed that Jodo Shin Buddhists are being guided by Wisdom and inspired by Compassion and that is making a difference in our world. Truly thanks to the support and dedication of so many people all across the State who supported Marriage Equality by submitting written and oral testimony, contacted Legislators, participated in rallies, signed petitions and informed the Honpa Hongwanji of their support and appreciation, we have marriage equality in our State. Thank you for your support! Let us continue our efforts to promote more awareness, mutual respect and understanding among all people. Thank you! 2014 Giseikai The 2014 HHMH Legislative Assembly (Giseikai) will be held on February 7 & 8, 2014 at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. The registration fee for Giseikai is $ (includes Living Treasures luncheon fee). Rap Session fee is $8.00. The Registration form and other documents that need to be submitted for Giseikai were already sent to the temples and organization leaders. Please submit all the documents to HQ by the deadline described in the letter. The packet containing materials for Giseikai will be distributed at the Hawaii Kyodan Board of Directors Meeting on December 7, Thank you very much for your cooperation. Living Treasures of Hawaii recognition Luncheon The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii will honor the following individuals as the 2014 Living Treasures of Hawai i in recognition of their personal and professional achievements and their contributions to the community. We welcome you to celebrate this honor with them. Reverend Ida Chun Dr. Samuel Gon III Robert Hamada Arthur & Rene Kimura Reverend Chikai Yosemori Date: Saturday, February 8, 2014 Place: Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Time: 11:00 AM Registration, 12:00 PM Lunch and Program Cost: Early registration - $70.00 for payments received by January 24, 2014 Late registration - $85.00 for payments between January 25-February 3, 2014 (Reservations will NOT be accepted after February 3, 2014) Sponsor Tables are available: Gold - $5,000; Silver - $3,000; Bronze - $1,500 *To register, please call your temple office for the form to be completed. IMOP Ministers Internship in Hawaii Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii welcomed two ministers who were in the International Ministerial Orientation Program (IMOP) at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkley, CA. During the three-month program, the participating ministers take classes at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, receives lectures from the Kaikyoshi (Overseas Minister) and members, attends Sunday Services, and observes Kaikyoshi s duties and responsibilities to deepen his/her understanding and aspiration to become a Kaikyoshi Minister in Overseas districts. The

14 Volume 7, Issue 12 OCEAN Page 14 Highlights of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii continued Kaikyoshi aspirants from Japan must complete the IMOP in order to be officially registered as Kaikyoshi Minister by Honzan (Mother temple in Kyoto). Honzan will then dispatch the new minister to Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, Buddhist Churches of America, or Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada based on the needs from the district and the aspiration of the minister. This year Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii supported this program by welcoming two individuals for their 9 days internship in Hawaii. This year s IMOP participants, Rev. Yuko Kubo and Rev. Daido Baba, went through the Internship in Hawaii from October 19 to 27, 2013 under the supervision of Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani. They received lectures and observed minister s work from the Hawaii Kyodan Ministers, had a fellowship with BSC Fellowship Club, and delivered a Dharma Message at Waipahu Hongwanji Mission. They both showed their great interest in becoming a Kaikyoshi Minister in overseas districts. Appreciation Gathering for the Retired Ministers and Spouses Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii annually invite all the retired ministers and their spouses to express our appreciation for their service and dedication to the Hawaii Kyodan. This year s gathering was held on November 2, 2013 at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. At the opening service, Bishop Eric Matsumoto and Mr. Alton Miyamoto delivered a message of appreciation on behalf of the active ministers and members of HHMH. An appreciation luncheon was held at the Bishop s residence. Dr. George Tanabe receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon On November 3, 2013 (Japan time), the Government of Japan announced the 49 foreign recipients of the Fall 2013 Imperial Decorations. From Hawaii, Dr. George Joji Tanabe, Jr., Professor Emeritus of the Department of Religion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa was selected to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. Service: Contributed to the enhancement of mutual understanding between the United States and Japan and the promotion of Japanese culture and values through research and studies in Japanese Religions and for his contributions to the strengthening of academic and cultural exchanges between the United States and Japan. In 1977, he joined the faculty of the Department of Religion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he taught religion and Buddhist philosophy for 28 years, as well as concentrating his efforts on writing books and articles and doing public lectures on Japanese Buddhism and Japanese culture. Dr. Tanabe served as the Chairman of the Department of Religion from 1991 to In 2006, Dr. Tanabe became a Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii and continued his writing and lectures. That year, he also became an Advisor of the Numata Center at the Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai. For 35 years, Dr. Tanabe has been a key figure in Hawaii in the field of religion, mainly in the area of Japanese Buddhism, focusing his efforts on educating students and doing research. He strengthened academic cooperation between the United States and Japan by visiting Japanese universities and fostering networks with the research faculty there, and in coordinating academic symposiums such as the International Conference on the Lotus Sutra and Japanese Culture. In 2001, following the Ehime Maru incident, Dr. Tanabe assisted and advised the American side on issues of varying sensitivities involving Japan culture and religion. Dr. Tanabe s contributions have deepened the understanding of Japanese religion and Japanese culture, and promoted academic and cultural exchanges between the United States and Japan. Donation from JTB On November 18, 2013, Mr. Kyoji Koitabashi and Ms. Naomi Ozawa of JTB USA Honolulu Office visited the Bishop Eric Matsumoto to present a grant of $1,000 to Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. JTB Cultural Exchange Corporation has established a grant program in 1988 to recognize individuals and organizations that have shown commitment to enhancing international awareness and relations between the peoples of Japan and the United States. Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii has been selected to receive this grant award because of our commitment to strengthening positive relations between Japan and the United States.

15 December 2013 Office Phone: Office Fax: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9 a.m. Family Service (Jr. YBA) 8 6:30 a.m. Bodhi Day Service 7-11 a.m. Yard Sale 15 No Family Service 7:30 a.m. General Clean-up 22 9 a.m. Family Service (BWA) 29 9 a.m. Family Service (Kyodan) 2 8 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 9 8 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 16 8 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 23 8 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 30 8 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee a.m. Hale Makua Kahului visitation 17 6:30 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting :30 p.m. New Year s Eve Service Community Memorial Service at KHM in support of victims of Typhoon Haiyan HOLIDAY Christmas :30 a.m. Mochitsuki 15

16 Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 291 South Puunene Avenue Kahului, Hawaii Address Service Requested Office: (808) Fax: (808) Website: Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT NO. 37 Kahului, Hawaii 16 Resident Minister Reverend Richard Tennes Kyodan President Janet Shimada Office Secretary Sharon Higa Office Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 am 12 noon Fri-Sat Closed Minister s Office Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri 10:30 am 12:30 pm Nokotsudo hours: daily 8 am 5 pm December Calendar of Events Sunday Family Service Sundays, 9 a.m. Except December 8 and 15 see below ********** Dharma School Sundays after Family Service ********* Chanting Meditation followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee at KHM Mondays, 8 a.m., December 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 *********** Bodhi Day Service & Yard Sale Sunday, December 8 Service at 6:30 a.m. Yard Sale from 7-11 a.m. *********** Hosha: Year End General Cleanup Sunday, December 15, 7:30 a.m. *********** Community Memorial Service at KHM in support of victims of Typhoon Haiyan Friday, December 20, time tbd Mochitsuki Saturday, December 28, 7:30 a.m. *********** New Year s Eve Service Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 7:30 p.m. ********** Hojukai No meeting in December ********** BWA Meeting No meeting in December ********** Scouts Meeting Contact Denise Tanaka *********** 4-H Meeting Every other Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. *********** Yoga Class For schedule contact Kallie Keith-Agaran