OCEAN Volume 7, Issue 4 Path of Entrusting - Live the Teachings! April 2013

Transcription

1 Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple OCEAN Volume 7, Issue 4 Path of Entrusting - Live the Teachings! April 2013 East Asia In all east Asian countries Buddha's Birth is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month in the Chinese lunar calendar (in Japan since 1873 on April 8 of the Gregorian calendar), and the day is an official holiday in Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. Nepal The birth of the Buddha is often celebrated by Buddhists in Nepal for an entire month in the Buddhist calendar. The actual day is called Buddha Poornima (or Buddha Purnima), also traditionally known as Vaishakh Poornima. Although the day marks not just the birth of Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha, but also the day of Enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana. But as a gentle effect of West, the event of Birth is given paramount importance. The event is celebrated by gentle and serene fervour, keeping in mind the very nature of Buddhism. People, especially women, go to common Viharas to observe a rather longer-than-usual, full-length Buddhist sutra, as something like a service. The usual dress is pure white. Non-vegetarian food is normally avoided. Kheer, a sweet rice porridge is commonly served to recall the story of Sujata, a maiden who, in Gautama Buddha's life, offered the Buddha a bowl of milk porridge after he had given up the path of asceticism following six years of extreme austerity. This event was one major link in his enlightenment. It is said that the Buddha originally followed the way of asceticism to attain enlightenment sooner, as was thought by many at that time. He sat for a prolonged time with inadequate food and water, which caused his body to shrivel so as to be indistinguishable from the bark of the tree that he was sitting under. Seeing the weak Siddhartha Gautama, a girl named Sujata placed a bowl of milk in front of him as an offering. Realising that without food one can do nothing, the Buddha refrained from harming his own body. Japan In Japan, Buddha's birth is also celebrated according to the Buddhist calendar but is not a national holiday. On this day, all temples hold Kanbutsu-e (Japanese: 灌仏会 ), 降誕会 ( G ōtan-e), 仏生会 (Busshō-e), 浴仏 会 (Yokubutsu-e), 龍華会 (Ryūge-e), 花会式 (Hana-eshiki) or 花祭 (Hana-matsuri, meaning 'Flower Festival'). The first event was held at Asuka-dera in 606. Japanese people pour ama-cha (a beverage prepared from a variety of hydrangea) on small Buddha statues decorated with flowers, as if bathing a newborn baby. Korea Hanamatsuri Buddha s Birthday Celebrations in Asian Countries Excerpts from Wikipedia In Korea the birthday of Buddha is celebrated according to the Lunisolar calendar. This day is called (Seokga tansinil), meaning "Buddha's birthday" or (Bucheonim osin nal) meaning "the day when the Buddha came". Lotus lanterns cover the entire temple throughout the month which are often flooded down the street. On the day of Buddha's birth, many temples provide free meals and tea to all visi-

2 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 2 President s Corner Giving a Shout-Out! Thank you to everyone for your help and support of our March 30 KHM Bazaar! This event could not have happened without you! ************************** At our Sunday service on March 10, Mike Munekiyo, President of Wailuku Hongwanji, was the guest speaker. The theme for his talk was Dana. As Dana, or selfless giving, is a main emphasis for Buddhists, it plays an important part in our spiritual and our everyday lives. Mike asked the question: How do we make dana a part of life every day? Just as we have to practice baking a cake, playing baseball, or playing a musical instrument, dana requires practice, too. So we need to be sensitive and open to the times when by our actions we can make others lives a little easier or a little better. We need to be aware, also, of the instances when we are the recipients of dana when someone does something to or for us that makes us feel better. When we feel better, we, in turn, are more apt to do something positive or encouraging to others. Thank you, Mike, for your comments your comments gave clarity to a concept that could have seemed intimidating or unreachable. You brought into focus one of the primary practices of our religion. ************************** Some comments on Dana In theory, selfless giving seems so easy. In practice, the opportunity for selfless giving is oftentimes fragile, falling prey to the I ll do it later pitfall or the missed chance to say or do something. When the moment passes, it usually doesn t come again. If you have a positive or supportive comment, say it. The other side of the coin is also true--if you have a comment that is hurtful, don t say it. Negative words do not have to see the light of day. Dana does not have to be a newspaper headline story. In fact, certain instances of dana is at its purest when no one knows who the giver is. Dana is as near as our family, fellow workers, or colleagues. Just because we see certain people everyday does not mean that we can ignore them, that we don t need to be kind and gentle to them. Perhaps the opposite is more to the point: Because we see certain people every day, we need to be even more thoughtful and appreciative of them. There is the Dana of the Hands when we physically work to make things better for others. There is the Dana of the Heart when we connect with others through feelings and words. There is the Dana of the Mind/Thoughts when we try to rise high and think the best of people and events. Wait! Don t we receive a guide and a reminder every time we say the Golden Chain of Love? To think pure and beautiful thoughts... To say pure and beautiful words... To do pure and beautiful deeds... Thank you, Buddha! In Gassho, Janet

3 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 3 Mark Your Calendar! Service Responsibilities April 7 April 14 April 21 April 28 Hosha Hosha means to give or to help as an expression of one s gratitude. In the spirit of hosha, let s all consider working for the temple to be a privilege. Please come and help! April 7 April 21 May 5 May 11 May 12 May 19 May 26 No service at temple Jr. YBA Dharma School BWA/Kyodan April 6, 7:30 a.m. April 20, 7:30 a.m. Window Cleaning Jr. YBA Dates to Remember! Central Maui Buddhist Council s Hanamatsuri Service KHM Hanamatsuri Service & Infants Initiatory Rites Boy s Day Maui Matsuri KHM booth Mothers Day Brunch after Family Service at KHM Fujimatsuri at WHM Gotan-e Service at KHM Mothers Day Brunch at KHM Sunday, May 12 We welcome everyone to our annual Mothers Day Brunch after Sunday service. RSVP to the temple office ( ) by May 5. Please join us in honoring our mothers and grandmothers! Hanamatsuri Service Sunday, April 7, 9 a.m. Velma M. Santos Community Center The Central Maui Buddhist Council s annual Hanamatsuri event will be held on April 7. Hanamatsuri commemorates the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha 2,500 years ago, and is one of the most celebrated observances in the Buddhist tradition. Featured speaker is Lama Gyaltsen of the Maui Dharma Center. Games, entertainment and lunch will follow the service. KHM will be ordering lunch for the attendees. If you plan to attend, please sign up at the temple office. Everyone is invited to this event. It ll be a wonderful opportunity to connect with the different Buddhist sects on Maui! Kahului Hongwanji is in charge of the refreshment table this year. We appreciate any donation of refreshments. Kahului Hongwanji Hanamatsuri Service & Infants Initiatory Rites Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. Parents formally present their child to the Buddha and Sangha for the first time in Infants Initiatory Rites. At Kahului Hongwanji, it is incorporated with the Hanamatsuri Service. Please contact the temple office at by Sunday, April 14, if you wish to have your child be part of this ceremony. Fujimatsuri Service Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m. at WHM The Maui Hongwanji Council s Fujimatsuri festivities will be held at the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. Please contact the temple office ( ) by May 5, if you plan to attend as a count for lunch is needed. Gotan-e Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m. at KHM Gotan-e commemorates the birth of Shinran Shonin ( ), the founder of Jodo Shinshu. We observe this day to raise awareness in the Nembutsu teaching, to pay tribute to our founder, and to take pride in the Buddhist heritage. Please join us!

4 Volume 6, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 4 Buddhist Women s Association The annual Maui United BWA Spring Assembly will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Dani s in Wailuku. Helen Wai, the guest speaker from Hawaii Energy, will speak about energy efficiency. The cost is $20 and the deadline to participate is Sunday, April 14. Please confirm your attendance with Patsy Saki or Charlotte Wilkinson. Red Discount Card Service: This service is available for eligible seniors who are 60 years and older and are permanent residents here on Maui. Pick up your red card and a senior discount list at MEO s Community Service Office, The MEO s newsletter Senior Scoop is available to BWA members so please see Irene Matsuda or Charlotte Wilkinson for a copy. Upcoming events: Visitation/Community Service to Kula Hospital will be on Saturday, May 4 after hosha. Details will be discussed at the BWA meeting on Saturday, April 6 at 8:30 a.m. The Buddha says, The world is a reflection of one s own mind. This quote by Shakyamuni Buddha comes from the book Great Compassion: The Essence of Shin Buddhism by Mary Wada-Roath. This small book of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sayings and other related quotations is meant to be used as a portable companion for those seeking to understand the teaching. (Preface) Mabel: Ono! Great fun and yummy food on the BWA s outing on Girl s Day 2013! Susan & Sally dressed in Kimono! Smile! - Bernie, Reiko and Thelma New members Joyce & Pat!

5 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 5 Pack & Troop 64 News Pack and Troop 64 would like to thank KHM members for their support at the recent car wash and Scout Sunday service. The Scouts would also like to thank Steven Lee for sharing his aquaponic farm. The Scouts and their families learned how the farm worked and even helped clean and weed different areas including the eggplant and cilantro crops. They learned how to plant new cilantro seedlings. They fed the chickens and the fish. Everyone was able take home beans, eggplant, tomatoes and more. The moms were rewarded with papaya plants. Everyone had a great time and look forward to doing it again. Scout-O-Rama was a lot of fun, and Cub Scouts were able to share their map and compass skills while the troop participated in merit badge classes. Other activities keeping the Scouts learning and busy included a service project for Kealia Pond in Maalaea. Park Ranger Courtney and Volunteer Paula showed them how to pull weeds around the ponds. They planted 150 ground cover plants. The Scouts also learned about endangered birds, plants and other animals. The overnight camp at KHM before the bazaar kept the Scouts busy and the bazaar items secure. Scout Sunday Service action! Maui Matsuri Food Booth at UHMC Saturday, May 11, 3 p.m. 9 p.m. At the upcoming Maui Matsuri, Kahului Hongwanji will be selling many ono-licious food items bento, musubi, cold noodles, and a variety of baked products. Donations of baked goods are appreciated. Please come and support the Maui Matsuri and KHM s food booth. Mahalo!

6 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 6 4H 4H-ers joined church kyodan members to clean the temple s windows. They worked hard and made the windows shine until they could see their reflections. What a great job! The winning duo: First time participants in the 4H Teach in Demonstrations Renee and Megan wowed the judges with their awesome PowerPoint presentation, poise, and self confidence. The dynamic duo demonstrated their version of taco salad. Their hard work earned them a blue ribbon. Congratulations to Renee and Megan. Left: Window cleaning time at the temple! Above: Megan and Renee show the results of the great effort they put into their demonstration. Recipe Corner Easy Dipping Sauce Stir together 1 part Yoshida sauce 2 parts Sweet Chili sauce Ground chili powder to taste Green onion (chopped) to garnish. Recipes Welcome The newsletter staff welcomes you to share a favorite recipe with our sangha. Please 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! Perfect as a dip for fried chicken, pork, beef or fish! Yum!

7 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 7 Highlights of Kahului Hongwanji Mission Board Meeting Tuesday, February 26, 2013 Members Present: Rev. A. Hironaka, J. Shimada, G. Hiyakumoto, I. Tokishi, I. Matsuda, A. Yoshimoto, E. Nishimura, H. Toyama, S. Emura, G. Hironaka, C. Suyama, D. Toyama UNFINISHED BUSINESS Giseikai Resolution #1 Budget for Adopted. Resolution #2 Amendment to Increase the Ministers Pension Benefit - Adopted. Resolution #3 Amend Policy on Health Insurance Subsidy for Retired Ministers, Spouses and Widows - Adopted. Resolution #4 Closing of Kahuku Hongwanji Mission Adopted. Resolution #5 Resolution of Condolence and Appreciation for Mr. Teruo Morigaki of Papaikou Hongwanji Adopted. Resolution #6 Resolution of Appreciation and Condolence for the Most-Reverend Junjo Tsumura, 12 th Bishop, HHMH Adopted. Resolution #7 Extension of HHMH Financial Support for the Pacific Buddhist Academy Adopted with amendment Resolution #8 PBA Financial Assistance Adopted. Resolution #9 Membership Definition referred to the Membership & Proration Committee. NEW BUSINESS Maui Matsuri May 11, 2013 Guy Hironaka and Harriet Toyama volunteered to co-chair the event. Looking for a baked goods chairperson. Susan Emura will be in charge of decorating the booth. Mother s Day - Guy Hironaka volunteered to chair the brunch. REPORTS Minister s Report & Announcements - Rev. Hironaka asked that work on the PA system be a priority. Dharma Education Service Responsibilities May (proposed) May 5 Jr. YBA May 12 Dharma School May 19 No service (Fujimatsuri at WHM) May 26 BWA Gotan-e Window cleaning on 5/18 Dharma School Facility (Maintenance) One of the sump pumps replaced for $170. BWA Serving on the Maui United BWA are Kallie Keith-Agaran - 1 st Vice President, Ellen Nishimura - Auditor, Joan Yokoyama Director, Yukari Murakami Newsletter Chair, and Pam Farnsworth Student Exchange Chair. Honpa Hongwanji Mission 05/18/13-5/19/13 Dr. Ugo Dessi, 2013 BSC Scholar in Residence will be speaking at Lahaina on May 18 and at Wailuku on May 19 at our Fujimatsuri. Meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

8 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 8 Grateful Acknowledgments As of March 11, 2013 FUNERAL In memory of Edith Taguchi Edmund & Ellen Nishimura In memory of Yasumasa Sakuma Lillian Sakuma In memory of Fusaye Dorothy Tamura Naomi Tamura & John Tamura MEMORIAL SERVICES In memory of Alice Sorayama (49 day) Yutaka Sorayama & family Isao & Susan Asada In memory of Sakae Mukai (25 year) Larry & Joan Yokoyama Mr. & Mrs. Roy Mukai Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Mukai Mr. & Mrs. Mel Mukai Troy & Jean Yokoyama Darin Yokoyama & Maureen Oshiro Patrick & Sue Nomura In memory of Alice Sumida (3 year) Baron Sumida James & Yvonne Nagoshi In memory of Fumie Yoshizawa (7 year) Earl & Elli Funakoshi In memory of Jamie Hozaki (49 day) Karl Hozaki Wallace & Joyce Endo In memory of Yoshio Tsuhako (13 year) Misao Tsuhako Ron & Elise Tsuhako Shirley Saffery In memory of Masako Kihara (1 year) Joe & Barbara Tanaka In memory of Janet Yaeko Yayoshi (1 year) Gail Omura In memory of Kyoichi Abe, Haruno Abe & Matsuyo Abe (Re-burial) Alan & Beverly Abe In memory of Fumie Yoshimura (7 year) Audrey Harding Walter & Ione Tokishi Mr. & Mrs. Harold Okumura In memory of Hideyuki Matsuda David & Marilyn Matsuda (49 day) In memory of Tsuna Hiyakumoto (33 year) Satsuko Hiyakumoto Gerald Hiyakumoto Diane Ino Kenneth & Lynette Mizuo Isamu Hiyakumoto In memory of James Hozaki (1 year) Yutaka Sorayama & family SPECIAL Thomas Abe Barbara Mende & Jeanne Tadaki Larry &Joan Yokoyama In memory of Mr. Shiro Fujimoto & Mrs. Nato Fujimoto Jane Shimada In memory of Jerry Ojiri Laura Ojiri & Donna Ojiri In memory of Patricia Boyer & Masaru & Evelyn Omori William Boyer & Erika Boyer NEWSLETTER Violet Nishijima USE OF PROPERTY Flower Arranging Class GOLD AWARDS Yutaka Sorayama Tomoe Sato Pat Borg Satsue Kanechika Nobuko Yamashige Yukie Kohama Diane Ino Mikiko Gushi Chieko Hiwatashi Lillian Sakuma BWA In memory of Hideyuki Matsuda David & Marilyn Matsuda In memory of Edith Taguchi Donald & Shirleyan Yamasaki In memory of Yasumasa Sakuma Lillian Sakuma DHARMA SCHOOL In memory of Yasumasa Sakuma Lillian Sakuma JR. YBA In memory of Yasumasa Sakuma Lillian Sakuma Thank you for your most generous donations. 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.

9 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 9 Memorial Listing APRIL 1 YEAR (2012) Shimizu, Tamae, 81 April 12 Yoshioka, Takashi Roy, 94 April 18 Hirano, Kiyoko, 98 April 19 3 YEAR (2011) Shiotsugu, Kimie Tsukano, 96 April 7 Makishima, Etsuro, 101 April 11 Shoda, Tsuyako, 98 April 18 Shimabukuro, Susan Kikue, 55 April 26 7 YEAR (2007) Matsumoto, Masaru, 92 April 17 Nakamura, Yoshito, 80 April 23 Okada, Sadami, 95 April YEAR (2001) Nakagawa, Tsuruko, 91 April 1 17 YEAR (1997) Enomoto, Mitsuo, 85 April YEAR (1989) Machiguchi, Tsuya, 89 April 21 Agena, John Hideo, 56 April YEAR (1981) Tamura, Kurahei, 90 April 23 Tanaka, Harue, 64 April YEAR (1964) Manju, Eiji, 75 April 20 Masunaga, Kyuichi, 85 April 25 Sasagi, Aya, 68 April 26 Ajitomi, Uto, 82 April 29 MAY 1 YEAR (2012) None 3 YEAR (2011) Sera, Nobue, 91 May 3 Tanaka, Jean Fumie, 79 May 5 7 YEAR (2007) Nakayama, Yoshio, 90 May 26 Ihara, Fumiye, 91 May YEAR (2001) None 25 YEAR (1997) Kondo, George Yukio, 79 May 11 Murakami, Harry Toshio, 66 May 12 Isa, Hosho, 94 May YEAR (1989) None 50 YEAR (1981) Nakamura, Iwaichi, 80 May 6 Miyamoto, Noboru, 76 May 9 Fuchikami, Tsui, 88 May YEAR (1964) Nishiyama, Hisano, 85 May 23 IN MEMORIAM Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple extends deep sympathy and condolences to the family of the following member who passed away recently: Fusaye Dorothy Tamura, 86 February 20, 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

10 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 10 Obon Dance Practice Saturday, April 20, 7 p.m. 10 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m. 10 p.m. Kahului Community Center Annex Everyone welcome. No experience necessary. For information please call the temple office ( ).

11 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 11 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii HEADQUARTERS UPDATE 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii Phone: (808) Fax: (808) Web: hqs@honpahi.org March RYUKOKU UNIVERSITY BSC SPRING SEMINAR: MARCH 21, 2013 The keynote lecturer for this year s seminar is Prof. Nobuhiro Fukagawa of the Ryukoku University and we are very fortunate to have PD Dr. Ugo Dessi of the University of Leipzig, Germany, the 2013 BSC Scholar in Residence, who will be presenting one lecture. Prof. Nobuhiro Fukagawa was born in 1953 in Yamaguchi, Japan. He graduated from the Master and Doctoral programs of Shin Buddhism (Shinshu-gaku) in Ryukoku University graduate school. Since 1991 he has been a professor of Ryukoku University, teaching Shin Buddhism doctrine specializing in the Propagation of Shin Buddhism. He also teaches at the school of Kangakuryo with the academic status of Shikyō. During the Ryukoku-BSC Spring Seminar 2013, Professor Fukagawa will present a two part lecture on Shinran s Teaching and the Propagation Shin Buddhism ( 親鸞が開いた仏教と真宗の伝道 ). The lecture covers the overall and characteristics of Buddhism in the context of world religions, the view of human beings in Buddhism, the development of Buddhism and Shin Buddhism, the doctrine of Shin Buddhism, and the soteriological theory and significance of Shin Buddhism Teaching. Dr. Ugo Dessi s lecture will be about The Morality of Shin Buddhist in Japan. The lecture is based upon the results of a survey that he conducted in Japan in This survey was conducted among 400 Shin Buddhist followers belonging to the Nishi Hongwanji and the Higashi Hongwanji. He was greatly helped by Professor Kawasoe Taishin of Ryukoku University, who helped to facilitate the survey. LAY ASSISTANT YOUTH RETREAT (LAY RETREAT) With the guidance of the Ministerial Training committee, we will be having a retreat to train interested youth in becoming Ministerial Lay Assistants for the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. The three-day retreat will go over ritual, doctrinal and historical teachings as well as get the opportunity to deeply reflect on how the teachings influence their daily lives. Participants will also get the opportunity to conduct their own service, including leading chanting and delivering a Dharma message. Upon completion of this retreat, participants will be presented with a Monto-shikisho and a certificate signed by the Bishop officially recognizing them as Minister s Assistants at their respective temples. We would like to invite interested participants who are in High School through 35 years old. However, since the retreat requires participants to be active members of the temple who are willing to assist their minister; an approval from their respective minister will be required. The dates for the retreat will be from Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27 held at the Buddhist Study Center. For additional information, please Jake at youth@honpahi.org.

12 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 12 Highlights of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii continued PROMOTION OF INTERFAITH HARMONY On February 2, 2013, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii co-sponsored with the kind assistance of Hawaii Betsuin as the host site of a Hawaii Interfaith Harmony Week event planned by All Believer s Network. Interfaith Harmony Week is a United Nation s Program intended to promote Interfaith Harmony around the World. At this Symposium, 14 Spiritual Traditions gathered to share their views and understanding to promote religious harmony and understanding. The following is a partial report by the organization s President Dr. Saleem Ahmed. Bishop Eric Matsumoto represented the Buddhist Tradition at this Symposium. The following excerpts are part of a report submitted by Dr. Saleem Ahmed about the Symposium which is taken from The Council for a Parliament of the World Religions blog. Speakers Shed Bias At Hawaiian Interfaith Harmony Week Symposium While it s easy to highlight beauties of one s own religion and/or point fingers at others for the world s problems, how often do we fault our religion? In the discussion that followed, it became clear that passages of exclusion... in... discriminating religions had a contextual basis; a basis that might no longer be applicable. Instead of passing judgment against other religions based solely on a few selected passages of exclusion found in their sacred texts and ours, we should try to understand the context in which such passages were revealed.... Those passages were often replaced by other passages promoting inclusion. A whole new set of relationships evolves when followers of various religions recognize the spiritual similarities transcending religions. Then, ritualistic differences are readily accepted as culture-based observances which might even evolve further as humans transition from being Earth-based communities to becoming inter-galactic pioneers while still revering the same Reality. This paradigm shift in the way we look at our own religion from unquestioned acceptance to objective analysis and followers of other religions from lost souls to fellow travelers on the path to the same Destination can then strengthen our own interfaith quotient and inspire us to promote interfaith harmony. Another Interfaith Harmony event was held on February 7, 2013 spearheaded by Pacific Buddhist Academy, with participation by students of St. Andrew s Priory and Hawaii Betsuin s Hongwanji Mission School Middle School. It took place at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. UH HILO DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD GIVEN TO BISHOP ERIC MATSUMOTO The University of Hawaii at Hilo honored Bishop Eric Matsumoto, Dr. Larry Kimura and Ms. Valerie Takata as Distinguished Alumni and also presented Mr. Gerald De Mello with the Distinguished Service Award. The Awards Banquet was held on February 22, 2013 at the UH Hilo Student Center Dining Room. Konawaena High School graduate Bishop Matsumoto graduated from UH Hilo in He was also the recipient of the prestigious Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship in Bishop Matsumoto became the 16th Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii in OAHU DISTRICT CELEBRATES SANGHA DAY On the first Sunday in March, the Oahu Hongwanji Council annually celebrates Sangha Day, a gathering of Oahu District temples. It was hosted this year by Wahiawa Hongwanji. The theme this was "A Sustainable Lifestyle, Eat Local" because of the extensive exposure in our local markets as well as the press. We had a presentation by Ho Farms with the brother and sister team of Neil and Shin Ho. This year's celebration also recognized Wahiawa's pioneering background in agriculture from the first California farmers to the Issei immigrants who worked on the pineapple plantations. They emphasized their desire to bring fresh produce to local consumers and their products are, for example, in Costco and Foodland. Many of us know their products, especially the cucumbers and tomatoes.

13 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 13 Highlights of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii continued Following the Ho presentation, participants had a choice of visiting three areas: 1. Visitation to the Leilehua High School Agricultural Learning Center (farm) 2. Lecture about a home hydroponics system by Ms. Karen Yamamoto 3. Games for children This Sangha Day brought together over 200 participants who learned they can become less dependent on imported products and support local farmers or even become small farmers themselves. We will then become more interdependent and help our island economy. Success is... participating in an event, education for yourself that can be passed on to others, and reflecting on Buddhist values and principles that we can use in our daily lives. HAWAII DISTRICT HOLDS GATHAFEST On February 24, 2013, Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple hosted the 39th Annual Hawaii District Gatha- Fest. Approximately 200 Sangha members from temples throughout the Big Island converged at our Social Hall for a fun-filled day of singing selected gathas and songs. Keeping in mind that in Buddhism, change or impermanence is a basic principle, we chose the Gatha- Fest Theme, Change in Style. Participants were encouraged to get creative with their song selections and/or instruments or they could choose traditional gathas. Several temples responded with changes. Honokaa s Dharma Band performed two numbers accompanied by keyboard and guitar playing. Hilo Betsuin s Dharma group sang two original gathas written and composed by BJ Soriano accompanied by a band of ukulele players. Kona Hongwanji and The United Jr. YBA sang gathas with Buddhistic words rewritten by Daren Katayama to familiar tunes such as the Bon Dance song, Beautiful Sunday (re-titled Namanda Beautiful Sunday) and Lean on Me (re-titled Amida to Lean On) respectively. In addition, the required gatha which was sung by everyone in attendance was entitled Everybody Was Sutra Chanting. Again, Daren Katayama re-wrote the words to the tune Everybody Was Kung-Fu Fighting from the movie, Kung-Fu Panda. To add to the entertainment, the entire Sangha was asked twice to get on their feet and dance Gangnam Style! They were ably led by Kona Hongwanji Jr. YBA members, Michael Gusman and Trent Terada. Bishop Matsumoto and his family as well as all the Big Island Ministers in attendance were all good sports and gave their best rendition of the Korean celebrity Psy! Everyone had a blast!!! The world indeed was made a happier place that day with all of the voices singing out loud in harmony and Change in Style! (Article by Betty Takeoka) KAHUKU HONGWANJI MISSION CLOSED ITS DOOR The members and friends of Kahuku Hongwanji Mission (Minister: Rev. Kojun Hashimoto) gathered at the temple to observe its closing service on December 31, For many years the Kahuku Hongwanji Mission provided spiritual comfort and consolation to the Japanese workers at the Kahuku Plantation. The Hongwanji Mission was established in Kahuku with ministers from Betsuin traveling to Kahuku. Due to the fervent desire, a decision to build a temple was made in October Construction was completed in May 1902 and the dedication service was conducted in July The closing of Kahuku Hongwanji Mission (effective December 31, 2012) was formally approved at this year s Giseikai.

14 Volume 7, Issue 4 OCEAN Page 14 Highlights of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii continued HAWAII BUDDHIST COUNCIL CELEBRATES BUDDHA DAY Hawaii Buddhist Council which is comprised of seven Japanese Buddhist Denominations will be observing Buddha Day to celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha on April 7, 2013 at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. The service will start at 9:00 am followed by entertainment at the Social Hall. Activity Booths, Game Booths, and Food Booths will be provided for all the family members to enjoy. Headquarters Bookstore will open on that day. For more information, please contact HQ at PACIFIC BUDDHIST ACADEMY 7TH ANNUAL TAIKO FESTIVAL Please join us for the 7th Annual Taiko Festival, The Winds of Change, on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Mamiya Theatre at St. Louis School with performances at 2:00pm and 6:30pm. Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, the Pacific Buddhist Academy Ohana looks forward to many significant changes this year: The groundbreaking of our new classroom building, the retirement of founding Head of School Pieper Toyama and welcoming Robert Cody as our new Head of School. The Winds of Change honors these milestones by reminding us of the impermanent nature of life and the importance of viewing change as an opportunity to learn and grow. How do we embrace the lessons of life when the winds of change blow? Through practice and performances, students develop teamwork, concentration, and self-discipline. Taiko serves as a reflective art which helps to ground students mentally, physically and spiritually. Under the direction of Sensei Jay Toyofuku, the students of Hyaku Sen Ki Kai Taiko (Many Rivers, One Ocean) strive to master the art of Taiko with diligence and gratitude. This year, we will be joined by special guest artists Ron Miyashiro and Laurie Rubin and will feature performances by Hongwanji Mission School Students as well as the 2012 KZOO Radio Karaoke Grand Champion Amy Katsumoto and friends. Please contact the office at to purchase tickets or for more information. Mahalo! SADAKO CRANE EXHIBIT UPDATE In the October 2012 issue of the Headquarters Update, information about the donation of an actual crane/tsuru folded by Sadako Sasaki of Hiroshima by her Family to Hawaii was reported. Sadako s nephew, Mr. Yuji Sasaki, did the presentation at Pearl Harbor at a ceremony that was planned by the Hawaii Federation of Jr. YBA and our Youth Specialist Jake Chang with the National Park Service. Prior to the presentation, Yuji Sasaki visited Hawaii Kyodan including Hongwanji Mission School and Pacific Buddhist Academy. Since September of last year, Honpa Hongwanji has been working together with other organizations in the community to realize the goal of creating a permanent display for the crane at the Valor of the Pacific Monument. At a recent meeting attended by our President Alton Miyamoto, plans for creating the permanent display were discussed and a plan has been proposed. We now need your support to create this display with the message of world peace. Shortly, HQs will be sending detailed information to Temples and Affiliated Organizations on how donations can be forwarded for this worthy cause-the promotion of world peace and harmony. 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.

15 Office Phone: Office Fax: April 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 (Office Closed) (Office Closed) 7:30 a.m. Hosha 8:30 a.m. BWA Meeting 1 Hanamatsuri Proclamation Mayor s office 13 (Office Closed) (Office Closed) p.m. Scouts Mtg 7 9 a.m. Central Maui Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku 5:30 p.m. 4H Mtg 20 (Office Closed) (Office Closed) 15 7:30 a.m. Hosha Window Cleaning-Jr. YBA 14 9 a.m. Family Service (Jr. YBA) 11 a.m. MUBWA Dani s 6 p.m. Scouts Mtg 27 (Office Closed) 8:30 a.m. Hojukai (Office Closed) p.m. Scouts Mtg 6:30 p.m. Maui Hongwanji Council 21 9 a.m. Family Service Hanamatsuri & Infants Initiatory Rites with Rev Ai Hironaka (Dharma School) 5:30 p.m. 4H Mtg 6:30 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting a.m. Family Service (BWA/Kyodan) 15

16 Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 291 South Puunene Avenue Kahului, Hawaii Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT NO. 37 Kahului, Hawaii 16 Address Service Requested Office: (808) Fax: (808) Website: Minister-in-Charge Reverend Ai Hironaka Kyodan President Janet Shimada Office Secretary Sharon Higa Office Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 am 12 noon Fri-Sat Closed Nokotsudo hours: daily 8 a.m. 5 p.m. April Calendar of Events Hosha Saturday, April 6, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. ********* BWA Meeting Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. ********** Central Maui Hanamatsuri Service at Velma McWayne Santos Community Center Sunday, April 7, 9 a.m. ********** Hanamatsuri & Infants Initiatory Rites at KHM Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. ********** Hojukai Saturday, April 27, 8:30 a.m. *********** Sunday Family Service Sundays, 9 a.m. ********** Dharma School Sundays after service *********** Scouts Meeting Mondays, April 8, 15, & 22, 6 p.m. *********** 4-H Meeting Wednesdays, April 10 & 24, 5:30 p.m. *********** Yoga Class For schedule contact Kallie Keith-Agaran ***********