Who Am I? By Reverend Richard Tennes

Transcription

1 Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple OCEAN Volume 8, Issue 3 Path of Entrusting - Share Peace! March 2014 Who Am I? By Reverend Richard Tennes As a Buddhist minister, I am often asked religious questions which express common worries and anxieties. For example, the question, where did my loved one go when he or she died? very much expresses the fears that most of us have about the end of life. My answers to these types of questions have developed over the years; they have grown as I have grown through reflection on life and on the Dharma. These are never easy to answer because the real question may be the one that the questioner is yet unable to ask. The real question we are all asking, whether or not we realize it, is not Where do we go after death?, but Who am I and what is the significance of my life? This is the question we actually need to ask in order to awaken to true meaning and purpose in our existence. For thousands of years, in both the West and the East, the question of the afterlife has dominated the spiritual lives of most people. Although East and West have different views on this subject, the fact is that human beings have long put an emphasis on life after death and have denigrated our everyday life to a level of less importance, if not downright triviality. There are many reasons for this. In the earliest period of human life, people no doubt found death to be an imponderable mystery and the question where do we go? probably drove the development of religion in the first place. I imagine that death was originally simply a source of sadness at the loss of a member of the tribe. But it was natural for people to wonder what happened to their fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who died. A person has lived, a father or mother, child or friend, and that life has been an inseparable part of the life of others. When death comes, an imponderable mystery faces those left behind: where has this life gone? Faced with this mystery, human creativity imagined worlds beyond this one different though similar where life continues after death. And as the sense of morality, of right and wrong, developed among people, so too did the awareness that right and wrong do not necessarily prevail in this world. The afterlife provided a way for the un-fulfilled rewards and punishments owed for actions in this life yet unfulfilled at death to be resolved and the balance of the world to be maintained. Unfortunately, as the afterlife began to be seen as a place of potential punishment, the end of life became a time of tremendous fear. But even the hope of reward in the next life has a downside. History has demonstrated that the promise of fulfillment after death has provided a rationale for untold exploitation and oppression of the poor and helpless by the rich and powerful. The poor and dispossessed are always told, Don t worry about what happens to you in this life, just be good and obedient and if you do you will receive your reward in the next world. Because of this belief, injustice and inequality is perpetuated and allowed to become institutionalized. Worst of all, this emphasis on the afterlife robs us of something fundamental, so fundamental that we are often completely unaware of it. (continued on page 5) Kahului Hongwanji s Annual Spring Bazaar Saturday, March 22, 7-11 a.m. Hope to see you there! Fun!! Please see the details on page 4.

2 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 2 As Time Seems To Fly! Wow The Bazaar s on March 22! March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb is a familiar adage. As KHM members prepare for its annual bazaar, we can compare the sheer energy expended as the lion, and as we relax and look back at the fruits of our efforts, we feel like the lamb. Much work and action signal the beginning of bazaar time. Yes, it is that time again. The annual bazaar is scheduled for March 22. Under the capable leadership of Nelson Okumura, some committees have actually been working since January. The combined efforts of everyone will again make this a successful event. The reality is that KHM has a smaller pool of people to draw from unlike times past, so everyone is urged to take part in some way. Please help the dedicated committee leaders by responding with an enthusiastic YES when asked to help, or better still, offer your services without being asked. In either circumstance you will be much appreciated! KHM s Executive Committee (Excom): Colleen Suyama, Gerald Hiyakumoto, Diane Lee We Have Openings! The highly regarded Kahului Hongwanji Pre-School has openings for four and five year olds. This is a rare opportunity, as normally the school has a waiting list. The school is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The school s goal is to provide a foundation for the child s education as well as to nurture and provide a safe place for children to grow. The children are fed two snacks and lunch freshly prepared by our cook, Nana. We have a caring, dedicated staff who have many years of experience working with children. Student to teacher ratio is very small. If you know of children who would benefit from our school, invite them to check it out. Call Ms. Cherisse at Do you like chocolate? The pre-school is selling BIG ISLAND CANDIES Chocolate Crunch Bars for $4 each. Contact Ms. Cherisse at the number above to purchase this treat! In gratitude, Diane Lee, Kyodan 3rd Vice President The Four Hanging Lanterns of Our Temple The four hanging lanterns were recently restored and dedicated with the following words by Reverend Richard Tennes after Family Sunday Service on February 9, 2014: Let us dedicate these newly restored Hanging Lanterns at the four corners of our temple. The donor would like these lanterns to serve as a symbol of the Dharma Light that always illumines our Buddhist Path. Under these lights, let us now express our deep appreciation to all those members, past and present, who brought this light to Kahului Hongwanji, and rededicate ourselves to keeping the Light of Dharma lit in our community, long into the future. Kyodan members lead by Reverend Tennes walked around the temple to view and appreciate the lanterns.

3 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 3 Service Responsibilities Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 31 Jr. YBA Dharma School/BWA Spring Ohigan Kyodan (no family service) Kyodan Board Hosha 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 keeping the temple and facilities in tip-top shape. Saturday, Mar 1, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Mar 15, 7:30 a.m. Window Cleaning BWA Dates to Remember! March - Mar 2 Hongwanji Day Mar 6 Tannisho Buddhist Education Class Mar 16 Spring O-Higan Service Mar 22 KHM Spring Bazaar April - Apr 6 Maui Buddhist Council Hanamatsuri Apr 8 Buddha Day Apr 13 KHM Hanamatsuri, Infants Initiatory Rites Service & Dharma Egg Hunt Apr 26 Maui United BWA Spring Assembly KHM Hanamatsuri Service & Infants Initiatory Rites Sunday, April 13, 9 a.m. On this occasion, parents formally present their child to the Buddha and Sangha for the first time in the infant initiatory rite. At Kahului Hongwanji it is incorporated with the Hanamatsuri Service. Please contact the temple office at by April 1 if you would like your child to be part of this ceremony. Mark Your Calendar! Spring O-Higan Service, Sunday, March 16 Please join Kahului Hongwanji for O-Higan service on Sunday, March 16 at 9:00 a.m. O-Higan is a time during which we can reflect upon the profound harmony and oneness of the universe, a harmony that is apparent when we are able to see beyond our limited, self-centered views. The word higan means the other shore of enlightenment. Traditionally, Spring O-Higan is a week-long observance, during which the observance of the Six Paramitas or perfections (giving, discipline, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom) are studied and contemplated. During O-Higan, we can bring to mind these perfections and consider how they relate to our own lives. These Six Paramitas are part of the path of the Bodhisattva, one who vows to leave behind self-centeredness and practices perfection in order to become a Buddha for the sake of all beings. Since Buddhism teaches us first and foremost to transcend our limited self, the Bodhisattva path seeking perfection and enlightenment for everyone is the true Buddhist path we must all follow. As Jodo Shinshu followers, our living the Nembutsu life is itself the Bodhisattva practice of perfection. As Shinran Shonin taught, Nembutsu is the mind of Amida, perfect Wisdom and Compassion. Normally, our lives are defined by a lack of perfection, by disharmony, and struggle. Shinran himself struggled throughout his life and realized that perfection, which is limitless, could never be achieved through his own limited efforts. He learned that it is only through total reliance on Amida Tathagata, the true reality of Wisdom and Compassion, that we can understand the meaning of perfection in our lives. During this O-Higan period, let us reflect deeply on the Six Perfections. Though we are limited beings, the Six Paramitas are truly realized through the heart and mind of entrusting faith; in this way we are brought to perfection through the working of Amida s Compassionate Vow. Lecture with Dr. David Loy Tuesday, March 25, 7 p.m. Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Dr. David Loy is the guest speaker for the Ministers Association Lecture and the Buddhist Study Center s Numata Conference. He will be addressing the important topic of Why Buddhism and the West Need Each Other. During his stay in Hawaii, he will be visiting the neighbor islands to share his insights into the importance of Buddhism in our culture and is scheduled to (continued on bottom of page 9)

4 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 4 Kahului Hongwanji s Annual Spring Bazaar Saturday, March 22, 7-11 a.m. Please call the temple office at if you can help. Mahalo! Kahului Hongwanji Mission s 2014 Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. The temple welcomes temple organizations, members and supporters for manpower kokua, and donations of goods or funds. This is an important fundraising event for KHM as it represents 26% of the temple s total annual fundraising. Please help get the word out about this significant event. Begin spring cleaning early! Donations of clothing, books, toys, household items, and treasures for others may be dropped off at the temple, preferably during weekday mornings. More products to sell mean a better opportunity for KHM to meet its income goal. However, due to storage limitations, large furniture pieces are welcome on the day before or the early morning of the bazaar. No baby car seats (safety/liability concerns) and no outdated computers and hardware, please. Need more food? Extra chow fun and sushi tickets are available for sale in addition to the one ticket each mailed to member families. Please come to the office for extra tickets or come to the bazaar to purchase the food at the window. Hooray! Time to help everyone enjoy a day of finding treasures and enjoying delicious food. Work Schedule: February 16 Sunday Pre-sale tickets for Chow Fun and Sushi to be distributed at service February 17 Monday Pre-sale tickets for Chow Fun and Sushi to be mailed February 17 Monday Cookie Baking February 20 8am-12 Begin rummage sorting/pricing every Tues, Thurs and Fri February 28 Friday Deadline for ingredients, supplies and manpower requests to Sharon March 4 Tuesday 5:30pm Bazaar Committee meeting March 14 Friday Deadline to turn in payment for Chow Fun and Sushi Pre-sale tickets March 18 Tuesday Rummage drop off deadline March 19 Wednesday 7:30am Sushi Prep March 20 Thursday 7:30am Chow Fun Vegetable Preparation 7:30am Nishime Prep 7:30am Sushi Prep ` 7:30am Meet at temple to carpool to pick protea or meet at farm at 8:00am March 21 Friday 7:30am Sushi Prep 8:00am Set up tents and tables for concessions 10:00am Nishime cooking March 22 Saturday Bazaar day 3:00am Rice cooking 4:30am Sushi Preparation (mixers 4:30, Measurers 4:45, rollers 5:00am) 5:00am Spam Musubi preparation 5:00am Parking direction for workers( one person) 5:30am Mini Teri Bento preparation 5:30am Set-up booths 6:00am Parking directors begin 6:00am Chow Fun Cooking 7:00am Doors open 11:00am Clean up - all

5 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 5 Maui Buddhist Council Central Maui Hanamatsuri Sunday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center Sponsored by the Maui Buddhist Council, the Central Maui Hanamatsuri will be held on Sunday, April 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. Members should sign up at the temple office by March 31. A donation of $5 is suggested for those over 18 years old. Children 18 years old and under are free. Donations help with Kahului Hongwanji's share of lunches, prizes, and other expenses for the Hanamatsuri. Members of Buddhist temples of various sects participate in this celebration. Dharma Message from Reverend Tennes continued from page 1: What is this fundamental thing? It is simply the importance of the life we are living, right now! To truly live is to be able to appreciate life now, to have the awareness that each moment matters, no matter whether we succeed or fail, whether life is fair or not, whether we win or lose! Our real life does not begin at death, when we go to the Pure Land, a better birth, or to some kind of heaven. We are often told that life is all about struggle and work. True happiness and fulfillment is for the next life, for when you get to this Heaven or Pure Land. Happiness is said to be a reward, not a natural state. Even in America, where people have been extremely successful in a materialistic way, where we have been taught to actively pursue happiness as an inherent right, true happiness is almost impossible to find. The rich and powerful are certainly not happy. According to statistics, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24. There is truly a profound absence of happiness in a society where even privileged young people despair of their precious lives and wish to end them. Buddhism calls us to return to the present, to the moment of life we are actually living, to wake up to life as it really is. Although people mistakenly believe that Buddhism is concerned with the afterlife, the Buddha s teaching is really about the wholeness of life as it is experienced in the present moment. If you continue to reflect deeply on your ever-changing, impermanent life, on its sources and on all the interconnections that link your living with all of life you will gradually come to realize that the one and only life you live is the Boundless Life (Amida Buddha) which you are at one with in this present moment. There is no you outside of this. All my clinging and striving for success and fulfillment, for acceptance and approval means nothing. Nothing I do, achieve, or attain will last! One Buddhist minister (Rev. Kiyozawa Manshi) said: Who am I? I am nothing but this moment in the flow of life. This flow of life is not within my control; it is the life of the universe itself. The life of the universe flows in me and I just flow with this life and this life is myself. To be part of this flow of life is to realize impermanence. It is strange that so much of our focus, as Buddhists, has tended to be on funerals and memorial services; yet these rituals seldom cause us to question or criticize our deluded way of living. Instead, we tend to take comfort in the myths of the afterlife, which allow us to continue living complacent lives until we are overcome by the suffering that inevitably comes with old age, sickness and death. How tragic that we waste our lives in such a way! As Buddhists, it is essential to question the myths and comforts of afterlife beliefs and turn our focus back to the reality of life, to the question Who am I and what is the significance of my life? Now, before it is too late! Within this question we can find, with devoted searching and reflection, not only the meaning of life, but true happiness and appreciation for each irreplaceable moment of our precious and brief journey as human beings. Namo Amida Butsu

6 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 6 Dharma School Dharma School activity planned for March is a visitation to Roselani Place to present a short program on Sunday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. Students, families and friends have been practicing songs and bon dance on Sundays in February. Thank you to Irene Imada, our music director, Susan Emura, our bon dance instructor and Patsy Saki, ukulele coordinator, for taking time to help us with our program. Dharma school relies on many of our members for help. Fujimatsuri is scheduled on May 18 at Lahaina Hongwanji. In April, the dharma school students will be working on posters and essays on this year s Hongwanji slogan, Path of Entrusting: Share Peace. Please mark your calendars! The annual Dharma Egg Hunt is planned for Sunday, April 13 after refreshments. Jr. YBA The 5 th Annual Jr. YBA MariOlympics and Hawaii Federation Winter meeting were held on Maui this year from Saturday, January 18 Sunday, January 19. Kahului Hongwanji was the main temple that hosted the event, which included members of the Federation of Jr. YBA and other delegates attending from all islands. There were 20 delegates, 4 ministers, 11 advisors and 1 Youth Specialist in attendance. The weekend included activities such as volleyball (thank you to Douglas Toyama and Gerald Hiyakumoto for setting up the net), dodgeball and swimming. However, the swimming time was cut short because the delegates spent a lot of time on the resolution to the Gomonshu that was presented at the Gisekai. The advisors were all so impressed with the effort on the resolution. Thank you to Guy Hironaka for providing such a yummy lunch and for assisting with breakfast. Everyone also attended Wailuku Hongwanji s New Year s dinner. A thank you also goes out to the preschool for allowing us to have a sleepover. The weekend ended with almost all delegates attending our KHM Family Service. Youth Specialist Jake Chang was the guest speaker. Reverend Murakami from Wailuku and Reverend Kawagoe from Hilo sat in to lead the chants for Reverend Tennes, who was on the Big Island as a guest speaker. It was a fun and productive weekend for all! No one wanted to leave Maui. For anyone interested in joining Jr. YBA, our next United meeting is on March 2 at Kahului Hongwanji at 11 a.m. YESS camp was held in February this year during the President s Day weekend instead of March. An upcoming event is the 57 th Jr. YBA State Convention that will be held on Kauai from June Jr. YBA delegates, ministers, advisors and Youth Specialist after the Sunday Service

7 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 7 Hojukai 2014: Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse! Hojukai, KHM senior citizen group, met for its first gathering for the new year playing Bingo and folding origami horses and cranes to make 2014 year-at-a-glance calendars based on the Chinese Year of the Horse and this year s Hongwanji theme, Path of Entrusting: Share Peace. Everyone enjoyed playing Bingo assisted by the KHM 4H Shooting Stars group. Thank you to all participants, 4H members, and donors of Bingo prizes. Making oshizushi was on for the February activity and creating mini flower arrangements is being planned for the March session. Hojukai begins at 8:30 a.m. with a temple service followed by light exercises, activities and a delicious lunch. Please come and join in the fun-filled activities. Call the temple office at for more information HHMH Theme Path of Entrusting: Share Peace

8 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 8 Shooting Stars 4H Greetings from the Shooting Stars. Hi, it s me Dayna Saito reporting on behalf of my 4H club. We had a very slow start these past two months. I m still playing with my toys that I got from Christmas and am enjoying my New Year s mochi. The club members began 2014 by attending the KHM New Year s service, annual meeting, and party. I wanted to be a part of the meeting and second a motion, but I guess I was too small to be seen and was not noticed when I raised my hand. After the service was over, everyone headed to the social hall to continue the festivities. First we played this exciting new game called Who knew that a kini was half of a bikini? Well, that is what Megan said and that Nickel Cola was the cousin of Coca Cola. That game was so fun. I learned a lot of new things. We assisted Mrs. Shimada during the game portion of the program by passing out prizes to the game winners. Then it was Bingo time! My friends and I ran the Bingo game. We did such a good job that everyone looked confused after we read out each number. I think that means that everybody really liked us. I had so much fun. Renee wanted to win the flexi straws, but Mrs. Shimada said that a winner could not choose the prize. Good thing we had an inside person who gave Renee the straws that she wanted. The next activity of the month was Hojukai. We played Bingo and made origami horses. Megan assisted Mrs. Yoshimoto with the instructions for the origami horses. We created origami stallions for the Year of the Horse. It was not as easy as we thought. Our horses kind of looked like donkeys until Megan came along and fixed them. Bingo followed the origami activity. Megan was the mistress of the Bingo cage. Because she cranked the Bingo cage, the number balls flew out. We collected the runaway balls from the floor and she called out the numbers. Someone yelled Bingo. Everyone clapped and cheered as one-by-one the ladies, and men, too, yelled out Bingo. The prizes flew off the table. We had so much fun that day because who does not love Bingo? We did not have as many activities these past two months but made a lot of fun memories. Thank you very much. Recipe Corner Crust: ½ c butter ½ c brown sugar 1 ¼ c flour APRICOT SQUARES Cut chilled butter into brown sugar and flour. Press into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for minutes or until lightly browned. Filling: 1 c sugar 2 eggs 1 c chopped dried apricots ¾ c flaked coconut ½ c chopped pecans ¼ c flour ½ t vanilla ½ t lemon juice ¼ t salt Mix sugar and eggs together well. Add apricots, coconut, pecans, flour, vanilla, lemon juice and salt. Spread over baked crust (hot is o.k.) Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. Keep in airtight container in cool area. Recipes Welcome Please share a favorite recipe with our sangha. Send a copy to the temple office or send it via to kahului-hongwanji@hawaii.rr.com. Please your picture and we will gladly insert it in the Recipe Corner. Mahalo!

9 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 9 Highlights of Kahului Hongwanji Mission Board Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Present: Rev. R. Tennes, G. Hiyakumoto, C. Suyama, G. Borg, P. Borg, M. Emura, S. Emura, P. Farnsworth, R. Fukumura, G. Hironaka, A. Kochi, H. Nakamura, E. Nishimura, N. Okumura, J. Shimada, I. Tokishi, D. Toyama, H. Toyama, A. Yoshimoto, C. Camara, S. Higa, I. Matsuda EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT Executive Committee (Excom) The temple PA system is functioning after being evaluated by Mike VandeWeghe and Laurie Hiyakumoto. The wiring has been organized and bundled. Please do not access the system. Switching on/off is all that should be done when used. Problems continue with the internet and telephone system. A technical review will be done soon. The Friday grounds maintenance crew needs more help. Audit of the KHM financial records and a review of the Bylaws and Policies are needed. A vacancy occurred as one nominee for Auditor withdrew from the ballot. Per Bylaws the vacancy can be filled with an Excom appointment and a Board of Directors approval. Motion was made and seconded to have George Borg serve as an Auditor for KHM. Motion carried. List of appointments of chairpersons for Standing Committees and Events/Activities Committees was circulated for confirmation. Please respond to Gerald Hiyakumoto. Kyodan Board will conduct and be responsible for the Family Service on the 5 th Sunday of the month. Excom will be in charge of service and refreshment responsibilities. An organized effort will be made to publicize KHM activities and events via blog, social media and print media. Request has been made to all who use the temple facilities and are the last to leave please check to see that all buildings are secured, in particular, the restrooms. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS Preschool Cherisse Camara, Preschool Director, presented a request for use of Lumbini Hall next school year (beginning August 2014) for a few hours each day to accommodate the late-born 5 year olds who will not be able to enter kindergarten in public schools. Motion was made and seconded to defer the matter regarding usage of Lumbini Hall and to request a written proposal outlining what is needed, deadlines required and information regarding any necessary permits. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Annual Bazaar Nelson Okumura will chair this event. Presently seeking chairs for Baked Goods and Water/Soda sales. ANNOUNCEMENTS/OTHER BUSINESS The Newsletter Committee reminds everyone that articles are requested from each organization and it is very important that each group meets the deadline for submittal, which is the 11 th of the month. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Dr. Loy s upcoming lecture at Wailuku Hongwanji continued from page 3 deliver a lecture here on March 25 at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. This event is sponsored by the Maui Hongwanji Council. David Robert Loy is a professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism. He is a prolific author, whose essays and books have been translated into many languages. His articles appear regularly in the pages of major journals such as Tikkun and Buddhist magazines including Tricycle, Turning Wheel, Shambhala Sun and Buddhadharma, as well as in a variety of scholarly journals. He lectures nationally and internationally on various topics, focusing primarily on the encounter between Buddhism and modernity: what each can learn from the other. Presently he is offering workshops on Transforming Self, Transforming Society and on his most recent book, The World Is Made of Stories.

10 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 10 Grateful Acknowledgments As of February 11, 2014 MEMORIAL SERVICES In memory of Flora Inaba (7 year) Ronald & Shirley Yanagisawa In memory of Edith Taguchi (1 year) Mr. & Mrs. Donald Yamasaki Yamasaki Ohana In memory of Bessie Hiranaga (7 year) Jane Hiranaga & Rene Kanno In memory of Tokie Hidani (49 day) Wayne & Diane Omura Mikiko Gushi In memory of Yasumasa Sakuma (1 year) Lillian Sakuma Colin & Janis Hiranaga Jane Hiranaga & Rene Kanno In memory of Betty Shimizu Van Shimizu SPECIAL In memory of Tomeichi Fujii Itsuko Onaga In memory of Kiyoshi & Yoshiko Nakano Carol S. Kawagoe & KYM Kawagoe Esther Nakano In memory of Hideyuki Matsuda (1 year) David & Marilyn Matsuda In memory of Kunio Ogata (17 year) Yoshie Shoji In memory of Kazuo Tokiyo family Paul & Joyce Tomita In memory of Tokuichi Furukawa Clifton & Renee Furukawa In memory of Evelyn Kawachi Jean Kawachi In memory of Yukio & Aiko Orite Reuben & Katherine Dela Cruz NEW YEARS Gerald Hiyakumoto Tatsumi & Irene Imada Toshio & Yvonne Kishi Henry Nakamura George Okamoto Nelson Okumura Harry & Janet Shimada Bernadine Tagomori Henry & Florence Tasaka Doris Tosaka Shuji & Arleen Yoshimoto HOONKO Sunday, January 26, 2014 Anonymous (1) Borg, George & Pat Domae, Toshi & Mabel Emura, Michael & Susan Fukumura, Dr. Richard & Yukiko Gushi, Mikiko Hashimoto, Jeannie Hashimoto, Peggy Hironaka, Guy Hironaka, Masami & Cathy Hiwatashi, Chieko Hiyakumoto, Gerald Imada, Tatsumi & Irene Kaholoa a, Raina Kanechika, Satsue Keith-Agaran, Kallie Kimura, Masue Kishi, Yvonne & Toshio Kohama, Yoshio & Yukie Kondo, Reiko Y. Makishima, Tama Matsuda, Alan & Irene Miyasato, Jean Morihiro, Sally Murakami, Yukari Nakamura, Henry Z. & Jeanette Nakamura, Lindie Ojiri, Laura Otsu, Lorrayne Saki, M/M Tamotsu Sakuma, Lillian Sakutori, M/M Wayne Shimada, Harry & Janet Shimada, Momoye Shoji, Yoshie Tagomori, Bernadine Toyama, Douglas & Harriet Wells, Scott & Wendy Wilkinson, Charlotte Yamashita, Teruko H. Yokote, Thelma Yokoyama, Larry & Joan Yoshimoto, Shuji & Arleen NOKOTSUDO Satsuko Hiyakumoto Diane Ino Kenneth & Lynette Mizuo Darlene Fuke & Lori Yokote Tokio Kakiuchi In memory of Teruo Hashimoto Hashimoto family In memory of Kanechika family Satsue Kanechika, Karen Griffon, Teri Wong & Alma McKenzie ADULT DHARMA EDUCATION Richard Noosh Nishihara KHM PRESCHOOL Hiroshi & Shirley Takahashi CIP/BUILDING FUND Hiroshi & Shirley Takahashi Larry & Joan Yokoyama COPY MACHINE Lorrayne Otsu Bernadine Tagomori GOLD AWARDS Yukie Kohama Mikiko Gushi Ellen Nishimura Chieko Hiwatashi Parinya Tennes Kiku Kanemoto Nancy Oshiro Momoye Shimada Jean Gushiken Pat Borg Tomoe Sato continued on bottom of next page

11 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 11 Memorial Listing MARCH 1 st YEAR (2013) Yamashiro, Aiko, 80 March 10 Ouchi, Satsuki Olive, 86 March 18 3 rd YEAR (2012) None 7 th YEAR (2008) Nagato, Hajime, 93 March 7 13 th YEAR (2002) Inamasu, Yoshio, 86 March 19 Sakutori, Hatsue Furomoto, 80 March th YEAR (1998) None 25 th YEAR (1990) Kimura, Hatsumi, 95 March 13 Omori, Masaru, 77 March 19 Kawamoto, Teruo, 84 March 21 Higa, Richard Kamazo, 85 March rd YEAR (1982) None 50 th YEAR (1965) None APRIL 1 st YEAR (2013) Matsui, Masaki, 92 April 21 Hongo, Takashi, 94 April 22 3 rd YEAR (2012) Yoshioka, Takashi, 94 April 8 Hirano, Kiyoko, 98 April 9 Shimizu, Tamae, 80 April 12 7 th YEAR (2008) None 13 th YEAR (2002) Yasui, Jonathan Michio, 47 April th YEAR (1998) Wakayama, Shin, 42 April th YEAR (1990) Hedani, Sumio, 77 April rd YEAR (1982) Okano, Koichi, 83 April 7 Kaya, Tomoo, 69 April th 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: Ann Keiko Seki, 57 Harumi Sakoda, 86 Mitsuo Nakamura, 91 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 Continued from previous page: 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.

12 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 12 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii 125th Anniversary Inaugural Service and Opening Service of the 102 nd Legislative Assembly Message by Bishop Eric Matsumoto/Disciple of the Buddha, Dharma-Pleasure Opening Reflection: Buddha s Light of Wisdom and Compassion illumines the world. People who become aware of this Light find themselves entering into harmonious relations. It is said, thousands of people may live in a community but it is not a true community until people know each other and care for one another. A true community is characterized by wisdom, trust, and harmony. A true organization is guided by a true teaching from which unity and virtue arises. In such an organization there is harmony, contentment and happiness. Adapted from The Teaching of Buddha Namo Amida Butsu Everyone, Good Morning and Namaste! Today, may I be (one of) the first to offer congratulations upon our 125th Anniversary! As I see it to be sure it is the 125th Anniversary of our organization the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, but who is it that should be congratulated? It is you, the Sangha, the members and supporters of the Hawaii Kyodan and so, today, I offer my deepest congratulations to you and also express my appreciation for without you we would not be here today. However, we have not traveled this path alone or come this far because of only our own efforts, not only do we owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors beginning with the First Generation and including the Rev. Soryu Kagahi, our pioneer minister, but ultimately it is the workings of Great Wisdom and Compassion which has brought us to this day! I recall in my mind the words of one of our former Bishops, Bishop Yemyo Imamura. He said, the entire karma of events throughout is, but the manifestations of the compassion of the Buddha. As I look at the life of individuals like Bishop Imamura and Shinran Shonin, they are responding in gratitude to Unconditional Compassion of Amida Buddha which they found embracing them. If we open The Collected Works of Shinran it is not an accident that the first of Shinran Shonin s poems, of which he wrote over 500, says Persons who truly realize the Mind of True Entrusting, As they utter Amida s Name, Being mindful of the Buddha always, Wish to respond in gratitude to the great benevolence. But how do we respond in gratitude, first and foremost by reciting the Nembutsu, the Honored Name of Amida Buddha. As Shinran Shonin said, in the Shoshinge or Gatha of True Entrusting, Solely saying the Tathagata s Name constantly, One should respond with gratitude to the universal Vow of great compassion. In my humble opinion, though, there is more which happens. What happens when the Buddha s Light shines upon us? In the Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutra, it says that those who come into contact with Amida Buddha s Light of Wisdom and Compassion become gentle in body and mind and feel peace and happiness in both body and mind. Further Shinran Shonin in one of his letters shares In people who have long heard the Buddha s Name and said the nembutsu, surely there are signs of rejecting the evil of this world and signs of their desire to cast off evil in themselves.... That people seek to stop doing wrong as the heart moves them, although earlier they gave thought to such things and committed them as their minds dictated, is surely a sign of having rejected this world. Rejecting the world here, does not mean to turn our backs on the world and escape

13 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 13 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii 125th Anniversary Inaugural Service and Opening Service of the 102 nd Legislative Assembly Message continued to the Pure Land. It means to embrace this imperfect world including acknowledging this imperfect self and try one s best to make a difference by living with the Dharma as one s guide. And thus I often say, the life of a Shin Buddhist is a life of responding in gratitude to the Great Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha by trying to live the best life we can guided by the Dharma or Teachings or Dharma. It does not mean that I will be able to perfectly manifest or live peace, but having encountered Amida Buddha s Great Compassion there is a deep lament as to my imperfect self and an aspiration to be a better person and for peace in our life and the world, but a peace that is not limited to only oneself. This is the peace that Buddhism speaks of. It is Compassion for all which has the Wisdom of Enlightenment guiding it. Wisdom guides how Compassion is expressed and Compassion fulfills that Wisdom and the result is peace and harmony for self and others. We find this in another of Shinran Shonin s writings in which he says it would be splendid if all people who say the Nembutsu do so not with thoughts of (only) themselves Those who feel that their own birth (in the Pure Land) is completely settled should, mindful of the Buddha s benevolence, hold the nembutsu in their hearts and say it to respond in gratitude to that benevolence, with the wish, May there be peace in the world and may the Buddha s Teaching spread! To answer a final two questions, how can the Sangha prosper and how does the Buddha s Teaching spread? In The Teachings of the Buddha it says that there are two sets of seven principles to follow for the Sangha to prosper. One set shares that collectively: 1) People should gather frequently to listen to the Dharma and discuss the Teachings, 2) people should be able to freely mingle amongst each other and show respect to each other, 3) people should revere the Dharma and not change it (to suit their needs), 4) both young and old are to treat each other with courtesy, 5) people should be sincere and reverent, 6) people should think of another before their own self and 7) people should cherish all people, treat visitors and guests cordially and console the sick and ill with kindness. The other set of seven principles is for individuals to follow and include: 1) do not ask or desire too many things, 2) maintain integrity, 3) be patient and do not argue, 4) do not indulge in idle talk, 5) do not be overbearing, 6) loyally commit oneself to the Dharma and 7) do not be extravagant and wasteful. It is said that these are the keys to the Sangha s prosperity. From this it is evident that the actions of the Sangha are directly linked to the prosperity of the Sangha. Here in Hawaii, how do we share the Aloha Spirit? It is not by explaining or talking about it only. It is by living it. When we the people of Hawaii live the Aloha Spirit it comes to be known by others and eventually they find it embracing them and finally inspiring them to live it. I was surprised to find that the Aloha Spirit is defined in our Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section In part it shares, the Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, A Akahai meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness L Lokahi meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony O Oluolu meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness H Haahaa meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty A Ahonui meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii s people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii. Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

14 Volume 8, Issue 3 OCEAN Page 14 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii 125th Anniversary Inaugural Service and Opening Service of the 102 nd Legislative Assembly Message continued I want to share a poem recently written by a PBA student, Ji-Hoon Kang about peace. He writes With my hunger Someone can be full enough At an unknown place of the world With my thinness Someone can gain some weight On the other side of the world With my tears of depression White flowers can bloom On an unknown road With your and my sacrifice Most people can become peaceful In our beautiful world And finally today, one more note on how do the Teachings spread? Shinran Shonins says, I praise Amida s wisdom and virtue, so that beings with mature conditions throughout the ten quarters may hear. Let those who have already realized the Mind of True Entrusting, constantly respond in gratitude to the Buddha s benevolence. As Jodo Shin Buddhists, this is what we do today and every day. We praise the great virtues of Amida Buddha by reciting the Nembutsu and expressing and sharing our joyous experience with others with the aspiration that they too will come to see, understand and experience the wondrous compassion of Amida Buddha. And thus, for at least 750 years and in Hawaii for at least 125 years, people of Nembutsu have been praising the virtues of Amida Buddha. In this year of our 125th Anniversary, as we embrace our theme Live peace, harmony and gratitude: Share Aloha!, let us continue, more than ever, to share our joy of Namo Amida Butsu. This is the most natural of actions. When you are happy it shows. Let your joy express itself. As a Buddhist saying shares Happiness never decreases by being shared. I would like to close my message today by having us reflect on the words of our Spiritual Leader, Gomonshu Koshin Ohtani. Please join me in anjali/gassho for a Closing Reflection. It is through receiving Amida Buddha s true heart that I feel this imperfect self of mine being embraced in the compassion of Amida Buddha. That is where I find an indescribable feeling of joy and peace of mind. To save all, is the reason for Amida Buddha s existence. When Amida Buddha shines upon me and all of the rest of life, we are linked together as lives saved by that light. All things on earth, all things in the universe, are in the fold of this great life-force linking us all together. In this world, there is no life that was ever lived in vain. There is no life that is meaningless. All life is linked together. All of us share in the light that Amida Buddha shines upon us. Namo Amida Butsu=Entrusting in the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Infinite Light The February 2014 issue of the HHMH Headquarters Update was not available at the time of printing this issue of Ocean. If you would like a soft copy of the issue, please let the temple office know.

15 March 2014 Office Phone: Office Fax: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 9 a.m. Family Service Hongwanji Day (Jr YBA) 9 9 a.m. Family Service (Dharma School/BWA) 16 9 a.m. O-Higan Family Service (Kyodan) 23 No Family Service (day after bazaar) 30 Family Service (Kyodan Board) 3 8:30 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 10 8:30 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 5:30 p.m. Scouts meeting 17 8:30 a.m. Chanting Meditation at KHM followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee 24 5:30 p.m. Scouts meeting :30 p.m. 4H meeting 6 7-8:30 pm Class/ Discussion: Tannisho with Rev Tennes and Rev Kalu :30 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting 25 7 p.m. Lecture with Dr. David (see pg 3) Bazaar Week Kokua needed. Please see page 4. Mahalo! :30 a.m. Hosha :30 a.m. Hosha Window Cleaning: BWA a.m. KHM BAZAAR!!! WOW!! 29 8:30 a.m. Hojukai 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 Executive Committee Gerald Hiyakumoto Diane Lee Colleen Suyama Office Secretary Sharon Higa Office Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m. 12 noon Fri-Sat Closed Minister s Office Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nokotsudo hours: daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March Calendar of Events Sunday Family Service Sundays, 9 a.m. (except no Family Service on March 23) ********** Dharma School Sundays after Family Service ********** Hosha Saturday, March 1, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 7:30 a.m. ********** Chanting Meditation followed by Dharma Discussion and Coffee Mondays, March 3, 10, and 17 at 8:30 a.m. (none on Mondays, March 24 & 31) ********** Tannisho: Way of True Entrusting Thursday, March 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at KHM w/rev. Richard Tennes & Rev. Sol Kalu ********** O-Higan Family Service Sunday, March 16 KHM Spring Bazaar Saturday, March 22, 7-11 a.m. ********** Hojukai Saturday, March 29, 8:30 a.m. ********** BWA Meeting No meeting in March ********** Scouts Meeting Mondays, May 10 & 24, 5:30 p.m. *********** 4H Meeting Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 p.m. *********** Yoga Class For schedule contact Kallie Keith-Agaran ***********