Jikoen Hongwanji Mission

Transcription

1 Monthly Newsletter May 2013 Vol. XXXII, No. 5 Minister Rev. Shindo Nishiyama Lumbini Preschool This Month s Events Jikoen Hongwanji Mission 1731 N. School Street Honolulu, Hawai i Phone Phone Fax Fax Cell Phone jikoen1938@gmail.com Web Sangha family services are offered weekly on days from 9:00a.m. (exceptions appear in the schedule). Regular Family Sangha Service with Intergeneraional Activity Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Kylie Urasaki 5/5 Honolulu District Keiki Day activity for Dharma School students and families Time: 9:00 a.m., Location: Kakaako Waterfront Park JBWA Monthly Meeting Time: after service, Location: Temple Hondo Ukwanshin Kabudan Gakumun Kai Lecture Series on Okinawan History & Culture (free and open to the general public) Time: 12:00 p.m., Location: Temple Hondo Wed 5/8 Living Dharma Session with Rev. S. Nishiyama and Rev. Irene Nakamoto Time: 7:00 p.m., Location: Temple Hondo 5/12 Mother s Day Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Kayla Yosemori 5/19 Gotan-E (Shinran s Birthday) Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Chase Urasaki Fri 5/24 Lumbini Preschool Graduation Ceremony Time: 9:00 a.m., Location: Social Hall 5/26 Monthly Japanese Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Etsuko Horio Board of Directors Monthly Meeting Time: 10:30 a.m. after service, Location: Temple Hondo 6/2 Regular Family Sangha Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Angela Holton 1

2 2 MINISTER S MESSAGE Rev. Shindo Nishiyama Shinran Shonin s Birthday In the month of May, we have a lot of observances such as Mother s Day, Memorial Day, and graduation ceremonies. For Jodo Shinshu followers, we have a very important service Gotan-E, a special service to celebrate the birthday of our founder, Shinran Shonin. Over 800 years ago, Shinran was born in Hino, Kyoto, Japan and closed his eyes at the age of 90. His life of Onembutsu was a life of gratitude for Amida Buddha s benevolence that embraces all living beings without any discrimination. Because of his devoted life on the Onembutsu path, we are able to listen to the teachings which sustain our lives to become awakened ones. On this day, we remember the birth of Shinran and his life, but even more we remember what he lived for. His life was a life of gratitude for Amida Buddha s Infinite Wisdom and Compassion. On May 19, 2013, Jikoen Hongwanji celebrates the birth of Shinran who devoted, dedicated and shared his life of Onembutsu. Please come and join our Gotan-E Service with your joy and gratitude for all the blessings which we are receiving in this moment, through the recitation of Onembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu. (Editor s note: For those who are interested in learning more about Shinran, please read Ruth M. Tabrah s novel, The Monk Who Dared., which will give you a panoramic view of his life his birth, his training, his trials and tributlations, his family and his last days. Keep in mind, however, that Ruth calls it a fictionalized biography, because in her extensive research, she found scant tangible evidence of his life outside of his teachings.) PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Dorene Tengan Niibu We are truly grateful to all of you for your ongoing support through monetary donations, participation in our fundraisers and voluntary services for Jikoen Hongwanji Mission. We invite you to our weekly day services in the Temple from 9:00 a.m. and ask that you join us for light refreshments and fellowship in the Social Hall immediately after service. We also invite you to join one (or more) of our volunteer groups: Flower Groups: Saturday morning clean altar, columbarium and set up floral arrangements Yard Crew: Saturday morning once a month Sewing Circle: every Tuesday Newsletter Collating & Distribution: once a month on Tuesday We will provide more information and acknowledge members of each group in future newsletters. I d like to acknowledge a few individuals who did several repairs and/or maintenance recently: Roy Nakamasu, Dennis Nakamasu, Michael Shiroma, Ed Okita, and Kats Yamashiro repaired the back door in the Social Hall. Roy Nakamasu and Dennis Nakamasu replaced and painted the back stage door cost of door and materials were donated by Earl Kita. John Toguchi and Earl Kita for sealing the roof above the temple Earl Kita, Lawson Kita, Garrett Ginoza, and John Toguchi for digging the area in the pond as requested by the electrician as we need to analyze the conduits in that area. Earl Kita for cleaning out the drains in the pond area. Your Board of Directors approved the pond fill project so you will see progress in the coming months. We express our gratitude to John Toguchi for his countless hours on the various details for this project and acquiring quotes and explaining the procedures to us. We also express our gratitude to Earl Kita, Lawson Kita and Dr. Rick Higashionna for their assistance and support on various details. I express my sincere gratitude, once again, to all of you for your ongoing patience and support. Arigato gozaimashita. Ippe nifee deebiru. With both palms together in Gassho, Namo Amida Butsu.

3 INTER-TEMPLE NEWS YBICSE Program Open to Our Youth The Young Buddhist s International Cultural Study Exchange (YBICSE) is an annual program for young Jodo Shinshu Buddhists (from 9th grade to age 25). Its basic purpose is for young Jodo Shinshu Buddhists to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Nembutsu teaching by visiting our Mother Temple or Honzan, the Nishi Hongwanji, experiencing a home stay, and traveling to several historical and/or significant sites with fellow young Buddhists. This year s YBICSE will be held from July 15-26, The participants will travel to Japan to attend the Honzan s program from July 17 to 25, and a total maximum of 46 students will be gathering from Buddhist Churches of America, Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada, South America Hongwanji Mission, and Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. It will be a great opportunity for you to visit our main temple in Kyoto and to meet fellow Jodo Shinshu Buddhists from other countries. For those who are interested, please peruse the tentative itinerary and fill out the registration form, both of which can be obtained from the office. Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Affirmation Rites Ceremony (Kie-Shiki) Date: June 16, 2013 Time: 1:00 p.m. Place: Moiliili Hongwanji Mission Fee: $50.00 (due with application form by May 31, 2013) The meaning of the Affirmation Rites becomes clear if we look into the original name, Kie-Shiki. Kie means to seek refuge, and in Buddhism, we mean to seek refuge in the Three Treasures of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The other part Shiki means ritual. Therefore, with these meanings in mind, the term Affirmation Rites was adopted. Affirmation Rites is officiated by the Bishop of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. It is a ritual that gives the recipient a definite awareness that he/she is becoming a follower of the Buddha s teachings and a member of the Hongwanji. During the Rites, each recipient will receive his/her own Homyo (Dharma Buddhist Name) from the Bishop. There is no limit of age. However, if the aspirant is below 20 years of age, his/her parent or guardian will be asked to sign on the official record. It is hoped that through this ritual one would gain conviction in his/her religion and that it would be a definite start into a life of a Buddhist. The Application Fee for the Affirmation Rites is $50. If you wish to receive the Affirmation Rites, please complete the application form and send it to the following address with your APPLICATION FEE payable to Moiliili Hongwanji Mission by May 31, If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Moiliili Hongwanji Mission 902 University Avenue Honolulu, HI Attn: Rev. Earl Ikeda (application form on page 4) BITS OF RUBBLE INTO GOLD The universe is our classroom Keep your mind and heart open. Be generous in forgiveness, gratitude, and patience Be grateful for the role models in life and be one for someone. Believe in yourself, in the beauty, the compassion, And in the wisdom that is uniquely yours. Learn from the innocence and imagination of children From other generations and from the wisdom of elders. Remember the Onembutsu Embody the Buddha and be yourself Be free to walk the talk and keep going just as you are! Namu Amida Butsu Doris Oshiro (Refl ections from Gathering 2004 At the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki June 11-12, 2004) 3

4 HONPA HONGWANJI MISSION OF HAWAII APPLICATION FORM AFFIRMATION RITES CEREMONY INFORMATION OF THE APPLICANTS NAME: (Last) (First) (Middle) BIRTH DATE: GENDER: M / F AGE: HOME ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: (Home) SIGNATURE OF THE APPLICANTS: (Cell Phone) TEMPLE: SIGNATURE OF RESIDENT MINISTER: INFORMATION OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN (IF THE RECIPIENT IS UNDER 20 YEARS OLD) NAME OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN: HOME ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: RELATIONSHIP: (Home) (Cell Phone) SIGNATURE: (Date) Please mail this form to the following address with your application fee ($50.00 payable to Moiliili Hongwanji Mission) by May 31, Moiliili Hongwanji Mission 902 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI Attn: Rev. Earl Ikeda 4

5 TEMPLE NEWS Bazaar Chairs Say Mahalo! June Nakamasu and Masu Kino, able chairs of our annual bazaar, thank all the volunteers who came out in force to help prepare for and help at the successful event. Thanks also go to the kitchen crew headed by Ed and Haru Okita who kept all the volunteers well-fed during mid-morning breaks and lunches. Many others also donated food throughout the week of preparation. And for all the donations of clothing, kitchenware, books and beautiful plants, a big mahalo. Finally, thanks to all who purchased the items in abundance to make this fundraiser the success that it was. Ohigan Service Held Jikoen held its Spring Ohigan service on March 24, with Rev. Tomo Hojo as guest speaker. Rev. Hojo came to Hawaii in 2009 from Wakayama Japan and at present is assigned to the Hawaii Betsuin. He received his tokudo in 2005 and his kyoshi in He later spent time in the International Ministerial Orientation Program in Berkely, California. Rev. Hojo reminded us that Ohigan is a time for reflection as we carry ourselves to the Other Shore from this world of imperfections called Shigan. He also shared his interesting background in Japan especially of his boyhood and his love of oranges. While in Middle School in Japan he came to Hawaii with his YBA group and was very much impressed with how the temples here are a very important part of the members lives and how the ministers work with the members visiting nursing homes, participating in the Dharma schools, etc. This observation moved him to want to do the same as his life work. Thank you, Rev. Hojo, we hope that you will remain in Hawaii for the rest of your life. After the service, everyone enjoyed fellowship and refreshments prepared by the Food Services committee headed by Ed and Haruko Okita. Grounds Beautification Planning in Progress Current plans are to prepare and plant different types of flowers and greenery in the small plot that lines the social hall on the School Street side of the grounds. Betty Uejo and her brother have already started the first part of the project, with yellow and purple lantana already taking hold and blooming well. We will obviously need lots more hands to finish the rest of the strip, so the call goes out to all others who are willing to get their hands dirty and their backs a workout to come out and join the yard crew from 7 to 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month to do this. Let s all do our bit to make Jikoen look great and inviting to our members as well as passersby! In the meantime, we are still asking members and friends to start growing in pots such plants as red and green ti, birds of paradise, red and pink ginger, crotons and greenery that can be used in flower arrangements for the hondo. The committee will let you know when it is ready for these plants. Future plans are to get started on the rest of the grounds surrounding the social hall and pool area. As much as possible, we will use what is available the existing trees, rocks and plants and depend upon our members and friends to furnish whatever else is needed. We will try to coordinate the plantings and only buy those items that we don t have. Please get your green thumbs working for the good of Jikoen! OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY The Jikoen ohana sends its condolences to the families of the following Dharma friends: Harold ao Teruya (age 80) passed away on March 26, 2013 Yoshiko Shinsato (age 89) passed away on April 7, 2013 Jared Isamu Teruya (age 12) passed away on April 7, 2013 May happy memories and the O-Nembutsu sustain you in your sadness. 5

6 JBWA NEWS Dr. Kauffman Speaks at Eshinni/Kakushinni Day Service Dr. Kaethe Katy Kauffman, world renowned artist and a Hawaii Betsuin member since 1999, was our guest speaker for JBWA s annual Eshinni/Kakushinni Day service on April 21, She gave an inspiring talk about the two women, who as Shinran Shonin s wife and youngest daughter, respectively, were vital to his development as a Jodo Shinshu master and writer. As she traced their lives, Dr. Kauffman enumerated the many traits both women displayed as they wholeheartedly supported Shinran throughout his lifework. She stressed that these traits can also be found in other women today as we struggle with the same tribulations of combining blended families, family finances, separations and the like. Both women, therefore, are true models we can all emulate. After the service, light refreshments were served in the social hall where we were able to talk to and get acquainted more with Dr. Kauffman. HILITES FROM HQ NEWS UPDATES (April, 2013) Ministerial Assignments Rev. Arthur Kaufmann: Effective June 1, 2013, will leave Aiea Hongwanji as resident minister and be assigned to Hawaii Betsuin as associate minister. throughout the year. Please make your checks out to Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, designating the fund. State Spelling Bee Champion The state spelling bee champion of Hawaii is Akira Takabayashi who goes to Lihue Hongwanji Mission, and has been a Dharma School student and Boy Scout since he was 7 years old. He is an 8th grader at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai. Ministers Wives Seminar The 27th Ministers Wives Seminar was held on Maui in March to learn and share the teachings and nurture their relationship with each other. Part of the time was spent traveling by ferry to Lanai, where they visited the Lanai temple and learned of its history from its kyodan president Chris Richardson. They also had a chance to pay tribute to the late Isamu Honda who kept the temple going for 40 years as its president. HBC Buddha Day Celebration The HBC Buddha Day Celebration on April 7 at Hawaii Betsuin was attended by over 400 people. For a change, the principal speakers at the service were four young people, Emi Hashi, Dustin Iwasaki, Blayne Nakasone and Brandi Yamamoto, who all shared their experiences about how the Dharma has made a difference in their lives. The entertainment that followed included hula, singing, and taiko drum numbers by representatives from the various sects. The day s activities ended with video presentations, food booths, tea ceremony demonstrations and game booths. Rev. Richard Tennes: Effective July 1, 2013, will leave Hawaii Betsuin as associate minister and be assigned to Kahului Hongwanji as resident minister. Ministerial Training Fund The Ministerial Training Fund which grants scholarships to aspiring ministers welcomes and accepts donations 6 (continued on page 7)

7 (continued from page 6) Lay Assistant Youth Retreat The Lay Assistant Youth Retreat is open to young people (high school to age 35) who are interested in becoming Ministerial Lay Assistants. During this 3-day retreat at the Buddhist Study Center, they will go over ritual, doctrinal and historical teachings as well as have the opportunity to conduct services by leading the chanting and delivering Dharma messages. At the end of the retreat, each will receive a montoshikisho and a certificate from the Bishop officially recognizing him/her as minister s assistants at the individual temples. Pick up your application form at your temple office. JrYB-Day Project In Honolulu, the young people participated in a clean-up of Kailua Beach Park, after which they went swimming and had bento lunch. On Maui, the group went to a service at Wailuku Hongwanji, then adjourned to Sugar Beach for their clean-up day. Over 10 bags of trash were collected. A pizza lunch followed. Both groups were surprised at the public s reaction to their hard work many people honked their horns as they drove by, and others thanked them personally. New Bookstore Item: Dharma Cat Framed Artwork This dharma-inspired artwork is from Tanimoto Gallery in Hilo. Come and browse through these items as well as sagarifuji artwork printed on washi paper. All of these prints are suitable for one s office or home or as gifts. DONATIONS FROM MARCH 12, 2013 THRU APRIL 5, 2013 Miscellaneous Anonymous...$50.00 Arashiro, Matsumori Family...$ Asato, Elsie...$50.00 Nakachi, Maurice & Liann...$ Nakasone, June & Family IMO Masako Nakasone...$50.00 Nakasone, Warren & Fumiko IMO Masako Nakasone...$50.00 Nakasone, Yasuo & Hanako IMO Masako Nakasone...$20.00 Toyama, Pieper & Lois...$ Villa, Nannette...$ Yamaguchi, Doris & Shigeru...$25.00 Yamaguchi, Shigeru & Doris...$25.00 Yonamine, Patsy & Mac...$1, Zia, Hoyt & Leigh Ann...$ Ohigan Higa, Betty...$25.00 Hirashiki, Elaine...$20.00 Kino, Masuo & Alice...$30.00 Kuniyuki, Kyoko...$20.00 Masaki, Tomiko...$20.00 Miyasato, Shizue...$25.00 Moribe, Morris & Ann...$25.00 Nakamasu, Roy & June...$25.00 Nishihara, Kenneth & Myrna...$25.00 Nishimiya, Marleen...$20.00 Okita, Edward & Haruko...$25.00 Okuma, Haruko...$25.00 Oshiro, Keith...$20.00 Oshiro, Sadako...$10.00 Sakihara, Jean...$50.00 Sasaki, Janet...$15.00 Shimabukuro, Sadako...$10.00 Suenishi, Betty...$25.00 Tamanaha, Karen...$25.00 Teruya, Takeo...$10.00 Toma, Wayne & Sandra...$25.00 Ueunten, Grace...$20.00 Wakakuwa, Janet & Satoru...$25.00 Yamada, Barbara...$20.00 Yamashiro, Katsuo...$25.00 Yasui, Bertram...$25.00 Yosemori, Chikai & Chihoko...$25.00 Temple Renovation Kino, Masuo & Alice...$ Kishimoto, Hiroshi IMO George Kishimoto...$ Kishimoto, Karen IMO George Kishimoto...$ Offertory March 17, $98.00 March 24, $78.00 March 31, $62.00 Thank you for your generous support! 有難うございます 7

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS Get Your Newsletter via ! Ask about getting a PDF version of the monthly newsletter via or on the web. There are several benefits to getting our monthly newsletter via helps cut Jikoen s costs in paper, printing, and postage reduces paper clutter and trash issues appear in full color easily forwardable to your friends and family easily archivable and retrievable click web links and addresses for direct access gives you the option to print only the pages you need To start receiving your newsletter via , please us at jikoennews@gmail.com. Jikoen Hongwanji Mission 1731 N. School Street Honolulu, Hawaii Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 662 Honolulu, Hawaii