Jikoen Hongwanji Mission

Transcription

1 Monthly Newsletter May 2014 Vol. XXXIII, No. 5 Minister Rev. Shindo Nishiyama Jikoen Hongwanji Mission 1731 N. School Street Honolulu, Hawai i Phone Fax Cell Phone jikoen1938@gmail.com Lumbini Preschool Phone THIS MONTH S EVENTS Fax Web Sangha family services are offered weekly on days from 9:00a.m. (exceptions appear in the schedule). Sat 5/3 thru 5/4 State Conference of BWA in Kailua-Kona (Big Island) 5/4 Sangha Family Service Speaker: Pieper Toyama and PBA s ministerial aspirants, M.C.: Kaycie Moribe 5/11 Mother s Day Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Jazmin Horio Intergenerational activity led by Rev. Irene Nakamoto and JoAnn Yosemori. Also, reports by YBICSCE participants Wed 5/14 Living Dharma Session with Rev. S. Nishiyama and Rev. Irene Nakamoto Time: 7:00 p.m., Location: Temple Hondo 5/18 Gotan-E (Shinran Shonin s Birthday Service) Speaker: Rev. Irene Nakamoto, M.C.: Chase Urasaki Board of Directors Monthly Meeting (new date) Time: 10:30 a.m. (after service), Location: Temple Hondo Fri 5/23 Lumbini Pre-school Graduation Ceremony 5/25 Japanese Language Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Shiz Miyasato 6/1 Sangha Family Service Speaker: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama, M.C.: Kylie Urasaki 1

2 2 Minister s Message Rev. Shindo Nishiyama Arigatai Gratitude Opening Aspiration: The teaching of Buddha is the teaching of kindness, peace and harmony and gratitude for all blessings we receive. Life of Buddhism is the life of appreciation and humbleness for all sustainable things around us. Gratitude is an important part of Buddhism. As you know, thank you in Japanese is arigato. Yes, arigato means, thank you or mahalo, but the word is made p of two Chinese characters, ari - gatai. Ari means all seen and unseen blessings around us. Gatai means the difficulty of receiving all of those blessings. How many of you have said arigato to your hands? How many of you have said arigato to your eyes? We think that our hands functioning well is normal. We think that our eyes allowing us to see all things in our life is normal. We think that our ears being able to hear all kinds of sounds is normal. We think that waking up in the morning each day is normal. Each day we take things for granted as we rely on these normal things. Once something happens to those normal things the use of your hands, eyes, ears, your friendships only then you begin to realize how valuable they have been. I think we tend to lose sight of what s important in our lives be it our health, our jobs, relationships, or food. It is only when these things disappear that we really appreciate them. Of course, that s a real shame. It would be nice if we could, instead, adopt a spirit of arigatai and learn to give thanks for all of the good things in our lives, well before they are gone. About three months ago, one of our Jikoen senior Ohana member lost her husband. She told me the story of the day before her husband passed away. On the early morning of that day, her husband said to her, Shall we have breakfast in Waikiki today? We haven t gone to Waikiki for a long time so let s go to have breakfast this morning. But she told him, I am busy today so maybe tomorrow. She cried in front of me and said, Sensei, I really regret saying no to him. My husband and I used to go to Waikiki on day mornings with my children to have day Brunch. He may have remembered that and wanted to go again with me. When you see your husband or wife, parents, grandparents, sisters, and brothers in the morning, we think it is a usual happening and quite normal. However, it is a very precious moment to meet our family members and friends every morning, because life is impermanent. Buddhism emphasizes the impermanence of life. How many of us truly realize that our lives are real only today... only in this moment? Today is unrepeatable; thus, we have to try our best to live this day in joy and gratitude. This day happens only once. Live this day in the Buddha Dharma in appreciation. In understanding this very basic concept of impermanence, which was emphasized by Shakyamuni Buddha, we are able to live this life a life of appreciation in every moment and every day. Finally, I would like to share the words of Shinran Shonin in appreciation of Shakyamuni Buddha s birth in the Hymns on the Pure Land as follows: Amida Buddha existing from the eternal past, Having compassion on the ordinary people In the world of the five defilements, Appeared in the Castle of Kapilavastu, Manifesting himself as Shakyamuni Buddha. According to Shinran Shonin s understanding of the birth of Buddha, it was a manifestation of Amida Buddha, who has been extending his compassion from the eternal past. Shinran Shonin appreciated that Shakyamuni Buddha and Amida Buddha were extending great compassion and wisdom to everyone, thus leading to Enlightenment, as stated in The Hymns of the Dharma Age as follows: Through the compassion of Shakyamuni and Amida Buddha, we have been brought to realize the mind that seeks to attain Nirvana. By entering into wisdom of a true awakening faith, we become those who respond in gratitude to the Buddha s guidance. The realization of compassion in our lives leads us to a life of awakening and life of appreciation, said Buddha. Shyakamuni Buddha was born to become Buddha the awakened one to discover the true, sincere, and universal unconditional love and great Wisdom. We follow in his footsteps to become awakened to live this life with appreciation and humbleness. Today, we are here to show our gratitude for Buddha s birth and our own birth so that we too can be awakened to a life of unconditional love and wisdom. (continued on page 3)

3 (continued from page 2) Thank you and I say, arigatai and arigato! Closing Mediation: Buddha is peace. Buddha is harmony. Buddha is unconditional love. Buddha s mind is not judgmental. Buddha is our best companion. Buddha is Wisdom. Buddha is Compassion. We are here at Jikoen to celebrate the Buddha s birth into this world to spread the Dharma for all living beings to be enlightened or Buddha, awakened one. Namo Amida Butsu. 難う 有り Inter-Temple News Family Promise The Honolulu District of the Hongwanji Mission of Hawai i completed another successful hosting of four families in the Family Promise Program of Hawai i. During their stay from March 23 to March 30 at Hongwanji Mission School, four families were hosted with nutritious breakfast and dinners and a safe place to sleep by the sangha members of the four temples, including our very own Jikoen. MAHALO again to our volunteers and supporters! Our involvement would not be possible without you, our volunteers! During the week, two families transitioned out of the program and found their own apartments. For further information regarding Family Promise, please see their web site: familypromisehawaii.org. Our next hosting will again be physically located at Hongwanji Mission School from May 25, 2014, day to June 1, 2014, day. Set up of the rooms will be on day, May 25, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. and take down on day, June 1, 2014 at 7:00 a.m. Jikoen ohana will be responsible for breakfast and dinners and sleepover supervision on the following dates: Wednesday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.: Dinner + sleepover person Thursday, May 29, 5:30 a.m.: Breakfast; Dinner: 5:30 p.m. + sleepover person Friday, May 30, 5:30 a.m.: Breakfast. Joint Buddha Day Celebration Held Hanamatsuri, or Buddha Day Celebration, sponsored by the Hawaii Buddhist Council was held at Jodo Mission of Hawaii. The Hawaii Buddhist Council is composed of Higashi Hongwanji, Honpa Hongwanji, Jodo Mission, Koyasan Shingon Mission, Nichiren Mission, Soto Mission and Tendai Mission. The Honpa Hongwanji choir, conducted by Ms. Mari Murakami, accompanied on the piano by Mr. Francis Okano, started the service with two gathas during the prelude which was followed by the ringing of the bell. Honpa Hongwanji s representatives for incense offering were Myrna Nishihara, Jikoen, and student representative from Moiliili, Jayden Takiue. The keynote speaker was Dr. George Tanabe, Professor Emeritus of Religion at UH Manoa. In his message titled How Old Is the Buddha?, Dr. Tanabe shared that although there is a decline of denominational Buddhism, an exciting surge of interest in one of Shakamuni s Our deepest Sympathy The Jikoen ohana sends its condolences to the families of the following Dharma friends: Mrs. Kiyoko Ishikawa (age 98) passed away on April 6, 2014 Mr. Edward Tomasu (age 81) passed away on April 15, 2014 Mrs. Harriet Goya (age 97) passed away on April 25, 2014 (continued on page 4) May happy memories and the O-Nembutsu sustain you in your sadness. 3

4 (continued from page 3) teachings of mindfulness is globally growing rapidly. He pointed out that the only common bond of the various denominational Buddhists represented today among the congregation is Shakamuni s basic teaching of the Four Noble Truths, the Eight-fold Path, the Dependent Origination and Mindfulness. Shakamuni himself practiced mindfulness or meditation which resulted in his enlightenment. The question, How old is the Buddha? was tossed at the congregation for a response at the end of his talk. Dr. Tanabe reminded everyone that each of us have a Buddha nature in us and that we are capable of working toward enlightenment. In answer to the question, How old is the Buddha?, someone replied, There are two answers..one is 2,500 years old which we are familier with and the other is Buddha is as old as we are. That was the correct answer, according to Dr. Tanabe. There was an entertainment portion that followed the service. Refreshments were served in the social hall. ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Temple News A Heartfelt Thank You From Bazaar Co- Chairs, Masu Kino and June Nakamasu The annual bazaar was a great success, especially volunteerwise! Many thanks to: Those who braved heavy rains to transport truckloads of donated items from the Betsuin's bazaar, and then set up the tables for ours. The 20+ volunteers who faithfully reported Tuesday to Friday to unpack, sort, fold, place and price the donated items. Those who donated snacks and lunch Tuesday through Thursday and to Ed, Haru, Helen and others who prepared delicious lunches on Friday and Saturday. Those who came out on April 5 to prepare food for sale and sold food, vegetables, clothing, books, kitchenware, plants and more. Jikoen members and friends for their donations. Finally, to the multitude of customers who roamed the aisles and bought and bought! Eshinni and Kakushinni Day Observed On April 20, Eshinni and Kakushinni Day was observed and sponsored by Jikoen Buddhist Women s Association in the social hall to accommodate our members who have difficulty using the stairs. Our lift is being considered for repair or replacement with an elevator. Our special guest speaker was Ms. Carrie Kawamoto of Mililani Hongwanji. She was accompanied by her husband, Dennis, and mother, Mrs. Sumi Yasui. As a former elementary school teacher, she used her skill very effectively by using visuals in her talk. Her main focus was on Awakening. She used many real-life stories she had collected over the years to explain what it means in our Shinshu teachings, to be awakened. She also went over her award-winning song, Let Peace Prevail, which was printed on a chart for all to follow as she led in the singing of it. She was accompanied by her husband on the tambourine while she played the ukulele. It was a wonderful conclusion to her presentation as we all sang together. The JBWA ladies prepared a sumptuous spread, assisted by the kitchen crew headed by Ed and Haru Okita. A special thanks goes to Norman Kaneshiro for setting up the audio system and making available a lapel mike for the speaker. Also, mahalo goes to Michael Shiroma and James Toma for preparing the hall early day morning in time for the service since the hall was in use the night before. Thanks to Lois Toyama for the beautifully framed pictures of Eshinni and Kakushinni. Appreciation goes to the ladies who arranged the flowers and to Karen Tamanaha for the special arrangement brought from home for the special occasion. A special thanks to Rev. Nishiyama for getting the altar ready. It was a beautifully coordinated event headed by president, June Nakamasu. pictured left to right: Lily Horio, Carrie Kawamoto, Sumi Yasui, June Nakamasu, Dennis Kawamoto, Doris Oshiro, Shiz Miyasato, Rev S. Nishiyama 4

5 JBWA News Announcements Our 2014 membership directory has been printed and distributed. If you were not at the last meeting, please pick up your copy from the office. Six members and Sensei will be attending the State Conference of BWA in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. June Nakamasu, Myrna Nishihara, Suzy Nishiyama, June Sutterfield, Sandy Toma and Lois Toyama will be our representatives. Hilites of April 13 Meeting Our participation in the Hawaii Kyodan s 125th anniversary service on 4/27/2014: As our contribution, we will make sandwiches in our social hall kitchen before boarding the bus to the Betsuin. From Jikoen, about 30 will be taking the bus. The rest will drive on their own. In all, there will be about 400 people attending the ceremony from the four Honolulu district temples. Lily Horio, Shiz Miyasato, Myrna Nishihara, Doris Oshiro and Sandy Toma have volunteered to help serve the refreshments after the service. It will be a memorable event for all. Honolulu United Education workshop, with JBWA hosting Theme: Path of Entrusting Share Peace through Art Chair: June Sutterfield Date: Saturday, June 21 Place: Jikoen Program: The emphasis will be on hands-on activities, with workshops featuring artistic projects. Ideas for these workshops are welcome. Eshinni/Kakushinni Day Service on April 20, The guest speaker will be Carrie Kawamoto of Mililani Hongwanji. Lois Toyama showed framed portraits of Eshinni-sama and Kakushinni-sama which will be placed on the altar during the service. Chihoko Yosemori will play the newly-tuned piano (donated years ago by the Nakamasu family) for the entire service. A calabash will be there for donations to Honolulu United s Project Dana. Origami project for the State conference: Every temple unit has been asked to help make at least 40 origami cranes in cooperation with Honokaa Hongwanji s Peace committee to send a massive flock of cranes to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial statue of Sadako Sasaki. The cranes can be of any size and any type of paper. Each United is responsible for 1,00l cranes. Our delegates will take JBWA s contribution to the State Conference next month. The Big Island United BWA has asked for financial help in paying for some of the expenses arising out of hosting the State Conference. JBWA approved donating $100 for the cause. Grace Ueunten, treasurer, has written a letter of resignation which was accepted. Nominations for her replacement are in order. Pan-Pacific Parade on day, June 15: The Federation of BWA has suggested that we women participate in this night-time parade. The route taken will be the same as for the Martin Luther King parade earlier this year. This time, however, no passing out of cranes will not be allowed, but the same posters can be used, with cranes on bamboo sticks. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon for those interested in marching. 15th World Convention of BWA on May 30-31, 2015 in Calgary, Canada: Meetings will be called soon to discuss hotel accommodations and before/after tours with JTB and Kintetsu. Bits of Rubble into Gold The more I give myself to others, the more joy and inner peace will flow into my life. Author Unknown 5

6 Hilites from hq news updates (April, 2014) YBICSCE 2024 This annual program for young Jodo Shinshu Buddhists is aimed to expose our youth to Jodo Shinshu beyond Hawaii and to share their joy of living in the Nembutsu teaching by visiting temples and meeting with fellow Shin Buddhists who appreciate the Nembutsu Dharma. Participants must be active Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, currently in 9th grade up to age 25, in good health. Dates: July 9 to 20, 2014 Cost: $1,600 Destination: Buddhist Churches of America and Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada. Application deadline: April 30, th JrYBA State Conference Attention Temple Youth! Dates: June 27-29, 2014 Places: Kauai Beach Resort and Lihue Hongwanji Mission Theme: Think Outside the State: Become a Global Citizen At the heart of Buddhism are concepts of Oneness and Interdependence. These teachings have much in common with the ideas of global citizenship. We will be (continued on page 4) ALOHA LUNCHEON for ALTON MIYAMOTO & PIEPER TOYAMA PBA Baccalaureate Service PBA Baccalaureate Service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Hawaii Betsuin beginning at 6:00 p.m. PBA Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Manoa Grand Ballroom (JCCH) beginning at 5:00 p.m. 6 Numata Conference on Violence, Nonviolence and Japanese Religions The Numata Conference on Violence, Nonviolence and Japanese Religions held in March at the East- West Center brought together 20 scholars of various disciplines from around the world. A detailed report on its accomplishments is included. For those interested, you may tune in to Olelo Broadcast 53 for (check TV guide for times) Keynote address: May 14, 18, 19, 20 Section A: May 28, June 23, 29, 30 Section B: June 9, 16, 23, 29 This event is to thank Alton for six years of dedicated leadership as President, and to welcome Pieper who succeeds him as our new state Kyodan leader. Date: Saturday, May 10, 2014 Time: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Place: Ala Moana Hotel s Garden Lanai Attire: Aloha Cost: $35 Both Mr. Miyamoto and Mr. Toyama have requested that in lieu of lei and gifts, all donations be made directly to the Pacific Buddhist Academy.

7 (continued from page 6) exploring how to apply these Buddhist teachings to global citizenry. Dance Theme: Dress Like a Rock Star Registration forms are available from your temple offices. Ads are being solicited for the souvenir booklet. Chairs are Melia Okura and Mie Miller. Other News YESS CAMP XXXI Namandab-U: A very good wrapup of this annual state conference for our youth is printed, written by its two very capable co-chairs, Lacy Tsutsuse and Emi Hashi. End of Life Committee plans to expand the scope and focus of its program in response to requests by Sangha members. Beginning in May, small group meetings are being planned to provide unique opportunities for sharing experiences and concerns. Joel Merchant will be the facilitator for these meetings. A flyer with more details is being prepared to send out to the temples. A community roundtable involving the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders was attended by Bishop Eric Matsumoto on April 8. Its goal was to provide an opportunity for people of our community to engage in dialogue with federal officials about how agencies can address our needs. ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Donations from March 4, 2014 thru April 14, 2014 Elevator Fund Nakamasu, Roy & June...$ Niibu, Doreen...$ Oshiro, Doris...$ Hanamatsuri Asato, Helen...$25.00 Colotario, Charles & Joyce...$25.00 Gima, Lillian...$25.00 Ginoza, Janet...$20.00 Higa, Betty & Kevin...$25.00 Higa, Takejiro & Ruby...$25.00 Horio, Lily...$25.00 Ishiki, Kimiko...$10.00 Kino, Masuo & Alice...$30.00 Kiyuna, Shinyu & Tsurue...$20.00 Minehira, Helene...$20.00 Miyasato, Shizue...$25.00 Miyasato-Crawford, David & Mernal...$30.00 Nakamasu, Roy & June...$25.00 Nakasone, Yoshiko...$20.00 Nishihara, Kenneth & Myrna...$50.00 Nishimiya, Marleen...$20.00 Okita, Edward & Haruko...$25.00 Okuma, Haruko...$25.00 Oshiro, Doris...$20.00 Oshiro, Emi...$20.00 Oshiro, Keith...$20.00 Oshiro, Sadako...$10.00 Saito, Amy & Ichiro...$20.00 Saki, Sueko...$50.00 Sasaki, Janet...$15.00 Shimabukuro, Annie...$20.00 Shimabukuro, Sadako...$20.00 Sutterfield, June...$50.00 Tamanaha, Karen...$25.00 Teruya, Sachiko...$50.00 Toma, Sandra & Wayne...$40.00 Toyama, Pieper & Lois...$40.00 Ueunten, Grace...$20.00 Yamada, Barabara...$20.00 Yamashiro, Katsuo & Jean...$25.00 Yasui, Bertram...$25.00 Yosemori, Chikai & Chihoko...$25.00 Miscellaneous Kaneshiro, Natsuko...$ Kino, Masuo & Alice Temple Renovation...$ Kudaishi, Edward & Elaine...$25.00 Miyahira, Violet BBQ Fund...$50.00 Miyashiro, Kimie IMO Noboru Miyashiro...$50.00 Moiliili Hongwanji Bazaar...$50.00 Nakasone, Stanley & Laura...$ Oshiro, Doris IMO Craig T. Oshiro...$50.00 Shimabukuro, Juliet...$1, Shinsato Shosei Kai...$ Ueunten, Senmatsu...$ Yamaguchi, Shigeru & Doris...$50.00 Spring Ohigan Asato, Helen...$25.00 Ginoza, Janet...$20.00 Higa, Betty...$25.00 Higa, Gladys...$25.00 Higa, Takejiro & Ruby...$25.00 Higashi, Donna...$20.00 Hirashiki, Elaine...$20.00 Horio, Lily...$25.00 Isa, Grace...$20.00 Ishiki, Kimiko...$10.00 Kino, Masuo & Alice...$30.00 Minehira, Helene...$20.00 Miyasato, Shizue...$25.00 Moribe, Ann & Morris...$25.00 Muramoto, Steven & Judy...$25.00 Nakamasu, Roy & June...$25.00 Nishihara, Kenneth & Myrna...$25.00 Nishimiya, Marleen...$20.00 Okita, Edward & Haruko...$25.00 Oshiro, Doris...$20.00 Oshiro, Emi...$20.00 Oshiro, Keith...$20.00 Oshiro, Sadako...$10.00 Sakihara, Jean...$50.00 Sasaki, Janet...$20.00 Shima, Hiroshi...$20.00 Shimabukuro, Annie...$20.00 Shimabukuro, Sadako...$20.00 Tamanaha, Karen...$25.00 Teruya, Takeo & Sachiko...$20.00 Toma, Sandra & Wayne...$40.00 Toyama, Pieper & Lois...$50.00 Ueunten, Grace...$20.00 Wakakuwa, Satoru & Janet...$25.00 Yamashiro, Katsuo & Jean...$25.00 Yasui, Bertram...$25.00 Yosemori, Chikai & Chihoko...$25.00 Offertory March 9, $ March 16, $ March 23, $ March 30, $ April 13, $ Thank you for your support! 7

8 Announcements/Reminders It s time again to make your commitment to Jikoen by paying your yearly dues... 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 $60 per adult $120 for family *Seniors may pay any amount they wish. Please consider becoming a dues-paying member. Your dues go towards helping Jikoen pay for its daily operation (utilities, salaries, insurance, repairs, maintenance, taxes, etc.). They also help Jikoen with all its programs and services throughout the year. Jikoen is where you can learn about and practice your faith, Jodo Shinshu, enjoy fellowship with others and work for the improvement of the community. Let s make Jikoen the best little temple in Hawaii! 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