AUG-SEPT VOLUME 56 - NO.5 http://www.moiliilihongwanji.org We Are All An Important Part Of The Whole By Rev. Earl Ikeda A very special mahalo nui loa to Kyodan President Blayne Higa together with Melvin Takemoto and Ernie Morikubo for spearheading the bon dance committee and effectively representing our temple at the Moiliili Summer Festival committee meetings. To the many sub-chairpersons and other na menehune from behind the scenes, too numerous to mention, you also deserve equal praise. In fact, everyone should raise their right arms and lower it upon your left shoulders. Now give yourselves pats for being a part of Moiliili Hongwanji and our community. On the bulletin board near the mc s podium is a sign which reads, We Are All An Important Part Of The Whole. As I reflect upon the events that lead to this year s very successful bon dance, how appropriate I thought. The 2-day event Office: 949-1659 Preschool: 946-4416 Project Dana: 945-3736 took years of planning as it is my understanding that this concept to bringing the community together has been on the table for a while. How wonderful it is that members of our community and our temple leaders saw an opportunity to bring everyone together. In Buddhism we have the Three Treasures. The Treasures are the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. In my personal interpretation, I see the Buddha as being a symbol of truth, hope, love, and a goal for all beings to strive for and achieve. This symbol is an expression of that which is true and that which also helps us to realize ultimate truth and that potential within, the Buddha s boundless wisdom and compassion. The Dharma represents principles which reflect this truth and are expressed in every aspect Nonprofit Organization US POSTAGE PAID HONOLULU HI PERMIT NO 430 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED MOILIILI HONGWANJI MISSION 902 UNIVERSITY AVENUE HONOLULU HI 96826 AUG-SEPT 2012
of our lives. The Sangha are those who awaken to strive for realizing truth and have made personal vows to attain the goal of realizing it. We don t need to think too hard to understand something that may relate to this concept. In our families we have parents, principles we believe in and uphold, and family members who strive to live up to principles and values. As a family we all strive to promote harmony. However, even in family situations we may have differences of opinions which may cause concerns. It is important for everyone in a family to have the opportunity to express themselves openly. In Jodo Shinshu, we use the term monpo, deep listening. This expresses the practice of sincere listening to others and also giving others the opportunity to sincerely express themselves without any prejudgment. Everyone represents an important aspect of life. I believe that we have all had the experience of not knowing what to do in difficult situations. When we have open conversations, we sometimes pick up on something which may resolve the problem. Life is too complex and sharing thoughts and experiences may lessen stress. It was wonderful to see a committee of concerned and involved temple members come together each week to discuss issues. Yes, because this was such a huge first time project, there were many concerns, even fear, caused by uncertainties. Once the goals were set, everyone focused on its success and not failure. When everyone comes together in oneness of heart and mind, the possibilities of success are great. I believe that everyone proved that point. However, success does not merely mean the ability to improve our finances but on a larger scale, the ability to work together to reach and achieve higher goals. The experienced became mentors to the less experienced and everyone gave of themselves. This past event exemplified this. The outcome is joy. However in this human world, the reality is that everything is subject to change and therefore, feelings of accomplishment/joy are realistically only temporary. Wonderful achievements like this should perhaps be viewed as stepping stones to reach still higher and greater goals bringing everyone together as a universal family, Sangha. The essence of the Three Treasures is that each Treasure cannot exist entirely on its own. Each plays a vital part in realizing a whole. I sincerely believe that all of you have come together to create a whole, an event where everyone, a community, was able to truly enjoy. How proud I am to be able to serve Moiliili Hongwanji Mission. Namo Amida Butsu Ask Rev. Earl Question: Several weeks ago we heard a message from a Rev. Arai, a visiting professor of Ryukoku University. It was an inspiring message. After his message, the members in attendance clapped their hands in appreciation. Is this appropriate in a temple? Reply: Perhaps putting our hands in gassho and reciting Amida Buddha s Name would be ideal but I feel that expressing genuine gratitude should be the cause for calling the Buddha s name or even clapping. The point is to not limit yourself by thinking that there is just one or only one way to express gratitude. True gratitude, like all wonderful things, goes beyond time and place and is an expression of the heart that has no limitations. The White Way is the newsletter of the Moiliili Hongwanji Mission, 902 University Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826. It is printed seven times a year in January, March, May, June, August, October and November. 2 AUG-SEPT 2012
O-Bon is the time of year when we honor the memory of departed loved ones and we express joy and gratitude for the love and compassion which surrounds all forms of life. Our lives are made possible because of those that have come before us and we acknowledge this gift by living our lives to the fullest each and every day with gratitude in our hearts. O-Bon is also a valuable lesson in understanding the truth of interdependence. Our annual Bon Dance would not be possible if it were not for the hard work, dedication, and generosity of so many members and friends. This year, our Bon Dance needed extra support as we made the move to a new site at the Old Varsity Theatre parking lot and joined with other community groups to put on the first ever Moiliili Summer Festival. This amazing partnership with Moiliili Community Center, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools and event planning company Street Grindz turned our Bon Dance into a true community festival which celebrated the best of the Moiliili community. The attendance was estimated at over 2,000 people on Friday and over 4,000 on Saturday. This was the largest and best Bon Dance we have ever held. Our concession sold out both nights and our new BBQ plate was a big hit. Our Bon Dance and the Summer Festival received great TV, radio corporate and social media coverage. It was amazing to see so many new, younger and first time attendees at our Bon Dance from all parts of the community. This event truly showcased our temple in a very positive light and we even received several inquires for more information about who we are and temple activities. I sincerely want to extend my personal gratitude to Co-Chairs Melvin Takemoto and Ernie Morikubo as well as the entire Bon Dance planning committee for their flexibility and willingness to embrace change with open minds and hearts. This was an extremely challenging process, but everyone truly pulled together and we gave it our all producing a tremendously successful event. Thank you for believing in this vision and for having the determination to make it a reality. I hope you feel this was a worthwhile endeavor and that you are willing to work towards making this festival happen again next year. Please share your thoughts on how we can improve things and make it even better. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the one year anniversary of Rev. Earl and Myra joining our Sangha. We welcomed them in August of 2011 and we have had quite an eventful year. Thank you for sharing your love and understanding of the Dharma with us and for your encouragement to think of things differently and to be unafraid of change. I look forward to working with you in the coming years. We have lots of new and exciting things happening at Moiliili. We have an evening fellowship once a month, community service projects with Family Promise and Pride in Moiliili, a temple picnic coming up in August as well as an open house being planned for sometime in the fall. We also look forward to celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the Moiliili Hongwanji Preschool in September. Your participation makes our temple a vibrant place to belong. Please share your ideas on how we can make Moiliili Hongwanji even better in the future. Mahalo! In Gassho, Blayne Higa 3 AUG-SEPT 2012
Hawaii State Federation of Honpa Hongwanji Lay Associations 50th State Convention will be held at Lihue Hongwanji Hongwanji Social Hall on September 8 9, 2012. Thank you to our delegates for representing MHM. Please join us for our Autumn Ohigan Services which will be held as follows: Sunday September 23, 2012 9:00 AM: Combined English/ Japanese Family Service Higan (translated Other Shore ) Services are held twice a year during the spring and autumn equinox when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and everything is in balance. It is a time of rededication to listening to the Dharma. At our Autumn Higan Service at Moiliili Hongwanji, we also honor the Seven Masters of the Pure Land Teachings. Help us create this daily reminder of the Jodo Shinshu teachings that manifest in your everyday life. How you show LIVE THE TEACHINGS! can include artwork in 2D (drawing/paintings/ calligraphy), 3D (sculpture, environmental) or digital photographs. Artwork and sculptures must be photographed or scanned. You may submit low resolution files and we will advise on photographing your work if selected for the calendar. E-mail to Stephan Doi_shd@hawaii.rr.com or Alan Kubota lenscapes@yahoo.com Digital photos must be in a file of sufficient resolution (quality) to produce an 8x10 photo. Digital photos can be put on a CD and mailed to: Attn: Calendar Committee Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii 1727 Pali Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96813 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: SUNDAY, SEPT. 9 Any questions? Please contact Lois Ohta OHTAL002@hawaii.rr.com DEEPEST SYMPATHY Moiliili Hongwanji Mission extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the following who have recently passed away: Mr. Tatsumi Yashiki 87, June 1 Mr. Burt Yoneshige 58, June 14 Mrs. Shigeko Yoshimura 94, June 27 May the Onembutsu provide solace to family members and friends during this time of sorrow. Choralfest 2012 will be held on August 4-5, 2012 at the Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii. Choralfest brings together singers to celebrate the Dharma as a massed choir. Participants rehearse Buddhist choral pieces at a workshop on Saturday and sing them at a special music service on Sunday. The 2- day event is led by prominent local choral conductor Nola Nahulu. Singers receive a program booklet with music score and practice CD before the event. 4 AUG-SEPT 2012
PROJECT DANA NEWS Congratulations! Mrs. Shimeji (Shim) Kanazawa (Founder) and Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, original Project Dana Advisory Council Members were two of four selected to receive The Serving Heart Award at a ceremony on July 13 held at College Hill. The Serving Heart is a civic character award founded by the Universal Values for a Democratic Society Nisei Veterans Endowed Forum Series. The recipients of this award provides extraordinary service to individuals and the community; service that is marked by honesty, humility, respect, compassion, fairness and integrity. Through such service, these recipients inspires others to live meaningful and more fulfilling live. The Colleges of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa established this forum series. The series is named in honor of the Nisei (second generation Americans of Japanese ancestry) veterans, whose conduct during and after World War II exemplifies the importance of values in everyday live. We congratulate Mrs.Kanazawa and Rev. Fujitani, as they are truly exemplary role models of the Serving Heart award. Project Dana is most grateful for their inspiration, support and dedication for the past 23 years. It s Hurricane Season again! June 1 through Nov. 30 Be prepared! Here are some things to do to get ready. 1. Emergency Plan Family meeting place: pre-disaster and post disaster Emergency phone list: alternate contacts ( in state and out of state), doctor, veterinarian (if you have a pet), insurance agent, work, school, cellular and hangouts of family Designated shelter and alternates (addresses and phone numbers Discuss what to do before, during and after a disaster happens Emergency Kit (have ready at home) Water- 1 gallon per person per day Food non-perishable, high energy, ready to eat Clothes - 1 change of clothes, jacket or blanket if needed. Portable equipment -flashlights/ lanterns, radio, stove, batteries First aid kit Pet supplies Prescription medications (one month supply) Tools and Supplies Sanitation supplies Sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, folding chair. Carry a mini kit in your car 2. Emergency Shelter Designate three possible shelters in the area. Do you have special or medical needs? Are you living in a tsunami evacuation or flood zone? 3. Important Documents Take important papers (identification, deeds, title, etc.) and some spare cash 4. Misc. Information Gas tank filled. Primary radio stations (i.e. Oahu KSSK 590 AM, KRTR 96.3 FM) State Civil Defense (www.scdhawaii.gov) Important Social Security Update An important notice from M. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security for those receiving Social Security checks through the mail. Direct Deposit is a secure and convenient way to receive Social Security payments, particularly when a natural disaster strikes. This is a simple step people can take to eliminate one concern as they prepare for the hurricane season. Having funds available in the event of a storm is critically important. Eighty seven percent of our beneficiaries already take advantage of Direct Deposit and I urge anyone not yet signed up for electronic payments to do so now. As of May 2011, anyone who applies for Social Security will receive payments electronically and all current beneficiaries MUST switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. To sign up or learn more, please visit www.godirect.org. 5 AUG-SEPT 2012
BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION NEWS おかげさまで I am grateful to you I am grateful to you for your enthusiasm and effort toward bon dance. You all seemed to know your strengths and what you could do: make manju, glaze manju, bake manju, and pack manju 237 packs to be exact! Or, ladies chose to pack 159 bags of chi-chi dango, roll an and make peanut butter microwave mochi (lots!). And still more work: wash and cook rice 32 (18 cup) rice cookers over two nights, warm up corn niblets (oodles of gallon cans), julienne more cabbage for the teri plate dinner at the last minute, and endlessly wash and dry dishes. No job was too menial and you met the tasks flexibly and tirelessly. Your offering of time and effort was priceless. We needed every hand offered. This year s bon dance took on a new look in many ways. I m proud of all of you for supporting this activity with all your heart! I was most grateful that we came through it safe and healthy. Banzai to a successful 2012 bon dance! With deepest gratitude ( 感謝しております ) Lois Ohta Coming up: Sunday, August 12th 9 a.m. in the annex bead necklace or onenjyu activity $10. Sign up with Lois if you haven t already. Led by Wendy Nakanishi. Saturday, August 18th Temple picnic at Foster Point, Hickam Air Force Base. Let s go! There will be bus transportation. Sign up with Karen Kikukawa. Saturday, September 15th Honolulu United Membership Meeting at Jikoen. Details to come. Cost $10. Bring a friend! Sunday, September 9th C.A.R.E. (Compassion and Respect for Elders) with Sunday service. Sunday, September 30th BWA General Meeting the nomination committee will be presenting their slate of officers for 2013. Our columbarium renovati on s completed in 1998 allowed us to have more niches available to Moiliili Hongwanji members. We have a limited number of smaller niches still available. The cost for the use of a small niche is $600. Any interested members should contact the temple office for more information or assistance. As a reminder the columbarium hours are from Monday through Friday from 8 AM till 4:30 PM and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM till 1 PM. If you would like to visit the columbarium outside these hours please contact the temple to make an appointment. Also we humbly request that you place your flower offerings near the altar rather than near the niches themselves. Thank you very much! For the past three years the office staff have been asked to kokua with the colorful cards. The cards are sent every year to members of the Moiliili Hongwanji who are 77 years or older. Since the cards were initiated in July 23 years ago, each July a newly designed card will be sent out. This year a lei with ALOHA written in sand in the center, was asked to be made. Thanks to Brent Ishii 100 of the cards were made and are ready to be mailed. By Michie Motooka 6 AUG-SEPT 2012
JINJI MINISTERIAL ASSIGNMENT Rev. Sol Kalu, currently serving at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin as its Associate Minister, will be assigned to Makawao Hongwanji Mission as its Resident Minister as of July 16, 2012. Rev. Mariko Nishiyama, currently serving at Papaikou Hongwanji Mission, Honomu Hongwanji Mission, Honohina Hongwanji Mission, and Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission will be assigned to Pearl City Hongwanji Mission as its Resident Minister as of August 1, 2012. Mrs. Kumika Soga will be assigned to Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin as a fulltime Assisting Minister as of August 1, 2012 under State Headquarters with daily supervision provided by the Chief Minister of Hilo Betsuin, Rev. Jeffrey Soga. The Ministers of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin will be assigned to provide for the needs of Papaikou Hongwanji Mission, Honomu Hongwanji Mission, Honohina Hongwanji Mission, and Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission as of August 1, 2012. Rev. Jeffrey Soga, Rimban of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, in collaboration with Temple leaders will be responsible for assigning ministers of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin to provide needed service to those temples. MUSIC COMMITTEE The Hawaii Kyodan Music Committee seeks professional musicians or music students who can produce musical scores of gathas and choral arrangements to specifications with a computer software such as Sibelius or Finale. Interested persons may contact Francis Okano (737-8331) or Headquarters (522-9212). REV. OSHITA S SEMINAR On June 14, Rev. Bob Oshita, Rimban of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento in California, spoke about CHANGE from the Buddhist perspective at the Mo ili ili Hongwanji s Summer Seminar. The Dharma Enrichment committee was expecting about 20 people to attend; imagine our surprise when more than 40 people showed up! It was largely due to the speaker himself. Rev. Oshita talked about nurturing our members, who will nurture the minister, who in turn will nurture us. (Reach out to all of our members.) Do inreach take pride in our temple first. Focus on patience living in the moment develops compassion. Be real reflect on life as it is. When we don t allow ourselves to change, we become dysfunctional. Traditions can be changed. We must adjust to change. Rev. Oshita gave lots of anecdotes, which everyone could relate to. He spoke simply and with humor, so everyone could understand and enjoy. To those who came from Mililani, Jikoen and Hawaii Betsuin temples, thank you for coming. For those of you who missed the seminar, please make every effort to join us at our next seminar this fall! Many thanks go to Kathi Takakuwa who c o o r d i n a t e d t h e seminar and to the committee members who provided behind the scene support. Mahalo! 7 AUG-SEPT 2012
Time really flies when you are having fun and really busy! Our Summer School Program is coming to a close on Friday, July 13, 2012. This will be a sad and a happy day for all of us. My 4 year old children are finally leaving us permanently to go on to Kindergarten. We wish them all luck and success. My little ones will be moving up in the fall of 2012. We just ended our Bon Dance Season and our Preschool participated in the Lotus Lantern Parade. The Preschool also sold yummy KC Waffle Hot Dogs at this years Moiliili Community Summer Festival. Many thanks to everyone who helped us out. Our playground will be going through remodeling this summer. YAH! My teachers will be off and returning on Monday, July 30, 2012. Enjoy the rest of the Summer and take care of your families! In Gassho, Wendy C. Harman Director Please tune in to Radio KZOO (1210AM dial) for Moiliili Hongwanji's White Way Radio Broadcast each Saturday from 7:45 8:00 AM. Here is the upcoming schedule with speaker s name followed by sponsor s name: Aug 11: Rev. Sol Kalu (Mrs. Bessie Yoshimura) Aug 18: Rev. Shigeaki Fujitani (Mrs. Michie Hamao) Aug 25: Mr. Alan Goto (Mrs. Jo DesMarets) Sep 1: Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani (Mrs. Michiko Morikubo) Sep 8: Rev. David Fujimoto (Messrs Alan & Gene Yokota) Sep 15: Mrs. Juliet Lee (June Matsumoto, Jean Sato & Karen Murakami) Sep 22: Rev. Ms. Kathi Takakuwa (Mr. Reese Morikubo) It takes the effort of many to keep the temple s wheels rolling. And while we have quite a few dedicated and hard working folks tending to things, we can always use more assistance. If you have the time and desire we would really appreciate volunteers to assist with various temple tasks. Please contact the office if you d like to help out. Sep 29: Rev. Richard Tennes (Mrs. Shim Kanazawa) Oct 6: Rev. Bruce Nakamura (Mrs. Pearl Miyasaki) Mahalo to our speakers, our sponsors and our volunteer staff for making this broadcast possible. 8 AUG-SEPT 2012
HEALTH & WELLNESS MOOD AND FOOD You know that eating highly processed food, such as potato chips, French fries, soda and ice cream are not good for your health. They contain high fat, cholesterol, salt, nitrates and sugar. Did you know that they can affect your mood? More researches are being done on Mood and Food. But for now, it's safe to state that wholefoods help your body and mood by keeping your immune system strong, and by healing and repairing damage tissues. And, you will feel better, if you're in good health. Some choices that will make a difference: 1) Fiber and water keep your digestion working without causing constipation. 2) Complex carbohydrates keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, allowing you to have more energy to do productive activities. And, a feeling of accomplishment heightens your mood. 3) Proteins, carbs and healthy fats keep your brain in good health. These nutrients help you to learn, remember and stay calm, thus, enhancing your mood. Suggested Dos and Don'ts: Do eat: 1) Fresh fruits, 2) Low fat yogurt, 3) Sparkling water and natural juices, 4) Fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds, 5) Whole wheat bread and brown rice, and 6) Lean meats and fish. Don't eat: 1) Candies and cookies, 2) Ice cream, 3) Soda, added sugared juices, 4) Potato chips, 5) White bread and white rice, and 6) Fried and processed meats like hot dogs and baloney. Finally, exercising and eating in moderation will keep you in good health and good mood. Source of information: "Silver Slate," Silver and Fit Newsletter By Helen Hamasu H PPY STRUMMERS NEWS By Michi Motooka There is a saying that goes: A Fathers love is higher than the mountain and Mother s love is deeper than the ocean. The Happy Strummers were more than happy to honor both mothers and fathers on their respective special days. On each occasion the children were involved in the presentation, holding up FATHER and MOTHER signs as we played the tunes. The gatha Hotoke Sama expresses how we are embraced by mothers and fathers love and strength. Strummers also had the congregation participate. The Hawaii Kai Retirement Home is set in a beautiful tranquil place. Rev. Ikeda visits there bi-monthly. In June the Strummers accompanied him. After Rev. Ikeda s sermon the Strummers played five numbers. Many of the residents sang along with us. Mr. Yoshiaki Bucky Matsuoka who resides in there was happy to see us. Rose Nakamura, Betty Koseki, Betsy Nishioka, Ethel Shintaku and myself were with Yoshiaki since we started as Moiliili Hongwanji Ukulele Club twenty years ago. Since then Edgar and Helen Hamasu and Susan Morishige have joined us and have been very reliable and Happy Strummers. Having lunch at Gyotaku with Yoshiaki was the highlight of the day. In Mid Week magazine, there was an article called Ukulele Kid. This ten year old boy performs regularly at Hard Rock Café on the Beach Walk in Waikiki. He plays pop music among other things. He began playing the ukulele at age four and h a s b e e n taking lessons f r o m R o y Sakuma. 9 AUG-SEPT 2012
Can you believe the school year is coming to an close? The children had a fun filled summer. It started with our visit to Bishop Museum. We saw Elmo and learned how our amazing bodies work in many different ways. The children also enjoyed water play. Running through the water sprinkler and squirting and pouring water into many different things. We even celebrated O-Bon by making lanterns and fans. Mrs. Shiroma took time from her busy schedule to teach us the Pokemon dance. That was a lot of fun. The children got to show off their dance skills at Moiliili Hongwanji s Summer Festival/Bon Dance. Our last week was topped off with shaved ice and a pizza lunch. We like to wish the graduates G O O D L U C K a t t h e i r n e w schools. Please take with you all the fond memories of you preschool days. Come and visit us. For the remaining children have a safe & fun vacation. School will resume on August 1, 2012, Wednesday. School will be full day. By Joy Menor MHM White Way Radio Thank Yous! On April 5, 1975 at 7:35am, Moiliili Hongwanji began its first weekly 15 minutes English radio program called the "WHITE WAY" over radio station KOHO. This public service radio broadcast was originally recorded on reel to reel tapes, then cassette tapes, and today it is done In 1987, we switched over to Radio KZOO and continue till today on Saturday mornings at 7:45-8:00am, spreading the Buddha Dharma. We follow the ever popular Japanese weekly program the Hongwanji Hour presented by the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin at 7:30-7:45am. In 2010, in commemoration of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii s 120th anniversary, a book of White Way messages was published. On June 3rd at the MHM Sunday service, it was announced that as of yesterday June 2nd, (36+ years later), 1,938 broadcasts have been aired thanks to a countless number of ministers, speakers, sponsors and lay volunteers. This is truly an act of dana and now on Recognition Day, the Moiliili Hongwanji Dharma School PTA recognized and thanked the lay volunteers, announcers and technicians. Patrick Komo, Noriyo Morikubo, Susan Morishige, Cyndi Osajima, Ethel Shintaku, and Sharen Uyeunten were present and recognized with a certificate and gift card. In addition we thanked Keith Hamao, Germaine Kiyomoto-Isara, and Wally Oda. Beginning in June our MHM webmaster, Paul Nitta began uploading the White Way radio messages to our website. So in case you missed the early Saturday morning broadcast or if you want to hear the dharma message again and again, you now can listen to it via your computer. Just follow the link (Moiliili Hongwanji, organization, radio broadcast, s p e a k e r s ) o n o u r w e b s i t e : www.moiliilihongwanji.org by Donna Higashi MHM MISSION STATEMENT We want our temple to be a place where learning the Jodo Shinshu dharma meaningfully promotes growth and maturity resulting in a more cohesive and vibrant Sangha, the energy from which overflows into the community and beyond. 10 AUG-SEPT 2012
Editors' Note: Marge Elwell, a member of Naalehu Hongwanji, has been a frequent attendee of Sunday services, Sangha activities, and a generous supporter of Puna Hongwanji Mission. We recently asked Marge to share her thoughts as a non-traditional Buddhist WHY I BECAME A BUDDHIST Marge Elwell April 22, 2012 I was born Chicago IL...May 21 (same as Shinran) to second generation immigrant parents from Eastern Europe with some Mongolian ancestry. I was awarded a scholarship to Santa Clara University in International Trade but I was the wrong sex... from there to Hayward Cal State for a Master's degree in Archaeology while working in the electronics industry. I moved to Stanford in the field of Applied Physics...all this self-description is leading into the fact I have travelled to over 62 countries and witnessed many religions and traditions. positive. I still tend to avoid places and things that I find very difficult to understand but I hope with age and Amida's wisdom and compassion I will learn and grow strong. I am not sure I will ever become a true Buddhist but I do take refuge in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. By finding my home in the Three Jewels I can free myself from blind conditioning and realize true nature. I do not need supernatural spirits to come and save me. The power of the vows comes from my own sincerity and commitment. "Taking refuge in the Buddha, we learn to transform anger into compassion; taking refuge in the Dharma, we learn to transform delusion into wisdom; taking refuge in the Sangha, we learn to transform desire into generosity", Taken from The Heart Sutra; The Womb of Buddhas, p.132 In Hawaii, Joyce Suenobu asked for my help in arranging an "Interfaith Service" in Naalehu Hongwanji 11 years ago. I met Rev Kondo (AKA Mother) who kept sending me booklets about Buddhism. No ten commandments, NO GUILT, NO PENANCE...I really liked that idea..but I am always apologizing for the tradition because it is too simple, too direct, as Rev. Bloom says "Too good to be true." In the Interfaith Service, people of many different religions came together in a true spirit of aloha. Mahayana Buddhism keeps me at peace and helps me turn negative occasions to something Marge and Dennis Elwell 11 AUG-SEPT 2012
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Dharma School by Donna Higashi Special thanks to new Dharma School parents, Mickey and Jillian Johnson (daughter Italeigh) for donating a brand new microwave and coffee maker to Moiliili Hongwanji recently. The extra microwave came into good use for making close to 1000 pieces of plain and peanut butter microwave mochi for the Bon Dance concession on Saturday. On June 17th, everyone also had a good time celebrating Father s Day with singing and good food after the morning service. Thanks to all of the super moms & friends for preparing a spectacular spread which was definitely equal to the Mother s Day brunch put on by the men of the temple. Such ono dishes. After cleanup, able bodies cleared the annex tables and chairs and swept and mopped the floor in preparations for Moiliili s hosting of Family Promise for the rest of the week. What great teamwork! A highly successful MHM Bon Dance (July 6-7) was just completed at the Old Varsity lot on University Avenue. Many thanks to Dharma School families (present and past) who came out to help: Fukumoto (Alia), Isara (Mason, Matthew), Masuda (Ryne), Matsumoto (Chika), Matsuoka (Kyla), Meade (Amanda & Chris), Morikubo (Kayo), Nakanishi (Meagan), Sakata (Ariel & Elijah), Shintaku (Gordon & Debbie), Takiue (Jayden & Kayla),Takemoto (Paul & Nikiya) and others. They joined over 140 adult volunteers over this weekend. Please note that young people from the BSC Fellowship (spam musubi) and United Jr. YBA of Honolulu (shave ice) greatly assisted in the concession booth and in many other ways. Besides these two groups, close to 20 individuals volunteered from outside of MHM s membership, including five staffers from Project Dana office (not counting Rose, Cyndi, Roy & Myra), seven members from Wahiawa Hongwanji, the Nakatas (Ann & Lynn), Haranakas (Nancie & Russell from Arizona and Susan Haramoto from PIM. Thank you everyone. Even teachers need to attend classes for improvement, so plans are underway to join other DS teachers at the 2012 State Dharma School Teachers Conference on October 13-14 in Wailuku Maui. We also attend HHDSTA meetings along with Hawaii Betsuin and Jikoen teachers. We must not forget to say thank you to the MHM Kyodan when the teachers were recognized on June 3rd as well as the DS students by the DS PTA. Social Concerns Committee Donna Higashi, chair Pride in Moiliili Using the $80 donated by temple members, the Social Concerns Committee will pay the balance to purchase a Gas Powered Edger to donate to the Pride in Moiliili, cleanup group. These are the rest of the year s cleanup dates so come out and lend a hand from 8:00am to noon. Light refreshments provided. July 14 - Wiliwili Street Aug. 11 - Kaaha/Dole St. Mini Park Sept. 8 - Ala Wai Community Park Oct. 13 - Griffiths/Farrington St. Nov. 10 - Judd Mini Park Along the same lines, we are looking for volunteers to begin a weekly temple & grounds maintenance group at our home MHM. We already have HOSHA teams cleaning the temple proper. Plans are underway for a Disaster Preparedness Workshop in cooperation with Project Dana. If you would like to help with the planning of this workshop which will be open to MHM members and friends, please contact D. Higashi. Stay tuned. 17 AUG-SEPT 2012
今月より盆ダンス 盂蘭盆会法要 盆参りが始まります お盆についてともに考えさせていただきましょう お盆は 2500 年前の物語が始まりです インドで仏教を開いたお釈迦様のお弟子の物語です お弟子は 目連 という名前です お釈迦様にはたくさんのお弟子がいましたが その中でも特に優れたお弟子が 10 人いました その一人が 目連 です 母親と二人で生活していたそうです 親子の関係は特に強かったのです しかし 目連 は 母と別れてお釈迦様のお弟子になります そして天眼通という力を持ちます それは すべてを見ることのできる力だといわれています 死後の世界も見ることができたそうです そこで 目連 は 亡くなった母がどこへ行ったか探しました 仏教では六道といって 六つの世界があると考えられていました 仏様の世界は お浄土 です お浄土にいたるまでの 天 人間 修羅 畜生 餓鬼 地獄の六つです お念仏をもうす人は 阿弥陀様がお浄土へ連れて行ってくださいますから 六道へは行きません お浄土へ行って 仏様になっています 皆様のご家族は 仏様になっておられます これは間違いありません なぜなら 阿弥陀様のお約束だからです しかし 阿弥陀様のお約束を聞いていなかった 目連 の母は餓鬼の世界へ行ってしまっていたのです 餓鬼の世界とはどういうところかというと 食べたり飲んだりができないところです だから やせて骨と皮ばかりになって 苦しんでいるのです 母がやせて苦しんでいるのを見た 目連 は すぐに食べ物を持っていき 母に食べさそうとします しかし その御馳走が母の口まで来ると 炎になって燃えてしまうのです それを見た 目連 は お釈迦様のところへ行きます そして 母を餓鬼の世界からたすける方法を教えてもらおうとするのです 目連 の質問にお釈迦様は答えます 7 月 15 日は夏安居が終わる日です 夏安居とはお釈迦様のお弟子さんたちの勉強会のことです その勉強会が終わるのが 7 月 15 日なのです だからその日はたくさんのお坊さんが集まっているから そのお坊さんたちに 食べ物を供養しなさい そうすればあなたのお母さんは救われるでしょう と言われたのです 目連 は さっそく供養をすると 母親は餓鬼の世界から 天 の世界へと生まれた だから お盆は 目連 の母が救われた日です 浄土真宗では 餓鬼道へは行きませんが 私の心の中に餓鬼の心がある そして 仏様のみ教えにあわなければ私も餓鬼の世界へ行かなければならなかった ということを知って そんな私を救ってくださる阿弥陀様のお誓いを信じ お念仏もうして 生活させていただきたいものです 18 AUG-SEPT 2012