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“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE” - 1 -

Shaku Arthur Kaufmann

Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

1828 Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI 96793-1816Telephone: (808) 244-0406 – 244-9647Website: www.wailukuhongwanji.org

VOL. LVII, No. 3 Email: [email protected] March 2020Ohigan Service (The Other Shore ofthe River) to be held on March 8

HE SPRING OHIGAN SERVICE WILL BE HELD atWailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple on Sunday,March 8, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Shaku Arthur

Kaufmann, resident minister at Lihue Hongwanji BuddhistTemple, will be the guest speaker.

What is Ohigan? The literalmeaning of Ohigan is “the othershore of the river,” the riversymbolizes life here with itsimpermanence and suffering, whilethe other shore represents thingslike Awakening, Enlightenment, orliberation from this world. Ohigancenters on spring and autumnequinoxes. At the time of equinox,the sun sets due west and the day and night are equal. InPureland Buddhism, the sun setting west symbolically indi-cates the world of the utmost serenity and bliss of nirvana towhich the Buddha has been guiding all sentient beings.

In Jodo Shinshu, the observance of Ohigan is simply theexpressing of our gratitude to Amida Buddha for awakeningus to Boundless Compassion and Wisdom. We should putinto action the Compassion which comes to us vertically fromAmida Buddha and to apply it horizontally in our relationshipwith man and other living beings. This appreciation in ourdaily life is the Jodo Shinshu way of expressing our gratitudeand thanksgiving for the wondrous virtues extended to usunconditionally and equally to all.

Our guest speaker requests that he be addressed as“Shaku” and not “Reverend.” He said that “Reverend”

means, one who is to be ‘revered,’ while Shaku, a Sanskritword, means, ‘Disciple of Buddha’. He would dearly love tobe “revered” and be “highly respected,” but he feels that heis not worthy of such a title. He feels that such a title fostersseparation between himself and the rest of the Sangha, as ifhe were someone special. He, as Shinran put it, a dogyo ordobo, a fellow traveler on the Shinshu path. He is travellingwith all of us as part of the Sangha. Come hear his talk onMarch 8, at 9 a.m.

Central Maui Hanamatsuri (FlowerFestival) to be held on Sunday, April 5

IRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES DANNY TOPP WOULDlike to encourage temple members to attend theCentral Maui Hanamatsuri Festival, which will be

held on Sunday, April 5, at the Velma McWayne SantosCommunity Center in Wailuku beginning with a service at9:00 a.m. He reported that Wailuku Hongwanji is in chargeof refreshments. Our temple will be participating in the enter-tainment portion of the festival. Reverend Shinkai Murakamiinvites all members to participate in this joyous event to ob-serve the birthday of Buddha.

Lunches for Wailuku Hongwanji members will be pre-pared at a cost of $3 for single and $5 for two or more familymembers. Please call the office at 244-0406 to let us knowthe count. Reservation deadline is Sunday, March 22.

Maui United BWA Spring Assembly tobe held at Wailuku Hongwanji Budd-hist Temple on Saturday, April 18

HE MAUI UNITED BWA SPRING ASSEMBLY willbe held at the Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Templeon Saturday, April 18, beginning at 9 a.m. United

BWA President Sharon Nohara reported that MUBWA will beparticipating in the COMMUNITY SOUP PROJECT (SouperWomen of BWA Unite). She asks that members bring soupand canned goods to the meeting, which will be collectedand donated to the Maui Food Bank.

The assembly will begin with a short service, followed bya business meeting. A special program has been plannedfeaturing a speaker on environmental issues. Following themeeting, lunch will be served. The cost for the bento lunchwill be $15. Members may select regular or vegetarian lunch.Please let President Janet Kubota know if you plan to attendby Sunday, April 12.

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Building Healthy Sanghas: Embracing Generosity and Openness - 2 -

NembutsuNamo Amida Butsu

Hi everyone. I hope you are rejoicing in the spiritual blessingof the Nembutsu through Amida's great wisdom and compassion.This month, I would like to share with you my understanding ofNembutsu.

When we come to the temple or attend a religious gathering,we recite the Nembutsu. However, if someone asks you, "What isthe Nembutsu?" How would you answer that question? I believethat many of you may not be able to answer the question and thatyou may find it difficult to explain something about Jodo Shinshu.It’s like someone trying to explain the difference between AmidaBuddha and Shakyamuni Buddha. Some of you may know theanswer while others may be reluctant to answer. "If I give thewrong answer, I may be embarrassed.”

As Jodo Shinshu followers, we should know that AmidaBuddha is "Infinite Light and Life" which is our homage andShakyamuni Buddha is the person who attained Enlightenmentand explained to us about Amida's great wisdom and compassion.

Let me share with you my interpretation of the Nembutsu.Nembutsu is written with two Chinese characters. The first letter"Nem" is originally "Sati" in Sanskrit and it is means "to learn" or"to deeply think" or "to be very careful" or "to realize" and thesecond letter "Butsu" which is the Buddha or Enlightened One. So,the term "Nembutsu" means, "Deeply thinking of the Buddha, tolearn Buddha's true heart which is his guidance. So for us, Nem-butsu means to "recite Amida Buddha's Holy Name with true amind of gratitude and appreciation." This is a simple and directtranslation of Nembutsu.

By the way, a temple member asked, "Sensei, which is thecorrect way for us to recite the Nembutsu? Do we recite "NAMOAmida Butsu" or "NAMU Amida Butsu?" Are there differences be-tween these two ways of recitation? For me, Namo or Namu is nota big issue, but for the lady, she didn’t want to make a mistake infront of others. So, I explained to her about this issue. Originally,Nembutsu, in Chinese character, was spoken in two ways—“Namo Amida Butsu or Namu Amida Butsu." However, at ourMother temple it is "NAMO Amida Butsu." But, even if it is set atthe Hongwanji temple, many of the Hongwanji ministers, still reciteNembutsu as "NAMU Amida Butsu." However, I believe both areacceptable. As long as we recite Amida Buddha's Holy name withthe mind of gratitude and joy, it is fine.

Let me explain to you about Nembutsu. Namo Amida Butsu isthe Japanese way of pronouncing a Sanskrit phrase that is verydifficult to pronouncing perfectly. The Chinese pronunciation is"Namo Ami tau fo," and the Sanskrit pronunciation is "Namo Amita bha" or "Namo Amita yus." However, the meaning of this phraseis "Infinite Light and Infinite Life." However, when Pure LandTeachings were transmitted from China to Japan, the leaders ofthe Tendai sect read it as "Namo Amida Butsu" instead of the Chi-nese way of pronunciation. Since then, people started to use theJapanese way of pronunciation which is "Namo Amida Butsu."

However, because it was written in the Chinese charactersand can be read as "NAMU Amida Butsu" many followers, includ-ing some ministers, were reading and reciting it as "NAMO AmidaButsu or NAMU Amida Butsu." Today, even in Japan and manyforeign countries, Hongwanji members are reciting in both ways.

"Namo or Namu" means, "to rely upon" or "entrust oneself to.""Amida" is a word taken from the first part of "Amitabha" and "Ami-tayus," which means "Infinite Light and Infinite Life." Thus "Amida"has a meaning of "Infinite." "Butsu" is the Japanese way of pro-nouncing Buddha, which means, "the Enlightened One" or "Awa-kened One." So putting it all together, "Namo Amida Butsu or Na-mu Amida Butsu" refers to the fact that eternal truth in the forms of"Infinite Light" which is Wisdom of Amida and "Infinite Life" whichis the Compassion of Amida penetrates and continually workstoward our highest goal which is enlightenment.

When we say "Aloha," are we thinking of its meaning or arewe expressing our gratitude or appreciation? I think this wordcomes naturally from our mouth. When Hawaiians say "Aloha”they are expressing gratitude and appreciation, so it's not neces-sary to think about what they are saying. I think "Nembutsu" is thesame, when we recite Nembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu, we don'tneed to have any reason or purpose. Amida Buddha is alwaysworking with us. As long as we recite the Nembutsu, we are onewith Amida. Why? Whenever we recite this Holy Name, AmidaBuddha is reciting together with us; we are one with Amida.

So, when you come to the temple, offer incense and recite theNembutsu. I believe you will feel comfortable and tranquil. Why?Because you are one with Amida and receiving his great wisdomand compassionate heart.

On March 8, we will be observing our Spring Ohigan Servicewith the Shaku Arthur Kaufmann of Lihue Hongwanji Mission, whowill be our guest speaker. Ohigan is time for all of us to reflectupon our lives. May this be an opportunity for all of us to re-evaluate ourselves and if we are able to be aware of Namo AmidaButsu is a similar understanding of the Aloha spirit, I think we areliving with joy and happiness with Amida Buddha's infinite wisdomand compassion.

So, with these great minds of appreciation and great feeling oftranquility, naturally Nembutsu flows out from our mouth as "Nanman da-bu, Nan man da-bu." I believed that Nembutsu is a pre-cious gift from Amida Buddha.

Namo Amida Butsu, Namo Amida Butsu, Namo Amida Butsu.

A message from Reverend Shinkai MurakamiResident Minister – Wailuku Hongwanji Mission

Friend of the DharmaDeadline for submitting information for publication is the 15

thof the month

prior to the publication date.The Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, 1828 Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI

96793, publishes the newsletter monthly. Phone: 244-0406. The opinionswritten by individual contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflectthose of the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission.

STAFFFrank Hamasaki, Editor.....................................................Rev. Shinkai MurakamiJoan Tamori..................................................................................... Itsuyo KusudaRichard Ouchi......................................................................................Mae OmuroStella Kuwae

Contributing Reporters

Buddhist Women’s Association..................................................Ms. Janet KubotaBoy Scouts ........................................................................Mrs. Shelley PellegrinoCub Scouts ....................................................................................Mrs. Erin FerrerDharma School..........................................................................Ms. Sandra HirataJudo Club .........................................................................Mr. Ronald HiyakumotoPreschool........................................................................... Ms. Cathy DiMeo-ColeSTEM Scouting..................................................................Mrs. Courtney Morihiro


Rev. Soryu Kagahi

“Hongwanji Day” to be observed onSunday, March 1

EMPLE MEMBERS AREinvited to attend the“Hongwanji Day” Service,

which will be held on Sunday,March 1, beginning at 8 a.m. Theservice honors the ReverendSoryu Kagahi, the first JodoShinshu minister who arrived onMarch 2, 1889 and conducted hisfirst service on March 3, 1889. Therefore, March 2, hasbeen officially declared “Hongwanji Day.”

In “A Grateful Past, A Promising Future, p. 1” it was writ-ten, “Anyone passing by Kojima Hotel at #1 Beretania Streetin Honolulu the evening of March 3, 1889 would have heardsounds never before heard in the kingdom of Hawaii. Theclear sweet striking of a small gong. The sonorous rhythm ofa sutra chanted in Sino-Japanese. The first Shin Buddhistservice in these islands was being held by the ReverendSoryu Kagahi, a young priest from the Kyushu province ofOita-ken.” He came to Hawaii to propagate the faith amongthe Japanese laborers on the sugar plantations.

He visited laborers on the Big Island, Kauai, and Maui.His aim was to comfort the workers and try to alleviate theirextreme physical and spiritual hardships. After only sevenmonths, he returned to Japan to urge Honzan to send moreministers to Hawaii to continue his work.

Wailuku’s Hanamatsuri and InfantPresentation Day set for April 12

EVEREND SHINKAI MURAKAMI WOULD LIKE TOinvite temple members, along with parents andgrandparents, to participate in Wailuku Hongwanji’s

annual Hanamatsuri (Buddha Day) Service and Infant Pres-entation Ceremony (Hatsumairi or Shosan-shiki) that will beheld on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

He stated that Hanamatsuri, which literally means flowerfestival, is celebrated on April 8, the birth of Siddhartha Gau-tama. Siddhartha became enlightened as Sakyamuni Budd-ha and this marks the release of all sentient beings from suf-fering and sorrow.

The Infant Presentation Ceremony (Shosan-shiki) giveseach family the opportunity to present their child to AmidaBuddha and the Sangha for the first time.

He stated that raising a child or even a grandchild is oneof the most important tasks in one’s life. It is something thatshould be done with a great deal of thought. Other than thegift of life, the Dharma is one of the most important gifts youcould present to your child or grandchild. He said that thisceremony is our temple’s way of celebrating Hanamatsuri—the birth of Buddha.

During the ceremony, the parents will take a solemn vowto do all in their power to guide the spiritual growth of theirchild according to the high ideals set forth in the teaching ofthe Buddha. The parents are, in effect, revealing their com-mitment to raising this child in such a way that the child willhopefully see the merit of the parent's chosen religious pathand after that choose it as their own. The temple and its fol-lowers are also revealing their commitment to support andcherish that child. At this ceremony your child will receive agift of its first Onenju.

For an application form to participate in the Infant Pres-entation Ceremony, parents and grandparents may contactReverend Murakami or pick it up at the temple office.

Graduates’ Banquet to be held onSunday, May 3

HE WAILUKU HONGWANJI BUDDHIST Temple2020 Graduates' Banquet will be held at Tante’sIsland Cuisine, 100 W. Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahu-

lui, on Sunday, May 3, beginning at 11 a.m. Cost for thebuffet lunch is $28 per person. The luncheon will commencewith a brief baccalaureate service conducted by the Reve-rend Shinkai Murakami. The keynote speaker will be DaynaTaketa, a math teacher at Maui High School.

A list of 2020 graduates is currently being compiled.Members can help the committee prepare the list by provid-ing them with known graduates. Please call Shelley Quipotlaor Sharon Higa (244-0406) as soon as possible so no gra-duates are left off the list. As of January 1, the followinggraduates have been identified: Rusty Abalos, Jamie Celis,Waipuilani Estrada-Beauchamp, Donavan Ikeuchi, Noah Mu-rata, Kara Nakahashi, and Dylan Pena.

Please note that a student's family need not be templemembers or even of the same religion to attend the banquet.The main purpose of this event is to extend congratulationsand best wishes to graduating seniors, who through theirmembership or their participation in temple sponsored activi-ties, have been a part of the Wailuku Hongwanji Missionfamily.

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Editor’s Note: In our temple’s calendar, I noticed that onMarch 2, there is an activity called “Hongwanji Day” (ob-served on March 1). I wanted to know what is “HongwanjiDay?” See article below about “Hongwanji Day.”

Buddha’s Quotes

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

“Be vigilant; guard your mind against negativethoughts.”


Souper Women

Buddhist Women’s NewsJanet Kubota, Reporter

BWA meeting set for March 1

WA MEMBERS WILL HOLD A MEETINGON Sunday, March 1, following SundayService. On the agenda will be the Maui

United BWA Spring Assembly, which will behosted by Wailuku Hongwanji BWA on April 18,the visitation to a care facility, and the Eshin-ni/Kakushinni Day Service, which is planned forApril 26.

Group E in charge of refreshments forSpring Ohigan on March 8

ROUP “E” MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEYare in charge of refreshments for the Ohigan Service,which is scheduled for March 8. Shaku Arthur Kauf-

mann, Resident Minister at Lihue Hongwanji Buddhist Tem-ple will be the guest speaker. Group “E” members are: MaryTokumaru, Sylvia Ishikawa, Betty Yamashiro, Sharon Sueda,Tamara Manley, Barbara Parr, Kyla Manley, and Carrie Fu-kuoka.

Maui United BWA Spring Assembly tobe held at Wailuku on April 18

RESIDENT SHARON NOHARA REMINDSBWA members that the Maui United Budd-hist Women’s Association Spring Assem-

bly will be held at Wailuku Hongwanji BuddhistTemple on Saturday, April 18,beginning with a short serviceat 9 a.m. She reported thatMUBWA will be participating inthe Community Soup Project.She asks that members bringsoup and canned goods to themeeting, which will be collectedand donated to the Maui FoodBank. Following the service,members will convene at thesocial hall at 10:30 a.m. for the

assembly. A talk on environmental issues will befeatured by a guest speaker.

For lunch, members may select regular or ve-getarian bento lunch. Cost for the bento is $15per person but members will pay $7. Deadline tosign up and make payment is Sunday, April 12.

BWA to observe Lady Eshinni andLady Kakushinni Memorial Service onApril 26

EMBERS OF THE BWA WILL HOLD THEIR LA-DY Eshinni and Lady Kakushinni Memorial DayService, along with World Peace Day on Sunday,

April 26, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Sandy Hirata is the chair forthe service. Janet Shimada, a member of the BWA KahuluiHongwanji Buddhist Temple, will be the guest speaker. Theservice is dedicated to Eshinni, wife of Jodo Shinshu found-er, Shinran Shonin, and his daughter, Kakushinni.

Following the service, refreshments will be provided byGroup F members. Group F consists of Sharon Higa, ItsuyoKusuda, Bette Nomura, Helene Shiigi, Pat Tomita, GwenHiraga, Gail Kushiyama, Yuki Jones, and Molly Imoto.

Why BWA holds special service inmemory of Lady Eshinni and LadyKakushinni

N 1978, AT ITS CONVENTION IN SAO PAULO, BRA-ZIL, the World BWA (comprised of BWA organizationsof Japan, mainland U.S.A., Hawaii, Canada, and Brazil)

passed a resolution to conduct annual services in memory ofEshinni. Then in 2002, the World BWA passed a resolutionto similarly honor Lady Kakushinni. At Wailuku HongwanjiMission, BWA members honor both at a service on Sunday,April 26. Please plan to attend and to learn more of these twospecial women of our Shin Buddhist tradition.

Lady Eshinni, the wife of the founder of our Jodo Shin-shu sect, Shinran Shonin, and Lady Kakushinni, theyoungest of their six children, both played significant roles inthe history of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Lady Eshinni wasborn in Niigata Prefecture in 1182 and married Shinran about1210. Little is known about her except through ten letters shewrote to Lady Kakushinni during the waning years of her life.She lived in Kyoto with Shinran. These letters provided apersonal glimpse of the conditions of the times. Shinran'sown process of coming to terms with the Nembutsu teach-ings is reflected in the letters. The depth of Eshinni's un-derstanding and awareness of the Nembutsu path shedslight upon the relationship between her and Shinran. Justas he taught his followers, he may have taught his wife,Lady Eshinni as well.

The 10 letters were discovered in Hongwanji (mothertemple of the Jodo Shinshu sect in Kyoto, Japan) archives in1921. They cast light on many “holes” not only on our know-ledge about her life but Shinran’s as well. Lady Eshinni diedat about age 89 in Niigata prefecture. There were those whoquestioned whether Shinran himself was an actual historicalfigure until the letters of Lady Eshinni were discovered in theHongwanji archives.

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Affiliate organizations


As she is revered for her dedication to Shinran duringhis productive years, Lady Kakushinni is known for being herfather’s caregiver in his final years. She was about 30 yearsold when Shinran died at the age of 90. After Shinran’sdeath, Lady Kakushinni is revered for planting the seeds thatwere to grow into today’s Hongwanji.

Ten years after Shinran’s passing, Lady Kakushinni builta Memorial Hall for his remains, and established the meansfor insuring the Hall and the property it was built on wouldbelong to the Jodo Shinshu Sangha in all future generations.This was the beginning of Ohtani Mausoleum and of theHongwanji. A monument stands in front of the Butsudan(Hondo) at the Ohtani Mausoleum to pay tribute to Kaku-shinni’s contributions.

BWA IMPORTANT DATESMarch 5, 2020 Hosha Group A (Yellow)March 8, 2020 (Ohigan Service) Group EMarch 18, 2020 ACCW – Team #3March 19, 2019 Hosha Group B (Blue)April 9, 2020 Hosha Group A (Yellow)April 15, 2020 ACCW – Team #4April 23, 2020 Hosha Group B (Blue)April 26, 2020 (Eshinni/Kakushinni) Group F

Dharma School NewsSandra Hirata, Reporter

Jencyn Shishido to MC “HongwanjiDay” Service on March 1

ENCYN SHISHIDO WILL BE THE MI-STRESS of Ceremonies at the “HongwanjiDay” Service on March 1, beginning at 8 a.m.

Ringing the kansho bell will be Kamauoha Tomi-ta. Logan Tamori and Connor Wasano will eachread an aspiration. Louis Fosbinder and MasonKurokawa will welcome members and visitors tothe service and do the collection of offerings.(See page 3 for information on “Hongwanji Day.”

Donavan Ikeuchi to MC OhiganService on March 8

ONAVAN IKEUCHI WILL BE THE MASTERof Ceremonies at the Ohigan Service, whichwill be held on March 8, beginning at 9 a.m.

Guest speaker for the service will be Shaku ArthurKaufmann, Resident Minister at Lihue HongwanjiBuddhist Temple. Ringing the kansho bell will beJencyn Shishido, and Bee Shuster will read the as-piration. Kingston Poon and Gracelyn Nishida willwelcome members and visitors to the service anddo the collection of offerings.

Danny Topp to be Lay Minister atSunday Service on March 15

ANNY TOPP WILL BE THE LAY MINISTER ANDspeaker at the Sunday Service on March 15, begin-ning at 8 a.m. He will also ring the kansho bell. Nan-

cy Shimoda will be the Mistress of Ceremonies. Bobbie Parrwill read the aspiration. Grace Hamasaki and Sylvia Ishika-wa will welcome members and visitors. Brian Hashiro andJanet Kubota will do the collection of offerings.

Eric Ikeuchi to be Lay Minister atSunday Service on March 22

RIC IKEUCHI WILL BE THE LAY MINISTER ANDspeaker at the Sunday Service on March 22, begin-ning at 8 a.m. Donavan Ikeuchi will be the Master of

Ceremonies and will ring the kansho bell. Louis Fosbinderwill read the aspiration. Sam Marie Quipotla, Ace Shuster,and Sophie DeMattos will welcome members and visitors tothe service and do the collection of offerings.

Kamauoha Tomita to be Master ofCeremonies for service on March 29

AMAUOHA TOMITA WILL BE THE MASTER OF Ce-remonies at the Family Service on Sunday, March 29,beginning at 8 a.m. Ringing the kansho bell will be

Karsten Shishido and Mason Kurokawa will read the aspira-tion. Logan Tamori, Benjamin Komine, and Connor Wasanowill welcome members and visitors to the service and do thecollection of offerings. Dharma School classes will follow.

Dharma students reminded to attendCentral Maui Hanamatsuri on April 5

HARMA STUDENTS ARE REMINDED TO WEARtheir Dharma School T-shirt when they attend theCentral Maui Hanamatsuri Service at the VelmaMcWayne Santos Community Center on Sunday,

April 5, beginning at 9 a.m. Many activities are planned forthe students as well as parents. Hanamatsuri means“Flower Festival” and is a celebration of Shakyamuni Budd-ha’s birthday.

Jencyn Shishido to MC Hanamatsuri—Infant Presentation Service on April 12

ENCYN SHISHIDO WILL BE THE MISTRESS OF Ce-remonies for the WHM Hanamatsuri/Infant PresentationService, which will be held on Sunday, April 12, begin-

ning at 8 a.m. Ringing the kansho bell will be Karsten Shi-shido and Evan Fenton will read the aspiration. OnawaFlores and Aaron Tsai will welcome members and visitors tothe service and do the collection of offerings. DharmaSchool students are asked to report to the temple by 7:15a.m. with flowers to decorate the Hanamido. Be sure to wearyour Dharma School T-shirt.

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Boy Scouts NewsShelley Pellegrino, Reporter

Free Book Libraryavailable to membersand friends

EMPLE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ARE INVITEDto visit the Free Book Library (located on theWaihe’e entrance of the Social Hall). You may

browse, take, and/or share books in the library. This librarywill provide a repository for temple members and friends inthe community to take a book and/or share a book.

Jonathan, a member of Troop 40, prepared three booklibraries for his Eagle Scout project. He stated, “I want to dothis project because I have always found joy in reading agood book. Ever since I was in elementary school, I haveloved to read. With this project, I hope to spread my love forreading with others, especially those who might not haveaccess to books on a regular basis.”

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Free book LIBRARY

Students in the Japanese Language School were the first to browsethrough the library for a book that they would like to read.

Shelley Pellegrino, Jonathan, and David Merchant stand by the “booklibrary, prior to it being painted and doors installed.

Scouts, along with Jonathan’s helpers, stand by the completed “library”before being taken and installed at their permanent locations.

Jonathan, along with volunteers, stand beside the finished product afterthe blessing of the library.


Matt, Michael, Jonathan, Quinton, and Galen work together in hangingthe fireworks that will be used at the New Year’s Eve Service.

Michael, Cody, Isaac, Caleb, Aaron, Chase, Noah, Cody, Adam, andtwo employees from Kihei Garden & Landscaping were part of theteam who assisted Nick Gima complete his Eagle Scout project.

Working along Mill Street, scouts cleared and prepared the grounds,installed the irrigation system, and planted bougainvillea for the Pre-school as part of Nick Gima’s Eagle Scout project.

CAR WASHING AT KAPALUA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Boy scouts from Troop 40 donated their time to wash the cars of visit-ing professional golfers at the golf tournament.

While waiting for a car to arrive, a scout threatens the photographerwith a car wash brush.

Scouts from Troop 40 have their picture taken after taking a break fromcar washing.

Alex and Mickie have a pizza break after washing the golfers’ cars atthe Kapalua Golf Tournament.


Members of the Buddhist Women’s Association and Dharma Schoolprogram have their photo taken in front of Martin Luther King, Jr. mo-nument.

Students of the Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Dharma Schoolprogram participated in the Peace Walk on Martin Luther King, Jr. day.

Participants in the Peace Walk were invited to the BWA’s craft table tocreate origami peace cranes.

BWA members, along with Dhrama School students, parents, andgrandparents wait for the Peace Walk to begin.

TEMPLE ACTIVITIES

Reverend Murakami, Tamara Manley, and Michael Munekiyorepresented our temple at the Giseikai in Honolulu on February 7-8.

To end our Chinese New Year celebration, the Preschool children allsat to watch a string of fireworks being lit. Kung Hee Fat Choy!

The students at the Preschool took a field trip to the County Building towatch the Chinese New Year’s Lion Dance. The children got to feedthe Lions.


Preschool NewsCathy DiMeo-Cole, Reporter

▲Kung Hee Fat Choy! In celebration of Chinese New Year, the child-ren got to have their own Lion Dance at the school.►Jennifer (Jaxon’s mom) and her friend came in as our Community Helpers. They taught the children about the importance of their jobs asDental Hygienists. Camille’s turn to practice brushing teeth.

Jordyn, Daniel, Mason, Tye, Duke, and Urijah played with musical instruments while their friends danced the Lion Dance.

Learning numbers in Hawaiian with Mrs. Kumu. The children held numbers from one to ten, and everyone else sang our number song in English andHawaiian.


Cub Scouts NewsErin Ferrer, Reporter

Pinewood derby and as-sisting the Maui FoodBank keep scouts busy

embers of Cub Scouts Pack 40 were kept busywith their pinewood derby competition and assist-ing the Maui Food Bank.

Scouts, along with their parents, spent hours construct-ing, painting and testing their cars and getting it ready forcompetition. The hours of work paid off with their awards.

Webelo II scouts, along with their parents and leaders,donated their time to the Maui Food Bank by sorting, packingand boxing canned goods.

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Cars #65, 67, 69, and 66 take their position on the racetrack as the leveris pressed to start the race.

The pinewood derby cars are lined up for the judging for the “Best inShow” trophy.

Logan was awarded 1st place inthe pinewood derby competition.

Placing second in the pinewoodderby competition was Kyren.

Presented with the “Best inShow” plaque was Landon.

Cubmaster Jerry Dela Cruz awardsKaiehu his 3rd place trophy.

“Best Kid Built” pinewood derbycar was presented to Benjamin.

The “Most Original” car wasawarded to Landon.

Ashton, Landon, Mason, and Logan watch the starting line as the count-down begin for the pinewood derby to begin.


Parents Veanne Matson, Kim Lee, and Jodi Komine are assigned thetask of getting the derby cars ready for competition.

Derek, Landon, and Jacob watch the cars roar past the finish line asthe scoreboard indicate the winner and finish time of each car.

Jonathan shows his collection of books to the scouts that will be placedin the “Free Library” located on campus.

Webelo II members place canned goods into plastic bags that will bedistributed to the needy.

Webelo II’s have their photo taken after completing the assignment ofsorting canned goods at the Maui Food Bank.

Webelo II members find cart-full of canned goods that needs to bechecked for expiration dates and packed in distribution boxes.

Webelo II, along with their scout leaders, pack canned goods into plasticbags that will be distributed by the Maui Food Bank.

Sachii is proudly sorting cannedtuna at the Maui Food Bank.

Austin shows that helping theMaui Food Bank is fun.


Gakuen NewsJapanese Language School plans Cul-tural Day for March 11

AKUEN STUDENTS WILL BE PARTICIPATING INCultural Day activities on Wednesday, March 11, bymaking sushi. They will learn the history of sushi, the

various kinds of sushi, the ingredients needed, and the skillsneeded to make the sushi. Sushi makers spend years per-fecting the art of cooking the rice. The lesson is to introducethe children to one of Japan’s cultural traditions.

No school for Gakuen on March 16-20,and March 26

ETWEEN MONDAY, MARCH 16, throughFriday, March 20, there will be no JapaneseLanguage School because of the Depart-

ment of Education’s Spring Break. On Thursday,March 26, there will be no school for studentsenrolled in the Japanese Language School be-cause of the Prince Kuhio Day holiday. Schoolresumes on Friday, March 27.

There will be no school on the Good Friday,April 10. Students are encouraged to participatein the “Field Day” on Saturday, April 11.

Gakuen to hold “Field Day” at Keo-puolani Park on April 11

TUDENTS IN THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOLwill be holding a “Field Day” at Keopuolani Park on Sat-urday, April 11, beginning at 9 a.m. The purpose of the

“Field Day” is to provide students with the opportunity to dis-play their skills and to enjoy fellowship with other students.

Games planned for the students include: three-leggedrace, tug-o-war, ball throw, sack race, kick ball, water balloontoss, donut-on-a-string, etc.

Dis-n-Dat NewsTemple office to close on Buddha Day,Wednesday, April 8; open on GoodFriday, April 10

N BUDDHA DAY, APRIL 8, THE TEMPLEoffice will be closed. In case of an emer-gency, please call Reverend Murakami at

214-3067. As Buddhists, we commemorate thebirth of the Prince Siddhartha Gautama on April 8.He is the founder of Buddhism, and is also knownas the Gautama Buddha.

On Friday, “Good Friday,” the office will beopen from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Look Within Yourself for RightPath to HappinessBy Reverend Marvin Harada

Orange County Buddhist Temple

HE DALAI LAMA, IN HIS BOOK, "THE ART OF Hap-piness," writes, "I believe that the very purpose of ourlife is to seek happiness."

All beings seek happiness. But why is it that the happinesswe seek seems to slip away as soon as we think we have it?Why does it disappear like a mirage in the desert as soon aswe approach it, or have it in the palm of our hand?

First of all, Buddhism teaches us that our search for happi-ness is misdirected. We are looking for it in the wrong places.Normally, we seek happiness in things that are external to us.We seek happiness in more money, a bigger home, a new car,or in the love of our life. We might achieve many or even all ofthose things, but we somehow feel unsatisfied.

More money is still not enough. A bigger house bringsmore repairs and headaches. A new car is nice for a while, untilthe next model comes out and our new car is already outdated.Even finding the love of our life can lead to heartache and sor-row if the relationship dissolves or if we lose our loved one tragi-cally. With any of those things, our happiness disappears. Whathappened? Where did it go?

If you have ever felt the futility of searching for happiness inany of those external things, then you are ready to turn yoursearch for happiness in the right direction.

Rather than looking outside of ourselves for happiness, weneed to look within ourselves. We need to find in our life, asense of inner fulfillment, a life of inner purpose, and an innermeaning to our life. When we turn the direction inward, we en-ter the right path to happiness. Once we enter the path, then ina sense, we have already arrived at our destination. The goal isthe journey. That is why a person can dramatically change thesituation of their life, even overnight.

It all depends on our perspective in life. A life of misery canturn into a life of meaning and fulfillment. A life of greed, an-ger and ignorance can be transformed into a life of wisdomand compassion. A life of self-pity, jealousy, and envy canturn into a life of philanthropy, generosity and kindness. Alife in which we never get any breaks can become a life inwhich life itself is our biggest break, our biggest gift.

So how do we make that change? How do we unlock thekey to a life of happiness?

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Editor’s Note: As you know, I love “visiting” other temple’swebsite. I enjoy reading (comparing) their temple’s newslet-ter—what’s going on, their activities, organizations, messagesfrom the minister, officers, etc. From Hawaii, California, Cana-da, these Jodo Shinshu temples do the same/different activitiesand services, have the same/different difficulties.

Reverend Harada of the Orange County Buddhist Templewrites interesting articles. I’d like to share the following articlebecause he may be talking to you, too. Happiness is ….


First, we have to see that for our entire life, we havebeen looking at the world from a self-centered perspective,a "filtered" perspective, a view of life from the ego self. Lifeviewed from the ego self always falls short. There is neverenough money or material happiness in the life of the egoself. Buddhism first points to our mistaken view of our egoself as not only a hindrance to a life of happiness, but it isthe main source of the problem. It is the problem.

Naturally we react to such a teaching defensively. "Naw, Ican't be the cause of my problems. My problems are becauseof other people. It's because of my boss, or my irritating neigh-bor, or this or that, ad nauseam."

We might come to accept some responsibilities for ourproblems. "Well, maybe sometimes I am the one who iswrong." "Maybe sometimes I am the one who is self-centered, but not all the time." We can easily point outsomeone in our life who is selfish all the time. "What aboutthat guy," our ego self asserts. But even there, Buddhismchallenges us to look within even deeper.

We then come back to ourselves, the one and onlyculprit, the source of our suffering and misery. Not anyoneelse. Not anything else. Just us. Just me.

But if we can come to accept that we are the culprit, weare the problem, then our transformation begins. Now weopen ourselves up to the teachings. We open ourselves upto truly listening and learning. The more we listen andlearn, the more we want to listen and learn. We begin tosoak up the Dharma like a sponge, and then we realizethat we are the sponge submerged in the water of theDharma.

From our listening and learning, an inner happiness be-gins to emerge.

Every insight, every realization, every little "aha" mo-ment brings an inner sense of happiness and fulfillmentthat far exceeds any happiness we used to know from ex-ternal things. We find that the inner happiness is morelasting, more consistent in our life. It doesn't just comeand go like a flash in the pan. It stays with us in our heartsand minds. It builds. It grows. Eventually, it becomes fa-thomless.

Namuamidabutsu.

The Honor of Serving as the Chaplainof California State Assembly

By Reverend Patti OshitaChaplain of California – State Assembly

In 2016, after 33 years, Rev. Bob Oshita and I retiredfrom the Sacramento Betsuin.

Just months before retiring, we were invited by theSpeaker of the California State Assembly, Anthony Rendon,to become the chaplains for the state Assembly.

We were truly honored to be asked, for this is not a posi-tion one can apply for or request. Understanding the com-mitment, we humbly accepted the invitation.

Not only were we the first Buddhist ministers to servethe Assembly, but Speaker Rendon added that we wouldalso become the first husband and wife to serve in thiscapacity.

In December 2016, we were sworn in as chaplains andofficers of the state Assembly to serve a two year term.

As chaplains, we are required to open each floor sessionwith a prayer. Since petitionary prayer is not a part of our tradi-tion, we open the Assembly sharing “Reflections.”

We end every reflection reciting O-Nembutsu. We havecome to feel that when we use technical Buddhist words orphrases, they must be defined immediately. Otherwise, weare just mumbling sounds that have no meaning for those weare trying to reach. And so, after reciting “Namo Amida But-su,” we add, “With Kindness and Gratitude beyond words.”We feel this captures the essence of O-Nembutsu.

Serving that first term was a challenging honor. As ourtwo-year term was ending, Speaker Rendon invited us tocontinue to serve as the Assembly chaplains for anotherterm.

Wanting to highlight women in the Legislature, I wasasked to become the main chaplain and Rev. Bob Oshitawould be my alternate. This second invitation felt like anaffirmation that our Dharma reflections have been resonat-ing meaningfully.

This year, as we begin our fourth year as the chaplainsfor the California State Assembly, we continue to be hon-ored to represent our Dharma tradition beyond the walls ofour temples.

I’d like to close with the reflection I shared to open thefirst Assembly floor session on Jan. 6, 2020.Please join me in a moment of Reflection:

From the time I was very young, many of myfamily and friends would begin the New Year mak-ing a personal New Year’s Resolution. Most I can-not even remember now. But for the past few years,my Resolution has remained the same. It is this.

Let me try to live each day of this New Year,with more Patience, Gratitude and Kindness. Letme not forget that from the moment we are born,there is no guarantee of even one more day oflife. Each day is a gift that I must try to live asbest I can.

In the year ahead, let us all try to embraceeach new day with open minds and warm hearts.

Editor’s Note: Found this article in the Buddhist Churches ofAmerica newsletter, “Wheel of Dharma,” dated February 2020.Reverend Patti Oshita’s reflection on the opening day session ofthe California Assembly on January 6, 2020 should be followed byeach of us, daily. I bolded the portion of her message that I felt weshould follow daily.


Let us try to wake up each day, happy to be alive;and sleep each night, grateful for the day.

Namo Amida Butsu — With Kindness and Grati-tude beyond words...

Krispy Kreme cards available at tem-ple office

RISPY KREME CARDSare now available in thetemple office for $25

each. Please make checks paya-ble to Wailuku Hongwanji Mission.

With the card, members may purchase any dozen do-nuts at regular price and receive one dozen Original GlazedDonuts free—that is $25 for 10 free dozen. However, there isa limit of 3 free dozens per visit with the purchase of 3-dozendonuts.

Recycle and help our temple!ID YOU KNOW THAT YOUmay donate your bottles andcans to our temple? Just

bring them to the temple during busi-ness hours or leave them by themen’s restroom on weekends or afterbusiness hours. We now have a separate account so we willknow how much we earn during the year.

Temple seeks newsletter editorAILUKU HONGWANJI NEEDS AN EDITOR forthe temple’s newsletter. The current editor is will-ing to assist the new editor as he/she transitions

into taking over the duties completely. If you are interested,please contact Board Chair Michael Munekiyo at [email protected] or Editor, Frank Hamasaki, at244-0406.

KYODAN

Lau Hee, Thomas & Winona – In memory of Thomas ShoichiAnsai

Lau Hee, Thomas & Winona – In memory of Prudence OtaNishida, EleanorTokunaga, Sarajean – In memory of Alan Unemori

NOKOTSUDO

Hanada, Fumie – In memory of Katsumi Hanada FamilyHiraoka, Heidi – In memory of Yukie Kawahara and Douglas

SodetaniSeki, Edwin – In memory of Hatsuko SekiTagami, Dale – In memory of Chuhachi & Harue Tagami

Tagami, Dale – In memory of Mitsugi & Yoshie TagamiYoda, Joseph – In memory of the Yoda Family

OFUSE

Araki, Irene & Claire – In memory of Mabel ArakiFujimoto, Arthur & Setsuko – In memory of Masako Taka-

miyaHanada, Wendy Choi – In memory of Diane Sachi HanadaHiga, Hiroko – In memory of Masako TakamiyaHiyakumoto, Ronald – In memory of Fumiko HiyakumotoKaneyama, Wayne & Lena – In memory of Nobue HanadaKato, Ritsuko – In memory of Kengo KatoKawaguchi, Kenji – In memory of Mildred KawaguchiKawahara, Gail – In memory of Diane Sachi HanadaKomatsu, Ricky R. – In memory of Kiyoko KomatsuMurashita, Antoinette – In memory of Walter Ken MurashitaNishida, Eleanor – In memory of Yuriko Lillian NishidaNishida, Roy – In memory of Yuriko Lillian NishidaSasaoka, Richard & Chiye – In memory of Masako TakamiyaSuematsu, Yuji & Phillis – In memory of Sumie SuematsuSugiki, Toshiko – In memory of Bernice SugikiTakamiya, Shigeru & Irene – In memory of Masako Taka-

miyaUnemori, Linda Ann – In memory of Alan UnemoriUyehara, George & Helen – In memory of Masako Takamiya

NEW YEAR’S DONATION

Kunimitsu, LesterMochida, AldonNagoshi, Floyd & SharonShimizu, EriTengan, FaithToyama, DouglasToyama, Frederick & ArleneToyama, Wayde Y.Tsai, Jeffrey and Fukushima, LaurieYamauchi, Layce

H Ō O N K Ō

Arakaki, Tony & IreneKunimitsu, Lester

OFFERTORY

Hashimoto, Troy

CHOW FUN DONATION

Otsuka, Curtis

FUKUNAGA DANA AWARD

Kawahara, Hideo & Joyce

OFFICE SUPPLIES

Nishida, Eleanor

K

D

acknowledgments


SOCIAL HALL

Maui Bronco League

EITAIKYO

Ageno, Wilfred – In memory of Shizue AgenoAkashi, ElaineAraki, IreneAraki, ClaireBeppu, CliffordBeppu, GeraldineChun, Lauren & NormanHasegawa, Allan – In memory of Takae & Taeko Hasegawa

and Miyakichi & Misayo SawamotoHedani, Wayne & KayHigashi, StanHonda, ArleneHozaki, CarolynIshii, Dennis & GraceIzumi, CarlJio, LoriKaneyama, Wayne & Lena – In memory of Nobue, Minoru,

and Juji HanadaKawamata, Stanley & HarrietKimura, Arthur & ReneKo, JuneKoyanagi, KazuoKurisu, Carol MaeMatsui, EllenMatsui, JeffreyMatsumoto, ColbertMiyazaki, Alan – In memory of Masato & Tsugi MiyazakiMiyazono, FloydNagahiro-Takemoto, Rae R. & GaryNagato, HaroldNakamoto, Francis & KatherineNakashima, HelenNishida, EleanorOgasawara, ToniOuchi, DennisSeki, LeeSeki, TomShibano, CliffordShishido, Larry & KatsueSmith, Linda & Allan, Sr.Tanaka, ColinTanaka, Hideo & CherylThompson, ShelbyTomimoto, NancyTsuhako, Ronald & EliseUnemori, Alan & Linda AnnWakamatsu, MaryYoda, Kiyoshi

As of February 10, 2020

Hoji Memorial Services (March)Date Name

1st Year – 2019Mar. 4 Hiraoka, Megumi (E SHO)Mar. 6 Tsuchiyama, Janet Tamiko

3rd Year – 2018Mar. 14 Furomoto, Harry Nobuyuki (JO GYO)Mar. 28 Oura, Betty Ritsuko (DAI CHI)

7th Year – 2014Mar. 2 Endo, Wallace (MYO DO)Mar. 5 Shigetani, William (SHO SHIN)Mar. 16 Fukumoto, Harue Elsie (SHUN DO)Mar. 18 Wada, Mamoru (SHIN DO)Mar. 29 Morimoto, Asae Jane (JI GAN)

13th Year – 2008Mar. 15 Ogasawara, Akie (KO NEN)

17th Year – 2004Mar. 8 Yonamine, Zenichi (GYOZEN)Mar. 22 Kajikawa, Haruko

50th Year – 1971Mar. 10 Nakamura, Kaneo (TETSU JO)

Deepest SympathyThe Wailuku Hongwanji Mission extends deep-

est sympathy and condolence to the families of thefollowing:

Jeanne Chiseko Shida (SEN YO – InfiniteLights) Age 89, 3599 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu;passed away on January 11, 2020.

Sumie Suematsu (SEI DO – Path to the Purel-and) Age 94, 139 Ka Ikena Street, Kahului; passedaway on January 20, 2020.

Fumiko Hiyakumoto (CHI KAI – Ocean of Wis-dom) Age 97, 382B Lakee Lane, Wailuku; passedaway on January 29, 2020

Stanley Okamoto (ZEN TOKU IN – SpreadGreat Virtues to all Beings; JO EN – Always Ful-filled Buddha’s Wisdom) Age 94, 13708 KenwandaDrive, Snohomish, WA 98296-8239; passed away onJanuary 31, 2020.

› images › ... · the assembly will begin with a short service, followed by a business meeting....

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