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January 2013 The Newsletter of Mililani Hongwanji Volume 36 Issue No 1

1 Tue 10:00 AM

New Year's Day Service (Sake & Soba) 6 Sun 9:00 AM

Joint Memorial & Family Service (Kyodan & BWA Officers' Installation)

BWA meeting after service

9 Wed 7:30 PM

Kyodan Board Meeting 13 Sun 9:00 AM

Ho'onko & Family Service (Shinran's Memorial Day, Zenzai by BWA)

Guest Speaker: Rev.Toshiyuki Umitani, Exec. Asst. to the Bishop

15 Tue 6:00 PM

Adult Day Care Meeting (Ed Building) 19 Sat 8:30 AM

BWA Hosha Group 1 and Hospital Visitation (10:00 AM)

20 Sun 9:00 AM

Family Service & Dharma School 23 Wed 7:30 PM

Oahu District Council pre-giseikai meeting at Mililani

26 Sat 7:00 AM

No-Host Kyodan Breakfast at Zippy's--All Welcome

27 Sun 8:00 AM

Jr. YBA Sangha Appreciation Breakfast –Everyone invited! 27 Sun 9:00 AM

Family Service & Dharma School

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Special Program by Drs. Tanabe (see page 8) 31 Thu 9:00 AM

Lotus Connection

February, 2013 3 Sun 9:00 AM

Joint Memorial & Family Service , BWA meeting after service

8-9 Fri-Sat

101st Legislative Assembly (Giseikai), Aloha Luncheon/Living Treasures

10 Sun 9:00 AM

Family Service & Dharma School (DANA Day Collection)

13 Wed 7:30 PM

Kyodan Board Meeting 16 Sat 8:30 AM

BWA Hosha Group 2 and Hospital Visitation (10:00 AM)

17 Sun 9:00 AM

Family Service & Dharma School

19

6:00 PM

Adult Day Care Meeting (Ed Building)

23 Sat 7:00 AM

No-Host Kyodan Breakfast at Zippy's--All Welcome

24 Sun 9:00 AM

Family Service & Dharma School (Scout Sunday) 26 Tue 7:30

Bazaar Committee meeting

28 Thu 9:00 AM

Lotus Connection

Service at 10:00 AM

With renewed dedication, it is a time to reflect and, endeavor to live a life of gratitude and joy. According to some historical documents, the original purpose for this service was the wish for world peace. On January 1, 2013 at Mililani Hongwanji, it is a time for fellowship, expressing joy and extending best wishes and good health for the New Year. And, to enjoy sake and soba.

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou !

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Happy New Years to everyone! Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! I hope that the new year will bring to all of us what we need.

I have read articles, studies, listened to lectures and so on about the differences between what we “want” and what we “need”. Of course, there are some areas that overlap but whereas I really want a 2013 Mercedes, I’m not likely to get one anytime soon and will have to make do with my Scion for the foreseeable future. The difference strikes me a little like the difference between different foods. When I was a child, I often wanted to have my dessert first. We didn’t often have dessert after dinner so it was a special event when we did. Of course, I never got to have my dessert first. My mother insisted that we eat everything on our plates, telling us about the by-now legendary “starving Chinese orphans”. She would give me more veggies or sometimes more meat. I was a weird kid—I really liked vegetables but I wasn’t a big fan of meat. But after whatever it was, I learned that “real food” goes before sweets. What I wanted was a piece of pie; what I got was meat and veggies. And probably my real skinny body needed the meat and vegetables much more than the sweets. I got what I needed not what I wanted. So I hope that we get the things we need to grow and to flourish as both individuals and as a Sangha, even though some of those things may be contrary to what we think we want.

There is a challenge that I have seen at various B.C.A. temples that I would like to tell you about. Each person who is willing to commits to taking a pledge and designating one day and specifying the date, that s/he will not “monku”, get angry or be critical of someone else. This is to be done over an entire 24-hour period. If you fail on that first date, you need to pick another date, preferably the next day, and start all over again. When I first heard about this idea several years ago, I thought “Well, that ought to be easy enough, if I put my mind to it!” Yeah, I know—hubris (false pride) had me badly even before I started the challenge. Trust me—it’s not that easy!—at least for me it is. The “helpful criticism” we give to others, that parents often give to their children, is a situation that’s an example. As a parent, it is, of course, my job to help my son to grow to be healthy, productive and contributing to the world around him, the world of which he is an integral part. Sometimes, though, I can be very critical of him. I am critical and not always in a good way. In attempting to be “helpful”, I am controlling and critical. At times, my son perceives what I am saying as too critical, too belittling, when I think I’m trying to be helpful.

In order to get through a 24-hour period of the “No Monku!” challenge, I have to think about how to say things in a more positive way. In order to really fulfill the challenge, what I had to do was to maintain mindfulness in what I thought, said, and did—the essence of the second, third, and fourth of the “Eightfold Path”, leading eventually to the seventh and eighth steps of that path.

But, enough analysis! I would like to challenge each of you to try to take this challenge in 2013. Pick out a date and commit, very simply, to Right Thought, Right Speech and Right Action—by being Mindful—for a 24-hour period.“Right Thought, Speech and Action” for this challenge consists of:

1. No “monku” (complaining)—You cannot complain about anyone or anything in this 24-hourperiod. 2. No anger—You cannot think, speak, or act in any way that seems angry.

That’s it—only two things you need not to do for 24 hours. I hope you can do it and that you get it on the first try. Don’t give up if you can’t do it on the first try. Simply try again. I am going to try the challenge myself sometime around January 16. I will (I think) try to do it until I do make it. Then, I am going to try once each quarter. I can’t look right now as far as doing it once a month—maybe when I’m 90. I’ll let you know how I do. And please send me your results if you would like to share them. Email is: yorokobi2011@hotmail.com .

To be able to make and to complete this challenge is my New Year’s aspiration. Hopefully it will cut down on my tendency to both complain and fly off the handle. From there, I hope to be able to get a better overall attitude.

Have a great new year and try to keep your own aspirations for the New Year. Join me in attempting the “No Monku Challenge”, too.

. In Gassho, Rev. Mary David

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BWA News for January Thirty-six BWA members attended our annual dinner-meeting on Wednesday, December 5. The evening started off with renewing membership for 2013, followed by a fun icebreaker game. We then enjoyed dinner consisting of many delicious and unique dishes prepared by the members. A meeting followed dinner with recognition of members over 80 years old and for perfect attendance. Those with perfect attendance were Janet Abe, Kazuko Ama, June Asato, Twila Castellucci, Carol Kakehi, and Haruko Toma . We also welcomed a new member, Gail Yakushiji. We then had a grab bag activity and a sing-a-long led by Rene Mansho playing her guitar. Everyone enjoyed an evening of fellowship and fun!

The officers for 2013 will be installed on Sunday, January 6. They are: President: Joyce Ogawa Immediate Past President: June Asato Vice-President: Raimi Reisen Secretary: Diane Yoza Assistant Secretary: Lyn Watanabe Treasurer: Twila Castellucci Assistant Treasurer: Susan Tokuhama Auditors: Claire Doi and Debbie Hiyakumoto

At the January 13 Hoonko Service . The BWA ladies will be preparing and serving delicious zenzai . Please help prepare and serve the special dessert. January 19 is our hosha day by group 1, coordinated by Claire Doi. They should come at 8:30 for temple cleaning and set-up. Then at 10:00, members will be at Wahiawa Hospital for a short service and to visit with the clients. Anyone interested is welcome to join us. Our next meeting is Sunday, January 6, at 10:30. Please pay your 2013 membership dues ($20.00) to Debbie Hiyakumoto by January 31.

The 2013 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii calendar is available for gojikai members. Friends have been distributing them over the past month and we hope to get the calendars to all members soon with the assistance of many. Please pick yours up at the temple if you have not yet received your calendar and /or help us get them to your homebound neighbors.

Ho’onko Service for 2013

Mililani Hongwanji will commemorate the memorial day of our founder, Shinran Shonin, on Sunday, January 13, at 9 a.m. In the past several years, we have been observing the Shinran Shonin’s 750th memorial with special services observed only every fifty years. However we continue to observe this major Jodo Shinshu observance of Ho’onko as we have been doing for many years. Reverend Toshiyuki Umitani to be our guest speaker. Rev. Umitani is currently the Executive Assistant to Bishop Eric Matsumoto, a position that he has held since 2010. He came to Hawaii from his native Japan as a single man. However, he met his wife, who is also from Japan, at a Hawaii Kyodan function and they were married in Kyoto. Prior to becoming the Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Reverend Umitani was the Resident Minister of Makawao Hongwanji in upcountry Maui. We look forward to hearing Reverend Umitani speak at our Ho’onko service this year. As Ho’onko is such an important service, we will celebrate it in the traditional, formal style—Hawaiian-style. The Mililani Hongwanji choir, under the skillful, artistic direction of choir director Gail Taira, will sing two gathas for the service. Reverend Umitani will speak specially to the children at the beginning of his Dharma talk and then will proceed to deliver the rest of his message to everyone. Reverend Umitani is an interesting, knowledgeable speaker and we encourage members of our Sangha to come to the service to hear his Dharma talk.

2013 Calendars available for members!

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Oahu Hongwanji Council

Sangha Day at Wahiawa Hongwanji

Sunday, March 3, 2013

A SUSTAINABLE

LIFESTYLE

"EAT LOCAL"

A lifestyle for today to become a

healthier YOU plus a lifestyle for

tomorrow to create the ability for Hawai'i

to become less dependent on outside

resources for our food. It's also a way to

increase land productivity and increase

small business ventures.

SCHEDULE

8:30 Registration

9:00 Service

9:30 Presentation Ho Farms –

Neal and Shin Ho

10:00 Farm visit to Leilehua HS

Agricultural Learning Center

or

Home hydroponics system

or

Kid's games

10:45 Break

11:00 Lunch by the Leilehua HS

Culinary Academy—RSVP required

12:00 Lucky number

12:30 Clean - up

1:00 Program ends

For all sangha members—sign up at

temple by Sunday, February 17!

Generous Mililani Members and Friends

Since the 2012-2013 Social Concerns Fund started in November, 66 Mililani Hongwanji members and friends have donated over $3525 to the fund drive. That is an average of $53 per donor. Congratulations! Last year’s drive, ending this past October, Mililani Hongwanji contributed nearly $4500. This annual fund drive makes possible for Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii to remain at the forefront of supporting, encouraging, and contributing to worthy organizations and causes that reflect the teachings. In November 2012, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii via the Committee on Social Concerns made a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross for relief efforts to Hurricane Sandy’s destructive force on the East Coast. Locally, $5000 was donated to the Food Banks on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, and $1000 to the Honokaa Peace Committee to develop peace curricula for schools. While we have some way to go to match last year’s collection, we have many more months for this drive. Lest you forget however, we suggest you make your donations as early as possible. Make it now!

Welcome New Member! Mililani Hongwanji welcomes Mrs. Misao Togo who joined our sangha this year. She is a long time member of Kahuku Hongwanji which closed at the end of 2012. The Mililani Sangha and friends gathered beneath the great-Grandchild of the very Bodhi tree that Prince Siddartha became The Buddha some 2500 years ago. The members and friends enjoyed a special tour by Winnie Singeo and a picnic bento and fellowship in this most special of Buddhist Holidays. Look for the next special Sangha gathering soon! The members also observed the special holiday month of December by creating peace ornaments of our “Bodhi Tree” pm December 16. See pictures at Bodhi Day 2012

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“ Learn from Watching the Way Our Elders have been Living, Learn by Listening to What Our Elders are Saying.”—by Carrie and Dennis Once again, it’s time to honor all of our elders, but most especially our elders who have turned 80 years old in 2012. Our elders have experienced so much in life, gaining so much wisdom from living life.. What are our elders thinking? What is it that they would like to share with all of us? Here are the thoughts of our 2012 Keirokai Honourees.

Itsuko Honda was born and raised in Aiea and remembers following her father to temple to all the day and night services at Aiea Hongwanji because he took care of the temple’s choba. Itsuko lived “up camp” and upon hearing the temple bell ringing on Sunday mornings, she and her brothers would start running to temple and make it just in time for Sunday Service. Itsuko says “Teaching my four children and my grandchildren to be thankful is very important to me. I feel so good when I hear them say “Thank you, Grandpa”. Even our 21 month old grandson raises his hands to express his thank you. I thank Harry for being there all these years for all of us. It feels so good to know that we are appreciated and we are very thankful that our children think about us… taking us places… doing kind things for us.”

Betty Kakazu ….While growing up in Waialua, she remembers all eleven brothers and sisters helping on the family farm… picking beans, growing vegetables. She remembers helping her big sister pickup “pig food” from all the residents in the plantation camp. During the war, her family had to be evicted when the military occupied her family’s 5 acre property and used it for their living quarters.

Betty grew up going to a Christian church and remembers The Reverend Paul Osumi picking up the neighborhood children to go to Sunday School in a black car….and Betty enjoyed singing in the church choir. Isn’t it any wonder that Betty loves singing in our temple’s choir ? Could it also be The Reverend Paul

Osumi’s influence that Betty likes to collect “words of wisdom” ?

Betty says, “ Words keep me positive and upbeat because attitude is so important. We don’t know when we’re going to close our eyes forever…so it’s important to be positive. Attitude is everything. Some things in life, you just have to let go. Living can be painful but we learn from it. Forgive people. Learn from yesterday, live today, make the best of it and hope for tomorrow”. And one of Betty’s favorite quote is “A smile costs nothing, but gives so much…it creates happiness”. You can always find Betty smiling!

Aki Kakazu…I would like to pass on to others…that each of us appreciate where we are and how we got there and to live life to the fullest everyday. I shall always be thankful …

To my parents and my siblings…. I came to realize how difficult it must have been for my parents to raise a family of 4 boys and 5 girls. My Dad and Mom were always helping at Wahiawa Hongwanji and I was part of the choir while growing up in the temple. ( And Aki is still singing today, in our temple’s choir). My Dad was a devout Buddhist. He built a huge obutsudan, nearly 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide… that still stands in our family home. I remember

people coming to our house to talk about Buddhism with my dad. (continued on next page)

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To my wife… who stood by me during my 22 years of my military service all over the USA, Germany, and Okinawa. I will be forever grateful for her giving up her teaching career to take care of me and our son, as hard as it must have been. To my 12 childhood friends and our mentor, the late Archie Kennison, who taught me to be honest, giving and loyal. I truly cherish our friendship and to this day, we are still brothers!

To my teachers at Leilehua and the University of Hawaii for all their help that made it possible for me to graduate and be commissioned into the army as a 2nd Lieutenant. (Aki retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel) To the Mililani Hongwanji Sangha and especially the Thursday Gang and Lester Ogawa . I have learned so much working with The Gang while enjoying the fellowship and doing needed work for the temple. My father spent many days helping at Wahiawa Hongwanji, so being part of the Thursday Gang helps me to do as my father did. We enjoy the Sangha services and activities and making sure our granddaughter is also a part of all this and we’re very grateful for the Dharma School staff. I am very grateful for having survived two army tours in Vietnam, bladder cancer, a head-on collision where my Prius was totaled! I thank the Buddha everyday for watching over me. I am thankful for all our predeceased family members and friends who are all Buddha’s watching over us. I’m counting on them to keep me safe and sound till my granddaughter graduates from college…16 more years to go! Namu Amida Butsu.

Lorna Kakesako grew up in Honolulu and was named after Lorna Doone, a popular book during that period. I learned through her daughter, that Lorna was one of the early organizers of the Hawaii State Teachers’ Union. Thank you Lorna! Lorna says, “I’ve been retired for over 30 years. Upon retiring from teaching, we went to live in California, Oregon and Washington and about 12 years ago, we finally “retired again”, returning to Hawaii, missing the food, weather, family and friends. We chose to live in Mililani because of the beautiful trees and the nice community.” Here are some words that Lorna wants to pass on to others..”Live each day as much as you can” and “Be careful of what you say, especially a hurtful word, because once you say it, you can’t take it away. And it could take a long time to overcome the ill feelings”.

Michael Kakesako grew up on the Big Island in Papaikou. I learned that Mike was the State Administrator for Corrections, in charge of all prison facilities in our entire state of Hawaii. He worked as a social worker, probation officer, supervisor at Oahu Prison and opened up Half Way Houses for gradual release of prisoners. Mike humbly says, “I don’t have any words of wisdom…” I wondered what made Mike able to be the State Administrator for Corrections? His wife says, “Michael gets along with people…from all walks of life. He has a humble personality and he doesn’t try to force his opinion on others. He’s a good listener and appreciates what others are saying. He’s such a good wholesome person!” After retiring, Mike wanted to do something meaningful. I wanted to join the Peace Corps, but “somebody” didn’t want to go with me due to the uncomfortable amenities we would encounter. So we made a compromise and moved to the mainland. We ran a 10 acre farm with a walnut orchard and grew apple trees, persimmon trees, grapes and we had a vegetable garden. About 6 months ago, my wife wanted us to go to the Buddhist Temple in Mililani, even if she’s a Christian. So unselfish of her to think of me. I grew up a Buddhist. I love her even more for doing that.” And Lorna adds, “He tells me he loves me all the time!” (continued on next page)

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Sueko Takenaka was born in Hilo and moved to Waialae as a young child. Her dad had a piggery and the family members helped raise pigs, ducks and chickens. Sueko remembers that during the war, the military brought their “slop” for their piggery and that was a big help to the family. Sueko says, “I am thankful to have a wonderful family and to be able to get together on all occasions with all of them. I am fortunate to marry Larry because he’s so easy going and kind. He helped to take care of his brother…who needed help, his sister who needed help, and his mother who was bedridden for 3 years. He’s always helping his children too! Larry interjects, “Naturally… my wife helped too!” Sueko wants to pass on these words to us …. “Do your best with the ability you have and be happy!” “Learn from Watching the Way Our Elders have been Living. Learn by Listening to What Our Elders are Saying.” Our Monshu Koshin Ohtani says…”Everyone grows old.that is part of our final mission in life, our final task. No matter how careful we are, it is impossible to avoid sickness, injury or to escape growing old. All of us live by depending upon one another. It is through the support of numerous other lives that we manage to live.” Namo Amida Butsu, Carrie Kawamoto

The many faces of our Keirokai Celebration on Nov. 25, 2012! This was truly a joyous and inspiring service for everyone who came. Mahalo to all….

and A GRATEFUL MAHALO especially to our special honorees.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DANA (Nov 20, 2012 to Dec17, 2012)

Eitaikyo Christine Sato & Richard Lightner Janet Abe Robert & June Asato Claire Doi Sharon A. Freitas Warren & Nora Hahn Melvin & Eileen Hayase Harry & Itsuko Honda Harley & Martha Ishii Yoshiaki & Betty Kakazu Karl & Carol Ann Kakehi Mamoru & Ethel Kawahara Dennis & Carrie Kawamoto Earl & Amy Nishimoto Lawrence & Joyce Nishioka Karen Oda Lester & Joyce Ogawa Patrick & Susan Oshiro Frances Saito Dean & Doreen Sakamoto Jean Sanehira Steven & Sadako Shintaku Haruyuki & Itsue Tamamoto Margaret Tanabe Nancy Tanaka Hiroyoshi & Satoko Terao Haruko Toma Gordon & Lyn Watanabe Ethel Yamashige Sumie Yasui Jan Youth Noboru & Diane Yoza

General Donation Mililani Hongwanji Qi Gong Class Richard & Gail Taira

Joint Memorial Service Thomas & Gertrude Akamine IMO Yashiro Hayase & Takijiro Ueki Sharon A. Freitas IMO Charles Oishi George & Amy Horibata IMO Yukino Sakurai & Thomas Sakurai Mamoru & Ethel Kawahara IMO Satoshi Kawahara Mace Mutobe IMO Ryujun & Chiyoko Mutobe Lester & Joyce Ogawa IMO Hatsune Araki Frances Saito IMO Doanld Saito & Chizuko Takayama Margaret Tanabe IMO Sueo Tanabe Shigeo Tengan IMO Yuke Hung Tengan Noboru & Diane Yoza IMO Brian Nakamura

Thanksgiving Day Robert & June Asato Harry & Itsuko Honda Howard & Amy Nakamura Harry & Gloria Okada IMO Usuke & Umeno Okada Gordon & Lyn Watanabe

Newsletter Yoshikatsu Takishita

Social Concerns(HQ) Nora Abe Tetsuun Ama Myra Fujino George & Amy Horibata Russell & Joyce Inaba John K. & Ann Y.M. Ishikawa Sharon Kaneko Dennis & Carrie Kawamoto Thomas & Thelma Kushimi Baldwin & Sally Miyake Mace Mutobe Charles Nishioka James & Toshiko Ogasawara Carol & Edwin Saito Dean & Doreen Sakamoto Melvin & Elaine Sasaki Charles & June Shimata Steven & Sadako Shintaku Bernard Shiratori Alvin Shishido Haruyuki & Itsue Tamamoto Gordon & Lyn Watanabe Ethel Yamashige Takeshi Yamashita Glenn S. & Minnie Yoshimori Tom Yoshizawa Jan Youth Noboru & Diane Yoza

Building Fund Harry & Gloria Okada

Tanabes’ special Dharma Talk on Japanese Buddhist Temples on Sunday, Jan 27

Dr. George and Dr. Willa Tanabe, both Emeritus Professors from the University of Hawaii, who are the authors of the recently-published book Japanese Buddhist Temples of Hawaii: An Illustrated Guide (Univ. of Hawaii Press: October 2012) and who presently have an exhibition at the Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu will speak and show slides at the Family Dharma service on Sunday, January 27, 2013. They visited all of the ninety Japanese Buddhist temples still surviving in Hawaii and photographed the exteriors and many of the artistic elements of the interiors of the temples. They will also answer questions and listen to comments from the Sangha about their work. (see December Dharma Connection)

On Tuesday, December 11, the Tanabes spoke and showed slides at the Waialua Hongwanji’s monthly service and shared that our temples are artistic renderings that we give as offerings to the Buddha in gratitude for his giving us the Buddha Dharma. When the Buddha Sakyamuni was alive, it was prohibited to write down the sutras or the teachings that he gave. Artistic elements—carvings, paintings, sculpture for example—tell stories in our temples. There are many reasons that Hongwanji temples are all similar as there are reasons that the temples of other Japanese Buddhist denominations are similar. It leads to a greater appreciation of the Dharma when we are able to understand more about the components that make up our temples and how even the furnishings on the onaijin contribute to teaching the Dharma.

The service with Dr. George and Dr. Willa Tanabe’s presentation is certain to be interesting and informative and to help each of us understand the Dharma just a bit better. Family Dharma service at 9 a.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2013.

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New Year’s Greeting

Immeasurable Light and Life.

Reciting the Nembutsu, we welcome the new year. I express my warmest greetings to you. Following the East Japan Great Earthquake, one year and ten months has passed. More than a hundred thousand people continue to live in evacuation center housing, unable to return to their homes. Personally, I find the events of the Seven hundred fiftieth Memorial for Shinran Shonin and East Japan Great Earthquake to be inseparable.

I am sure that each person directly affected by the natural disaster has his or her own sufferings and is being faced with various problems and tasks. It goes without saying that support and recovery efforts are important. However, with this as an opportune time, as a fellow earthly being, I would also like to reflect on the fundamental issues we all have in common. What we need to reconsider is how we have easily come to accept our common values and ways of perceiving things, regardless of whether we are conscious of it or not. For example, there is the notion that development in science technology and economic competition increases happiness. Although technological advancements and economic strength may be immediate solutions for simple issues at hand, stopping there can result in something else becoming overlooked. That is our infinite humanly cravings, our limited intelligence, and our lack of harmony with the greater nature. This is an issue that is deeply connected with Buddhism.

The beauty of Mt. Fuji and other mountains and valleys are all results of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Although nuclear energy may appear to be an efficient prescription for the immediate situation, not only does it become a problem when an accident occurs, but with our current technological skills, we are unable to safely dispose of radioactive wastes. We cannot simply pick and choose just what is convenient nor do we have the power to control nature. It is my hope that the measures we take will not simply end up as temporary solutions. But rather, they will help to make a positive change in our social values and reflect on our own standards and realize a sustainable society.

January 1, 2013

OHTANI Koshin Monshu Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha

Bishop’s New Year’s Message

With the Nembutsu upon my lips, a Happy New Year to All! As we begin a new year, I extend my most sincere best wishes to you. As we start the year, let us take a moment to ponder our 2013 Slogan and Theme which reads “Path of Entrusting: Living the Teachings.” Rennyo Shonin shared “Ever in sight of Amida Buddha’s Teachings, let us always humbly reflect.” When I think about it, much of Buddhist Teachings is not really so extraordinary, although there are exceptions. In a way, it can be said that the extraordinary part of Buddhist Teachings is how ordinary it is and yet as I reflect “How difficult it is to live this Teaching.” As an example, interdependence, we have heard this word over and over and yet how hard it is to truly, samutpada: all things are interdependent, interconnected, and intricately joined together. While this is true of human life, it is also true of life outside the human sphere, as well as things outside of life itself, with nature as a whole being connected in this way-this is the truth of pratitya-samutpada.” “Pratitya-samutpada, thus, offers a valuable way of looking at things when we seek to address today’s problems of environmental destruction, armed military conflict, and other events where countless lives are lost; not merely human lives alone.” If we are truly guided by this Teaching of Interdependency, we should feel a connection with all existence and happenings around us. We should not think “That has nothing to do with me” or “That’s not my problem.” Of course, practically and realistically, we cannot be fully involved in everything, but the Dharma does promote within us this feeling of being connected with all others and thus makes a big difference in how we perceive what is happening in life and the world. The perspective is “We are in this together. How can I make a difference?” Whether it is a problem and/or solution, we see our relationship with it. We are not totally disconnected with anything or anyone. Everything and everyone exists in an intricate web of existence each affecting and being affected by the other. It is this feeling of oneness and togetherness that the Buddha-Dharma fosters within us.

A perfect example of this oneness is Amida Buddha. Amida Buddha does not distance itself from the bonbu/foolish

being and instead totally embraces the foolish being who entrusts. As Gomonshu says “To save all, is the reason for Amida

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Buddha’s existence. This is how Shinran Shonin thinks and feels.” Well, this may be the extraordinary part of Shin Buddhist Teachings in which the foolish being “as-we-are” is promised enlightenment with birth in the Pure Land as Rennyo Shonin shared. What greater expression of Compassion is there than being accepted “as-we-are”, imperfection and all and thus the reason why we respond in gratitude by trying to be better persons by living with the Dharma as our guide.

To conclude, our trying to live the Dharma is also a means by which others can come to know and appreciate the Buddhist Teachings. Let us provide the opportunity for others to encounter the Buddha and share the Dharma with others. I believe, whether we are Buddhist or not, we can all avail ourselves to Wisdom and Compassion and be guided and inspired by it. It is my hope that 2013 will be a year in which we, who do call ourselves Buddhists, will truly see the significance of “Living the Teachings.” Let us reflect “Am I saying the Nembutsu? Am I praising the virtues of the Buddha?”Like Shinran Shonin and many before us may we continue to recite the Nembutsu of Gratitude for Amida Buddha’s Unconditional Compassion and praise Amida Buddha’s Virtue so all may hear about Great Compassion. A very Happy New Year to all and I encourage you, your family and friends to listen to the Dharma and may we be active in our community so all lives may be enriched by Wisdom and Compassion. Namo Amida Butsu and Happy New Year!

In gassho, Eric Matsumoto, Bishop Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

PRESIDENT’S NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE

Aloha and best wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year! 2012 was special in that it was the kick-off for our strategic planning committees. While it has taken us two years to organize and get enough volunteers for this important effort, it will take a lot more work to develop and implement plans to meet our strategic goals. We experienced more shortage of ministers and the closing of Kahuku Hongwanji. While these incidents can be viewed in a negative way, they can result into positive actions. The shortage of ministers has increased the interest of the lay members to participate in programs to assist the ministers. The closing of a temple is similar to a company downsizing to stabilize itself before expanding once more.

As we downsize we must also have a plan to invest and expand in the future. Our strategic planning committees are working on that plan. There are also positive indications that things are turning around. PBA is close to meeting its initial capital campaign goal and start construction of a new building. While it has taken longer than desired to raise the funds because of the economic times, the interest and support of PBA’s program has steadily increased. It has truly been a team effort of the PBA staff and Board of Trustees; however, it wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership and creativity of our Head of School Pieper Toyama, who will be retiring at the end of this school year. We are truly grateful for his vision and leadership and hope he will continue to be active in other roles/positions. We all understand that our organization cannot function without volunteers. Temples are finding it difficult in finding members willing to be on the board of directors and/or officers. It is difficult to get people into leadership positions at the temple level and even more so at a statewide level. The length of time it took to get volunteers for our strategic planning committees indicates that our members are busy and the temple/organization is not a priority in their lives as it was with the Issei and Nissei.

It is a Catch 22 situation. The long range goal of the strategic plan is to make the temple/organization a priority in our members’ lives. But not enough members are willing to take leadership roles because the temple/organization is not a priority in their lives. Therefore all we can do is to ask you to believe in our strategic plan and get involved in all levels of the organization, especially in leadership roles. Without your help, we will be unable to grow for our future generations

We are truly grateful for the many hands that help us at all levels or our organization. Let us show our gratitude and lessen their burden by offering our help. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your patience, understanding, cooperation and support. Your participation is crucial in our leadership role for the international propagation of Jodo Shinshu.

In Gassho, Alton H Miyamoto, President Hawaii Kyodan

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Bazaar at Mililani Hongwanji on March 30 To open 2013, our board of directors has set into motion a major fundraising temple activity. On Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the temple grounds. This event will bring together all the Mililani Hongwanji affiliates to join in a coordinated fundraising activity. The Buddhist Women's Association will serve as key organization of this bazaar. They will be having a rummage sale in addition to their notable country store for selling baked goods, barazushi, and other famous special pickles.. The members of the Jr. YBA will be selling refreshing shave ice and boyyled water while the members of the Judo club will have savory steak plates, hot dogs, chili plates with drinks They may be conducting a presale for their plate lunches. The Aikido members will offer lomi lomi (massage), T-shirts silk screened with profound Aikido characters, and a car wash. In preparation for this bazaar,we encourage and invite all members to be promoters for this event by saving your gently used household items, baking, helping to prepare the products, helping set up and clean up. Spread the word--Mililani hongwanji will be having a bazaar. Hold the date--Saturday march 30, 2013 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Joint Memorial Service

for the families of the following will be held on

Sunday, January 6, 2013 Barney T. Fujikawa Yaeko Fukuda Elsie Hamasaki Wayne Hirata Masayuki Honda Kenji Ishii Hatsusaburo Kawachi Haruko Kawamoto Maki Matsumoto Morris Miura Ushi Miyashiro Kametsuchi Morishige Umataro Muramaru Satoru Nakamura Juno Nishida Elsie S. Nishioka Karen Oshikata Reginald Oka Eiichi Shimata Mitome Shimata Matsu Taira Usa Taira Florence T. Tasato Clark S. Toma MasueToma Seiji Tsugawa Suyeno Ukita Jiro Wakumoto Toyoji Watanabe

Please call the minister at 625-0925 and/or email dharma.connection@gmail.com if there are corrections or additions to the published list. Families may call the minister to schedule special family memorial services for their loved ones. For 2013, special memorial years are observed for loved ones who passed away in:

2012 1st Year 1989 25th year 2011 3rd Year 1981 33rd year 2007 7th Year 1964 50th year 2001 13th Year 1914 100th year 1997 17th Year

Get Ready 4 the Mililani Hongwanji Bazaar

On Saturday, March 30, 2013 9 am to 2 pm

Country Store—jams, pickles, baked goods,

crafts,

Plants, White Elephants and treasures! Donations of new or gently used household items

appreciated!

No computer equipment/accessories please!

Food and games and surprises! Car Wash!

Start preparing now!

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Dharma Connection – January 1, 2013 President’s Aspirations - Happy New Year !

Every year, I say “where did the time go?” As I get older, I reflect more – Was it important? For me or for you? What was I thinking? What are my aspirations? What do I want to do the next 365 days? What do I need to do the next 365 days? One thing I know – that I am not as agile as I once was, and tend to forget some things that I usually never forgot before. The clock is ticking, and time is a luxury. Sorry, but procrastination continues to be a block for me. Besides my personal obligations at home, with your help, I hope to bring vitality with increased communication with the members, and the youth through the internet, and if I can increase my proficiency and knowledge of the almost unlimited stuff that google, utube, facebook and twitter can bring substance, including religious topics/discussions to almost anyone with the “click” of the mouse. As I submitted (emailed) our stats (for annual report) to the Headquarters, and analyzed the numbers, I realized that although our membership (gojikai) has been static, there is a significant increase in the number of adults and children coming to Mililani Hongwanji for martial arts classes, card-making, crochet, ikebana, bon dance practice and festivities, yet our core activities (dharma school, youth programs) have been declining and appears to be detached from the temple mainstream. Is the leadership—me, the president and our board of directors--, not providing the support to these vital groups? Are we still relevant to the current mainstream of Mililani Hongwanji sangha? What are your thoughts, wishes and long term goals for the Mililani sangha? Let’s plan for Mililani 50 in 2027—fifteen years from now. How old will you be? The time is now (2013) to review, evaluate, and re-visit the mission of Mililani Hongwanji. We will do this in this my last year as president of Mililani Hongwanji. 2013 HHMH Theme & Slogan – “Path of Entrusting – Live the Teachings.” The cover of the 2013 Hawaii Kyodan calendar is written in Japanese – I even remembered the kanji “”michi.” The words come from the poem “Kono Michi,” by Kaneko Misuzu. Quote: from the last stanza – “Just on this road, there is something, something ………… All together, let’s go down this road, let’s go .. ..” I continue to be optimistic – my glass is never half empty, but always more than half full. I wish you and your family a wonderful New Year of Happiness, and good Health. In gassho, Bob Asato (President)