November 2016 The Newsletter of Mililani Hongwanji Mission Volume 39 Issue No. 11

Temple activities should be posted as soon as possible on the “MASTER CALENDAR” located on the bulletin board for inclusion in the Dharma Connection calendar and for

general temple planning.

1 Tue 8:00 AM Flower Arrangement Class

4 Fri 7:30 PM Mindful Meditation

5 Sat 9:15 AM Ehime Maru Clean-up

6 Sun 9:00 AM Joint Monthly Memorial & Family Service

8 Tue 9:00 AM Parkinson's Support Group Meeting

9 Wed 7:30 PM Kyodan Board Meeting

11 Fri 10:00 AM Veteran's Day Parade in Wahiawa

13 Sun 9:00 AM Eitaikyo Service & Dharma School (Prep for Keirokai Activity)

13 Sun 10:00 AM Columbarium Dedication

15 Tue 8:00 AM Flower Arrangement Class

17 Thu 9:00 AM Lotus Connection

19 Sat 8:00 AM Adopt-a-Highway

19 Sat 10:00 AM Hospital Visitation

20 Sun 9:00 AM Family Service & Dharma School (Movie Day: "Totoro")

20 Sun 1:00 PM 4th Qtr. Oahu BWA Meeting at Aiea Hongwanji

24 Thu 9:00 AM Thanksgiving Day Service

26 Sat 7:00 AM No-Host Kyodan Breakfast at Zippy's: All Welcome

27 Sun 9:00 AM Family Service & Dharma School (Intergenerational Activity)

Keirokai Recognition

2 Fri 7:30 PM Mindful Meditation

4 Sun 9:00 AM Joint Monthly Memorial & Bodhi Day Service; Annual General Membership Meeting & Winter Party

7 Wed 6:00 PM BWA Membership Drive/Dinner Meeting

How do YOU Express Thankfulness and Appreciation?

In last year’s November edition of the Mililani Hongwanji News-letter, I wrote about “What are YOU Thankful for?” It is something that we are able to express, but HOW do we express it?

For many of us, the answer is “By saying thank you!” But there is a lot that we must go through in or-der for us to express a meaningful gesture of appreciation. When we were growing up, I am sure there have been many times in which our parents or grandparents told us “Hey, say thank you!” and as if it was a chore, we said “thank you” in a casual way that seemed unimportant and lacked enthusiasm, just to get it out of the way. We said “thank you” because we had too.

Shinran Shōnin often expressed his appreciation through poetry and was also reflected many times in his writings. I often wondered how the people of that time felt when they heard many of his poems.

Many of us may not be able to write poetry, but reflect our appreciation through thank you cards. A simple gesture like thank you cards go a long way, and conveys a message of “you took time out of your busy schedule to write to me.” For many, it is a gesture that goes far beyond a “thank you.”

In college, I spent many days visiting my grandparents after my classes. Many times it would involve bringing lunch over and talking story. For them they really appreciated it. I remember sharing a lot of laughs and sometimes even tears. It was more than my way of showing my appreciation to them; it was about sharing that moment with them.

Showing our appreciation can manifest in many different fashions, not just by saying, “thank you.” It is an important thing to do, in which we often times neglect to do. As we come to the Holiday Season, let us not for-get to express our appreciation not only to our loved ones, but also to everyone who has made some kind of impact in our lives.

At Mililani Hongwanji, we have many opportunities to show our appreciation to many people. We will be participating in the Wahiawa Veteran’s Day Parade to express our appreciation to all those serve(d) in our Armed Forces. We will also be participating in the annual Mililani Hometown Holiday Parade, to thank all those in our community for their support. And also, we will be having our annual Keirokai Event, which thanks the contributions of those who will be reaching the age of 80. I hope all of you can come and join us for these events and share in the moment of appreciation.

Rev. Fujimoto

Aloha Kakou, Exhilarating! Inspiring! That describes the International Peace Day Program on Sept. 16th at Honpa Hongwanji. Just seeing and hearing the messages and music from different religious organizations all promoting peace, made me feel so proud of the compassion and talent in our community. It would be wonderful if we could also host such a unique experience! Then we performed and enjoyed the amazing voices celebrating beautiful gathas at the State Choralfest at Honpa Hongwanji with our leader Nola Na-hulu and pianist Francis Okano. The whirlwind weekend ended with a special Peace Day evening service on Sunday, Sept. 25th at 5:00 PM. Rev. Fujimoto presented the Zensho Kada. This chant acknowledges the presence of Amida Bud-dha, and the Buddha’s of the past, present, and future and sends forth their wisdom to awaken those who are present. Then he asked everyone to come forward to offer incense as an opportunity to show respect and gratitude to the Buddha, the kar-mic treads that allowed us to be here today and for the teachings of the Buddha. The fragrance purifies our minds and pre-pares one to listen to the Dharma. We bow in Gassho to signify the oneness of Buddha and all beings. After his meaningful Peace Day message, he closed with the Buddhist Doxology and Nembutsu. The service was different and interesting! Of course the dinner and fellowship was great with everyone socializing! Since it was such a huge success, we are hoping to have more Sunday evening services to replace the morning service, once in a while. Something new- some music loving folks have started a jam session on Fridays, to enjoy playing ukulele, guitar, percussions or whatever instrument you want to bring. They are called the “MH Jammers”. Please join us on Nov. 13th, at 10:00 AM, when we will dedicate our new Columbarium, beauti-ful glass cases to cherish our loved ones, located in the temple building. As we are supporting the Hongwanji’s 5-year goal to “Embrace Change” in our ever-changing times, engaging the com-munity, our Kyodan Board has approved participation to walk on Nov. 11th at 10:00 AM in the 70th Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade to honor veterans past and present, the Mililani Town Holiday Parade to thank the community, and the Mililani High School Carnival to promote our 40th Anniversary. PLEASE SIGN UP because we need lots of folks, bring your family and friends! In the meantime, when you have a chance, please say “thank you” to our Thursday Gang and the many volunteers who keep our premises clean, green, and safe. What would we do without them? They are tireless and giving and steadfast in car-ing for our temple. We are truly grateful for their dana. Thank you for allowing me to share. Mahalo! In gassho, Rene

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President’s Corner

Rene Mansho

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BISHOP MATSUMOTO’S MESSAGE FOR 2016 GANDHI DAY IN HAWAII

Reflecting on the affairs of our world, there is an escalation in the number of violent acts both at home and around the globe which has resulted in so many deaths and the suffering continues for family and communities of those that were killed and at the same time the anger and suffering of those who commit violent acts, in many cases too, still remain unabated. More than ever what our world needs is love or compassion, but a love and compassion guided by Wisdom.

This year, on the occasion of this 11th Annual Celebration of the International Day of Non-violence, I am encouraged by Mahatma Gandhi’s words “Love is the strongest force the world possess, yet it is the most humblest imaginable” and “Whenever you are confront-ed with an opponent, conquer him with love.” Gandhi is speaking about a love and compassion, higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean, which does not divide people but instead brings people together.

In the Buddhist Tradition, besides the famous saying repeated by Sakyamuni Buddha that “Hatred is not overcome by hatred; hatred is overcome by love. This is an ancient law,” another wise and insightful saying shares

Victory creates hatred. Defeat creates suffering. The wise ones desire neither victory nor defeat..Anger creates anger..He who kills will be killed. He who wins will be defeated..Revenge can only be overcome by abandoning revenge..The wise seek neither victory nor defeat. It is so easy to become entangled with thoughts like “I must win” or arrogantly think “I alone am right.” When such thoughts arise in me, I am reminded of the wise words of Prince Shotoku who emphasized harmony and said, “Let us cease from wrath and refrain from angry looks. Nor let us be resentful when others differ from us. For all people have hearts and each heart has its own leanings. Their right is our wrong, and our right is their wrong. We are not unquestionably sages, nor are they unquestionably fools.” On this Mahatma Gandhi Day in Hawaii, let us, guided by Wisdom, reflect including self-reflect on finding the deeper causes and condi-tions which are resulting in the harm and suffering plaguing our world and the importance of non-violence as an expression of Compas-sion. May we be guided by All-Inclusive Wisdom and inspired by All-Embracing Compassion (Amida Buddha) reaching out to illumine our hearts and minds so we may realize that though we may have differences, there is also the paramount truth of the preciousness and oneness of all life. Namo Amida Butsu and thank you!

Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii HEADQUARTERS UPDATE

(Go to Mililani Hongwanji’s website for complete update)(

HAWAII BETSUIN HONDO RESOUNDS WITH CHORALFEST 2016 Choralfest 2016 brought together ninety-eight singers from temples in Hawaii to celebrate the joy of the Buddha-Dharma in song. This year, two participants from Ekoji Temple, outside Washington, D.C., lent extra warmth to the festivities. Held at Hawaii Betsuin on the weekend of September 24 and 25, choralfest featured a stunning Sunday Music Service at which the festival choir, under the musical direction of conductor Nola Nahulu, filled the Hondo with the heartwarming strains of Buddhist choral masterpieces.

Over a span of four hours on Saturday afternoon, singers of varying experience came together as one festival choir of nuance and preci-sion, under the watchful eye of director Nahulu. That night, participants enjoyed a sumptuous banquet that was highlighted by warm welcomes by Bishop Matsumoto and Rimban Hagio and a surprise virtuoso violin solo treat of a Vivaldi concerto movement and Bach’s tender Air on G String by Music Committee member and minister of Papaikou Hongwanji, Rev. Shinji Kawagoe. At evening’s end, every-one joined in on a rousing You Are My Sunshine and Hawaii Aloha.

After an early Sunday morning breakfast, singers warmed up in the Hondo before the 10:00 am Music Service. At the appointed time, conductor and Hongwanji Living Treasure Nola Nahulu masterfully led the festival choir through performances of five Buddhist choral opuses: the sprightly Where, Oh, Where? (Hotokesama wa); the ethereal Entrusting Heart (Marui kokoro); the sensitive Touched by Kindness (Yasashisa ni deattara); the probing How Happy I Am! (Go on ureshiya); and the moving Buddha’s Great Light. This musical offering was preceded by I Dream a World, sung jointly by Honolulu Youth Opera Chorus volunteers and the festival choir, and followed by Ondokusan II in English and Japanese by the congregation. Festival accompanist was Francis Okano. Included in the congregation handout for the first time was “Choralfest Program Notes,” a narrative description of the choral offerings intended to enhance listener enjoyment.

Hawaii Betsuin was a much appreciated host, particularly its BWA who graciously coordinated all the welcome refreshments and happy dining. Singers, organizers, and all who attended the Music Service look forward to the next choralfest two years hence. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsLlJYEgKCQO8a1YNWm2Yyos2rlOIGJZb

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C.A.R.E. DAY...Monday morning on October 3…With a guitar and ukuleles to ac-company us, several BWA women, other temple members and Reverend Fujimoto opened a sharing session by singing familiar songs with Adult Care clients at Mililani Hongwanji. Then, on to looking carefully (sometimes with magnifying glasses) at flowers brought from home gardens. A special flower was selected, sketched, outlined with permanent marker and painted with watercolors. Everyone finished their mini-masterpieces, used the flow-ers to arrange a tiny arrangement and proudly shared both of their creations!

A sitting hula and songs with hand/body motions closed a morning of enjoyment for everyone!

Thank you to Carrie Kawamoto for organizing this worthwhile community service activity and to all who participated.

The FEDERATION OF BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS met at our Mililani temple on Saturday, October 8. Participants converged from all parts of O’ahu and the outer islands for the FALL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY.

Bishop Eric Matsumoto presented the first message to the assembly. He talked about change. That, in some point in time (sometimes many years) organizations need to make changes. But, to remember to always let the Dharma be our guide.

Thank you to Nora Hahn, Diane Yoza, other Mililani BWA and temple members who worked so hard to host the Fall Assembly.

EHIME-MARU CLEANING…Volunteers will once again travel to Kaka’ako Park to clean the Ehime-Maru Me-morial on Saturday, November 5. Meet at temple at 9:15AM to carpool. For further information contact Debbie Hiyakumoto to participate in this community service activity.

Saturday, November 19, will be the last WAHIAWA HOSPITAL VISITATION for 2016. Beginning in 2017, visits take place on odd months on Tuesday mornings from 10-10:45AM. Thank you to Jean Sanehira for working to sched-ule these visitations…another of our community service activities!

Have you seen the brand new and absolutely gorgeous BOOKSHELF in the temple!? Thursday gang members Steve Koito and Dennis Kawamoto generously constructed and stained our latest piece of furniture at the request of the BWA Kyodan Support Committee. It will be used to house binders containing new songs that have slowly been accumulating in the past few years. The bookshelf with music binders will be a gift from the BWA to our temple to help celebrate its 40th Anniversary in March, 2017. Many thanks to Steve and Dennis!!

UPCOMING BWA ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

Nov.

5 9:15AM SATURDAY…EHIME MARU CLEAN-UP…Meet at temple to carpool

6 10:15AM SUNDAY… Monthly MEETING IN ED. BLDG.

19 8:30AM SATURDAY…HOSHA-Group 3 (coordinator: Frances Saito)

19 10:00AM SATURDAY…WAHIAWA HOS-PITAL VISITATION

20 1:00PM SUNDAY…4th Qtr. OAHU BWA MTG. at Aiea Hongwanji

Dec.

7 6:00PM WEDNESDAY…MEMBERSHIP DRIVE/DINNER MEETING

10 8:30AM SECOND SATURDAY…HOSHA-GROUP 4 (coordinator: Nancy

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We are having a wonderful time during this fall session of our Dharma School year. We started October with a very successful Canned Food Drive thanks to our generous Sangha! Along with the 275 pounds of food donations delivered to the Hawaii Foodbank, the Dharma School students assembled a folder with their drawings and notes to be shared with the foodbank and their clients. A note from Dymin Kakazu was especially thoughtful. It read,

Thank you Hawaii Foodbank for helping those in need and showing them someone out there cares about them and giving them food to survive.

You are so helpful to our community and its health. You can help the world one meal at a time.

Our Dharma School students are the best! Speaking of our great students, our thanks to Xan-der Babcock, Chloe Oshiro, and Grant Lau, who served as Sunday service emcees during the month of October. Our students enjoyed yummy “Magna Smoothies” courtesy of David and Angela Baker on October 16th that prompted the postponement of our Sutra Chanting and Altar Etiquette lesson from Rev. Fujimoto, which will now be held at a later date. The rest of October is filled with fun activities including Movie Day featuring “Inside Out” on the 23rd and a Halloween cookie decorating activity and costume dress up day on the 30th. Our schedule of November activities includes: November 13 – Keirokai activity November 20 – Movie Day: “Totoro” (meet in Ed bldg. at 9am) November 27 – Intergenerational activity

We encourage all students to join in our Dharma School activities! Please feel free

to see Dharma School Co-Directors Roger Babcock or Claire Doi or any of the Dharma

School staff if you have any questions or need more info.

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Mililani Hongwanji A Shin Buddhist Temple

Minister: Rev. David Fujimoto Kyodan President: Rene Mansho Mail to: P.O. Box 893308 Mililani, HI 96789 Location: 95-257 Kaloapau Street Mililani, HI 96789 Phone: 808.625.0925 Email: dharma.connection@gmail.com

Weekly Services on Sundays, 9:00 am

Visit us at mililanihongwanji.org

Summary of Mililani Hongwanji Board of Directors 10/12/16 Meeting

• Approved temple members participation in Mililani Holi-day Parade– Dec 3, 2016 • Approved temple participation at Mililani HS Carnival, February, 2017. • Approved Repairs to temple CMU wall by Thursday Gang with estimated cost of $700-$800 • Discussion on installation of Security Cameras/Alarm System; Awaiting

WCCHC Adult Day Care at Mililani Hongwanji

Aloha! We would like to let everyone know that we are accepting applications for Adult Day Care enroll-ment. Do you know anyone caring for a loved one that needs respite or help caring for their loved one through-out the day? We are welcoming new clients. For any interested new appli-cants, we are offering tuition assistance. Please contact our ADC Director Trece White for more information at (808) 561-2147. We are OPEN at Mililani Hale 5 Days a week Monday thru Fridays from 8am-5pm; with early drop off available as early as 7am.

In Need of a Minister?

Please call Rev. David Fujimoto at Mililani Hongwanji at 625-0925. If no one answers, please leave a detailed message, and he will get back to you. In case of a religious emergency such as a bed-side service, please call Rev. David Fujimoto on his cell at 492-6649. Rev. Fujimoto’s office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am—11:00 amPlease call ahead or feel free to make an appointment

Mililani Hongwanji Kyodan 2017 Slate of Officers and Board of Directors

President Rene Mansho Immed. Past Pres. & V.P. Dean Sakamoto Vice President Clifford Togo Secretary Roger Babcock Treasurer Stan Sasaki Auditor Twila Castellucci Auditor Mas Nishimoto Director (1 Yr) Richard Taira Director (1 Yr) Susan Oshiro Director (1 Yr) Mike Guerrero Director (2 Yrs) Sharon Freitas Director (2 Yrs) Vacant Director (2 Yrs) Vacant Advisor Rev. Jan Youth Advisor Gordon Watanabe

Any dues paying member of Mililani Hongwanji who is interested in serving on the Board of Directors should contact someone from the Nomination’s Com-mittee, Dennis Oshita, Cliff Togo, Sharon Freitas, or Rev. Jan Youth no later than November 15, 2016. The election of Officers and Board of Directors is tentatively scheduled at the next General Membership meeting on Sunday, December 4, 2016, following the morning service.

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General Donation Crochet Group Mililani Hongwanji Qi Gong Class Sharon A. Freitas via Give Aloha Theodine Hirai Election volunteer donation John K. & Ann Y.M. Ishikawa Donation to Dharma School John K. & Ann Y.M. Ishikawa via Give Aloha Gloria Okada Stanley & Carol Sasaki via Give Aloha Margaret Tanabe via Give Aloha Darrin Wong Hatsubon Service Duane & Robyn Izumi IMO Robert Afuso Higan Fall Janet Abe Kazuko Ama Robert & June Asato Roger & Jill Kyhos Babcock Claire Doi Richard & Joyce Fujimoto Myra Fujino Warren & Nora Hahn Melvin & Eileen Hayase Brandon Hee Theodine Hirai Harry & Itsuko Honda Karl & Carol Ann Kakehi Sharon Kaneko Mamoru & Ethel Kawahara Dennis & Carrie Kawamoto Milton & Susan Migita Howard & Amy Nakamura Earl & Amy Nishimoto Masami & Joyce Nishimoto Lawrence & Joyce Nishioka via Give Aloha Lester & Joyce Ogawa via Give Aloha Patrick & Susan Oshiro Dean & Doreen Sakamoto Jean Sanehira Richard & Gail Taira Itsue Tamamoto Margaret Tanabe Nancy Tanaka Hiroyoshi & Satoko Terao Gordon & Lyn Watanabe Ethel Yamashige Diane Yoza

(September 20, 2016 to October 17, 2016)

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Joint Memorial Service for the families of the following will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2016, 9:00 am

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 2016, special memorial years are observed for loved ones who passed away in:

2015 1st Year 2010 7th Year 2000 17th Year 1984 33rd year

2014 3rd Year 2004 13th Year 1994 23rd Year 1967 50th year

1992 25th year 1917 100th year

Joint Memorial Service Janet Abe IMO Makiyo Okino Michie Ando IMO Utako Ando Takashi Ando IMO Utako Ando Robert & June Asato IMO Raymond Y. Asato via Give Aloha Myra Fujino IMO Tadao Matsuzaki Warren & Nora Hahn IMO Yoneko Yoshida Harry & Itsuko Honda IMO Hachiro Imamura, Marion Oka, Jean Tashima Jennifer Kai IMO Satoru Kai Carl & Aileen Matsuda IMO Sayoko Kuwata Steven & Sadako Shintaku IMO Satoru & Sharon Kai Raymond & Ethel Shiroma IMO Isao Kawamoto Margaret Tanabe IMO Ichio Hirata & Jesse Nomura Hiroyoshi & Satoko Terao IMO Tasuke Terao Memorial Service Milton & Susan Migita IMO Jean Migita Itsue Tamamoto IMO Haruyuki Tamamoto Thanksgiving Day Robert & June Asato via Give Aloha

Bodhi Day Robert & June Asato via Give Aloha Eitaikyo Robert & June Asato via Give Aloha

(September 20, 2016 to October 17, 2016)

June Mutobe

Grayce Nomura

Earl Onitsuka

Robyn Saiki

Chimo Sakutori

Roy Segami

Susie Suzuki

Kan Tagami

Yashiro Hayase

Aiko Iwamoto

Isao Kawamoto

Kazukiyo Kuwata

Rodney Mansho

Miles Migita

Sayo Miwao

Bobby Miyamoto

Umeyo Tanioka

Shinji Toma

Takijiro Ueki

Hitoshi Yoshida

Kanji Yoshino

Katsumi Yoshino

Santa Yoza

Jitsuo Yukinaga

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David & Angela Baker sharing their “Magna Smoothies” with the Sangha. Sooo Good!

Bishop Eric Matsumoto with Mililani Hongwanji’s

Choir at the 2016 Cho-ralfest held at the Honpa

Hongwanji Mission.

C. A. R. E. DAY was a super success—clients really

enjoyed it!

Mark your calendar for the

40th Anniversary

Ohana Day

March 11, 2017

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Sunday Evening Service and

Pot Luck Dinner.

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Pink Sunday in support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Month.

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