A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan

Gratitude for this life is saying Namo Amida Butsu!

This is my last message as WBT's minister as I will bid aloha to the Sangha at WBT at the end of July. I have mixed feelings about leaving. It has been such a privilege serving this temple and meeting all of you in this very special Sangha. I have been the recipient of your friendship, guidance, support, patience and warm smiles and laughter. But now is the time to spend with my three grandsons, Kainoa, Kenji and Renzo. Each day with them is precious. This next journey is as a lucky bachan (grandmother)!

While getting through life is no easy matter, it is in the midst of our challenges that we find ourselves illumined by the Light of Amida's Compassion. When we see ourselves in the Light of Compassion, this awakening imparts us with a lasting sense of peace that helps to get us through life.

Shinran taught that the true meaning of a person's life is determined by living with awareness of the Buddha's compassion moment to moment throughout one's life. The spirit of mindfulness and gratitude in which the words "Namo Amida Butsu" are recited is the key to our happiness.

Rev. Ty Unno wrote that for us to be grateful for anything, we must be able to recognize and acknowledge things done for us. He explained that the original term for gratitude in Japanese is "On" which primarily means kindness, goodness, grace, etc. Everything that we receive in life that sustains us is by virtue of on.

“Shinran taught that the true meaning of a person’s life is determined by living with awareness of the Buddha’s compassion moment to moment throughout one’s life. The spirit of mindfulness and gratitude in which the words “Namo Amida Butsu” are recited is the key to our happiness.”

Another meaning for on is our appreciation for this gift of life and our deep wish to compensate or repay it which is conveyed in the word gratitude. It is this word that is the basic ethical principle in the life of many Buddhists. Traditionally in Buddhism we speak of the Four Gratitudes - to Mother, Father, Buddha and Teacher of the Dharma. They give us life, nourish us and enrich our existence. To them we ought to feel infinite gratitude. We must be able to recognize and acknowledge things done for us. If we are not aware of the good that comes our way, no matter how many blessings we receive, there is no way that we can feel any sense of gratitude. There are so many things that others have done and are doing for us that we never know about. Not only do we fail to recognize the favors and kindnesses that others have done for us because of our egos (self-concern), we are unaware of the pain that we may have inflicted on others. Reflecting on the Four Gratitudes - Mother, Father, Buddha and Teacher of the Dharma-how many of us really and truly live in thankfulness for the countless gifts we receive from them? As we go about our daily activities, let us reflect on this life and cherish the memories with joy, remembrance and deep gratitude.

Jeff Wilson writes in his article Path of Gratitude: "As a Shin Buddhist, my primary practice is not meditation, sutra study, ritual or precepts. All of these can be valuable, but in Shin Buddhism our main focus is the practice of gratitude through the recitation of the Nembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu. For Shin Buddhists being aware of our interconnectedness involves being aware of the teachings of Amida Buddha and Shinran Shonin and to acknowledge the generosity of all who come into our lives."

Let us reflect each day on our amazing good fortune to simply be who we are, just as we are, in the here and now. And let us appreciate and make the very most of each miraculous day. Namo Amida Butsu!

It is with sincere gratitude I say aloha to all of you and look forward to visiting Windward Buddhist Temple whenever I can. With a warm smile and with hands together in deep respect, Namo Amida Butsu!

Rev. Barbara Brennan

A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan

Rev. Barbara Brennan

Aloha and Happy New Year, everyone!

In this time of wishing joy and peace to all, it is hard to realize that there is hatred and violence halfway around the world. Recently, a statement was made by some leaders from churches in the Nuuanu Valley Interfaith community: “We may feel powerless to make any significant change in generations of conflict we don’t even fully understand. We can; however, refuse to accept any expressions of hatred, violence, and antisemitism here, and call upon each other to remember the aloha with which we work and live every day.” A statement well taken.

Monshu Kojun Ohtani writes: “In order for there to be peace. We must first be aware that all things in this world are interconnected. We should care for and value other people’s lives as well.” How do we attain peace as we seek in the world today? In order to help stop problems such as war, terrorism, confrontations between nations and peoples, and political clashing, it is necessary that we first treat others with the same care and respect that we would ourselves.”

December quickly ended another year. Time doesn’t stand still as we look to 2024, the Year of the Dragon, to make plans with family, friends and our Sangha.

During 2023 Windward Buddhist Temple (WBT) held many activities as we worked to keep our Hongwanji active and present in the community. One such activity was the Windward Mall Bon Dance last October. Many members and friends helped to make it a success. (We can’t forget all the freshly cooked andagi which were in such great demand). It is said that “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Everyone worked selflessly from beginning to end. All sales proceeds were donated to the Maui Wildfires Fund through Hongwanji headquarters. Thank you for your hard work and contributions, which was a reflection of Dana in the truest sense of the word.

It is important to share the Buddha-Dharma whenever we can. When I started at WBT, I was surprised to learn that all WBT Dharma talks are available on YouTube. This is a dynamic way to share the Jodo Shinshu teachings. Kudos to Ryan for his diligence in filming, editing, and posting our talks online so that friends, family, and all those seeking to learn about Buddhism can enjoy being part of our Sangha. Remember, everyone is welcomed into the Sangha just as you are. It is Amida’s Vow that reaches out to us and embraces us unconditionally. How fortunate we are to have the Buddha-Dharma as our guide.

The message of the Buddha and Jodo Shinshu is universal. The Buddha wants all people to live a happy and peaceful life. The Shin Buddhist Path is open to anyone. It does not require that you become a monk or nun. It does not require you to give up your home or your job. It does not require you to live in the mountains, or to learn Sanskrit, Chinese, or Tibetan. Man, woman, or child may follow the Shin Buddhist path. If Shin Buddhism is to reach a greater audience in the US and Western world, it will have to elaborate more eloquently, the universality of its teachings and tradition.

Let’s continue to share the Dharma through our actions and contributions in the community.

It is with deep gratitude that I thank all of you for the kindness and support I’ve received. Okagesama de (thanks

to you).

In gassho,
Rev. Barbara Brennan

A Message from President Dennis Tashiro

2023 has passed by quite rapidly. It was another year of interesting, exciting, and fun activities at WBT.

Sunday service attendance has surpassed pre-pandemic levels! The after-service intergenerational craft activities and bingo games are enjoyed by many. Rev. Barbara Brennan delivers most of the dharma messages, with temple lay members and guest speakers rounding out the schedule.

The first Sunday of each month is designated as 1st Sunday Family Service. Dharma messages for these services are geared toward children and families and it is followed by an intergenerational activity.

WBT continues to offer adult dharma classes and in 2023, we have had Spring and Fall-Winter classes led by Rev. Bert Sumikawa. Tai chi and exercise classes are also ongoing. Bon fitness and ikebana classes are two new activities that began in 2023. We encourage everyone to utilize the temple facilities and to take advantage of the activities mentioned and any additional programs that are offered.

In July, we resumed holding a bon dance at the temple. It was a huge success thanks to the hard work of many temple members and friends!

In an effort to become more visible in the windward community, members have participated in social concerns and earth-friendly events. Rev. Brennan and others are involved with a windward interfaith group comprised of several different faith organizations. We also have an aikido club practicing at the temple twice a week.

E komo mai (welcome)! We’d like to see you at the Sunday Services and/or participate in WBT activities. Temple greeters and leaders are ready to welcome you and share their aloha at Sunday services.

Mahalo to the members of the WBT Board, temple committees and volunteers for your continued dedicated efforts in supporting the temple.

My best wishes to everyone for a 2024 filled with good health, peace, and happiness. Thank you and In Gassho, Dennis Tashiro, President

In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

A Message from Rev. Barbara Brennan

Happy New Year Everyone!

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? “Where did 2022 go”? As we get older it seems the days pass much too quickly. Do we appreciate each day, or do they become forgotten with time?

In Buddhism there is the teaching of Ichigo-Ichie, which means, “Every day is the first day and the last day of our life.” One opportunity, one encounter, never to be repeated. As in the tea ceremony, the chance to drink another tea exactly like the one just served is not possible, which reflects the impermanence of life.

The Buddha considered having friends as the most important thing in following the path of Buddhism. Here at Windward Buddhist Temple, many of you have been good friends for a long time, and you also welcome new friends including those who have been away for a while. Yes, it is important to renew our ties with family and friends as we begin the new year.

Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shin School of Buddhism, lived from 1173 to 1262 - over 700 years ago. Soon we will be observing Hoonko. On January 16th in Jodo Shinshu temples throughout the world, special Hoonko services are held in commemoration of the death of Shinran Shonin. (WBT’s Hoonko service will be held on January 22, 2023.) At our services we sing a gatha titled “Ondokusan” which was written by Shinran Shonin. “Ondokusan” is the heart and essence of the Hoonko Service. This is when we honor Shinran’s life and the teachings which he has given to us.

As a boy of 9 years, Shinran was ordained into the Buddhist priesthood and for 20 years, he practiced the contemplative and scholastic disciplines of Tendai Buddhism. At age 29, Shinran abandoned the ascetic disciplines and accepted the Teachings of Amida Tathagata. Buddhism had a new meaning for Shinran. He adopted a way of life for the common people giving himself the name of Gutoku, baldheaded one, neither priest nor layperson.

What makes Shinran Shonin’s teachings relevant through the years and even in today’s world? According to Rev. Akira Hata, Shinran followed the Nembutsu teaching with a singleness of heart. And he shared the teachings of spiritual attainment that was possible even for ordinary persons of the times. He shared that Amida Buddha’s Vow tells us to come just as we are, with all our faults, limitations, and our egos. By putting trust in Amida Buddha’s Vow with a sincere heart, to call his name and to be born in his land, this is the 18th Vow called Hongan. It is through the power of the Vow that we can receive Shinjin (pure faith).

Here is a quote from Rennyo Shonin, the 8th Monshu (spiritual leader) of the Hongwanji dated 1477:

“The extent of Shinran’s Benevolence is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean. How can we fail to express gratitude? How can we not express appreciation? Thus, as an annual observation, this most important service is conducted for a period of seven days to specifically express our feelings of appreciation and gratitude.”

In gassho,
Rev. Barbara Brennan

A Message from President Dennis Tashiro

Happy New Year! Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu! Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!

As the new (second time around) president of Windward Buddhist Temple, I look forward to serving you once more.

Under outgoing president Prudence Kusano’s stewardship, WBT was able to navigate through the pandemic and emerge with new ways of propagating the teachings. I am committed to working with the Board and temple members on building on that and using the momentum to move us forward. WBT is fortunate to have a mutli-purpose building that was designed for dharma seekers as well as an inviting place to gather in fellowship. I encourage everyone to utilize the temple facilities and to take advantage of the activities currently being offered such as tai chi, exercise, and other programs.

In 2022, Sunday service attendance has steadily increased to near pre-pandemic levels. If you have not had the opportunity to attend service, I invite you to come to the temple and experience hearing the temple bell resonate, offering incense, singing gathas, listening to a dharma message and connecting with friends. There are also some fun activities after service on select Sundays such as crafts and bingo.

The 2023 Windward Buddhist Temple pledge cards have been sent out. Your annual pledges help sustain our temple and its programs. Thanking you in advance for your generosity and commitment to Windward Buddhist Temple.

I wish you and your family a happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2023.

In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President