New Year Message from President Dennis Tashiro

Aloha Everyone,

Happy New Year!

Although my current term as Windward Buddhist Temple (WBT) president is about to end, in January 2025, I will begin another two-year term as WBT president. With the Buddha and Dharma as guides and along with fellow officers, I'll continue to serve the temple Sangha.

In 2024, Rev. Sol Kalu was assigned as WBT's minister. Rev. Bert Sumikawa, although now a retired minister, continues to support WBT in different ways and assists Rev. Kalu when needed.

Sunday services are recorded and available on YouTube for viewing, often the same day. WBT's website (www.windwardbuddhistemple.org) is updated real time and has been a source of many dharma seekers who have found their way to the temple. (Google has been good to us!)

WBT is a place for members and dharma seekers, collectively the sangha, to gather, listen to the dharma, socialize and participate in activities. After Sunday Services, refreshments are available and there are activities such as intergenerational crafts and bingo games. Other activities currently offered at the temple include tai chi classes, ikebana classes, gardening classes, exercise sessions and bon fitness classes.

WBT has two adult Dharma classes, a Spring Class and a Fall-Winter Class. The classes have been led by Rev. Sumikawa, who also holds meditation sessions every Thursday.

Whereas most temples have one bon dance a year, WBT has two. In July, we held a bon dance on our temple grounds. Each October, WBT co-sponsors a bon dance at Windward Mall. Last October's Windward Mall bon dance signified our fourth annual bon dance collaboration. Both bon dances were well attended and resulted in successful fund-raising events for WBT.

In an effort to become a more integral part of the windward community, members have participated in social concerns and earth-friendly events. WBT participates in a program to provide hot meals and snacks to houseless people in the Kaila area. We also do an annual cleanup along Kuulei Road.

WBT partners with the Kiwanis providing them with a meeting place and in turn the group has helped the temple with manpower and support for many events, including bon dances. There is also an aikido club practicing at the temple twice a week.

I encourage members and friends to attend Sunday Services and/or participate in one of the temple's many activities. WBT temple greeters and leaders are ready to welcome you and share our aloha.

Mahalo to the officers & directors, ministers, CMLAs, lay speakers, greeters, emcees, refreshment teams, yard/cleaning crew, flower arrangement group, pianists, our webmaster & video recorder, service coordinator, facilities coordinator, activities coordinators, volunteers that clean inside the building, Kiwanis and those working behind the scenes to ensure the WBT experience is a pleasant one. You make it happen!

My best wishes to everyone for a 2025 of good health, peace and happiness.

Thank you once again and In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

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 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