This was Rev. Brennan's final Dharma Service as Windward Buddhist Temple's Minister. Rev. Brennan will be retiring on July 31, 2024. Mahalo to Rev. Barbara for all that she's done for Windward Buddhist Temple over the last two years!
Remembrance Day Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. Bert Sumikawa
Remembrance Dharma Service for Sunday, July 28, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan and Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa.
This was Rev. Brennan's final Dharma Service as Windward Buddhist Temple's Minister. Rev. Brennan will be retiring on July 31, 2024. Mahalo to Rev. Barbara for all that she's done for Windward Buddhist Temple over the last two years! Watch our aloha to Rev. Barbara at 50:02 in the video.
This was also the final service before we take our annual summer break in August. There will be no Sunday Dharma Services during the month of August. Our next service will be on Sunday, September 1, which will be officiated by our new resident minister, Rev. Sol Kalu.
The monthly Remembrance Service is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of July, regardless of the year. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:11 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)
03:18 - Meditation
04:11 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:21 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)
09:38 - Remembrance
14:52 - Sutra: Sanbutsuge (page 46 in the red service book)
23:08 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge II (page 6 in the red service book)
24:12 - Gatha: Arigatai
27:03 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
40:44 - Gatha: Namo Amida Butsu I (page 104 in Praises of the Buddha)
44:22 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
46:05 - Announcements
50:02 - Aloha Rev. Barbara
53:11 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
54:27 - Summer Service Schedule
54:42 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
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
Family Dharma Service
Dennis Tashiro, Emma Fujikawa, Lisa Fujikawa, & Rev. Barbara Brennan
Dharma Service for Sunday, June 9, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. Bert Sumikawa and recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhism Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.
During the announcements, we recognized Emma Fujikawa, who graduated from high school as part of the Class of 2024. Emma is a Junior YBA member and serves as an MC for WBT's Dharma services. Congratulations Emma and best wishes at Oregon State!
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:14 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)
02:45 - Meditation
03:44 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
05:51 - Sutra: Juseige (page 54 in the red service book)
12:44 - Recitation: The Creed (page 4 in the red service book)
14:22 - Gatha: Shinshu Anthem (page 147 in Praises of the Buddha)
17:35 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
36:37 - Gatha: Becoming Free (page 18 in Praises of the Buddha)
39:29 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
41:46 - Announcements
46:03 - Congratulations Emma
47:46 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
48:52 - June Dharma Service Schedule
49:07 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Mother's Day Dharma Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan
Mother's Day Dharma Service for Sunday, May 12, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. Rev. Brennan shares the history of Mother's Day.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:27 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)
03:20 - Meditation
04:04 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:15 - Mother's Day Aspiration
07:04 - Sutra: Twelve Homages (page 120 in the red service book)
14:54 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge - II (page 6 in the red service book)
16:10 - Gatha: Children in Japan (page 29 in Praises of the Buddha)
19:14 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
36:11 - Gatha: Arigatai
38:46 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
41:36 - Announcements
47:29 - Announcement from Rev. Brennan
51:07 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
51:50 - May Dharma Service Schedule
52:05 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Remembrance Day Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan
Monthly Remembrance Dharma Service for Sunday, April 28, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. The service was officiated by Rev. Brennan and Rev. Bert Sumikawa. Rev. Brennan shares thoughts on memorial services, going back to growing up in Arizona and visiting the area cemeteries to pay respects to family members.
Remembrance Day is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of April, regardless of the year. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:18 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)
02:58 - Meditation
04:01 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:15 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)
11:05 - Remembrance
15:37 - Sutra: Junirai (page 59 in the red service book)
23:58 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)
25:20 - Gatha: Quest of Life (page 126 in Praises of the Buddha)
27:22 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
40:39 - Gatha: Namo Amida Butsu (I) (page 104 in Praises of the Buddha)
43:30 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
45:39 - Announcements
51:30 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
52:25 - May Dharma Service Schedule
52:40 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Kailua Cares Event Snack Pack Prep
Remembrance Day Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan & Rev. Bert Sumikawa
Remembrance Day Dharma Service for Sunday, March 31, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan. The service was officiated by Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa. Rev. Brennan shares the history of the Hongwanji in Hawaii as we prepare for this year's Triple Celebration in September.
Remembrance Day is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of March, regardless of the year. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:25 - Ringing of the Kansho (temple bell)
03:19 - Meditation
04:28 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:43 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)
10:55 - Remembrance
15:24 - Sutra: Juseige (page 54 in the red service book)
21:26 - Recitation: Our Pledge
22:52 - Gatha: Ondokusan II / Gratefulness
25:24 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
42:37 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 74 in Praises of the Buddha)
45:06 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
47:38 - Announcements
56:53 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
57:49 - April Dharma Service Schedule
58:04 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Family Dharma Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan holding a furoshiki
Dharma Service for Sunday, March 10, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. Rev. Brennan shares an article by Rev. Dr. Alfred Bloom about furoshiki, traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, and its similarity to Buddhism.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:14 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)
02:20 - Meditation
03:21 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
05:28 - Sutra: Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)
16:19 - Recitation: Our Pledge
17:33 - Gatha: Arigatai
20:04 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
34:10 - Gatha: Listen To His Voice (page 92 in Praises of the Buddha)
36:00 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
38:13 - Announcements
44:25 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
45:18 - March Dharma Service Schedule
45:34 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Bingo Sunday!
Nirvana & Remembrance Day Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan
Nirvana & Remembrance Day Dharma Service for Sunday, February 25, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. Nirvana Day marks the date when Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha) passed away.
Remembrance Day is a time to honor family, friends, and even pets who passed away during the month of February, regardless of the year. This weekly Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:20 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)
03:11 - Meditation
04:13 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:25 - San Bu Jo (page 9 in the red service book)
11:02 - Remembrance
17:06 - Sutra: Gassho With Amida
23:24 - Recitation: The Creed (page 4 in the red service book)
25:17 - Gatha: With These Hands (page 174 in Praises of the Buddha)
27:13 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
40:31 - Gatha: Quest of Life (page 126 in Praises of the Buddha)
42:33 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
45:22 - Announcements
49:43 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
50:34 - March Dharma Service Schedule
50:49 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Intergenerational Dharma Service
Rev. Barbara Brennan
Intergenerational Dharma Service for Sunday, February 4, 2024 with a Dharma Talk by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Brennan. For the first Sunday of the month, an intergenerational Dharma message is shared. Rev. Brennan shares the book, "The Three Questions" by Jon Muth.
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00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program
00:20 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)
03:24 - Meditation
04:12 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)
06:24 - Sutra: Junirai (page 59 in the red service book)
16:17 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)
18:04 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 74 in Praises of the Buddha)
20:34 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Barbara Brennan
36:09 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)
37:45 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)
39:53 - Announcements
43:15 - February Birthdays
46:18 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)
47:10 - February Dharma Service Schedule
47:25 - How to Donate to WBT
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We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description
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Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook
Intergenerational Craft activity
