KHM President Prudence Kusano, Guest Speaker Jay Sakashita, & Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki
Guest speaker Jay Sakashita gave today's Dharma Talk about love from the Buddhist perspective. Dr. Sakashita is a Professor of Religion at Leeward Community College and a lecturer at UH Manoa. He also writes a popular column on religion in MidWeek called "Misfit Spirit."
For today's Dharma Talk, Rev. Kuniyuki reviewed a fundamental teaching of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths.
After the service, the sangha participated in First Sunday Family Activities. This month, members young and young-at-heart enjoyed a variety of Valentine's Day-themed crafts including valentine visors and heart-shaped pillows.
We celebrated February birthdays. Happy birthday!
The Hoonko Service is the annual memorial observance for Jodo Shinshu's founder, Shinran Shonin. With his Hoonko Dharma message, Rev. Kuniyuki took us back over 750 years ago and the evolution of Shin Buddhism.
Rev. Kuniyuki gave us a homework assignment. As a Shin Buddhist, what's my take on the missile false alarm that occurred on January 13?
In 2010, Rev. David Nakamoto came to Kailua Hongwanji and spent the next 7 years as our minister before retiring in 2017. Rev. Nakamoto was our guest speaker for today's Family Service. Click below to watch his Dharma Message.
After today's service, the sangha celebrated with Rev. Nakamoto at a retirement luncheon at the New Mui Kwai restaurant in Kailua.
Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki of the Buddhist Study Center has been temporarily assigned as overseer minister of Kailua Hongwanji Mission during the months of January and February 2018. Welcome Rev. Kuniyuki!
For today's Dharma message, Rev. Kuniyuki shared the story of how and why he became a Shin Buddhist minister. Over the next couple of months, Rev. Kuniyuki's Dharma messages will cover the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Members with birthday in January were recognized and celebrated. Happy birthday!
Following the service and refreshments, we participated in a couple of First Sunday craft activities. We painted "Year of the Dog" posters, which were put on display in the temple. We also made fire-breathing dragons using toilet paper rolls and streamers.
In his year-end Dharma message, Rev. Umitani asked us to express gratitude for the past year and reflect on the interdependency on all life and all the things that have made it possible for one to live through the year. The saying, ichinichi senkin (一日千金), "every day is worth a thousand pieces of gold," reminds us that each and every day holds great meaning for our lives and we must live it wisely and meaningfully.
After the service, we rang the kansho (temple bell) to celebrate the end of the year. Jyo-ya no Kane (除夜の鐘) is the Japanese tradition of ringing the temple bell 108 times on New Year's Eve. Watch the video and see if we came close (we weren't counting!). After ringing the bell, we enjoyed soba noodles, also a year-end tradition.
The year-end service also marked the conclusion of Rev. Umitani's assignment as Kailua's interim minister. Mahalo Rev. Umitani and family for being a part of our temple in 2017!
Happy New Year!
For today's Dharma message, Betty shared stories about Rev. David Nakamoto, who recently retired as Kailua Hongwanji's minister. Betty has known Rev. Nakamoto for many years. We're looking forward to Rev. Nakamoto being our Dharma Talk speaker on January 14, 2018.
At the conclusion of today's service, Joy and Brin treated us to a special oboe and flute rendition of "Let it Snow." Click on the play button below to enjoy their awesome performance!
For today's Dharma message, Rev. Umitani asked everyone to pause for a moment during the busy holiday season and think of the gift of life we've received, each day, each morning, and each moment. The holidays are a time for families and friends to share stories, smiles, and laughter and it is important to feel this sense of togetherness and oneness.
We celebrated Bodhi Day, which was on December 8. Bodhi Day commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. A Bodhi tree in the temple was decorated with lights representing enlightenment, a string of beads representing all beings' interdependence, and three bulbs representing the Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
In his Dharma Talk, Dennis reflected on the past year. What inspirations and influences have we received during the last 12 months? While we reflect back with satisfaction, we look forward with anticipation of our days to come.
The Family Service was followed by the General Membership meeting and the installation of officers for 2018.
Prudence spoke about Bodhi Day, explaining so the children (and adults) could understand why we observe Bodhi Day. She based her talk on the book “Prince Siddharta.” Pictures projected on the wall added to her talk and captured the attention of all.
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