May - No Need To Explain - Moiliili Hongwanji Mission

The White Way
Moiliili Hongwanji Mission
902 University Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
Office:
949-1659
Preschool:
946-4416
Project Dana: 945-3736
http://www.moiliilihongwanji.org
NO NEED TO EXPLAIN
JUST FEEL, ENJOY, AND EXPRESS GRATITUDE
By Rev. Earl Ikeda
The fellowship journey to visit and share our
situations are the medical facilities. The "hospital" is
experiences with temple members on Lanai and
more like a clinic and not equipped for child-birth;
Maui started off a bit shaky. The plane was delayed
women of Lanai go to Maui or Oahu to bring new
with the possibility of cancellation. Though delayed
life into this world. Gas on Lanai is very expensive.
by the weather, we were warmly greeted by
I remember the late kyodan president, Mr. Honda,
members of Lanai Hongwanji led by temple
while acknowledging the high gas prices, remarked
president, Christopher Richardson. Friday morning
that there weren't too many places to go and he filled
began with brunch at Canoes and spending time
his tank only once or twice a month! Perhaps this is
visiting the site of the original Lanai Hongwanji
a good lesson on making adjustments. My good
Mission and a museum which gave us insight to
friend is the post-master and he declared that he
Lanai's little known history.
would never live anywhere else. We all make
Our party of 14 members was treated to a
choices and learn to adjust to those choices.
wonderful fellowship dinner. An unscheduled
Saturday morning began with breakfast at the
Ohigan Service "Part 1" was observed; viewing of a
other one of two local restaurants, the Blue Ginger,
video, further fellowship with Bingo, sharing of
which is a family- style restaurant where you get
omiyage, and "talk-story" filled a most joyful
your own coffee and utensils when the waitress is
evening. No one slept on the floor as was initially
busy. Someone mentioned that in Honolulu where
intended. We all slept on comfortable beds at the
we are accustomed to being waited on and catered to,
temple and a Lanai member even welcomed some of
restaurants like this would never survive! Perhaps
us to use her beautiful home. During the fellowship
this was a lesson on being patient and learning to
and "talk-story," we bonded in a wonderful way and
fend for ourselves, the community or ohana way.
even asked questions about life on Lanai and the
After Ohigan Service "Part 2", we expressed our
situation at Lanai Hongwanji.
gratitude and goodbyes to the members of Lanai
It was interesting to note that no matter where
Hongwanji for a most wonderful, enlightening, and
you are or what your life situation may be, the basic
relaxing time there. We were quickly transported to
problems of human life are the same. In spite of
Manele Bay to catch a ferry to Lahaina, Maui.
what we may consider as being short comings, the
In my thank you note to Chris, I commented with
residents of Lanai have made adjustments to meet
the question, "Who says there's nothing to do on
those needs. Under the leadership of Chris, the
Lanai"? Everyone enjoyed walking around quiet
temple is continuing to create bridges with the
Lanai City, which is centered around a park, and just
community and is opening its doors to new and
enjoyed the serenity of the entire environment.
innovative ideas and concepts. Like most temples,
Transportation was generously provided but some of
Lanai Hongwanji has financial challenges but has
our group ventured to walk up to Koele Lodge to
come to view a bigger picture. They are becoming a
view and experience this world famous resort. When
part of the dynamic energy that makes Lanai special
you're surrounded by such luxury and elegance, even
and unique.
Another example of adapting to
the taste of a simple beer seems extra special! It was
VOLUME 57 - NO. 3
MAY 2013
so relaxing, away from the hustle and bustle of urban
surroundings, that it made me reflect upon what life
was like many years ago. Perhaps changes like this,
a different pace in life and time, will help us to
reflect upon who we are and learn something about
life in general. Lanai is very relaxing and it was just
nice being there and enjoying all that Mother Nature
has to offer. Our Aloha goes out to everyone on
Lanai who made our visit very special.
As your resident minister and group leader for
this fellowship tour, I am truly grateful to the
members who came along and for the many people
we met along the way. In this article, I only
reflected upon Lanai but will continue my thoughts
in coming issues of the White Way. We traveled on
to Maui where we were graciously greeted and
entertained at the temples in Lahaina, Kahului, and
Makawao Hongwanji; we also visited Lahaina Jodo
Mission.
I believe that in our own way, each of us felt
something which will remain with us for more than a
lifetime. The Onembutsu need not be explained. It is
everywhere. We just need to open our hearts and
minds to embrace its energies as it unconditionally
embraces us. As we reflect upon the many life
experiences we awaken to, perhaps a little utterance
of "Namu Amida Butsu" will bring everything
together with gratitude.
STUDENT AND TEACHER
RECOGNITION
Dharma School students and
teachers will be recognized at our
9:00 AM Service on June 9. Please join us!!
FAMILY FRIDAY
We have started a group geared towards families
and other people interested in Buddhism. The group
meets from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., every second and
fourth Friday of the month at the temple.
We have child care available and parents can
focus on the Dharma (teachings) in a “talk story”
environment. Please let us know if you are in need
of child care for this event by calling the office or
emailing [email protected].
You can also join the event on our Facebook
page at www.facebook.com/moiliilihongwanji.
Contributed by Raymond Takiue
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Moiliili Hongwanji Mission extends its deepest
sympathy and condolences to the families of the
following who have recently passed away:
Mr. David Tsutomi Yokozeki, 90, Feb. 20
Mrs. Elsie Yuriko Okino, 86, Feb. 22
Mrs. Irene Mitsue Haraga, 95, Feb. 25
Mrs. Pearl Takeko Miyasaki, 85, Mar. 13
Mr. Howard Masato Uwaine, 71, Mar. 14
Mrs. Kay K. Hironaka, 93, Mar. 19
Mrs. Bessie Toyoko Hirano, 94, Mar. 26
Mr. Toshiichi Sumida, 87, Mar. 26
Mr. Susumu Kato, 91, Mar. 29
Mr. Toshimasa Tando, 88, Mar. 7
Dr. Richard Ando, 93, Apr.15
Mrs. Alice Tanaka, 92, Apr. 20
Mr. Makoto Kunimune, 90, Apr. 20
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!
Please join us on Sunday, May 12, as we honor
mothers at our 9:00 AM Service. Following the
service, the men will serve a delicious Mother’s Day
brunch!! Please join us.
SHINRAN SHONIN’S BIRTHDAY (GOTANE)
SERVICE
Moiliili Hongwanji’s Gotane Service celebrating
the birthday of Shinran Shonin will be held on
Sunday, May 26, at 9:00 AM. Our special guest
speaker will be Rev. Sherman Thompson, Chaplain
of Kamehameha School.
The White Way is the newsletter of the Moiliili Hongwanji
Mission, 902 University Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826. It is printed
seven times a year in January, March, May, June, August, October
and November.
THE WHITE WAY
May the Onembutsu provide solace to family
members and friends during this time of sorrow.
2
MAY 2013
KYODANSO FOR MR. MAKOTO KUNIMUNE
Makoto Kunimune, who served as President of
Moiliili Hongwanji Mission from 1988 to 1995 and
from 1998 to 1999, passed away on April 20 at the
age 90. A Moiliili Hongwanji-sponsored funeral
service will be held on Friday, May 10, at 6:00 PM
at the Hawaii Betsuin.
MOILIILI HONGWANJI HOSTS
AFFIRMATION RITES CEREMONY
The Affirmation Rites Ceremony or “Kie shiki”
will be open to all members of the Honolulu District
Temples (Hawaii Betsuin, Jikoen, Kailua and
Moiliili Hongwanji). Moiliili Hongwanji will be
hosting the Affirmation Rites on Sunday, June 16th
at 1:00 PM. This is being held in conjunction with
the “Nyubutsushiki” special service which will be
held earlier in the morning. (see separate article)
The Affirmation Rites will be officiated by
Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii and is a ritual that gives the
recipient a definite awareness that he/she is
becoming a follower of the Buddha’s teachings and a
member of the Hongwanji. During the rites, each
recipient will receive his/her own homyo or Dharma
Buddhist name.
The Affirmation Rites application fee is $50.00.
If you wish to receive the Affirmation Rites, an
application form and fee needs to be turned in to the
Moiliili Hongwanji temple office by May 31, 2013.
Please call 949-1659 for an application form or you
can download a copy from our website at
www.moiliilihongwanji.org.
MOILIILI HONGWANJI ALTAR
Moiliili Hongwanji’s Amida Gohonzon (Statue
of Amida Buddha) has been restored and will be
returning in May. It is customary to conduct a special
service welcoming the Buddha back. This special
service is called “Nyubutsushiki” and everyone is
welcome to attend.
Date: June 16, 2013 (Sunday)
Time: 9:00 AM
Officiant: Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Other ministers who have served at Moiliili
have also been invited to participate.
Our present altar was installed in 1960 with the
building of the new temple on University Avenue.
Although some minor refurbishing has been
conducted in the past, it was not until September
2012 that Japan Memorial Corporation was selected
to do major restoration to the main section of the
altar. The four major components selected for Phase
I included: Amida Gohonzon (Statue of Amida
Buddha), Kuden (palace of Amida), Uwajyoku (small
table in front of Kuden), and Shumidan (foundation
base of the Kuden). These items needed to be taken
back to Japan and restored by highly qualified
craftsmen.
COOKING CLASS
Rev. Ikeda will hold his once-a-month cooking
class on May 25, Saturday, from 9:00 AM to
12:00 noon. He will be demonstrating yakimanju
making. If you would like to attend, please call the
temple office at 949-1659 to sign up. The cost is
$5 for temple members and $10 for non-members.
WELCOME TO EMMA KIE AND
RICHARD OKA
A warm welcome is extended to
Emma Kie, who joined our temple
office staff as the Office Manager on April 19th.
Emma has attended Moiliili Hongwanji for many
years when her children were in the Dharma School.
She has been active in the PTA and with many
temple activities.
Also, we welcome Richard Oka, our new office
assistant, who started on April 17th. He and his
wife, Melanie, are new members of Moiliili
Hongwanji Kyodan. They both love to do the
Argentine Tango and Yoga.
Welcome Emma and Richard!
It has taken close to eight (8) months for the
completion of Phase I. The reinstallation of the fully
restored altar is expected during the week of May
20th at Moiliili Hongwanji.
At the same time, special thin high quality
cypress Hinoki veneer panels will be used as the
backing for the Kuden and Shumidan.
Later, the same craftsmen from Japan Memorial
will prepare and take the Maejoku (front big table)
back to Japan for restoration. This eight month
project will include the purchase of a new Kuden
Tocho (textile altar installed inside the Kuden).
THE WHITE WAY
3
MAY 2013
\
Eden at Home workshop…
We learned to
separate the person from the illness and how to set
up a care partner network. Thanks to the training,
we did … while saving my parent’s family home so
that my mother could remain at home as long as
possible as her dementia progressed.”
Another said: Eden at Home helped me
enormously and I know that as my mom
progresses through the different stages of aging,
we both will grow with each experience and we’ll
do it together.”
PROJECT DANA
NEWS
Thank You Project Dana Volunteers
April 21-27, 2013 is National Volunteers
Week. Project Dana extends heartfelt appreciation
to ALL Project Dana volunteers for their
continued dedication, commitment, support and
DANA throughout the years. Your efforts are
greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
Stages of Life
The following is an excerpt from a Dharma
talk given by Earl Nishimoto at Mililani
Hongwanji Mission’s 18th Project Dana service.
“I realized that in the Western world we tend
to put things on a continuum. We see things as
right or wrong, up or down, old or young and so
forth. However all that I see is those labels tend
to lead to disagreements and conflict… I
remember one reverend talk about life and death
not as a continuum but as concepts that are one on
top of another. There is an old Japanese song that
talks about parting. I liked the song so one day I
asked by mom what it was talking about. She said
it talked about the idea that meeting is the
beginning of parting, that as soon as we meet
someone new we are beginning the process of
parting from them sometime in the future. We
cannot separate one from the other. How does
this relate to Project Dana? In this Project we
tend to deal with Elders in our community.
However, if we see the oneness of things then age
is both young and old. Just because you reach
retirement age this does not mean that you are not
young anymore. We as elders can live a rich a
life as we did when we were young. If we saw
things as one then the problems we have dealing
with old age can be lessen by the understanding
by everyone in seeing that life is made up of stages
and that each stage expects a change in our
physical and mental being. In conclusion, I think a
change in perspective will lessen the conflicts that
may arise in the coming years. A change in
perspective might result in a richer and fuller life
for all concerned.”
Are You Caring for Someone at Home?
All are welcome! Project Dana continues to
offer Eden at Home Carepartners Workshops
(generously funded by Na Lei Aloha Foundation)
throughout the state. Eden at Home workshops
addresses the three plagues of loneliness,
helplessness and boredom that affect the quality of
life of elders and their care partners. Learn how
the Ten Principles of the Eden Alternative ® and
Eden at Home concepts provide tools and broaden
awareness while caring for a loved one at home.
Depending upon the location of the workshops,
the sessions will either consist of one full day
(eight hours) or two half day ( 4 hours each) with
a follow up “talk story” meeting to discuss how
the concepts have helped the caregivers. Call
Project Dana to register if you or know someone
who is interested. The following information is for
the next two workshops held on Oahu:
In the Leeward Area:
Date: June 1, 2013 – Saturday with the 2nd
session to be held a month later
Where: Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (1525
Waimano Home Road, Pearl City)
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In the Windward Area:
Date: May 2 & 9 (Thursdays with the 2nd session
to be held a month later)
Where: Kailua United Methodist Church (1110
Kailua Road, Kailua)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
One carepartner who participated in the
workshop said: “My husband, BFF and I took the
THE WHITE WAY
4
MAY 2013
VISITING THE SANGHAS ON LANAI AND ON
MAUI
On Friday, March 22, 2013, a group of 14,
including Rev. Ikeda, took an Island Air flight to
visit Lanai Hongwanji and their members. Our souls
felt relaxed in Lanai City since they had no
traffic congestion. We visited the historical
museum of Lanai where pineapple plantation life
was pictured and preserved. On Saturday morning,
we had a joint Higan Service and then rode the ferry
to Lahaina, Maui. We were lucky to have seen the
humpback whales, dolphins and the scenic views on
this 45- minute ride.
We visited the Lahaina Hongwanji Temple
which is one of Lahaina's Historic Landmarks.
We were welcomed to an "onolicious" dinner at
the Kahului Hongwanji. In the hondo, we admired
their distinctive "sleek and contemporary" altar
design. Early Sunday morning, we joined the
congregation at the Makawao Hongwanji for their
Higan Service. Rev. Sol Kalu (formerly from Hawaii
Betsuin) greeted us. After the service, while Rev.
Ikeda gave a workshop on cooking, the rest of the
group toured the fragrant lavender farm in Kula. The
precious sakura, vibrant purple jacaranda, unusual
protea blossoms and colorful cosmos flowers were
all in bloom for us! Even the peach (momo) trees
were in bloom at the Makawao Hongwanji; these are
the peaches that are pickled by the gallons.
Their stainless steel commercial kitchen was
envied by Rev. Ikeda, Sue Sonoda and the other
members of the Moiliili BWA.
They say Maui "no ka oi" (number one). It is
true. Upon our departure from Makawao, we were
given lots of omiyage! We were given beautiful
protea blossoms, large purple Dutch irises, and
daikon (later made into takuwan). We are so grateful
to the Sanghas at Lanai Hongwanji, Lahaina
Hongwanji, Kahului Hongwanji and Makawao
Hongwanji We hope we can reciprocate their warm
hospitality here at Moiliili. Can we visit the temples
on Kauai next?
2013 MOILIILI SUMMER FEST
Plans are underway for the Moiliili Hongwanji
Bon Dance and Moiliili Summer Fest on July 5 and
6, 2013. Last year, the first Moiliili Summer Fest
was a very successful event, and our temple is again
taking the lead in planning the event which will be
held at the old Varsity Theater parking lot. Friday
night will feature our Bon Dance, and Saturday
night, in addition to our bon dance, will be a
community event of activities, vendors' and food
trucks. Lots of kokua will be needed so please
volunteer to help!
JOINT BON MAIRI
Our joint Bon services for families will be held
on Friday, July 12, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, July
13, at 10:00 AM.
JOINT HATSUBON SERVICE
The joint Hatsubon Service for families
observing the first bon since the passing of a loved
one will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 7:00 PM.
MAJOR BON SERVICE
Our major Bon Service will be held on July14
at 9:00 AM. and 10:45 AM will be the
Columbarium Service.
WHITE WAY
RADIO BROADCAST
Please tune in to Radio KZOO (1210AM dial)
for Moiliili Hongwanji's White Way Radio
Broadcast each Saturday from 7:45 – 8:00 AM.
Here is the upcoming schedule with speaker’s name
followed by sponsor’s name:
May 4: Rev. Mary David (The Hirai Sisters)
May 11: Rev. David Nakamoto (Mrs. Mitsue
Yokota)
May 18: Mrs. Irene Nakamoto (Mr. & Mrs.
Michael Sorakubo)
May 25: Rev. Earl Ikeda (Mrs. Alice Shiroma)
June 1: Rev. Tatsuo Muneto (Mrs. Karen Sumida)
Mahalo to our speakers, our sponsors and our
volunteer staff for making this broadcast possible. If
you miss the Saturday broadcast, the talks are
available on our website www.moiliilihongwanji.org.
THE WHITE WAY
Contributed by Ann Nakata
MHM MISSION STATEMENT
“We want our temple to be a place where learning
the Jodo Shinshu dharma meaningfully promotes
growth and maturity resulting in a more cohesive
and vibrant Sangha, the energy from which
overflows into the community and beyond.”
5
MAY 2013
2014 HONPA HONGWANJI CALENDAR
The Calendar Committee is calling for
participation from the sangha for the 2014 calendar
to help depict the theme: Path of Entrusting: Share
Peace. Deadline: Monday, September 9, 2013.
Your submission must be accompanied by a written
description of how it reflects the theme: share peace.
If you are submitting a digital photo, you must
provide a file of sufficient resolution to produce an
8x10” photo. Usually a file of this size is too large to
be emailed. You may submit a low-res version of
your photos and if selected, the committee will
advise you on sending in the high-res file. Send
images to [email protected]. The means of
expression includes artwork in 2D (drawing,
painting/calligraphy) or 3D (sculpture/
environmental). Artwork must be photographed or
scanned for inclusion in the calendar. Please contact
the committee if you have any questions: Stephan
Doi, Alan Kubota, Lois Ohta.
HEADQUARTERS NEWS
Ministerial Assignments
Rev. Arthur Kaufmann, currently serving as a
resident minister at Aiea Hongwanji, will be
assigned to Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin as its
associate minister effective June 1.
Rev. Richard Tennes, currently serving as an
associate minister at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii
Betsuin will be assigned to Kahului Hongwanji as its
resident minister effective July 1.
YBICSE
The Young Buddhist’s International Cultural Study
Exchange (YBICSE), an annual program for young
Jodo Shinshu Buddhists from 9th grade to age 25,
will be held July 15-26. Its basic purpose is for
young Jodo Shinshu Buddhists to deepen their
understanding and appreciation of the Nembutsu
teaching by visiting our Mother Temple or Honzan,
the Nishi Hongwanji, experience a home stay and
traveling to several historical and/or significant sites
with fellow young Buddhist. The participants will
attend the Honzan’s program from July 17 to 25, and
a total maximum of 46 students will be gathering
from Buddhist Churches of America, Jodo Shinshu
Buddhist Temples of Canada, South America
Hongwanji Mission, and Honpa Hongwanji Mission
of Hawaii.
More detailed information and
application form can be found on Hawaii Kyodan’s
website www.hongwanjihawaii.com under News &
Events. Application deadline is April 30. Please
contact Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani at 522-9200 or
[email protected] if you have any questions.
SADAKO CRANE PROJECT
At last year’s Peace Day
observance in September, the family
of Sadako Sasaki graciously gifted one of Sadako’s
paper cranes to the National Park Service to be
permanently exhibited at the World War II Valor in
the Pacific Memorial at Pearl Harbor. In accepting
the gift, a commitment was made to preserve and
publicly display Sadako’s paper crane for visitors to
the Memorial. In addition to the custom-designed
display case, the exhibit will include a graphic panel
to share Sadako’s story. Donations for this project
may be made either directly to Pacific Historic Park,
94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd., Waipahu, HI 96797, or you
may send your donations to the Honpa Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii, 1727 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI
96813 with a memo on your check stating that it is
for the Sadako Crane Project. Donations will be
collectively donated to the Pacific Historic Park
under Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. You
may also donate through Honpa’s website
www.hongwanjihawaii.com. Deadline for donations
is May 15.
Ministerial Training Fund
The Ministerial Training Fund traditionally grants
scholarships to aspiring ministers desiring to serve in
Hawaii. Please consider a donation to the Honpa
Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii’s Ministerial Training
Fund. Donations are accepted throughout the year
and checks can be made out to: Honpa Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii, 1727 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, HI
96813. Please designate it for the Ministerial
Training Fund.
THE WHITE WAY
BSC SUMMER SESSION
The 2013 Buddhist Study Center Summer Session
will be held July 8-16 (weekdays), 6:30- 9:00 pm.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Mark Unno.
6
MAY 2013
Creation of the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery
In the early 1900s, Moiliili was a swampy area
with a small number of residences and businesses.
This changed due to the four factors named above.
The founding of the cemetery is attributed to a dream
of Emyo Imamura, minister of the Hawaii Betsuin of
Honpa Hongwanji in Honolulu. (Betsuin means
regional headquarters.) He first established in 1906
the missionary institute which became the hongwanji
temple now on University Avenue. Then Rev.
Imamura turned his attention to building a cemetery
for his parishioners. He recruited Rev. Tessho Kato
and mission members Kametaro Morimoto and
Katsuyoshi Maeda. With the assistance of contractor
Kamioka, they identified a piece of property behind
Kuhio School.
The original property had three acres and was
acquired for $4,000. The funds came from Makiki
Cemetery ($1,500) and from the Japanese Consulate
Miki Saito ($2,500). A hole was dug on the land
down to six feet to ascertain that there was no water
underground that would interfere with a cemetery.
The founders applied to the health department for a
permit to construct a cemetery.
Just as the bochi (cemetery) was to open
(around October 1908) the authorities informed them
that this could not be a cemetery exclusive to the
members of the Hongwanji congregation, but must
be open to others. The name chosen to designate this
was the Japanese Kyodo Bochi, Japanese
Community Cemetery. (See the entire history on
their website www.moiliili.net)
As stated in earlier issues of the White Way, the
beautification of the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery has
been on-going since August 2012 with the help of
over 100 volunteers and 200 donors. The cemetery
wall is now almost up to its full height and a number
of plumeria, manila palms and ti-plants have been
added to beautify the cemetery. However more
manual help is needed (almost every weekend from
8:00am – 3:00pm lunch and water provided) and
financial help continues to be needed. Please make
out donation checks to: Laura Ruby, c/o Hosoi
Garden Mortuary, 30 North Kukui Street, Honolulu,
HI 96817. Look for announcements of the Moiliili
Japanese Cemetery Beautification Project celebration
coming at the end of Obon season in late August.
Contributed by Donna Higashi
SOCIAL
CO NCE RNS
COMMITTEE
Family Promise
If you would like to join a great
group of volunteers, consider helping
Family Promise.
We successfully
hosted 4 homeless families (7 adults and 6 children)
at Moiliili Hongwanji annex on March 17-24. We
provided a safe and warm place to sleep, delicious
breakfasts and dinners and good interaction,
especially with the children,
by the hosting
Hongwanji Girl Scouts and Dharma School families.
Thank you to all the volunteers.
For the second quarter of 2013, Hawaii Betsuin
will host the families in Dojo III which is located
below the Imamura gym and meals will be served at
the Hongwanji Mission School kitchen and dining
area on May 26 – June 2. The setup day is May 26 at
1:00pm and the take down day is June 2 at 7:00am.
Moiliili is responsible for serving dinners on May 29,
30 and breakfasts on May 30, 31. We also seek
volunteers to sleepover on May 29, 30 and finally
take care of our share of the laundry. Thanks to
earlier donations, we can purchase staple goods (rice,
Vienna, eggs, etc.) as well as cover reimbursements
for other expenses incurred.
We are especially
grateful to all those who volunteer their time. The
last two dates are August 11-18 (Jikoen) and
November 17-24 (MHM). Please sign up with
Donna Higashi at [email protected] or by
phone 734-7543 (R) Answering machine.
Contributed by Donna Higashi
MOILIILI JAPANESE CEMETERY
RESTORATION CONTINUES
In an article written by Harriet H. Natsuyama,
which can be found on the website www.moiliili.net,
we learn that the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery had its
roots in the Hongwanji. The following excerpts (in
italics) from the website, tell the story:
Introduction
Jack Tasaka states that the development of
Moiliili as a Japanese town is due to four factors: (1)
successful business ventures of housing developer
Kikutaro Matsumoto; (2) existence of Moiliili
Japanese language school; (3) establishment of
Moiliili Missionary Institute of Honpa Hongwanji
(now Moiliili Hongwanji); and (4) creation of
Moiliili Japanese Cemetery.
THE WHITE WAY
7
MAY 2013
Calgary, Canada on May 30-31, 2015. As requested
by the planners of both conferences, a count was
taken of our members who planned to attend each of
the two conferences.
Please contact me if you would like more
information and/or, if you would like to serve on a
committee or volunteer to help, on any of the
committees or activities listed above.
Thanking you for all that you are, I am humbly
your President, Karen Kikukawa (Contact: (808)3411292 or [email protected].
BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
NEWS
Mainichi Arigatai – Thankful Everyday
Thank you all, everyday. My life is fuller sharing
your jokes, your goodies, your talents. Mainnichi
Arigatai (Thankful everyday)
--Oteire (cleanup) on March 8th went quickly with
all of you helping.
--Thank you Betsy Nishioka for helping coordinate
the sushi making held on April 13th.
Jr. YBA,
BSC Fellowship, MHM members, BWA Members,
15 in all--everyone had a roll to take home.
Comments included: “tastes like my mother’s;” “…
sushi a little loose, but centered okay!” So, ladies,
are we on for making this again?
--Thanks to Donna Higashi, BWA members,
together with Kailua Hongwanji, assisted in
preparing all the packets for the walkers in the Life
Foundation AIDS Walk.
--Buddha Day at HI Betsuin was fun. Thanks to all
who helped. We had fun making Hanamatsuri floral
arrangements--thanks to the guidance of Okano
sensei and her Ikebana group.
--Thank you, Mrs. Tamayo Matsumoto, for
“coming home” to give us a very timely Dharma
message at our Eshinni and Kakushinni Service,
encouraging us to integrate the concept of “mottainai” in how we use our resources in our daily lives.
Our BWA meeting was held on April 21.
Information was shared on the following future
events and BWA commitments:
--Sponsoring a table at the JCCH Courtyard Bazaar
on June 8 when we will sell food and craft items as a
fund-raiser for BWA, and, use this opportunity to
interact with the Community;
--Continuing to co-sponsor BINGO, with the MHM
Membership Committee; the next session will take
place during the Social Hour on April 28;
--Participating in the United BWA Education
Workshop at Jikoen on June 15, 2013;
--Assisting with the repair of the altar cloth (Please
contact Helen Hamasu, if interested);
--Hosting the Honolulu United BWA Membership
Meeting on September 14, 2013.
We also shared information about the Statewide
BWA Conference in Kona on May 3-4, 2014 and the
International Buddhist Women’s Conference in
THE WHITE WAY
HAPPY STRUMMERS NEWS
April is here and as one looks over the calendar
of events in the White Way, it shows most of the
Sundays being busy with a variety of activities.
The Happy Strummers tries to squeeze into one
of the Sundays to practice together. In the meantime
the Strummer were given a song called "I'd Like to
Teach the World to Sing". It is sung to a familiar
and popular tune with new words written by the
Dharma School teachers at the SDSTC (State
Dharma School Teacher’s Conference) in May
2011. It is beautifully done and we hope to hear it
sung and also played on the ukulele.
On Olelo channel 53 a festival called "Makahiki
Festival in Waimea Vally" was shown. There were
many hula presentations but the ukulele players from
Sunset Beach Elementary School surely must have
caught one's eyes. Four girls and one boy who are in
the advanced ukulele class played with confidence,
standing tall with lush greenery in the background.
The Strummers will be playing "Mother" and
"Hotoke sama" honoring mothers with a background
of children holding MOTHER sign. Let's look
forward to the presentation
Contributed by Michi Motooka
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the
following who have recently joined our Sustaining
(Gojikai) Membership:
Dale Ohama
Kenneth Takeuchi
We look forward to your participation in our
temple activities and express our deep appreciation
for your membership pledge.
8
MAY 2013
May 2013
2013 Slogan: “Path of Entrusting:
Live the Teachings”
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
Temple……..….949-1659
Pre-School….....946-4416
Project Dana…..945-3736
Thu
2
Fri
Sat
3
4
10
11
9:15 AM - Preschool Keiki
Service
1:00 PM - Ikebana
7:00 PM - Temple Board
Meeting
5
Boy’s Day
6
7
8
9:00 AM - English Service
9:15 AM - Preschool Keiki
Service
HDSTA Keiki Day at
Kakaako Waterfront Park
9
Mother’s Day
13
14
15
9:15 AM - Preschool Keiki
Service
9:00 AM - English Service
Mother’s Day Brunch
20
21
Shinran Shonin’s Birthday
(Gotane)
9:00 AM - English Service
22
9:15 AM - Preschool
Graduation Practice
7:30 PM - Choir Practice
26
9:00 AM - Gotane Service
Speaker: Rev. Sherman
Thompson, Chaplain of
Kamehameha School
27 Memorial Day
(Holiday)
No Choir
10:00 AM - Franciscan
Visitation
1:00 PM - Ikebana
6:00 PM - Karate
16
PBA Commencement
Exercise
(Invitation Only)
6:00 PM - Family Friday
Service
17
18
24
25
1:00 PM - Ikebana
6:00 PM - Karate
7:30 PM - Choir Practice
19
9
PBA Baccalaureate
Service
(Invitation Only)
7:30 PM - Choir Practice
12
No Karate
23
10:15 AM - Maunalani
Visitation
1:00 PM - Ikebana
6:00 PM - Karate
28
29
30
1:00 PM - Ikebana
6:00 PM - Karate
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Preschool Graduation
9 AM-12 PM - Mochi
Making (Yaki Manju)
1-3 PM - Sushi Making
6:00 PM - Family Friday
Service
31
This Space is intentionally
left blank.
DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS
It’s already April and the end of the school year
is quickly approaching. However there are many
exciting events to look forward to at Moiliili
Hongwanji and with the other Honolulu District
temples (Hawaii Betsuin, Jikoen and Kailua). On the
last Sunday in March, Arlyne and Raymond Takiue,
Jillian Johnson, Edna Wada and friend Eric provided
the Dharma School students with so much fun
decorating eggs and organizing a Dharma Egg Hunt.
The Takiues also provided some gift baskets. Thank
you, all, for your kindness and generosity.
This Space is intentionally
left blank.
April 7th was another fun- filled day celebrating
Buddha’s Birthday at the Hawaii Betsuin. The day
started with a service with four youth speakers
followed by entertainment from the Hongwanji and
other Buddhist sects.
The Hongwanji Dharma
School students sang two songs, “Let Your Love
Show” and a new rendition of “I’d Like to Teach the
World to Sing” with Naman da Butsu. Singers
included Christopher, Amanda, Jayden, Kayla and
Keryn. The annex hall was filled with fun activities,
games and prizes and a Bounce House was set up in
the outside parking lot too. Alia, Ren and Dylan were
also seen having fun and eating shaved ice. Children
have so much energy!
We look forward to Keiki Day sponsored by the
Honolulu DS Teacher’s Association for all DS
THE WHITE WAY
10
MAY 2013
families and friends. It will be held on May 5th
from 9:00am - 2:00pm, tentatively at Kakaako
Waterfront Park. Beginning with a short service, the
day will include a kite-making project (and flying
contest), group games and, a hamburger and hot dog
grilled lunch. All families are invited to bring
dessert, their own drinks and mats to sit on. We will
need help with the food preparations and for setting
up the MHM DS tent. Please RSVP to Lily Masuda.
and Mother's Day to follow. You can just see the
effort and pride the children put into making their
mothers' gifts special.
May 23rd is the last day of school for the
younger children. The 4 and 5 year olds will be
graduating on the morning of May 24--the first
milestone in their young lives. Graduation is a
special day when the children are dressed in their
caps and gowns and participate in a Graduation
Service in the Temple. Parents, grandparents,
uncles, and aunts will watch with anticipation as
their “little ones” receive their diplomas.
Upon exiting the Temple, the Graduates will
meet their relatives in the playground and will be
adorned with leis, balloons, and gifts. A bento lunch
with a graduation cake is to follow. Congratulations
Class of 2013!
By Linda Nagata
From the Preschool Director
Mother’s Day is always a special day for our
Dharma School, so please join us on Sunday, May
12th. On June 9th, all students and teachers will be
recognized and thanked. In addition, on the same
day, the teachers have been invited to a District wide
Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the Honolulu
Hongwanji Council. Besides it being Father’s Day
on June 16th, Moiliili will be “Welcoming Back the
Buddha” and holding a special service called
“Nyubutsushiki.” Read about it in another section of
the newsletter. Lastly, don’t forget our Annual Bon
Dance and Moiliili Summer Fest on July 5-6.
By Donna Higashi, Dharma School
April was another busy month for the Preschool.
The following events occurred in April: Keiki Gold
from the University of Hawai’i Medical School on
April 10, 17 and 28; Spring Program on April 25; an
excursion to the Honolulu Zoo on April 30, and
picture taking for the Graduates on April 22.
We are still accepting applications for openings
in our program. Currently, teachers are doing
observations with new children. I am conducting
tours with potentially new parents. We are also
working on the NAEYC Accreditation Report.
Many new and exciting will be happening at the
Preschool. Busy, busy, busy—“We are busier than a
bee.” Please take care of yourselves and your
families.
In gassho
Wendy Harmon
PRESCHOOL NEWS
Easter came upon us early this year--in March.
The children crafted bunnies, chicks, and baskets
which were beautifully displayed in the classrooms.
You can't have Easter without egg dying. It was
such a thrill for them to dye their own eggs and
participate in an egg hunt. Of course only plastic
eggs were used in the hunt so that we wouldn't have
a problem with rotten eggs!
Picture taking by Teddy Bear Portraits was held
on April 22. This involved the Graduates only.
As you passed by the classrooms throughout the
month of March, you could hear everyone practicing
their songs for the Spring Program on April 25.
Much to the delight of parents and grandparents, the
children always put on a good performance.
A Zoo excursion at the end of April is always
fun. Children are so fascinated with animals--a good
time to get up close to wild life. How exciting to see
the new lion cubs and to be entertained by the
chimps!
We start off the month of May with Boy's Day
THE WHITE WAY
Moiliili Preschoolers on a Zoo excursion
11
MAY 2013
Robin Meade
Moiliili and Kailua Hongwanji joint service at Hoomaluhia
Welcome to new office staff,
Richard Oka and Emma Kie.
Family Promise Volunteers
BWA Sushi Making
Moiliili members visiting Lanai Hongwanji
Dharma school children egg coloring contest
Buddha Day Guest Speaker: Blayne Nakasone
with Rev. Higa and Rev. Ikeda
THE WHITE WAY
Buddha Day flower arranging activity
12
MAY 2013