master-january 2015 - Wailuku Hongwanji Mission

FRIEND OF THE DHARMA
WAILUKU HONGWANJI MISSION
1828 VINEYARD STREET, WAILUKU, HI 96793
TELEPHONE: (808) 244-0406 – 244-9647
Website: www.wailukuhongwanji.org
VOL. LII, No. 1
Email: [email protected]
January 2015
Members invited to New Year’s Eve
Service on December 31
2015 calendar may be picked up at
temple office
ECAUSE THIS NEWSLETTER IS MAILED LATE IN
December, members and friends are reminded to
the Annual New Year’s Eve Service, which will be
held on Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 11:15 p.m.
Members are invited to toll the temple bell and partake in the
traditional refreshments after the service.
EMBERS ARE REMINDED TO PICK UP
THEIR 2015 Honpa Hongwanji calendar at the
temple office during business hours. Calendars are not being mailed because of the mailing cost—
they had to be mailed first class because of its size.
Wailuku Hongwanji Calendar of Activities and
Memorial Listings is enclosed with this month’s newslet-
B
Members invited to visit temple on
New Year’s Day
M
EMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO
visit the Wailuku Hongwanji temple on Thursday, January 1, 2015. No service will be held. However, the
temple will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those who wish
to visit. Reverend Shinkai Murakami would like to encourage
members and their families to take time to meditate on the
countless blessings they have received throughout the year and
express their gratitude to their parents, our nation, all beings,
and Amida Buddha.
Members may visit the Nokotsudo anytime between 8:00
a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Call the office at 244-0406 to get the code
to the door.
Reverend Sol Kalu to speak at Hoonko Service on January 11
R
EVEREND SOL KALU, RESIDENT MINISTER AT
Makawao Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will be the
guest speaker at the annual Ho’onko Service, which
will be held on Sunday, January 11, beginning at 9 a.m.
This Ho’onko Memorial Service is held in memory of
Shinran Shonin near the date of his death (January 16). He
is the founder of the Jodo Shin Sect, is the best known of all
Shin services. It is a time to express our gratitude to the
founder of the Shin Buddhist tradition. It is a time when we
can think about the teachings of Shinran with deep appreciation in our hearts and resolve to dedicate ones self in the
service of others to truly make our world friendlier and happier for all of mankind. On the anniversary of his death, let us
pause and reflect and resolve to dedicate ourselves to make
this a better world for everyone. Each sect of Buddhism observes the death of its founder through a memorial service
called Ho’onko. This is our Memorial Service.

ter.
General membership meeting to be
held on January 17
B
OARD CHAIR MICHAEL MUNEKIYO WOULD LIKE
to invite members to the Annual General Membership (Sokai) meeting and New Year’s Party (Shinnenkai), which will be held at the temple on Saturday, January 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. At the Sokai, new officers will
be installed by Reverend Shinkai Murakami, and Director of
Finance Paul Hiranaga will present the 2015 Kyodan Budget.
In addition, presentation of the Tadaichi Fukunaga Dana
Award will be presented.
After the meeting, members will adjourn to the Social
Hall for the New Year’s party. A donation of $5 for each participating family (two or more individuals) and $3 for each
single participating member will be collected. The donation
will help the committee get an accurate dinner count. The
Mission will provide all of the food and beverages.
Please call the business office at 244-0406 and provide
the information on the number of family members who plan
to attend (adults and children) together with your donation.
The deadline for reservations is Friday, January 9.
.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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NEW YEAR’S GREETING
From Monshu Kojun Ohtani
NEW YEAR’S GREETING
From Bishop Eric Matsumoto
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, Japan
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
This space was reserved for the New Year Message from the Monshu Kojun Ohtani but I did not
receive his message by the press deadline.
This space was reserved for the New Year Message from Bishop Eric Matsumoto but I did not
received his message by the press deadline.
Special
Maui
Performance
Sunday
February 8th
2015
Kamehameha
Schools Maui
Keopuolani
Hale
270 Aapueo
Parkway
Pukalani
Online Purchase
Of Tickets
MauiPeaceOnYourWing.BrownPaperTickets.com
General
$15
Students
$10
AT DOOR
General
$20
Students
$15
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
-2-
NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE
President Pieper Toyama
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
This space was reserved for the New Year Message from the President Pieper Toyama but I did
not receive his message by the press deadline.
Buddha’s Quotes
Do not overrate what you have received, nor
envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
Words have the power to both destroy and heal.
When words are both true and kind, they can
change our world.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the
future, concentrate the mind on the present
moment.
NEW YEAR’S GREETING
Reverend Shinkai Murakami
Resident Minister, Wailuku Hongwanji Mission
ARIGATAI (TRUE APPRECIATION)
Namo Amida Butsu
A Happy New Year! Shin nen akemashite
Omedetou Gozaimasu. Kotoshi mo onembutsu to
tomoni yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
May we all rejoice in the wonderful blessing of
the Nembutsu as we start the New Year.
I often hear the words "Arigatai" and "Mottainai"
from our old timers. This word has deep meaning for
many people, and it is very important for us to know
the core definition, and why our ancestors used
these words so often in their lives.
There are several meanings or understanding of
this typical word such as "irreverent, impious, too
good, unworthy, wasteful, and so on." However, our
Isseis and Niseis used this word typically to say
"Truly grateful and should not waste any item."
Today, the Japanese food that we partake for
New Year's is much different from the past. We
have a variety of New Year's Day dishes such as
tuna sashimi, sushi, steak, chicken, kazunoko, kuromame, king crab, lobster, and so on.
Typically, New Year's food is known to have
"Nishime which is cooked vegetables, Kobu-maki
which is seaweed with Gobo, kuromame which is
cooked black beans, Sanbai-zuke (known as "namasu" here in Hawaii), Ozoni, and so on and only
vegetables were used. It was much simpler than today's New Year's food, but it was really considered
a nice gourmet meal for those who lived hundred
years ago.
When they cooked these food, the first thing
they did was offer it to the "Butsudan — family altar" this showed them that they expressed their
gratitude to the Buddha as they wished to have a
healthy and prospective year. Then the family
members got together on one table, and ate the
food with a mind of gratitude. The children wore
new clothes as they politely greeted everyone with
the words, "Shin nen akemashite Omedetou
gozaimasu —A Happy New Year".
Sounds like there was a vertical relationship between the children and adults. It was one way to
respect and keep a traditional greeting, more or
less, discipline. With this guidance we learned the
most important thing in our lives, which is respect.
It taught us to have a mind of gratitude, and when
we become parents, we will pass this on to the
children and grandchildren as they develop
thoughtful minds.
In our lives today we are fortunate that most
of the things are provided to us so easily. We
take advantage of it without having the true
mind of gratitude.
New Year's Day is the start of the year. I
firmly believe that this special day is reminding
each and every one of us that New Year's Day is
for us to express our true gratitude and appreciation towards everything we may have, including
our health, family, and friends, and to be able to
observe this special day with the great blessing
of the infinite wisdom and compassion of Amida
Buddha which we are receiving.
May we all rejoice in the joy and happiness with
the wonderful guidance of Namo Amida Butsu and
live a life with the mind of "gratitude — Arigatai" in
our daily lives from the beginning of the year.
Namo Amida Butsu
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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D
NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE
Michael Munekiyo, Chairman of the Board
Wailuku Hongwanji Mission
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
At this time of year, my wonderment of "time" reappears, I
probably share this observation with many of our readers, as it
seems that it was only yesterday that we turned the page on
the last month of the calendar year, to greet the month of January, 2014. Irrespective of how we perceive time, whether moving too rapidly or not fast enough, one thing is certain; we are
all a year wiser, and that added wisdom, has fueled our source
of "Gratitude".
Collectively, our Wailuku Hongwanji Sangha is also a year
wiser. Having recently celebrated our 115th anniversary as an
active Jodo Shinshu organization, we can’t help but be amazed
that our predecessors, for decades, greeted New Year’s of
past, each greeting filled with a vision of betterment for Wailuku
Hongwanji. We are indeed grateful for being entrusted with the
legacy of a great religious organization.
The Board of Directors of Wailuku Hongwanji recognizes
that the gratitude we hold for all those who helped to grow
Wailuku Hongwanji is accompanied by significant responsibility.
That responsibility is to ensure that we sustain our Jodo
Shinshu mission, just as those before us envisioned. This responsibility is especially challenging in today’s rapidly changing
society, where technology and lifestyle opportunities have altered the formula for sustaining temple strength and energy.
Unfortunately, this is an issue facing the majority of temples in
the Honpa Hongwanji system.
The Board recognizes that the challenges of “change” must
be addressed by “change”. With this in mind, the Board’s decisions are aimed at making deliberate progress in strengthening
Wailuku Hongwanji. The Board believes that the following actions, intended to improve our administrative and operational
foundation, are noteworthy:
1. The temple’s financial management system has been substantially reconfigured to yield more productive outcomes.
2. Proservice has been contracted to provide human resources and related management services to deal with the
increasingly complex regulatory environment.
3. We have hired an Administrative Officer, Ann Hayashi, to
manage the Proservice contract and, as required, to provide administrative support for our day-to-day temple operations.
4. A structured facilities management system has been developed under a coordinated capital improvements program.
More will be done, and it is this anticipation of temple improvement, that brings excitement and hope for the New Year.
As we enter the New Year of 2015, therefore, let us blend
gratitude for the temple legacy we have received, with anticipation and excitement for temple betterment, to rededicate ourselves to our Jodo Shinshu values.
Namo Amida Butsu
Dharma Talk
By Joan Tamori
"I
“GRATITUDE”
F YOU CAN WALK IN GRATITUDE EVERY DAY, YOU
can Change your life." This powerful yet simple phrase
comes from Oprah Winfrey. And, to me, this phrase
sounds very 'Jodo Shinshu-like'. Living in gratitude each day will
transform you into a more positive you. In reference to her
phrase, Oprah empowers everyone to name five things you are
grateful for each day. Then she says to build upon this each day,
express your appreciation to anyone and everyone; and then you
will be walking in gratitude.
GRATITUDE. This word is one of 'the' words in our language
that comes with a realm of meanings and nuances. It is known to
be expressed in numerous ways in cultures far and wide.
To begin with, the simplest form of gratitude is to think about
what we each are grateful for and to say it with some level of conviction. Now let's all take a few moments to think of just one thing
you might be grateful for each day. Now look to your neighbor and
take turns sharing what it is you're grateful for and why.
Some of you may have been grateful for something tangible
and others for something intangible. Regardless, your gratitude
had to have come not only from your mind but also from the spirit
of your heart. In addition, your level of gratitude may have differed
due to your age or circumstances in your life. It would even differ
due to the kind of experiences you have had in your life.
As a youngster, gratitude is mostly expressed in times of receiving gifts at special times. But as we all know, tangible gifts
such as these are merely instant gratifications and that saying
'thank you' for these are usually just that, mouthing the words,
'thank you'. Therefore, it is through aging and the life experiences
that most of us walk through in our lives that change our levels of
expressing gratitude.
For me, since I have finally awakened to the fact that I am
somewhat over the prime of my physical life, I realize that I'm using the word 'gratitude' or wanting to express this feeling more
often every day. Although I am retired from my career of teaching
now, and an immense part of my life has been freed up, I find that
I am still 'busy'. So, after 'running around' doing this and that, I
plop myself on my couch, and literally take a few moments to
breathe in the gorgeous view of the city below, and find precious
time to think about problems, about life in general, and finally being grateful. Often our minds may be inundated with family, interpersonal, physical, and other kinds of problems. It is so difficult to
be grateful when our lives are filled with suffering but we need to
encounter them in stride as we must remember that there are always others who may be experiencing greater suffering.
I myself have a constant battle within me when circumstances
are not to my liking or people around don't think as I do. Eventually, I realize that it is difficult to 'change' people or the situation. As
we've all experienced, many sufferings will pass and luckily most
of us are able to cope and have the ability to move on. We are
able to look back and feel grateful to have learned about life as it
is. In your relationship with others where people may act or say
things negatively, we must turn our thinking around and let that
situation become a learning situation. Be thankful that they have
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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become your teachers. You might question this and say, how do
these 'unreasonable' people become your teachers? They are
teaching you by showing you an example of how imperfect life is
or can be and that we need to continue to search for the goodness
in all beings and life.
We can learn and digest the concept of gratitude by seeing
first hand examples of expressions of gratitude from others around
us but also from our ancestors. Feelings of gratitude can be deep
rooted as we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have come
before us. My mother is still living but is in a care home today, and
does not have the capacity to talk 'spiritually' as she used to in her
productive years. Coming from a religious family though, she
taught us daily to live a life of gratitude primarily through her actions and from what she learned through workshops and sermons.
During this month of Eitaikyo and the thanksgiving holidays as
well, I am very grateful for receiving the spiritual guidance from my
mother as well as my grandparents who were daily practitioners of
Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
In 2012, the Maui Hongwanji Council invited Dr. Kenji
Akahoshi to offer a seminar at our temple. He is a Shin Buddhist
minister with a background in transpersonal psychology, personal
growth and body-mind-spirit disciplines. At his seminar, he
stressed 'gratefulness'. He said we need to shift our minds from
'please' to 'thank you' because with 'please' we want things to go
our way to benefit us. However 'thank you' connects us to interdependency. True gratitude always goes back to the inner realization of how we are dependent on other beings, living or nonliving.
With retirement, reflection on my career comes to me in bits
and pieces. In teaching, the minute you teach or give, you get
back in return the impact you may have made on a student by the
way she or he has responded. I've come to see 'teaching' as being synonymous with 'learning' which then leads to 'gratefulness'.
My experience working with student government and the faculty,
which made up a time-consuming part of my job, seemed more of
a give help, give guidance, give time, give, give, give, kind of job to
the students. But in my latter years as advisor, I began to give
them more autonomy, gratefully learning with them as we moved
along. I felt a wonderful feeling of gratitude to know that they
trusted me to be their helping hand.
It is similar with directing the choir here at Wailuku Hongwanji
Mission. I feel grateful to be learning from and with the members
as we aim for mutual goals. I have learned patience, observed the
resilience in their daily contributions of themselves and from the
expressions of constant gratitude in their actions. I feel a deep
sense of gratitude to be able to fulfill my love of directing with such
a humble group who in turn is patient with me. Thank you, choir
members!
Last weekend, Ed and I went to Hilo for my father's 49th day
service at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin. There were many moments of gratitude such as meeting the new Reverend Daido Baba
who, for being in Hawaii for just one month, tried to do his best in
relaying his dharma message, being grateful to the caregiver provided by Hale Anuenue to assist my mother in whatever she
needed help with at the service, and finally to visit the columbarium to place my father's urn in the family niche. I remember feeling
so grateful that he is now in such a safe place among many others
and that it was another opportunity for us to listen to the dharma.
When we say 'thank you' in gratitude, even more important
than the actual verbalizing of the words is the feeling that accompanies the words. Sometimes your gratitude triggers the receiver
to express their gratitude as well. Gratitude is therefore synonymous with the 'Nembutsu'. Saying 'namo amida butsu' as you are
putting your hands together in gassho means that you are entrusting your faith in Amida Buddha as he unconditionally accepts you.
Saying 'namo amida butsu' helps to ground you and hence, the
feeling of 'arigatai' or gratefulness wells up within you. Thus, Jodo
Shinshu embraces the concept of gratitude.
I would like to close my talk today by sharing with you some
valuable thoughts conveyed by Pieper Toyama, President of the
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, at the Dharma Educators'
Conference recently. He feels that 'gratitude' is the core in the
practice of Shin Buddhism and his thoughts impacted me right
here within my heart.
"Jodo Shinshu is a spiritual tradition that places the experience of gratitude at its core. Gratitude is the heart, essence, and
practice of Shin Buddhism. When we experience profound gratitude, we are transformed. In the moment of gratitude, we can no
longer experience the three poisons of anger, greed, and ignorance. In the moment of gratitude, we cannot hate. We cannot be
stressed, frustrated, discouraged, and unhappy. We become predisposed to acts of kindness. The moment of gratitude might last
for only a few seconds but negative thoughts and feelings cannot
enter our minds, body, and spirit. The experience of gratitude is
incompatible with negative attachments and desires. Instead, we
become settled and free in a spirit of well-being. Jodo Shinshu is
a religion that teaches us to increase the moments of gratitude in
our lives and to extend the length of those moments as a means
for achieving happiness, harmony and freedom in our life and as a
door to acts of kindness.
He goes on to say that, "When you are in that instant that you
realize how fortunate you are in this life…how the causes and
conditions of the universe have conspired to place you in this unrepeatable moment…how you are embraced by the beauty around
you, the people who love you, and the compassion of the universe… at that instant the only response that can come from your
inner most being is the sound of thank you. And for Shin Buddhists that sound of gratitude is Namo Amida Butsu."
So, as you walk out of the temple today, think about walking
your life in gratitude.
Friend of the Dharma
Deadline for submitting information for publication is the 15th of the month
prior to the publication date.
The Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, 1828 Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI
96793, publishes the newsletter monthly. Phone: 244-0406. The opinions
written by individual contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect
those of the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission.
STAFF
Joyce Hashimoto .............................................................. Rev. Shinkai Murakami
Franklin Hamasaki ...............................................................................Meiji Hirose
Prudence Ota...........................................................Richard Ouchi, Photographer
Contributing Editors
Buddhist Women’s Association ................................................. Ms. Janet Kubota
Boy Scouts........................................................................ Mrs. Shelley Pellegrino
Cub Scouts ....................................................................... Mrs. Shelley Pellegrino
Dharma School ........................................................................ Mrs. Sandra Hirata
Judo Club............................................................................ Mr. Herbert Kogasaka
Preschool ................................................................................Mrs. Karen Yoshida
Roselani 4-H Club...................................................................Mrs. Joyce Yamada
Rakuen Club .......................................................................... Ms. Nancy Shimoda
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Cub Scouts News
Shelley Pellegrino, Reporter
Pack 40 celebrates
Christmas with a visit
from Santa

HE CUB SCOUTS AND LEADERS OF PACK 40
had fun at their annual holiday party with the Boy
Scouts of Troop 40 on December 10. Santa joined
in the celebration and met with all the good scouts. Pack 40
spread more holiday cheer on December 17, when they
sang Christmas carols at Roselani Place.
Marley tells Santa what he wants for Christmas.
Liam receives a gift from Santa for being a good Scout.
Hau`oli is happy to hear that Santa thinks he’s a good Scout.
Trent is all smiles and is presented with gift from Santa.
Hugo is a little unsure of what he wants for Christmas.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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CUB SCOUTS AND BOY SCOUTS WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Santa with the Scouts of Troop 40 and Pack 40.
Aaron smiles as he receives a gift from Santa.
Santa tells Riley that he’s been a good scout all year.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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BWA Temple ACTIVITIES
A Visit to Nisei Veteran’s Center
Molly Tokunaga and Frances Teshima hand out “goodies” to the patients at the adult day care center.
Toshiko Sugiki, Irene Arakaki, Grace Hamasaki and Frances Teshima
patiently wait for their orders to arrive at IHOP.
Itsuyo Kusuda, Sylvia Ishikawa, Lillian Satoshige, Yoshiko Fujiwara,,
Rev. Murakami, Barbara Parr, Molly Tokunaga, Nancy Shimoda,
Frances Teshima. Janet Kubota, Machiko Moriyasu, Margaret Honda,
and Florence Tanaka at the Nisei Veterans’ Center.
Lillian Satoshige, Machiko Moriyasu, and Molly Tokunaga were BWA
members who attended the adult day care center at NVC.
BWA members Janet Kubota, Janet Inamasu, Molly Tokunaga, Florence Tanaka, Barbara Parr, Toshiko Sugiki, Liliian Satoshige, Nancy Shimoda,
Sandra Hirata, Irene Arakaki, Stella Kuwae, Margaret Honda, Yoshiko Fujiwara, Grace Hamasaki, Sylvia Ishikawa, Frances Teshima, Helen Ohigashi,
and Reverend Murakami present gifts to Wailuku Hale Makua residents as part of Bodhi Day celebration.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Temple Activities
Bodhi Day Service
Eric Ikeuchi, Charles Hirata, and Carl Hayase are seen relaxing after
the Bodhi Day service at Kepaniwai Heritage Park on December 7.
Reverend Murakami watches as Donovan offers incense.
Stanley Okamoto, Tamara Manley, Layke, and Lynn Yamauchi enjoy
the vast spread of food available at the Bodhi Day Service.
Mabel Araki and Sylvia Ishikawa try to keep warm in the cool morning
air at Kepaniwai Heritage Park.
4-H Members at the 2014 4-H National Congress in Atlanta,
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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More Bodhi Day Photos
Zach thanks Santa for his present.
Donovan, Donna, and Layke can’t decide what to eat from all the
choices they have after the Bodhi Day Service.
Skye has a nice smile for his photo with Santa.
Sandy Matsuda, Stanley Okamoto, Sylvia Ishikawa, Kathy Ikeuchi,
Sandy Hirata, and Helen Ohigashi had a nice time at Kepaniwai Park.
Charles Hirata, Carl Hayase, Rhonda Fosbinder, James Fosbinder,
Sandra Hirata, and Helen Ohigashi enjoy the fellowship after the Bodhi
Day Service on December 7, 2014.
Jacob has a new pal.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Preschool News
Karen Yoshida, Reporter
Caution: Children at Play!
Playing in the patio with manipulatives, animals, cars, blocks, Legos
and star builders is so much fun, Lana and Ellie pretend they are on a
farm. So much imagination and conversation happens during these
creative moments. Keiana and Zoie also enjoy their friends.
All of the older children are honored by being the “Sunshine Student” in
their group. Alexis shared her “Read All About Me” poster which she
worked on with her parents. She was so proud to be crowned the
“Sunshine Student” and given a lei from her friends, telling her why she
is so special to them.
At the Kahului Fire Station, Ms.Dawn was a good sport and participated with other parents in the fire fighter dress-up contest. Ms Dawn was
completely dressed ready for a fire in just a minute – Great Job!
Temana and Liam enjoyed their bus ride to the Kahului
Fire Station. “It’s bumpity bump!”
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Affiliate organizations
eon is Wednesday, January 28. Please indicate if you wish
to catch the bus.
Buddhist Women’s News
Members visited Wailuku Hale Makua
on December 8
Janet Kubota, Reporter
Membership meeting set for January 4
J
ANET KUBOTA ANNOUNCED THAT THE FIRST
membership meeting for the Buddhist Women’s Association members for the year 2015 will be held on
Sunday, January 4, immediately after the Sunday Service.
On the agenda will be the BWA sokai/shinnenkai set for February 8, and the election of 2015-2016 BWA officers.
Membership dues are collected by club
treasurer
C
LUB TREASURER SANDY MATSUDA IS COLLECTING annual membership dues for 2015. Dues for
regular members are $20 and $5 for members over 85
years old. Dues for associate members (homebound or in
health care facilities) are $5. Payment may be made in the
temple office or mailed to 1828 Vineyard Street, Wailuku in
care of BWA.
Ho’onko Service set for January 11
B
UDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
are encouraged to attend the Ho’onko Service on
Sunday, January 11, at 9 a.m. Please note that
the service begins at 9 a.m. Ho’onko is one of the most important observances for Jodo Shinshu Buddhists. As in the
past, BWA is in charge of refreshments. The following
members from Group D are responsible: Helen Ohigashi,
Emiko Sakagawa, Katsue Shishido, Tomiko Yamagata, Mari
Ann Kato, Nancy Shimoda, Peggy Tanaka, Emiko Goshi,
and Fumie Hanada.
BWA to hold Sokai on February 8

E
IGHTEEN BWA LADIES VISITED THE WAILUKU
Hale Makua on December 8, as part of the annual
visitation to observe Bodhi Day. Members enjoyed the
fellowship with BWA members and residents of the facility.
In appreciation of the visit, members presented Hale Makua
with lap blankets and puzzles, word search magazines, and
fabric for their activity room. After the visit, members enjoyed
lunch at IHOP in Kahului.
Tamara Manley installed as United
BWA President
O
N DECEMBER 13, THE MAUI UNITED BUDDHIST
Women’s Association installed its 2015 officers at the
Fall General Assembly held at Kahului Hongwanji.
Wailuku BWA will be the unit in charge in 2015. The
MUBWA officers and standing committee chairs from Wailuku BWA are: President - Tamara Manley, Secretary – Barbara Parr, Treasurer - Sandra Hirata, Membership/Education
- Sylvia Ishikawa, Student Exchange – Sharon Higa. Reverend Shinkai Murakami will be the head minister advisor
(“Shuji”).
Roselani 4-H Club
Joyce Yamada, Reporter
Roselani 4-Hers attend National 4-H
Congress in Atlanta
F
OUR MEMBERS OF THE ROSELANI
4-H Club attended the National 4-H
Congress in Atlanta, GA on November
28 to December 2. These delegates attended workshops and learned and shared current trends in 4-H
activities, and expanded their use of technology.
HE BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL
General Membership Meeting (Sokai) will be held on
Sunday, February 8. Members will preview the program
for the year. Following the meeting, members will proceed to
the King Kamehameha Golf Club for a special buffet luncheon. The following is the schedule for the day:
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:15 p.m.
Temple Service at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission
BWA meeting and speaker at the temple
Bus depart from WHM to the King Kamehameha
Golf Club
Luncheon at the King Kamehameha Golf Club
Return to Wailuku Hongwanji.
The cost for members is $20, which includes lunch and
bus service. The deadline to sign up and pay for the lunch-
Tara and Kaitlyn have their photo taken at the CNN headquarters in
Atlanta, GA when they attended the National 4-H Congress.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Dharma School News
Rakuen Club News
Sandra Hirata, Reporter
Nancy Shimoda, Reporter
Rip Pahukoa to “MC” Dharma School
Service on January 4
Shinnen Kai for Rakuen members set
for January 8th

HARMA SCHOOL STUDENT RIP PAHUKOA will
be the Master of Ceremonies at the January 4,
Sunday Service, which begins at 8 a.m. Kristi
Echiverri will ring the kansho bell and Donna Ikeuchi will read
the aspiration. Layke Yamauchi and Tom Schuster will do
the collection of offerings. Greeters are Sophie DeMattos,
Macie Nakahashi, and Layce Yamauchi. Mr. Dale Sugiki will
be the organist. After the service, Shonin Bingo will be held
in the social hall.
Kami and Layce to MC Ho’onko Service on January 11
K
AMI ECHIVERRI AND LAYCE YAMAUCHI WILL be
the Co-Mistresses of Ceremonies at the Ho’onko
Service on Sunday, January 11, beginning at 9 a.m.
Reverend Sol Kalu, resident minister of Makawao Hongwanji
Mission, will be the guest speaker. Kara Nakahashi will ring
the kansho bell and Aubrey Unemori will read the aspiration.
Sophie DeMattos, Donna Ikeuchi, and Kara Nakahashi will
do the collection of offerings. Greeters are Louis Fosbinder,
Tom Shuster, and Kristi Echiverri. Mr. Dale Sugiki will be the
organist.
No Dharma School on January 18
B
ECAUSE THE ANNUAL SOKAI/SHINNENKAI IS
being held on January 17, there will be no Sunday
Service on Sunday, January 18. Students are invited to the Shinnenkai; they are encouraged to bring their parents to the party. Lots of prizes will be given away.
Richard Minatoya to be guest speaker
at Family Service on January 25

ICHARD MINATOYA WILL BE THE GUEST
speaker at the Family Service on January 25, beginning at 8 a.m. Anna Fosbinder and Donna
Ikeuchi will be the Co-Mistresses of Ceremonies. Donavan
Ikeuchi will ring the kansho bell and Acer Pahukoa will read the
aspiration. Tom Shuster and Kristi Echiverri will do the collection of offerings. Greeters are Macie Nakahashi and Layce
Yamauchi. Ms. Florence Tanaka will be the organist.
Buddha’s Quotes
You will not be punished by your anger, you will be
punished by your anger.
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we
think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a
shadow that never leaves.
M
EMBERS OF THE RAKUEN CLUB WILL WELCOME
the “Year of the Ram” by holding a Shinnen Kai (New
Year gathering) on Thursday, January 8, in the social
hall beginning with a service at 8:30 a.m. Entertainment will
be provided by the Marie Wong’s Group, club members, and
a few special guests. Lunch, catered by Tokyo Tei, will cost
each member $7, which includes a special dessert. As an
added incentive, a special treat will be given to every member present. Members must indicate if they are attending the
meeting. Deadline to place lunch orders is Monday, December 26.
Group 4 (Plumeria) are busy planning to ensure another
enjoyable New Year’s party. Please join us, as we welcome
in the New Year.
Mahalo to Group 3 for an outstanding
excursion on December 13

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE ORCHIDS FOR
making the excursion to Kealia Wildlife Sanctuary on
December 13 an enjoyable, educational, and informative outing. The Christmas luncheon at Stella Blues Restaurant was enjoyed by the attendees. Also, thank you for all the
treats. It sure enlivened our day.
Dis-n-Dat News
Project Dana to prepare bento on
February 28
P
ROJECT DANA WILL BE PREPARING
bento lunches for distribution to the homebound, the elderly seniors, and handicapped
individuals on Saturday, February 28. Lunches
will be delivered to homes or may be picked up at
the Wailuku Hongwanji kitchen at 11:00 a.m.
Call the temple office at 244-0406 if you wish
to receive a bento. Because an elderly, homebound, or handicapped individual may be hesitant
to call or may not know about this project, we ask
that family members or friend call. Deadline to
sign up for the bento is Friday, February 20.
Giseikai to be held on February 13-14
in Honolulu
T
HE 2015 HAWAII HONPA HONGWANJI OF HAWAII Legislative Assembly (Giseikai) will be held on
February 13 - 14, at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii
Betsuin. Registration form and other documents that are
needed for Giseikai have been submitted to headquarters.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Living Treasures luncheon set for Saturday, February 14
T
HE 2015 LIVING TREASURES OF HAWAII Recognition Luncheon will be held on Saturday, February
14, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom
with registration at 11 a.m. and lunch and program at 12
noon. Being recognized are Blossom Puanani Alama Tom,
S. Haunani Apoliona, Dr. Bernice Kisako Hirai, Paulette
Nohealani Kahalepuna (Posthumously), Laura Ruby, and
Barry K. Taniguchi.
Early registration is $70 if payment is received by January 31, 2015. Late registration is $85, after February 1.
College Prep workshop to be held on
Sunday, April 19
S
ENIORS, ALONG WITH THEIR PARENTS, ARE INVITED to a College Prep Workshop (part 2) on Sunday, April 19, at the Wailuku Hongwanji Social Hall
(upstairs) Conference Room beginning at 3:00 p.m. The
workshop will be presented by Lloyd Yonemura, a retired
school registrar and counselor, and is geared for seniors, the
Class of 2015.
The workshop will focus on things seniors should do
now, things to prepare for, things to think about, and things
graduates need to know if they plan to go away to college.
Dana Award to be presented at Sokai
on January 17
O
NE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION a member may receive from our temple is the
Tadaichi Fukunaga Dana Award. The 2014
award will be presented to one of our members at the Annual
General Membership (Sokai) meeting and New Year’s Party
(Shinnenkai), which will be held at the temple on Saturday,
January 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The award is named
after the late Tadaichi Fukunaga who practiced the Buddhist
teachings of Dana, served as an officer and director of our
temple, and as an advisor to the Honpa Hongwanji of Hawaii.
To qualify for this award, a member must be a Kyodan
member for a minimum of 35 years, an active member of
affiliate organizations, participates in community organizations, regularly attends Sunday and major services, practices
the Buddhist teaching of Dana, helps propagate the Buddhist
teachings, listens to the Dharma, and contributes to his/her
temple, family and community.
2013 ............................................Janet Kubota, Machiko Moriyasu
2012 ...........................................................................Kazuo Sugiki
2011 ..........................................Sylvia Ishikawa, George Okamoto
2010 ............................................Yoshiko Fujiwara, Itsuyo Kusuda
2009 ............................................Wayne Nishida, Lillian Satoshige
2008 ...................................................................... Nancy Shimoda
2007......................................... Toshiko Hirose, Michael Munekiyo
2006.................................................................. Franklin Hamasaki
2005...................................................................... Margaret Honda
Stella Kuwae, Janet Okamoto
2004.........................................................................Janet Inamasu
2003......................................... Marian Muraoka, Florence Tanaka
2002....................................................................... Yoshiko Uchida
2001....................................................Elsie Ota, Emiko Sakagawa
2000..................................................................... Grace Hamasaki
1999.................................................................... Doris Kawashima
Chikashi Charles Nagamatsu, Yoshime Tanouye
1998.................................................Teruko Fujimoto, Alma Hashi,
Mary Uyeda, Harold Yamaguchi
1997......................................................................... Richard Ouchi
Kenneth Sakagawa, Shizuka Tamura
1996.............................................................................Masao Sato
Takeshi Tsuchiyama, Wesley Wong, Jr.
1995..................................................................Kazuichi Hamasaki
1994................. Kikue Koja, Shizue Munekiyo, Chiyoko Nakamura
Nancy Oishi, Satoru Sasada
1993.............................................. Tsurue Higashi, Yoshie Tagami
1992...................................... Yoshiko Kawamata, Shizue Morihiro
1991.......................... Misayo Kurisu, Manuel Oishi, Ruth Shimada
Douglas Sodetani, Chikayo Tomimoto
1990.............................................................................Harue Kono
Shizuko Matsumoto, Yukiko Tanaka
1989........................................... Thomas Higashi, Minoru Morihiro
Takeo Morisaki, Matsuno Yasui
1988........................................................Meiji Hirose, Shoichi Mori
1987............................................... Ariyo Sodetani, Chiyoko Wong
1986............................................... Edith Izumi, Hiroshi Kawamata
Masato Miyazaki, Shigeru Nakamura
1985......................................................................Natsuyo Hayase
Masato Kawashima, Tokito Manta
1984............................................ Richard Hashi, Stanley Okamoto
Graduates’ Banquet to be held on
April 19

HE WAILUKU HONGWANJI 2015 GRADUATES’
Banquet will be held at the Kahili Restaurant at the
Kahili Golf Course in Waikapu on April 19, 2015,
beginning at 10 a.m. The purpose of the banquet is to
congratulate and offer best wishes to graduating seniors.
The Graduates’ Banquet Committee is currently compiling a list of high school seniors who participated in
Wailuku Hongwanji’s sponsored activities, such as Dharma
School, Japanese Language School, Preschool, Cub/Boy
Scouts, 4-H, martial arts, etc. Anyone who knows of a
graduating senior who is or was affiliated with the temple is
asked to call Sandy Matsuda at 242-1997 by January 23,
2015. Co-Chair Matsuda reported that it is important that
we recognize all who were affiliated with the temple.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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Business Manager’s Message
Hoji Memorial Services (January)
By Franklin Hamasaki
Date
A little about something
I
DON’T KNOW IF READERS REALIZE IT, BUT THE
photos that are found on pages 6-11 are provided by
individuals who usually get no recognition or credit for
the photos that they provide to me. I am so appreciative for
their dedication to take their camera to an activity and share
their photos. It makes my job so much easier.
I would like to express my gratitude to Janet Kubota
(BWA and temple activities), Cary Honda (Special Events),
Shelley Pellegrino (Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts), and Karen
Yoshida (Preschool) for providing me with appropriate photos. They are the unsung heroes. Without their photos, the
job of producing the newsletter would be made more difficult.
When you see them, thank them, too.
Acknowledgments
KYODAN
Mrs. Lynn Toyama – In memory of Suyetomo Toyama
Mr. Hideo Kawahara – In memory of Yukie Kawahara
Midtown Foundation
Mrs. Esther Watanabe – In memory of Nancy Oishi
Mrs. Esther Watanabe – In memory of Marian Muraoka
Mrs. Lynn Toyama – New Year and Christmas refreshments
Name
Jan. 1
Jan. 8
Jan. 29
Jan. 29
Jan. 8
Jan. 9
Jan. 20
Jan. 22
Jan. 2
Jan. 21
Jan. 8
Jan. 28
Jan. 8
Jan. 15
Jan. 26
Jan. 30
Jan. 3
Jan. 7
Jan. 30
Jan. 31
EITAIKYO
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Mrs. Satsue Kanechika
NOKOTSUDO
Mrs. Satsue Kanechika – In memory of Haruyo Ogawa
Mrs. June Kodani – In memory of Mankichi Kaneko
Mr. Sadao Oishi – In memory of Seichi and Yukino Oishi
Mrs. Lena Kaneyama – In memory of Minoru, Nobue and Dr.
Juji Hanada
Mr. Harold Kusuda – In memory of Isami and Emi Kusuda
Mr. Gilbert Ikeda – In memory of Shigeo and Yoshiko Ikeda
Jan. 13
Jan. 19
Jan. 24
1st Year – 2014
Inamasu, Yoshito (GI SHO)
Oka, Mamoru (HO SHU)
Matsushita, Robert (SHOKU KEN TOKU
SHO KYO IN)
Nishihara, Alvin (KYO DO)
3rd Year – 2013
Ogawa, Etsuko (ETSU NEN)
Miyashiro, Jinsei (JIN GAN)
Ushiro, Nancy Yumiko (KAKU RYO)
Yamasaki, Sumiye (SHO EN)
7th Year – 2009
Taguchi, Akira (MYO SHO)
Miyazaki, Tsugi (E TAI)
13th Year – 2003
Kanemitsu, Robert (YU SHIN)
Tatsumi, Masami (SEI SHIN)
17th Year – 1999
Kimura, Kiyono (MYO SEI)
Kimura, Doris (MYO TOKU)
Hotta, Dean Hisao (JYO KYU)
Mizuko, Dick (MAN TOKU)
25th Year – 1991
Yoshizawa, Robert (KEN JO
Suzuki, Florence (MYO TOKU)
Ito, Bunichi (E SHO)
Nakahashi, Richard (JO KAI
33rd Year – 1983
Yoda, Minoru (JOTO)
Tanouye, Jitsuo (JI SHUN)
50th Year – 1966
Uno, Chisato (KAKU RYO)
Inouye, Kingo (E RYO)
Nishida, James (ZEN RYU)
SOCIAL CONCERN
Mr. John Shinoda
Mrs. Teruko Fujimoto
Mrs. Misayo Murata
Mr. Chester Hayase
Mrs. Carolyn Hozaki
Mr. Kazuichi Hamasaki
Mr. Tom Hiranaga
Deepest Sympathy
BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Mrs. Helen Tanaka
The Wailuku Hongwanji Mission extends deepest sympathy and condolence to the families of the
following:
Reiko Jan Karakawa (CHI KO) Age 81, 265
Kaokoa Way, Haiku; passed away on November 15,
2014.
Jiro Matsui (KYO DO) Age 89, c/o Randy Matsui, 2663 E Manoa Road, Honolulu; passed away on
December 7, 2014.
“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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“A WELCOMING SPIRIT GROWS OUR COMMUNITY TEMPLE”
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