here - Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women`s Association

May 2014
Hi-Lites
Puna Hongwanji Mission
Of Special Interest This Month
May
May
May
May
16-592 Old Volcano Road Keaau, Hawaii
Mailing address: P.O. Box 100
Keaau, HI 96749-0100
Tel: (808) 966-9981
Fax: (808) 966-7732
Website: punahongwanji.org
Resident Minister: Rev. David Fujimoto
Cell: 896-7847
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Mondays:
Wed-Fri:
By Appointment Only
9:00am - 11:00am
Kyodan President: Gordon Heit
Cell: 937-2326
INSIDE THIS ISSUE :
Temple Toban, Nenki
Page
2
Calendar of Events
3
Kyodan President Message
4
Minister’s Message
5-7
Membership Committee / Cinders Project
8
BWA News / AIDS Walk / Jr. YBA
9-11
Choir Highlights
12-13
Puna Sangha Highlights
14
Project Dana / Memorial Day Service
15-16
Taiko Club
17
11
18
24
25
–
–
–
–
Mother’s Day Brunch
Gotan-e Service
Puna District Memorial Day Service
Temple Service and Shipman
Memorial Service
And Beyond
June 1 –
June 15 –
June 22 –
July 4-5 –
Baccalaureate Service
Father’s Day Service
General Clean-up for Obon
Obon Service and Dance
Puna Hongwanji Vision Statement
Puna Hongwanji Mission will be a dynamic and
unique temple for Hawaii serving the spiritual
needs of the community through Jodo-Shinshu
teachings
Puna Hongwanji Mission Statement
Puna Hongwanji Mission is a community of
people joined in the joy of a common faith in
Amida Buddha to share the Dharma in our
daily living
Notice: The Columbarium is now
locked daily at 6:00pm and unlocked
at 8:00am.
The Hi-Lites Monthly Newsletter
The Hi-Lites is published monthly by the Puna
Hongwanji Mission. The articles and opinions
expressed by the editors and individual
contributors are their own and do not
necessarily reflect those of Puna Hongwanji
Mission. Before publication, the newsletter is
reviewed by the Kyodan President and
Resident Minister.
Memorial Service (Nenki)
To families, relatives, and friends
of deceased members listed,
please contact the temple if there
are any corrections or omissions.
Researched and compiled by:
Lei Kakugawa
May 2014
Email: “[email protected]”
Editorial:
Production:
Advisors:
Robert Sugihara
Nancy Yamada
Helen Yamada
Lei and Sadaichi Kakugawa
Ann Toma
Dora Hashimoto
Susan Sunada
Rev. David Fujimoto
Gordon Heit
1 yr.
3 yrs.
7 yrs.
13 yrs.
17 yrs.
25 yrs.
Temple Clean-up Schedule
Each section will be
responsible for weekly cleanup of the temple for the entire
month. Section leader will
contact members on the
clean-up dates and times.
May
June
M/V/K
Hilo
50 yrs.
May 1, 2013
May 23, 2013
May 4, 2008
May 15, 2008
May 17, 2008
May 30, 1998
May 6, 1990
May 7, 1990
May 11, 1990
May 22, 1990
May 21, 1982
May 23, 1982
With Deepest Sympathy
Toban Refreshment
Schedule for Sunday
May
June
33 yrs.
Matsushita, June
Toma, Choki
None
Kobayashi, Yoshimi
Imada, Minori
Nishida, Sueko
None
Kobashigawa, Kama
Okamoto, Hatsue
Tanaka, Tatsuo
Tanaka, Chiyoko
Takehara, Glen
Murakane, Lloyd
Kotomori, Takeyo
None
Pahoa
Mt.View/Kurtistown
Project Dana Visitations
May 26 – Keaau Village &
Keaau Loop
Puna Hongwanji Mission
extends its sincerest
sympathy and
condolences to the
family and relatives of
the following members
who recently passed
away.
Albert Matsuda
Richard Nakamura
Dixon Oyadomari
May 2014
Sunday
Puna Hongwanji Mission Calendar of Events
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
7
8
9
10
Meditation 6:30am
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
HIUHBWA
State Conference
at Sheraton Kona
Resort
4
5
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
HIUHBWA
Conference in
Kona
No temple service
Family Service
9:00am
Mother’s Day
Brunch
Dharma School
meeting
Gotan-e Service
9:00am
Temple Service
and Shipman
Memorial Service
9:00am
Pahoa Service
7:00pm
Naalehu/Pahala
Service
Dancersize-7:00pm
Volcano Service
10am
PHM Project Dana
Visitations- Meet at
PHM 9:00am
Dancersize–7:00pm
6
Choir 3:00pm
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Judo 6:30pm
Rev. Fujimoto’s
Study Class
6:00 – 7:30pm
Judo 6:30pm
Judo 6:30pm
Judo 6:30pm
Bread
Meditation 6:30am
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Treasurers Nite 7pm
Meditation 6:30am
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
BOD Mtg. 7:00pm
Meditation 6:30am
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Meditation 6:30am
Taiko 4:00pm
Judo 6:30pm
Choir 3:00pm
Pahoa Project
Dana 9:00am
Choir 3:00pm
Choir 3:00pm
Choir 3:00pm
Puna District
Memorial Day
Service
10:00am
Kyodan President’s Message
Also check us out on
Facebook and Twitter.
A big mahalo to all who came out to help
with the cinder bagging last month. We had a
great turn-out and although they were the
usual two loads of cinders, it appeared to be a
lot more and it certainly looks that way in the
number of bags filled. As the official kick-off
for our 2014 bazaar, it was great to see the
young and old, members and friends of the
temple working together for a common cause.
Again thanks to all who participated.
In Gassho,
Gordon Heit, Kyodan
President
Looking for
crafters
for
Tanabata
time
Don’t forget, coming up in the month of
May is our Mother’s Day Brunch. This annual
event hosted by the “Men of Puna Hongwanji”
is a fundraiser for our student scholarship. A
donation of $7.00 ($10.00 at the door) will
treat you to a delicious meal. Tickets are
available at the office or after the Sunday
services prior to May 11th.
July 5, 2014
4:00pm-8:00pm
PUNA HONGWANJI MEMEBERS AND
AFFILIATES ARE WELCOME TO HAVE A
TABLE AT THE CRAFT FAIR. A
DONATION TO THE Temple WILL BE
Appreciated.
If interested please contact
Jane Heit at 936-6186 for
application form or online at
punahongwanji.org
Also in the month of May is our Memorial
Day Weekend Community Interfaith Service to
be held on the 24th. This year’s guest speaker
will be Lt. Col. (ret.) Delbert Nishimoto. This
event is becoming more popular each year as
evidenced by the increasingly large
attendance. Please make every effort to come
and support this worthy event.
Honpa Hongwanji of Hawaii
2014 Slogan
Obon season is fast approaching and we
are already gearing up for it. This year’s Bon
Odori will take place on the 4th and 5th of July.
For more information on how you can help,
you can contact co-chairs Glenn Watarida and
Clifford Furukado.
Path of Entrusting: Share Peace
If you haven’t checked out our website
www.punahongwanji.org recently, when you
do check it, you are in for a real treat. A big
mahalo to Rev. Fujimoto for diligently working
on improving the format and updating the
information. But we still need your help. We
are asking members and anyone else with old
photographs of the temple or any events from
years past to share them with us so we can
put them on our site. We can scan photos,
slides or just about anything you have.
Graphics Courtesy of Marge Elwell, Naalehu Hongwanji
4
Minister’s Message
Rev. David Fujimoto
but it was okay. People were cheering, the
arena erupted into clapping and cheering, and
even the wave. People were having a great
time, and the concert didn't even start yet.
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel
with my wife and step daughter to O΄ahu,
where we had the opportunity to see a concert
at the Blasdell Arena and spend the day on
O΄ahu.
Finally the lights went off and it went crazy!
People screaming and flashes from peoples’
camera phones went off, and as soon as the
music started, people were dancing around the
arena floor. It was a great concert.
In the days leading up to our trip, I had so
many things on my mind. I had a few services
to conduct, I had to pack, I made sure our
flights, car, and hotel were arranged, and since
we had to travel off island, I wanted to make
sure I packed the concert tickets. There is
nothing like flying to O΄ahu and realizing you
forgot the tickets. It's not like we can drive
home! Of course, I had the most time to pack,
but kept procrastinating.
The next morning as I was taking out my
clothes, I noticed I packed only one sock. Yes,
not a pair of socks, but one sock. I told myself
who does that?
Why Yes, Life IS Fundamentally Good!
Those of you who follow me on Twitter or
on Facebook saw the picture and post of me
and that one sock. Boy did I feel silly! I
procrastinated in packing, and look what
happened!
Luckily this is Hawai΄i, and we can get
away with playing tourist in slippers and not
having to wear shoes all over. It would look
pretty silly walking around with only one sock!
We left on a Tuesday, so my wife had till
the night before, and my step daughter had till
Sunday night, since she was going to be
staying with her father and had to go to
school.
It was good that we only went to simple
places. Got my fill of Rainbow Drive-Inn, Dole
Whip from the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa,
shopping at Ala Moana and at Ward
Warehouse.
But I made it in time, and off we were,
after making sure a few times that the tickets
were in my bag. I figured I could go on this
trip with just the clothes I had on, but not
without the concert tickets.
On the flight back, as I glanced at the
ocean below, and the other islands and finally
the snow over Mauna Kea, I came to the
realization about what Dr. Ken Tanaka was
talking about when he mentioned that life was
fundamentally good.
When we checked into the hotel, the
person at the front desk upgraded our room,
and since we were kama΄aina, discounted our
parking. We rested for a while before heading
to dinner and the concert. And of course, like
the foolish being I am, my fear came true,
when we got into the car and started driving
and realized I had forgotten the tickets, so we
turned around and picked them up.
We all experience
disappointments, fear, and
sadness. Some of us hit more
bumps than others, and we can’t
avoid them. Their bumps are a
natural part of our human
existence. Sometimes we forget
this or do not want to accept it,
and we expect our road to be
smooth.
After waiting fifteen minutes to get into the
parking lot and another ten minutes trying to
get into the arena, we finally got to our seats.
With thousands of other people getting in, the
concert started about forty five minutes late,
5
We shouldn’t turn away from
these bumps. The bumps in our
lives are not there to punish us
for being evil or because we are
failures. The bumps are there
not to teach us lessons, though
we can certainly use them in that
way. If we face them we can
learn from them and grow.
These bumps are the stepping
stones toward the ultimate
Buddhist goal, which is to
become Buddha or be
enlightened; in a more common
language, to come to spiritual
resolution.1
However, it was a one brief moment that
we had that chance to spend time with each
other laughing, eating, and enjoying each
other's company that really made me
understand what life is fundamentally good
really means. Despite our bumps, life is good,
fundamentally anyways.
Recently a member related that when you
think about it, when you face your bump,
when you are at the top of the bump, you are
at its highest point. Looking down on
everything from the plane for me was that
highest point, and it was spectacular!
Shinran devoted an entire chapter on
Amida's Light in his Magnum Opus, the
Kyōgyōshinshō. This Immeasurable Light is
unhindered and boundless, and it is said in the
sutras that “those who come into contact with
this Light, have the three defilements swept
away and become soft and gentle in body and
mind. They dance with joy and the good mind
arises in them.”2
Not everything went smoothly on our trip.
We had a bad car, forgetting the tickets in the
room, one sock, waiting forever to get into the
parking lot, waiting in line to get into the
arena, and even not getting a cheese and
cracker plate that was supposed to be
delivered to our room.
For all of us, this immeasurable light is
always shining on us, but the clouds of our
ignorance, delusions, suffering and blind
desires hide this light. But this light pervades
the clouds, but we just don't notice it or feel it.
But as Dr. Tanaka says, we face these
bumps in the road, and that's how we learn
and grow. Through all the karmic instances
that went into this trip, I understood finally
what this fundamentally good was. This ichigo
Ichie moment, this one time, in this one
moment of this chance encounter will never
happen again, but it made me realize this great
moment in spending time with my wife and
step child.
In the letters of Rennyo Shōnin, he says:
How wonderful is the allsurpassing Primal Vow! How
benevolent is Amida Tathagata’s
Light! Unless we had a chance to
encounter this Light, we could
not possibly be cured of the
dreadful illness of ignorance and
karmic hindrances we have had
since beginningless past.3
In this crazy world of being a minister, I
don't always have the time to spend having
dinner with my family. Sometimes it's in the
morning ritual of seeing each other off in the
morning is the most time we have together as
a family.
1
2
Kenneth Tanaka, Ocean: An Introduction to JodoShinshu Buddhism in America. A Dialogue with
Buddhists and Others (Berkeley: WisdomOcean
Publications, 1997), 10-11.
CWS, 178
Gadjin M. Nagao, ed., Letters of Rennyo: A
Translation of Rennyo’s Gobunshō (Kyoto,
Hongwanji International Center, 2000), 93.
3
6
Puna Hongwanji Study Class and
Mid-Week Recharge Service
So what does this mean for all of us? We
return to the letter and it states:
Accordingly, we now clearly know
that this is not the mind created
by the followers but the great
entrusting heart of Other Power
given to us by Amida Tathagata.
Feeling spiritually exhausted? Need that
spiritual boost to carry you till Sunday? Join
Rev. David Fujimoto for a “Mid Week Spiritual
Recharge!” All are invited to attend the 2nd
Wednesday of each month’s evening service
and study class from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
Hence, those who have ever had
the fortune to attain the
entrusting heart of Other Power
should remember their
indebtedness to Amida’s
benevolence and always say the
Nembutsu as an expression of
gratitude for it.4
There is no cost to attend the service and
study class. Please call the office to purchase
your copy of the “Collected Works of Shinran”
if you don’t have one and for more
information. Sign-ups are located in the
kitchen during the weekdays, and on the
information table during Sunday Service. See
you there!!!
So as we live day after day, treading
through theses bumps in life, we should
remember that that light of Amida always
shines down on us. The power of this light
makes us realize with deep appreciation and
gratitude, the gift of the entrusting heart of
other power, and through this our Nembutsu
that is Namo Amida Butsu, becomes our way
of expressing our heartfelt appreciation and
gratitude.
____________________
4
Ibid., 95.
Minister’s Office Hours
To better serve the needs of our members,
Rev. David Fujimoto has established office
hours. These hours are subject to change with
or without notice (just in case the minister gets
called to take care of other matters.)
This schedule is to ensure that the minister
is in the office in case you need to see the
minister.
Mondays:
Wed-Fri:
In Gassho.
By Appointment Only
9:00am-11:00am
Notice of Privacy
The new privacy and confidence rights of
individuals today limit clergy from visiting
medical, residential, and long-term care
residents without the expressed consent of the
respective residents.
Puna Hongwanji Family Service
The Puna Hongwanji minister is more than
happy to visit members and friends, but by
law, such visits require a referral from a family
representative. Connections with clergy can be
Please join us for our weekly Sunday Morning
Family Service at 9:00am.
All are welcomed!
7
Article submitted by Jan Nakamura, photos
courtesy of K.T. Cannon-Eger
a positive and spiritual experience for loved
ones and family.
If you have any questions, concerns and/or
would like a visitation, please notify the office.
Membership Committee News
Welcome New Member:
Masaru & Helen Kobayashi
Thank you members for your continued
support of Puna Hongwanji Mission. We have
246 members of which 11 are in a care home.
We have collected 55% of the 2014 dues and
12 members have paid their 2013 dues but 11
are still in arrears. Reminder letters will be
sent.
If you are head of household and in a care
home, your dues are exempt. Please inform
me or the temple on your status.
In Gassho,
Roy Toma
Membership
Chairman
808-935-7712
[email protected]
Cinder Bagging and Sales
Thank you to all who brought their muscles
and shovels to the Cinder sale day. All of you
worked very hard and finished by lunch
time. Thank you Calvin Oishi for taking charge
of this event and also thanks to Janet
Watarida and your helpers for all the delicious
food.
We are grateful for the additional help from
Puna Taiko and Judo Club.
8
Puna Hongwanji
Mission Buddhist
Women’s Association
News
foundation for the beginning of the Hongwanji
tradition.
Family and friends of BWA members who
passed away between April 2013 and March
2014 offered incense in memory of Misao
Tanaka, June Matsushita, Shigeko Matsuda and
Haruko Akiyama. A delicious luncheon was
served by the Milo Street toban.
KIA ORA! That means Thank You in Maori.
Thank you very much to my BWA board of
directors and advisors for supporting the Puna
BWA during my six week absence.
VP Jean Tamashiro conducted the March
monthly meeting, members attended the
HIUHBWA Buddhist Education Seminar at Hilo
Betsuin, K.T. organized the HIV/AIDS Walk,
Nancy and Helen Yamada chaired the Lady
Eshinni and Lady Kakushinni Day service,
Mieko Nagao/Dora Hashimoto/Mitsuye Toma
sewed over 60 blankets that I cut, ladies folded
cranes for the 199,000 crane project, prepared
delicious refreshments for the Sunday Family
Services and helped decorate the Hanamatsuri
Hanamido. I missed you and all the temple
activities during March and April. I am grateful
for your support!
April 20 was Lady Eshinni and Lady
Kakushinni Day with guest speaker Rev. Jan
Youth of Mililani Hongwanji. Rev. Youth’s
dharma message included interesting
information about Eshinni and Kakushinni.
Present BWA President Carol Tsunezumi, Past
presidents- KT Cannon-Eger, Helen Yamada,
Hatsume Tanaka and Kiyoko Imada with Rev.
Fujimoto and Rev. Jan Youth
Lady Eshinni
1182 – 1268
Mother of Jodo Shinshu
Only through letters and writings do we know
about Eshinni and Shinran and Eshinni’s letters
gave Shinran an identity as a real person who
studied religion. Kakushinni was the youngest
daughter of Eshinni and Shinran. She laid the
Eshinni was the foremost woman devotee
of Nembutsu. She lived in the Kamakura
Period (1185-1333), a daughter of magnate
Miyoshi Tamenori in Kubiki, Echigo (Niigata
Prefecture).
9
HIUHBWA 3rd annual AIDS Walk
Shinran Shonin married Eshinni in 1210 in
Echigo when he was exiled from Kyoto for
propagating Nembutsu teaching. She was the
mother of six children and eventually moved to
the Kanto district with Shinran Shonin and
assisted him in his work.
The Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation
sponsors an annual fundraising walk starting in
Lili`uokalani Gardens. For the three years this
walk has been held, HIUHBWA has participated
each year by working in the registration tent,
handing out refreshments, and walking.
Lady Eshinni’s letters to her daughter gave
much insight into Shinran’s personality, his
years of study and family life as there are no
other detailed accounts of his life. Each year
Eshinni Day is observed by the world’s Fujinkai
members in April.
Lady Kakushinni
Lady Kakushinni was the youngest daughter
of Shinran Shonin and Lady Eshinni. In 1254
when Lady Eshinni returned to her place of
birth to take care of her family’s estate and the
children of relatives who had died early, their
daughter Kakushinni cared for Shinran Shonin
in his declining years in Kyoto.
This year, the Buddhist Women’s
Association team had a goal of 10 team
members and $250. On Saturday, April 12, we
far surpassed our goal with 22 contributors
from three BWA units who raised $735. Early
morning rain may have resulted in fewer
numbers of participants overall this year, but
the HIUHBWA team nearly doubled in numbers
and more than doubled in fundraising effort.
Hooray for our stalwart ladies and Charlie!
After Shinran’s death, she accepted the
responsibility of caretaker of the six-sided
structure in which Shinran’s image is
enshrined.
Reference: Hosha, A Pictorial History of Jodo
Shinshu Women in Hawaii, The Howaii
Hongwanji Buddhist Women’s Association,
1989.
Nine delegates will attend the BWA State
Convention on May 2-4, 2014, at Keauhou
Beach Resort and Spa. Please remember to
turn in your World Convention applications in
May to K.T. or Carol.
Much gratitude to Naalehu BWA members
Alice Yonemitsu and Masako Sakata; Hilo BWA
members Ellen Okano, Yae Kunishige, Janet
Iida, Jane Murasaki, Carla Murasaki, Lillian
Watanabe, Kumika Soga, Noriko Kawagoe,
Amy Watarida, Grace Tomosada and Itsuko
Murakami; and to Puna BWA members and
family supporters Carol Tsunezumi, Kiyoko
Imada, Jean and Charlie Tamashiro, K.T.
Cannon-Eger, Masako Sanehira, Jody Miyose,
and Kurt Sanehira. The details of money
raised are: Hilo $400, Puna $290 and Naalehu
$45.
Next meeting will be held
on June 1, 2014.
In Gassho,
Carol Tsunezumi,
Puna BWA President
10
Mother’s Day Brunch
The annual PHM Mother’s Day Brunch will
be held on Sunday, May 11th in the social hall
after the 9:00am temple service. Members
and friends attending the brunch can expect to
enjoy a bountiful and delicious meal.
Sponsored and prepared by the men of
Puna Hongwanji, the proceeds will be donated
to the PHM Scholarship Fund. Tickets are
$7.00 purchased before the event and $10.00
at the door. They can be purchased from
Janet Watarida or Robin Sato or at the temple
office. Make checks payable to Puna
Hongwanji Mission (Re: Mother’s Day Brunch).
Kiyoko and I staffed the T-shirt table in the
registration tent while everyone else on the
team walked the full course, some several
times. Carol, Alice, Masako and I were
interviewed for a video documenting “why are
you here today?” We answered, “Because we
are members of the Buddhist Women’s
Association, which internationally has AIDS
education as one of its priorities.”
Kakuma Available
If you’re craving kakuma namasu, kimpira, or
hekka or any other special dish, pick up a bag
or two of kakuma. Quart bags (1½ lbs.) of
kakuma are available for $5.00 in the PHM
kitchen until the supply runs out.
Jr. YBA News
On March 29th, 2014, Rev. Fujimoto,
Advisor Jan Nakamura, and I re-labeled some
of the niches in the Puna Hongwanji Nokotsudo
(Columbarium) as a service project for the Jr.
Y.B.A. It was a solemn feeling being among all
of the urns, but it was something that needed
to be done before the Obon season.
All AIDS-Walk photos courtesy of Carol
Tsunezumi and KT Cannon-Eger
Reverend Fujimoto had to actually open
some of the niches to read all of the names on
the various urns in it. We treated every urn
that had to be handled with the utmost respect
and care. On behalf of the Jr. Y.B.A, I would
like to thank Reverend Fujimoto for the
opportunity to participate in something that is
very important to both the current members of
the church and their ancestors.
This is a light-hearted event for a serious
cause. Entertainment, Zumba exercises, and
door prizes added to the gaiety. All of the
money raised stays on the island of Hawaii.
In Gassho,
K.T. Cannon-Eger
HIUHBWA 1st vice president
In Gassho, Sharyse Molina
11
Choir News and Updates: (Highlights of February-April activities by Ethel Miyashiro)
February was a short but very busy month for the Puna Hongwanji Choir and we’d like to thank
everyone who supported and participated in our events. We were happy to have the voices of Shar
Oyadomari, Mrs. Toma and the talents of Rev. David Fujimoto along with his parents Mrs. Joyce and
Mr. Richard Fujimoto. It truly was a “family affair”.
On Wednesday Feb. 12th, to celebrate the retirement of Rev. Earl Ikeda and to wish him and Myra
a fond farewell as they embark on their adventure to New York, the choir sang a special version of
“Arigato” with Rev. David Fujimoto in accompaniment on the sanshin and the Okinawan folk song,
“Bashofu” with Mr. Richard Fujimoto on the ukulele.
On Sunday, the 16th, as we welcomed in the new year at our Shinnen Enkai, the choir, under the
direction of Mrs. Joyce Fujimoto and accompanied by Mr. Richard Fujimoto on the ukulele, sang their
second rendition of “Bashofu”. This was followed by the lively “Asatoya Yunta” with Rev. David
showing us his talents on the sanshin. To close, the choir asked everyone to join in singing “Auld
Lang Syne”.
Rev. David on far left playing the sanshin, Mrs. Joyce Fujimoto on far right singing.
Sunday, February 22nd, found the choir in Honoka’a for the 40th annual GathaFest. The selected
gatha was “Children in Japan” to remind us that the lessons learned in Dharma School are carried
throughout life. As the trend towards making music more relevant to our younger members, several
temples selected upbeat songs with messages of peace as we travel the Buddha’s path. Puna sang
“Turn This World Around” a song written and performed by Raffi and dedicated to Nelson Mandela
and his work to make this world a better place for children. The new beat had everyone in the
audience clapping their hands and singing the words to the chorus provided on posters. What an
uplifting morning of music and fellowship.
12
Gathafest singers from left to right: Rev. David Fujimoto, Craig Shimoda, Stella Miyashiro, Jean
Tamashiro, Mako Sanehira, Claire Arakawa, Ethel Miyashiro, Char Oyadomari, Kiyoko Imada, and
Carol Tsunezumi.
March saw the choir sporting a new look with tops lovingly sewn by our own Carol Tsunezumi as we
sang for the Ohigan service (All photos courtesy of Carol Tsunezumi and KT Cannon-Eger)
13
Signups for the state bi-annual Choralfest, being held on Sept. 27th – 28th , at Honpa Hongwanji
Betsuin in Honolulu, are completed and we are happy to announce that Richard and Kiana Rose will
be joining us. It will be another stellar event filled with wonderful Dharma music, fun, food and
fellowship!!! But, it’s never too late, so join us if you can.
Humbly submitted by Ethel Miyashiro.
Puna Sangha Highlights
Hanamatsuri celebrated at Puna Hongwanji
Francis Kakugawa presents Rev. Fujimoto a copy of
her recently published book “Kapoho: Memoir of a
Modern Pompeii” in which she shares the stories of
her life in Kapoho, a town destroyed by the 1960
volcanic eruption
Organist Hatsume Tanaka, Rev. Jan Youth, and
Choir member Ethel Miyashiro at Lady Eshinni
and Lady Kakushinni Day Service
14
Project Dana News
experience as a youngster at Laupahoehoe
School when the tsunami struck Laupahoehoe
Point. She was fortunate to have survived the
incident though many of her classmates did
not.
On Monday, March
24 , Dora Hashimoto,
Mieko Nagao, Nancy
Yamada and Stella
Miyashiro went to Life
Care Center and Hale Anuenue for the monthly
Project Dana visitations. The volunteers made
friendly visits with relatives and friends, who
were happy to see familiar faces. Magazines
were shared with the clients.
th
In the lobby at the Life Care Center, our
volunteers sat on the couch and were
entertained by a wheelchair bound
gentleman. He has a beautiful voice and a
large repertoire of songs. He sang Hawaiian
songs, Japanese songs, old pop favorites and a
Filipino love song. His singing brought smiles
to the faces of the workers, visitors, and fellow
clients. As some workers passed by, they
would sing a line with him. Our volunteers
made a new friend, who brightened our day
and promised to sing for us again.
Museum exhibits (above); Haili Street (below)
after 1946 tsunami (Photos courtesy of Pacific
Tsunami Museum)
On Friday, April 4th, Project Dana took
sixteen people to visit the Pacific Tsunami
Museum. What started as a wet rainy morning
turned into a gorgeous sunny day by the
appointed time at the museum. Project Dana
appreciates drivers Clifford Furukado, Satsuyo
Taira, and Stella Miyashiro for transporting our
clients. Besides the drivers, Kay Kuwahara,
Florence Nishimura, Dora Hashimoto, Masako
Sanehira, Kiyo Sumi, Miyo Kunimitsu, Jean
Ochikubo, Sumie Takeguchi, Mitsuye Toma,
Hatsuko Yamashita, Anne Yanazaki, Kay
Kawazoe and Eileen Usagawa were in
attendance.
After the talk, the group was given time to
walk around the museum to look at
photographs on the walls. For many of them,
it brought back memories of how Hilo looked
prior to 1960. After an hour, it was time to
leave for a picnic lunch at Liliuokalani Park but
one member of the group could not be found
anywhere. Luckily, the docent found her in the
restroom where our missing member was
having difficulty opening the door. She was
not lost after all!
At the museum, the docent gave an
interesting talk about the causes of tsunamis
and showed videos of the tsunami that hit Hilo
town. When she asked the audience if anyone
had first-hand experience of a tsunami, Kay
Kuwahara raised her hand. With a little
encouragement, Kay spoke of her own
15
The day continued to be a beautiful one for
a bento lunch from Miyo’s at the sumo pavilion.
The finishing touch to the meal was Easter
chocolate candy which everyone enjoyed.
While some walked around the grounds, others
sat and relaxed. It was a perfect ending to a
fun and educational day.
our members that Project Dana can continue
to provide outings and activities.
In Gassho,
Stella
Miyashiro &
Eileen
Usagawa
Puna Project
Dana
Coordinators
Puna District Inter-faith
Memorial Day
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m. County Band
10:00 a.m. Service
Place: Front lawn of Puna Hongwanji Mission
Project Dana excursion participants relax at
Liliuokalani Park and enjoy lunch in the sumo
pavilion (Photos courtesy of Eileen Usagawa)
Guest Speaker: Lt. Col. (retired) Delbert
Nishimoto
Music: Puna Choir & Hawaii County Band
We are requesting flowers on Wednesday,
May 21, 2014 and assistance in setting up on
Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and put down after the
service.
Committee members for this event are
under the guidance of Glenn Watarida and his
committee. Please come and join us in
honoring the veterans who made the supreme
sacrifice. If there are any questions please
contact Glenn.
Shipman Family Memorial
Date:
Time:
Place:
Project Dana is grateful for the donations
that are given so generously by our temple
members and friends. It is because of these
contributions and those willing to help drive
Sunday, May 25, 2012
9:00 with Family Service and later at
the Monument
Puna Hongwanji Mission
Refreshments after the Shipman Service.
Submitted by Jan Nakamura
16
Puna Taiko Club News
In addition to "Yatai-bayashi", our newer
performance drummers have been working on
a song called "Tatsumaki" which was written
by Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka, formerly of Stanford
Taiko and the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble.
Played on low, horizontal drums, "Tatsumaki"
features a low, wide stance and features
dynamic choreography and rhythms which
represents its namesake, the whirlwind.
Enthusiasm for this challenging piece is at a
very high level and much progress is being
made with an estimated debut date of early
May.
The month of April has
been a time for recharging
our bodies and spirits as well
as for refreshing our
repertoire. With only a handful of
appearances, we were able to spend some
much needed time working on new and
forgotten pieces with our performance group.
Speaking of May, after taking a light month
of performances, Puna Taiko will be hitting the
road again in the coming weeks, with six
appearances scheduled within the span of a
single week. These include performances at
the Hilo Medical Center, Waiakea High, Keaau
High, Keaau Middle, Kamehameha Preschool,
and the 'big one' for the month, the bi-annual
"Kodomo no Matsuri" on Saturday, May 10th at
the Sangha Hall. We'll be taking the stage as
the opening program, so be sure to join us at
around 10:00 am.
The first priority was preparing "Yataibayashi", a piece made popular by groups such
as Ondekoza and Kodo. Based on the
traditional matsuri song from the Chichibu
area, "Yatai-bayashi" was developed to be
played in wooden carts or "yatai" that are
pushed through the festival in leiu of the more
traditional mikoshi shrine. Played in a seated
position with the taiko between the knees,
"Yatai-bayashi" is easily one of the most
physically demanding pieces on our playlist.
After months of grueling practices, we were
happy to debut a 12-drum arrangement of this
piece at this year's May Day program at Keaau
High to an enthusiastic crowd.
Lastly, our next car wash is scheduled for
Sunday, May 4th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Please bring by your dirty cars for some TLC.
Hope to see you there!
Submitted by
Paul Sakamoto
17