hawaii buddhism - summer 2014

5/20/2018 Hawaii Buddhism - Summer 2014

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Summer, 2014

Group photo of the Commemorative 50th Anniversary Service for the Relocation of Hilo Meishoin

HAWAII COUNCIL OF JODO MISSIONS1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814


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RETURNING TO KAUAI FOR BON DANCEBy Lisa Tanaka

Aloha! Im Lisa Tanaka, daughter of Rev. Kodo Tanaka (former minister at Koloa Jodo Mission). I now live in Ne

York but had the opportunity to enjoy the Bon Dance at Kapaa Jodo Mission on June 7 during my recent visit to K

I was so impressed by peoples dancing and heart-warming spirit. Not only the temple member but everyone

danced perfectly. I jumped in the circle and danced a few songs and had a really lovely time. I havent gone back

a Koloa Bon Dance but I thought the O-bon festival is a great opportunity to show our Jodo Shu temples and Japculture to visitors and non-members. Since summer is busy with visitors from all over, please keep up the Aloha

it of our ancestors and share this tradition with old and new friends alike!

I was especially touched by Mrs. Nakayas singing the last song of Bon Dance! That is something I cannot se

NY. She went up to the stage and held the microphone and started singing. She is such a great model of how to li

healthy and happy life. Lastly, I truly appreciate the Koloa members Mr. and Mrs. Miyahara for their warm welc

I had such a great time. I hope to be back next summer for Koloas Bon Dance!

SUMMER TIME MEANS O-BON SEASON!!

Summer seems to have snuck up on us so quickly as Kapaa and Wailuku Jodo Mission have already held their

Bon Dance. The O-bon festival with its parade of colorfulyukata (cotton kimono) and happicoats,

rhythmical music and taiko drumming, bright lanterns, and ono-delicious foods! Today, Bon Dances have

transcended ethnic boundaries to become one of Hawaiis many symbols of multiculturalism as people of all

backgrounds participate in this cherished Japanese tradition. Even Japanese visitors are surprised to see how

popular and diverse Bon Dances are here.

For thehatsubon(rst O-bon) families, this season may be an especially sad and difcult time for the loss

of their loved ones may still be recent. O-bon season, however, is not only a solemn time but it also represent

joyous time when families come together to reconnect with our beloved ones and our ancestors with deep

gratitude and love as well as to celebrate our lives.

Our two special contributors for the O-bon section of this summer issue offer their perspectives of this

familiar annual observance. Lisa Tanaka, Rev. Kodo Tanakas daughter, who was born and raised on Kauai un

age 5, tells us of her recent visit to Kauai for O-bon. June Shibuya, a dedicated Kurtistown Jodo Mission

member, who tells us about an important but perhaps lesser recognized practice of cemetery clean-up during

O-bon season.

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Kapaa Jodo Mission Bon DanceLisa Tanaka (far left)

with the Miyaharas

Mrs. Nakaya singing

on theyagura


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OBSERVING O-BON: PRAYERS AT THE CEMETERY IN KURTISTOWBy June Shibuya

Since the 1920s, Kurtistown Jodo Mission (KJM) has overseen two cemeteries that sat on Olaa Plantation land

Happy Homes Cemetery and Kurtistown Jodo Mission Cemetery have been preserved by a handful of dedicate

KJM men, who were also members of an organization called the Kurtistown Young Mens Association (KYMA

Who was KYMA? Historically, community service was at the heart of KYMA, made up of Olaa Plantation

workers, young men of the kumiai (neighborhood camps), who were not all church members. KYMA raised fusponsored projects like the Boys Scouts, annual beach picnic, egg hunts, and other activities serving children. T

temple sponsored the O-bon service, and KYMA supported the Bon Dance and hakamairi(grave site prayer).

Today, KYMA sets up theyagura(the Bon Dance center stage), the tents, and structures, pays for the Bon Danc

musicians, and coordinates meals for the dancers. The members purchase supplies and bring their personal law

mowers, weed whackers, abd blowers to maintain the cemetery and temple grounds. After 100 years, KYMA st

carries on the spirit of service as keepers of the cemetery. In 1984, when Puna Sugar Company closed, the

cemeteries were turned over to KJM.

During O-bon season, KYMA sponsors the O-bon gravesite services at three cemeteries, including Mt. Vie

Bishop Kuki of Hilo Honganji Mission, Rev. Fujimoto of Puna Hongwanji Mission, and Rev. Miyazaki of JodoMission all join together on a Sunday afternoon in July. Attendees follow the ministers as they walk between th

headstones with thick smoke from burning incense permeating the air, touching each grave. The ministers chan

loudly, their voices echoing toward the heavens, calling to welcome the returning spirits of people who once liv

in this community as far as 100 years ago. We have not forgotten them!

Today, new activities that include qi gongclasses and a new preschool are bringing new people to the temp

grounds. We are grateful for the teachers, parents, and children, an increasing membership, a feeling of comfort

the temple, and doing projects with the Kyodan, Fujinkai, KYMA, and friends. Everyone has service

and community at heart.

Rev. Junshin Miyazaki lights incense for Haneda family Harold Shibuya among unmarked river-rocks

headstones after O-bon cemetery cleanup.


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HILO MEISHOIN 50TH RELOCATION CELEBRATIONBy Pat Matsuo, President, Hilo Meishoin

On Saturday, April 26, 2014, Hilo Meishoin celebrated 50 years at the present location on 97 Olona Street. The

celebration of the dedication of the new church happened on the same day 50 years ago on April 26, 1964. I can

remember participating in a chigoparade in which girls wore dresses with a sheer vest and a crown-like orname

on our head and boys wore a white dress shirt with a bow tie and black dress pants. We all carried a bunch of o

while marching around in the parade. On that day we took the commemorative photo in front of the church, the

were so many people and young children. We were all those young children. It was a very festive and proud daall of us.

For our 50th anniversary, chairpersons Russell Morita and Dale Nagata did an excellent job in planning and

working hard in making the event a very successful one. They involved a lot of different members by giving the

different jobs and responsibilities and organized the preparing of traditional-style local foods such as nishime,

temaki sushi, bara sushi, namasu,baked chicken, steamed sh, shirae, okara,potato macaroni salad, and sekih

The delicious dishes brought back fond memories of the good old days.

We invited members statewide to the Big Island and were also fortunate to have Bishop Hara come to help

celebrate the special day. We ended the day with bingo and many people went home with different prizes.

ALOHA STATE MEISHO YBA CONVENTIONBy Jocelyn Tengan, Kahului Jodo Mission YBA

The 73rd Aloha Meisho Senior YBA convention was held in Hilo, Hawaii on June 6-8, 2014, with the theme be

Jodo is the Middle Way. Truth be told, as a participant, I was not mindful of this years theme of a balanced

way of living as there was too much food to enjoy, the overload of information I received about the history of

Young Buddhist Association and of the temples on the east side of the Big Island, and the outpouring of the aloh

spirit amongst the units all contributed to be off balanced, due to having too much of a good time.

Fried menpachi, namako, warabisalad, and lychee were foods just on the tip of the food iceberg that the Hi

unit prepared for us. A delicious Hawaiian luau was planned for Fridays welcome banquet and a scrumptious p

rib dinner with shrimp and roast pork was on the menu for Saturdays aloha banquet, not to mention the foods i

between! Now you can see why anyone would have overeaten!We had an opportunity to visit Kurtistown, Hamakua, and Hakalau Jodo Missions. During our pilgrimage,

Miyasaki and Rev. Wansa shared about the history of our wonderful organization and the ministers and dedicat

members who helped to build and sustain the Pure Land movement in Hawaii. This newfound knowledge make

me thankful and committed to continue be follow the teachings of Amida Buddha.

It is always a treat to rekindle old friendships and make new friends and to know that we all have a common

interest to strengthen Buddhism for a brighter future. Having the convention on different islands allows me to

friends who may not be able to travel, but can attend the hosted convention, so I look forward to going to Oahu

next year! Now that I am back home and recuperated from having too much fun, I am following that middle pa

balance Everything in moderation(haha) Hope to see you soonuntil our next YBA convention!

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Ono food at Hilo Meishoin Hilo Farmers Market Farmers Market


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YOUTH RETREAT ON MAUIBy Rev. John Cho-on Hara

On March 2122, 2014, the Maui temples held a Cultural Youth Camp at the Lahaina Jodo Mission. Seven chil

between the ages of 9 to 12 attended. As part of the two-day retreat, the kids set up tents, cleaned the hall andkitchen in preparation for dinner, and learned about all that goes into mochipounding.

Followed by a beach cleanup, the kids happily played in the water. At dinner, lasagna and garlic bread was

served. Then the kids learned how to wash and soak mochi rice over night. The night ended with a round of

charades and the ringing of the large temple bell.

Baldwin High school students were invited to the mochitsukievent, the following day. At 9 a.m., Bishop Ha

chanted the opening prayers and welcomed everyone. Mr. Rory Sato and his Japanese culture club students

participated in the making of the mochi, which took until noon to make. Though it was a lot of work, all the

participants enjoyed the event and even got to take home some mochi to share with their family and friends.All of this would not have been possible without the generous help of the parents and friends, who volunteered

their services.

The Youth Retreat is an important part of building the next generation of Jodo Shu members in Hawaii as it

draws not only children but gets parents involved with the temples too. Developing and promoting youth progra

and activities are vital for the future of Jodo Shu in Hawaii. I hope that all the temples will work together to hol

youth retreats on their islands and will support more youth programs. Please feel free to contact me if you have

ideas on educational programs or on how you can help in the future (tel. 244-0066/[email protected]).

Installation of new Meisho YBA ofcers

Participants in the temple Enjoying evening bell ringing Offering prayers to begin moch

pounding

Visitation of Hamakua Jodo Mission

during YBA Convention


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UPCOMING EVENTS & WHATS NEW

* LAYPERSONS/RENGO FUJINKAI CONVENTION IN HILO/ Sept. 1921, 2014 (Fri.Sun.)

The 23rd Laypersons Association and 24th Hawaii Jodo Shu Rengo Fujinkai convention will be held in Hi

The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers a special rate of $125/night (until Aug. 15; call the hotel at 808-935-9361 a

mention Jodo Shu Convention). In addition to the General meeting and a farmers market excursion, a B

Dancercise is planned so bring your hapi coat! For more information, please contact Rev. Miyazaki, tel. 93

6996 or email: [email protected] or Bob Miyake, tel. 938-8336 or email: r_e_miyake@hawaiiantel

* 120TH YEAR COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE AT HAMAKUA JODO MISSION / Sept. 20, 2014 (

In March 1894, Rev. Taijo Matsuo rst sailed to Hawaii to start Jodo Shu missionary work in Hawaii. In M

of the same year, Rev. Gakuo Okabe arrived and joined Rev. Matsuo in spreading the teachings of O-Nen

su. These two priests were not just the rst Jodo Shu missionaries but the rst ofcial Japanese Buddhist m

sionaries among all the sects from Japan to arrive in Hawaii. Rev. Matsuo dedicated ve difcult years be

he fell ill and returned to Japan, where he died two weeks later. In 1896, Rev. Okabe and the devoted mem

from ve local plantation communities in the Hamakua area built the rst Buddhist temple in the entire st

as a worship place for all Japanese immigrants.

This year marks 120 years since the arrival of Rev. Matsuo and Rev. Okabe. Their great sacrice and effor

contributed to the later growth of Jodo Shu in Hawaii. In conjunction with the Laypersons/Fujinkai Conve

tion, a special 120th Anniversary commemorative service will be observed at historic Hamakua Jodo Miss

Please come join in this auspicious celebration!

* WAILUKU JODO MISSION CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION/ Oct. 25, 2014 (Sat.)

Founded in 1914, Wailuku Jodo Mission will observe its Centennial Service and commemorative luncheon

Kahili golf course. For more information, please contact Rev. John Hara, tel. 244-0066 or johnhara@gmail

NEW OTSUTOME BOOK

The Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions is

pleased to announce the publication of our

long-awaited, revised Otsutome book. In a

completely new format, the new book has most

of the contents of the previous much-cherished

Otsutome book. The sutra section now brings

together Japanese reading, kanji, Romanized

reading, and English translation line by line.

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The main altar of

Hamakua Jodo Miss

made of Hawaiian k

wood by pioneer Japa

immigrants

Portrait of

Rev. Gakuo Okabe


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CHALLENGE + HOBBY = YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Is it possible for Jodo Shu to attract a general audience? If so, how can people get to know more

about Jodo Shu?

Launching a Youtube Channel has been my answer since March, 2009. I started this because it was fre

and I had nothing to lose. I simply thought this could be a very good way for free advertisement,

communication, and propagation. I also thought if I could provide various information on the internet, it

could make Jodo Shu teachings more accessible to a larger audience, and as a result, they might beinterested in Jodo Shu. Now I have over one hundred subscribers and surprisingly, some have even come t

Sunday Service after watching my channel. I hope many will enjoy my Dharma talks, messages, and vide

on my Youtube channel.

Today, we have all kinds of information that we couldnt have imagined not too long ago readily at our

ngertips. Two of our Hawaii hardworking ministersRev. Ishikawa (Koloa) and Rev. Ezaki (Halei-

wa)are reaching out to a larger audience through their inspirational and educational Dharma talks and

chanting on the internet. Rev. Ishikawa tells us why he started his Youtube channel, which now has as

many as 115 subscribers. Rev. Ezaki, who recently started, delivers his online sermons in English and Ja

anese. You too can check them out on www.youtube.com (search Kosen Ishikawa and Koji Ezaki)!

Please tell your friends, who are interested in Buddhism, about them too!

Rev. Ishikawa lecturing in St. Honens

One-Sheet DocumentRev. Ezakis sermon on Buddhist psychotherap

Front row (seated): Bishop Hara (Lahaina) and Rev. Narashiba

(Betsuin); Back row (left to right): Rev. John Hara (Wailuku), Rev.

Nakano (Betsuin), Rev. Miyazaki (Hilo, Kurtistown, Hakalau), Rev.

Ezaki (Haleiwa), Rev. Ishikawa (Koloa), Rev. Wansa (Hamakua,

Hawi, Kohala), and Rev. Akiya (Kapaa).

GO JODO SHU HAWAII SENSEIS!Our dedicated team of ministers at their recent Min-

isters Meeting in Ikoi Hall at the Jodo Mission of

Hawaii (Betsuin) on April 22, 2014. Members and

Friends, your cooperation and devotion to our tem-

ples and community are greatly appreciated!


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HAWAII COUNCIL OF JODO MISSIONS 2014 O-BON SCHEDULE

Each temple offers a unique and colorful experience. If you happen to be on another island during an O-bon servi

Bon Dance, why not join in to participate or lend a helping hand? Everyone at the temples will be happy to see yo

Temple Dates* Additional Information

Kapaa Jodo Mission June 1 (Sat.) Osegaki service only

Kapaa Jodo Mission June 6 & 7 (Fri. & Sat.)

Wailuku Jodo Mission June 20 (Fri.)

Lahaina Jodo Mission July 4 & 5 (Fri. & Sat.) Fri. service only/Sat. toro nagashi, da

Kohala Jodo Mission July 12 (Sat.) Osegaki service only

Koloa Jodo Mission July 13 (Sun.) Osegaki service only

Haleiwa Jodo Mission July 18 & 19 (Fri. & Sat.) Sat. toro nagashi, dance

Hilo Meishoin July 18 & 19 (Fri. & Sat.)

Koloa Jodo Mission July 18 & 19 (Fri. & Sat.)

Betsuin July 25 (Fri.) Osegaki service only

Kurtistown Jodo Mission Aug. 2 (Sat.)

Hawi Jodo Mission Aug. 2 (Sat.) Osegaki service only

Kahului Jodo Mission Aug. 9 (Sat.)

Hamakua Jodo Mission Aug. 9 (Sat.) Osegaki service only

Koloa Jodo Mission Aug. 10 (Sun.) Toro nagashi only

Betsuin Aug. 15 & 16 (Fri. & Sat.)

Hakalau Jodo Mission Aug. 16 (Sat.)

*List for service and Bon Dance, unless otherwise noted.

Colorful Bon Dance in Lahaina Otoba kuyo at Betsuin Floating Lantern

Ceremony in Haleiwa

For suggestions on future articles and/or comments,please write us at [email protected]

hawaii buddhism - summer 2014

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