New Year Greetings from theOverseas District Abbot‘wa’harmony

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

2February 2017

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii
At Higashi Hongwanji, we remaintrue to our origins
as an open Sangha, welcoming
anyone who wishes to learn more
about the Jodo Shinshu
tradition of Buddhism.
A registered 501(c)3 organization
Rinban: Kenjun Kawawata
Minister: Koen Kikuchi
President: Faye Shigemura
Vice President: Jonathan Tani
Secretary: Debra Saiki
Treasurer: Edmund Nakano
Asst. Sec’y & Auditor: Ken Saiki1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
Tel: (808) 531-9088
Fax: (808) 531-3265
Email: betsuin@hhbt-hi.org
Wa is published monthly byHigashi Hongwanji Missionof Hawaii for its members
and friends. Comments,
articles and other items for
publication consideration
are welcomed.
Editor: Ken SaikiTo all of our fellow followers in the overseas districts, I wish
you a Happy New Year. It is with great pleasure that I canshare the joy of welcoming the new year together with you as amember of the sangha.
Last year, in comparison to past years, there were more
opportunities to listen to theDharma together with you in theoverseas districts. There was the12th World Dōbō Gathering heldin the North America District in thesummer, and the 750th Memorial
for Shinran Shōnin held in theHawaii District in conjunction
with the Hawaii Betsuin
Centennial in the fall, in addition
to the Hōonkō Services in eachdistrict. I sincerely appreciatedthose precious opportunities.
I especially enjoyed meetingwith our fellow followers
from all overseas districts atthe Gathering in Los AngelesChōyū Ōtani
together with many participants
Overseas District Abbot
from Japan. Those experiences
Shinshū Ōtani-ha
have deepened my appreciationof how inconceivable the workingof the Light of Amida is in uniting us beyond the boundaries ofnationality and language.
I have come to feel that it is the responsibility of us Shinshū
followers living in this modern society who have fortunatelyencountered this rare teaching to share the joy of the encounter withpeople around the world. I am convinced that only in the sharing of
the teaching can we help to find rays of hope amidst the dark cloudsof the world we live in.
Shandao, one of the Seven Patriarchs, expresses in one of his works
as follows:“We vow to give equally to all people around the world,This joy of encountering the teaching,
Together to realize our innermost aspiration to become a buddha,
And to awaken to the spirit of the Land of Peace and Happinesscreated by Amida Buddha.
I conclude my message by expressing my wish that each of us will
be awakened to the vow of the Tathāgata.
Thank you.		

On the occasion of the New Year, I asked myself,“What is the spirit of the Shinshū Ōtani-ha?” Myresponse was that it is the aspiration to create asangha based on the teaching of the nenbutsu, justas Shinran Shōnin expressed in the postscript of thewish to extend my warmest New Year’s greetings to Kyōgyōshinshō, “Those who are born earlier guideall of you in the overseas districts.
the succeeding generations and thoseMy name is Hiroshi Tajima
who are born later learn from those whoand I have been assigned as Chief
precede them.”
Administrator of the Shinshū ŌtaniRight at this moment, there are always
ha as of the end of last year. Sinceintensifying conflicts in areas aroundwe have finished the renovation
the world. Those conflicts are caused
project of the buildings at theby such attitudes as self-justification,
Shinshū Honbyō by observing theand placing blame on others. As long
Commemoration Service of theas our minds are bound by differences
Completion of the Renovation inin nationality, culture, and religion,
November last year, we must now
those horrible incidents will nevermove ahead towards the 850th
subside. Because we live in such aAnniversary of Shinran Shōnin’s Birthworld, it is even more important for
which will be celebrated together
us to revive the spirit of the nenbutsu
with the 800th Anniversary of thesangha where anyone can live together
Bishop Hiroshi Tajima
Establishment of Jōdo Shinshū inin mutual respect as fellow travelers
Chief Administrator
2023. As the new Chief Administrator,beyond any boundaries.
Shinshū Ōtani-ha
I will carry on the wish of the former
I sincerely wish that all of us will
Bishop Kōi Sato’o, who strongly encouraged us todeepen our appreciation of each other as members ofopen up a new horizon for our entire denomination
the sangha walking the broad path to Buddhahoodin preparation for those major events. I realize thetogether this year.
huge responsibility I have just assumed. I wish to ask
In closing, I wish to ask for your continued
all of you in our overseas districts for your continued
support and cooperation.
support of our denomination.
Thank you.

New Year Greetings from theChief Administrator

I

New Year Greetings from theBetsuin President

H

appy New Year to all, and we hope we can see
you at our General Membership Meeting andShinnen Enkai on Sunday, Feb. 26.
While the Year of the Rooster foretells of amore mellow, flexible year, 2017 is going to beanother busy year for Higashi Hongwanji withvaried programs and activities at the Betsuin. As
mentioned in Rinban’s newyear greeting in last month’s
Wa and echoed in messagesby the Overseas District Abbotand Chief Administrator, wemust focus our efforts to share
the teaching in our community
to create a new sangha for thefuture generations.
This year we start off with
Faye Shigemura the always-anticipated Shinshu
Betsuin President Center of America public lecture

2on Feb. 3 and a district dharma gathering on Feb. 4 at
the Betsuin led by the dynamic Dr. Nobuo Haneda.
While several more lectures and educational
opportunities are being planned for the year, you
won’t want to miss the chance to see and hear Dr.
Haneda in action.
Of course, you can look forward to our regular
activities such as our study classes in English andJapanese, craft sessions, movie nights, ukulele class,annual bon dance and more. We hope you’ll find time
to visit and participate in our activities.
Last year was quite eventful as we celebrated ourBetsuin’s 100th anniversary. This year, even without
the kind of effort that went into the centennialplanning, we have a full plate in front of us. We’dgreatly appreciate your help on a committee, at our
events or with temple chores.
Thank you to those who have already sent in their
gojikai dues for 2017. If you haven’t paid your annual
dues of $75.00, please mail your check, or stop by theoffice to make payment. Of course, you may also catchup on your dues when we see you at the membershipmeeting and New Year Party on Feb. 26. Mahalo!

teshi uam toAke e de asu!
mo aimgo z

Ko -kkotose-kokyoros hi mohikuuuuu!

To All Our Members: Long-time, New and Prospective!

You’re Invited!

General Membership Meeting& Shinnen Enkai(New Year Party)
Sunday, February 26

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1685 Alaneo St. (corner N. Kuakini St.)

10:00 am Sunday service
11:00 am General membership meeting
11:30 am Shinnen enkai (New Year party)		 • Mouthwatering buffet selection!		
• Unforgettable entertainment!		
• Family-friendly games!		
• Lucky Me! and exciting door prizes!		
• Sing-along to oldtime favorites!		
• NO CHARGE TO ATTEND!		
(Donations always welcomed)

Reconnect with old friends and make new ones!

Call 531-9088 and let us know you’re coming!
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News on theBetsuin Wireless

Our Little Sister may leave you
misty-eyed but not disappointed

Our Little Sister (also known asUmimachi diary) is a 2015 film directedby Hirokazu Koreeda.
There are three Kouda sisters:
29-year-old Sachi (Haruka Ayase),
22-year-old Yoshino (MasamiNagasawa) and 19-year-old Chika(Kaho). They live in the house of their
grandparents in Kamakura, where they
grew up after their parents had
separated and left them. One day, theyreceive news of the death of theirfather whom they haven’t seen in 15years. At the funeral in Yamagata, theymeet their 14 -year-old half-sister Suzu
Asano (Suzu Hirose). As there is
After his lectures, Dr. Haneda’s chalkboard nobody to take care of her, Sachi
often resembles complex wiring diagrams.
invites Suzu to live with them.
Year starts off with excellent
The performances received
opportunities to hear teaching positive responses from critics. At the2015 Japan Academy Awards it was
Dharma teacher Dr. Nobuo
named Best Film and Koreeda wasHaneda will be back in Hawaii inFebruary, with two of his sure-to-be named Best Director, and all four
actresses who portrayed the sisters
informative, inspirational andwere awarded or nominated. (Haruka
entertaining presentations.
Ayase was nominated for Best Actress,Friday, Feb. 3: Public Lecture.
Masami Nagasawa and Kaho wereFirst, Dr. Haneda is scheduled tonominated for Best Supporting
speak on “Shakyamuni and Shinran:Actress and Suzu Hirose won Rookie
Buddhism as a Teaching of Selfof the Year). The film won theexamination.” This free public lecture, Audience Award at the San Sebastiánsponsored by the Shinshu Center ofInternational Film Festival, among
America, will be held in the Betsuin’s
numerous other awards.
Hondo (main hall), 1685 Alaneo St., on
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., Feb. 28,
Friday, Jan. 30, starting at 7:00 p.m.
126 min. Color. Japanese audio,
Light refreshments will be served
English subtitles. Free admission.
after the lecture.
Light refreshments, or bring to share!
Saturday, Feb. 4: District Gathering.
海町diary (うみまちダイアリー)
The next day, Dr. Haneda, who’s
鎌倉で暮らす、幸（ 29歳、綾瀬はる
Director of the Maida Center ofか）、佳乃（22歳、長澤まさみ）、千佳
Buddhism in Berkeley, will lead（19際、夏帆）。そんな彼女たちのもと
discussion at an all-day (10:00 am toに、15年前に姿を消した父親が亡くなっ4:00 pm) District Dharma Gatheringたという知らせが届く。葬儀が執り行わ
at the Betsuin’s Otani Center. Themeれる山形へと向かった三人は、そこで父is “Awakening to your Deepest Wish.” とほかの女性の間に生まれた異母妹すず
You’ll surely want to take（14歳、広瀬すず）と対面する。身寄りadvantage of this chance to expand
がいなくなった今後の生活を前にしながyour knowledge and understanding
らも、気丈かつ毅然と振る舞おうとする
of Jodo Shinshu with Dr. Haneda. The すず。その姿を見た幸は、彼女に鎌倉で$10 fee includes lunch.
自分たちと一緒に暮らさないかと持ち掛
Please call 531-1231 to register or ける。こうして鎌倉での生活がスタート
for more information.
するが…

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海町diary

賞歴： 第39回日本アカデミー賞、 最優秀作品賞 、 最優秀監督賞（是枝裕和）、 優秀主演女優賞（綾瀬はるか）、 優秀助演女優賞（長澤まさみ、夏帆）、 新人俳優賞（広瀬すず）、 第63回サン・セバ
スチャン国際映画祭、観客賞 、その他 。
監督：是枝裕和、 公開 : 2015年、カラー 、言語 : 日本語、 字幕 : 英語 、
映時間 : 126分、２月2８日(火)午後6:30時 、入場無料。

Betsuin presents check for
Kumamoto earthquake relief

Following the catastrophic earthquakethat devastated parts of Kumamoto inApril 2016, the Betsuin put out the call for
relief funds. Chief Administrator Koi Satoo
receives a check from Betsuin President
Faye Shigemura and Rinban Kenjun
Kawawata for $1,541.69, representing theamount collected from members to date.

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Honolulu, HIPermit No. 693

Address Service Requested

In this issue of WA...
• New Year Messages
Overseas District Abbot p. 1
Chief Administrator p. 2
Betsuin President p. 2
• New Year Party & General Meeting p. 3
• News on the Betsuin Wireless p. 4
• Dr. Haneda lecture & gathering p. 4
• February movie: My Little Sister p. 4
• Kumamoto relief funds p. 4
• Acknowledgments p. 5
• February shotsuki service p. 5
• Temple activities calendar p. 6

Temple Activities Calendar
FEBRUARY

2/3 Fri 7 pm Public lecture by Dr. Nobuo Haneda					Betsuin Hondo (Main Hall)
2/4 Sat 10 am Joint Dharma Gathering - Dr. Haneda			
Betsuin Otani Center
2/5 Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service/			Sunday school
2/5 Sun 12 pm The Larger Sutra study class			 led by Rinban Kawawata in Japanese
2/9 Thu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class			 led by Rinban Kawawata in English
2/12 Sun 10 am New Year’s family service
2/12 Sun 12 pm Art of Paper Folding class			
led by Jeanne Kawawata
2/14 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
2/19 Sun 10 am Nirvana Day service/Sunday school
2/19 Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meeting
2/21 Tue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
2/26 Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
2/26 Sun 11 am General membership meeting &			New Year’s party at Otani Center
2/28 Tue 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
2/28 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
2/28 Tue 6:30 pm Movie night: Our Little Sister (2015)

64MARCH
3/5 Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service/			Sunday school
3/5 Sun 12 pm The Larger Sutra study class			 led by Rinban Kawawata in Japanese			
Fukuhara conference room
3/9 Thu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class			 led by Rinban Kawawata in English			
Fukuhara conference room
3/12 Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
3/14 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice			Fukuhara conference room
3/19 Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
3/19 Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meeting			Fukuhara conference room
3/21 Tue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Kaneohe
3/26 Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
3/26 Sun 12 pm Art of Paper Folding class			
led by Jeanne Kawawata
3/28 Tue 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
3/28 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice			Fukuhara conference room
3/28 Tue 6:30 pm Movie night: Makioka Sisters (1983)			
Fukuhara conference room

Everyone is welcome to join the morning chanting held at 7 am daily (except on Sundays & the 28th day of the month) in the Betsuin main hall.

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