Rinban’s New Year Message

A Straightforward Mind
Is a Place of Practice

Rinban Kenjun Kawawata
appy New Year! Here’s hoping your yearend was peaceful and harmonious,with prospects for the same in the new year!
First of all, I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to all members and friends
who countinued to support the Betsuin and Higashi Honganji Hawaii District lastyear and allowing us to serve the community through the
Buddha dharma. Without your kind help and cooperation,
we would not have had such a successful and meaningful
year and the temple would not have been able to provide
the breadth of religious and social activities to appeal todifferent segments. I humbly ask for your continued support.
When I was in Los Angeles, my wife, Jeanne, received
a gift of a shikishi, a paper art board, from Rev. Yokoyama.
The shikishi had a drawing of a boar and a calligraphy of
直心是道場, jikishin kore dojo, or “A straightforward mind
Rinban Ken Kawawata
is a place of practice.“
Jiki means straightforward and honest. Together with shin, mind or heart,jikishin becomes an entrusting mind and heart which has no doubt for the Buddha
and dharma. That’s shinjin in Shin Buddhism. It is a straightforward spirit and puremind to seek the way of life, which is the Bodhi mind. Once we establish this mindby the power of the Buddha’s innermost aspiration, we find the same aspiration
within us and we never stop to seek the way.
In the Chinese zodiac, 2019 is the Year of Boar. In Japan, boars are known
to be fast runners. They dash straight forward. Once a boar starts to run it
doesn’t stop or turn, but just plows straight ahead, and therefore, implies astraightforward mind. This mind is a symbol of purity,honesty and straightforwardness, and thus
jikishin kore dojo means an honest mind, aplace to practice Buddha’s teaching.

H‘wa’harmony

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

1

January 2019

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
Minister: Hidesato Kita
Vice President: Jonathan Tani
Secretary: Debra Saiki
Treasurer: Edmund Nakano
Asst. Sec’y & Auditor: Ken Saiki
1685 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 Saiki(cont’d on p. 2)

新年のご挨拶

直心是道場でお願いします河和田賢淳

みなさま新年明けましておめでとうございます。昨年も別院はご門
徒、法友のみなさまのご協力の頂き実りある良き年となりました。心より御礼申し上げます。 別院は仏法聴聞の場、また仏法を通してコミニティーの皆様に奉仕できる開かれたお寺です。このお寺の宗教行事、講座やその他の活動を実施できるのは一重に皆様方のご協力があるからなのです。また皆様方の種々な形でのご支援をお願いしております。本年も引き続きのご支援ご協力を頂きますようお願い申し上げます。
干支では本年猪年です。私がロスアンゼルにいた時、妻の友人から猪を描いた色紙いただきました。そしてそこには直心是道場(じきしんこれどうじょう)と書かれておりました。素直な心は道場、仏法を学び実践する場であるという事です。猪は真直ぐに走る動物と言われます。まっすぐな心、素直な心の象徴なのです。仏法をいただく素直な心です。ここ心を忘れなければどこにいても仏道を学ぶ道場と維摩経というお経さんに説かれているのです。お寺は仏法を聴聞する道場です。しかしお寺だけでなく、私たちの日常生活の中に仏法があり聴聞する時、生活そのままが道場となると教えられます。まっすぐな素直な心を持って日常を送る、すなわちこの心によって日常が仏法修行の場所となる、聞法の場、道場となるという事です。今年も心を開いて素直に仏法聴聞の生活をし、皆様と共に実りある一年となりますよう願います。
合掌A Straightforward Mind (cont’d from p. 1)
So with this mind, our entire life and living become thedojo where we listen and pactice the Buddha dharma andour lives turn to the life of Onenbutsu, Namu Amida Butsu.
”A straightforward mind is a place of practice.” I hopethat all of us can find and establish this mind again, andBoarn
to Be WildB

by Ken Saikioars have been clocked at morethan 40 kph, faster than the
speed limit of many roads in theirmountain habitat. Compared with theother denizens of the Chinese zodiac,
they are, as Rinban said, fast runners.
But the inoshishi is the last animalin the Chinese zodiac. So I had to ask
myself, “Self, if they’re so fast, howcome the ended up dead last?”
A peek into the depths of theinternet unearthed several fascinatingtales about how the zodiac order wasdetermined. Most involved authoritiy
figures, from emperors to kings to myfavorite, the Buddha himself!
From the legend explained at
Japan-Experience.com, the Buddha
had invited animals to a large dinnerand agreed to proclaim a year for eachin the order they arrived to the party.
Going hog wild to finish first
The Ox was leading the race tobe first as the animals had to cross ariver. The Rat asked if he could catch aride on the Ox since he was too small
to cross it alone. So did the Cat, andthe Ox obliged. Before they got tothe other side, the Rat pushed the Cat
overboard. Once the Ox reached the
opposite riverbank, the Rat jumped
off, was first to dinner and became the2straightforwardly listen to the dharma together and makethis year a wonderful and meaningful year.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the temple andparticipating at our varied activities.
Thank you in gassho,
Rinban Kenjun Kawawata

first animal in the zodiac calendar. The
Cat apparently never made it to shore,or at least to the party in time, as it is
not one of the zodiac animals today.
This may also explain why cats arealways hunting down rats!
As a result, people born in theYear of the Ox are thought to benaive, while being trustworthy isn’t
considered one of the top traits ofRat people.
The Tiger, Rabbit and Dragoncame next. Since the Dragon could
fly, it was the early favorite, but it had
stopped at a village that needed help
and got delayed, which may explain
why Dragon people are thought tobe generous and unselfish.
The Snake and Horse were neckand neck, literally. The Snake hid in
the Horse’s mane and when they
arrived at the Buddha’s home, hejumped out and frightened the horseand beat him out to the next spot,
which explains while Horse people
are said to scare easily and Snakes
are considered sly.
Taking their speed for grunted
The Sheep, Monkey and Rooster
made the trip together, followed by
the Dog and finally, the Boar. Boththe Dog and Boar weren’t slowpokes
but made many stops along the way;
the Dog to play and the Boar to eat.
So this fable gives us a clue as towhy the Boar, speedy as it was, didn’t
end up any higher up in the chart.
Since ancient times, inoshishi
have had a relatively peacefulcoexistence with humans in Japan.
They are a sub-species of wild boar
found on Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
and Okinawa, and historically havestayed in the forests and mountains.
However, the combination ofseveral factors, such as humans
moving into wild animal territory,
warmer winters, the disappearanceof natural predators—the Japanesewolf went extinct in the early 1900’s

due to overhunting and disease—the population of boars, as well asother wild animals, is increasing
and they are becoming a growing
menace to humans. Wild boars havebeen eating farmers’ crops, digging
into embankments, creating messes
in backyards and sometimes evenattacking people.
Some boaring statistics
Of the $150 million in crop
damage in Japan every year byanimals, more than 25% is caused bywild boars. While fences help keep
man and beast separated, it’s just a
temporary solution.
Boars being boars, they’re justbeing their natural selves. Humans
are the ones responsible for upsetingthe delicate balance and causing
the problem. Therefore humans are
the ones who must now make every
effort to work toward restoring therelationship between man and Nature.

SUMI-E
BOAR

This painting
was created by
Sengai Zenji(1750-1837), aZen Buddhist
priest. A copy
was framedand donatedto the Betsuin
by memberDale Oishi. The
calligraphy reads
其れ出たわ,

sore detawa,or “Oh! Thatcame out!”
Sengai was
known forhis whimsicalsumi-e paintings.

News on the

Betsuin WirelessActor, Actress, Supporting Actor,
Photography, among other categories.
Named1999 Kinema Junpo Best Ten
Japanese Films #1,1999 Yokohama
Film Festival Best Ten Japanese Films#3, plus other awards.
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., Jan. 22,
103 min. Color, Japanese audio,
English subtitles. Free admission.
Light refreshments, or bring to share!
花火 （はなび）OMIGAKI: Volunteers gather around the conference room table, don gloves and grab apolishing cloth to make sure the altar implements look their Sunday best in preparation
for the New Year. It’s also a great way to keep up with the goings-on in the community!

Full-color 2019 District calendar special gift at our Feb. 24 shinnenkai, or
still available at Betsuin office New Year banquet. That’s all in addition
If you did not receive a copy of theHigashi Honganji Hawaii District
calendar in the mail, or would like
another copy, there’s good news!
We have a limited supply of thecalendars available at the office. Pleaseemail us at betsuin@hhbt-hi.org orcall 531-9088 and we’ll set aside one
for you. You can either pick it up at theoffice or we’ll mail it to you.

Save the date: Feb. 24 for ourannual meeting and shinnenkai

You won’t want to miss our annual
Shinnenkai/New Year banquet Feb.
24, following a short general
membership meeting and Sunday
service starting at 10 am.
There’s lots of food, fun, games,
prizes and entertainment in store foryou. Watch for the announcement!
If you or your company can donate
items to make the celebration more
fun, please call us at 531-9088.

Attention: are you celebrating
your 80th birthday in 2019?

Were you born in 1939 (Showa 14)?
Members attaining the age of 80 in2019 will be recognized and receive a

to taking part in a sumptous all-youcan-eat buffet lunch and the other fun
activities. Call 531-9088 and let us
know you’re celebrating your 80th!

不治の病に冒され余命いくばくもない妻（
岸本加世子）を見舞っていた西（北野武/ビートたけし）は、自分の代わりに張り込んでいた同僚の堀部（大杉漣）が犯人に撃たれたとの知らせを聞く。堀部は命こそ取り留めたものの、車椅子を使わなければならない体になってしまった。刑事を退職した西はヤクザから金を借り、妻に不自由ない生活を送らせようとするが、返済が滞っていく。西は妻を最後の旅行へ連れて行くために銀行強盗を行い旅に出る。途中でヤクザが追いかけて来たが皆殺しにし、最終的には元同僚の刑事に追い詰められる。
賞歴： 第54回ヴェネツィア国際映画祭・グランプリ（金獅子賞); 第22回日
本アカデミー賞：最優秀賞 - 音楽賞、優秀賞・作品賞/監督賞/脚本賞/主演男優賞/主演女優賞/助演男優賞/撮影賞/編
集賞/照明賞/音響賞；第72回キネマ旬“Unclassifiable” movie, HANA-BI,
is January’s featured selection

Yoshitaka Nishi (Takeshi Kitano/BeatTakeshi) is a beleaguered Japanesepolice officer. His wife, Miyuki (Kayoko
Kishimoto), is suffering from leukemia,
and his partner, Horibe (Ren Ôsugi), isparalyzed after gangsters violently
attacked him. Nishi is fed up, and wants
to give up his job in order to be with
Miyuki. To do so, he is forced to borrowmoney from the yakuza, and then, toclear his debt, he robs a bank. The
yakuza, however, are not pleased soeasily, and they continue to houndNishi for more money.
David Stratton of The Movie Show
calls HANA-BI “hard to describe…all I
can say is go see it, it’s great.” Winning
the 1997 Venice International Film
Festival Golden Lion Award, HANA-BI
helped Kitano skyrocket to fame as adirector. The film won the 1999 Japan
Academy Award Best Music and wasnominated for Best Director, Screenplay,

報ベスト・テン日本映画第1位；第20回ヨコハマ映画祭日本映画ベストテン
第3位、その他。
監督：北野武、公開 : 1997年、カラー、
言語 : 日本語、字幕 : 英語 、映時間 : 103
分、1月22日(火)午後6:30時、入場無料。

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WHAT IS A

Buddhist
The following is an excerpt
from “What Is a Buddhist?” by
Dr. Nobuo Haneda., Director of
the Maida Center of Buddhism,
Berkeley, CA.
here are two ways of defining“Buddhism.” One is identifying itwith a fruit in the basket. The other is
identifying it with the basket itself.
If “Buddhism” is a fruit in thebasket--a specific doctrine, such a
Buddhism is so narrow and limited; it
is not the true Buddhism.
If “Buddhism” is a doctrinethat can be compared with otherdoctrines, that is a misunderstandingof what Shakyamuni taught.
If “Buddhism” means such alimited thing, I do not want to becomea “Buddhist.” I do not want to be calleda “Buddhist.”
But if “Buddhism” means thebasket itself, if it means the realizationof a broad and empty mind, an oceanlike mind, an all-encompassing mind, I
want to become a “Buddhist.”T

If “Buddhist” means a person who
can worship all kinds of teachers andstudy under them, I want to be calleda “Buddhist.”
Don’t become a fruit in the basket!
Become the basket! Appreciate allkinds of fruits in the basket! Buddhism
is appreciating all kinds of teachers
and teachings.
There are so many wonderfulteachers and teachings in the world.
Let’s forget labels such as Christianity,
Islam, etc. Let’s forget even the labels
such as “Buddhism,”‘Zen,” or “Shin.”
Let us study from all. We are,after all, all human beings. We sharethe same human suffering and thesame human aspirations. We do nothave to be trapped by superficial
labels and identities.
If you could relate to this snippetfrom Dr. Haneda’s writings, you’ll want
to read the rest of his easy-to-grasp
essay, “What Is a Buddhist?”
Another consideration is joining
one of our study classes or discussion
groups. Try it to see if it’s right for you.
If you’d like a free copy of the essay
or would like to know more about ourprograms, call us at 531-9088 or email
us at betsuin@hhbt-hi.org.

Kupuna Aikido cordially invites you to a SENIOR
FALL SAFETY CLASS ($25)
According to the Hawaii Fall Prevention Consortium, falls
are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations
among Hawaii residents age 65 and older.
Although this class is designed with that in mind—to
provide seniors with a method to receive falls safely—the class is open to all adults. The class covers:
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4Time to plan for your 2019anniversary memorial services
In Buddhist tradition, memorialservices are held during certain
anniversary years to provide
families an opportunity to gather,remember those who have passed
and listen to the dharma. We give
thanks to our deceased loved ones
for the life they shared with us.
Traditionally, families in Hawaii
have observed the following
special memorial services. For 2019the services commemorate deathsof loved ones which occurred in theyears shown below.
Please call 531-9088 for more
information or to schedule amemorial service. It may be heldat the temple, your home or otherlocation where your family andothers can conveniently gather.
2018 1st anniversary
2017 3rd year memorial
2013 7th year memorial
2007 13th year memorial
2003 17th year memorial
1995 25th year memorial
1987 33rd year memorial
1970 50th year memorial

WHEN: Every Wednesday, Jan. 16 - Mar. 6, 2019
9 - 9:50 am, 10 - 10:50 am & 11 - 11:50 am(Online registration 12/21/18 - 1/11/19)
WHERE: Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Otani Center (Punchbowl side of parking lot)
1685 Alaneo St., corner N. Kuakini St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
WEAR: Loose-fitting comfortable clothing, such as
sweatpants/T-shirt/training wear.
For more information, contact:
Kupuna Aikido
 
XXXLVQVOBBJLJEPPSHt1IHigashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

NON-PROFIT ORG.
641045"(&
PAID
Honolulu, HI
Permit No. 693

Address Service Requested

In this issue of WA...
t Rinban’s New Year message
A Straightforward Mind p. 1
直心是道場でお願いします p. 1
t#PBSOUPCF8JMEp. 2
t/FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTTp. 3
t+BOVBSZNPWJFHANA-BI p. 3
t8IBUJTB#VEEIJTU p. 4t"OOJWFSTBSZNFNPSJBMTFSWJDFTp. 4
t4FOJPS'BMM4BGFUZDMBTTp. 4
t Acknowledgments p. 5
t January shōtsuki service p. 5tTemple activities calendar p. 6

Temple Activities Calendar
FEBRUARYJANUARY
1/1
1/6
1/6
1/7
1/8
1/10
1/13
1/14
1/15
1/17
1/20
1/20
1/21
1/22
1/22
1/27
1/28

6
4

Tue 10 am New Year’s Day service Ozōni soup served after service
Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service
Sun 12pm Basic Buddhism discussion in Japanese
おFukuhara Conference RoomMon 10 am Betsuin study classTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceThu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
Mon 12 pm 99 Lunch Bunch at Moanalua 99 Food Court
Tue 3 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at KaneoheThu 7 pm Tea Time - informal dialogue session
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingMon 10 am Meditation Sutra classTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: HANA-BI
火 (1997)
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
Mon 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service

2/3
2/3
2/4
2/9
2/10
2/12
2/14
2/17
2/17
2/18
2/19
2/24
2/24
2/26
2/26
2/28

Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service
Sun 12pm Basic Buddhism discussion in Japanese
おFukuhara Conference RoomMon 10 am Meditation Sutra class
Fukuhara Conference RoomSat 12 pm Oahu MAP class
Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday schoolTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceThu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Nirvana Day service
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingMon 10 am Meditation Sutra class
Fukuhara Conference RoomTue 3 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
Sun 11 am General membership meeting
Shinnenkai/New Year Party
Otani Center
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: Shoplifters 引き(2018)
Thu 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service

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.

5