Reflecting on Obon
Rev. Steven Toyoshima‘wa’
harmony

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

7
July 2019

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii
At Higashi Hongwanji, we remaintrue to our originsas an open Sangha,
welcoming anyone who wishes tolearn more about the Jodo Shinshu
tradition of Buddhism.
A registered 501(c)3 organization
Head Minister: Kenjun Kawawata
Resident Minister: Steven Toyoshima
Minister: Hidesato Kita
Minister: Koen Kikuchi
President: Kenneth SaikiVice President: Raymond Uyema
Secretary: Marian Tsuji
Treasurer: Karen Wong
1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
Tel: (808) 531-9088
Fax: (808) 531-3265
Email: betsuin@hhbt-hi.org
Website: betsuin.hhbt-hi.org
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
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 SaikiO

bon! Just hearing this one word alone is enough to conjure up vivid
memories of the smell of chicken teriyaki grilling, the thunderous
sound of the taiko drums cutting through the cool air of a summer night
and the sight of people of all ages dancing around a yagura tower. On themainland and in Japan I have been fortunate to experience the unique waysthat Obon is observed. Now in Hawaii, I am looking forward to participatingin Obon, Hawaiian style.
In Southern California, Obon is an all-day affair that often includes
the temple’s rummage sale, bake sale, vegetable and plant sale, as well ashours of live entertainment by local martial arts andmusic groups. Obon for most temples in Los Angeles
is the main fundraiser for the year, so there is always
plenty of attention put into making each one amemorable and unique event.
In Japan, Obon is a time for Buddhists to return totheir hometowns and clean the family gravestones.
Summer festivals are generally held by local towns
and Shinto shrines. Instead of visiting the temple fora Bon Service, ministers make house calls to perform
memorial services in front of the member’s home altar.
During a summer vacation temple homestay last
Rev. Steve Toyoshima
year in Takayama, I went door to door to chant sutras
at over 20 households over a busy three-day period. My host, Rev. Hirano,
stressed that this was an important way to meet the many members of thetemple, and to build relationships between the families and the temple over
the years.
Obon is similar to the natsu matsuri (summer festivals) that are held inJapan and the United States. More than the dancing and tasty foods, Obon
is a time to remember the loved ones in our lives who have passed away.
For those who have just recently lost a family member, there is always a
Hatsubon (first memorial) service that conducted at the beginning of thefestival. I will never forget the first time I heard the ringing of the bell as theministers led the procession of people carrying a candle for someone they
had lost that year. The people walking were not strangers but members I saw
often at Sunday services. It brought the reality of impermanence right to thefront of my mind. I could not yet understand any of the chanting or ritual atthat time, but I knew that it was something emotional and important for thefamilies who had gathered to listen. It is the same emotion I have felt fromthe families that I have met during these first funeral and memorial services I
have conducted as a minister here in Hawaii.
This emotion I think is captured perfectly in the 2007 July Buddhist
Temple of Chicago Bulletin article written by Rev. Patti Nakai, who spoke here
in Hawaii not long before I arrived this Spring:
In a way our (departed) loved ones are like the stars in the night sky,
far out of reach from our grasping self-interest but the shining essence(cont’d on p. 2)

Reflecting on Obon (cont’d from p. 1)of their karma. All that they thought, said and did
manages to sparkle in the vast murkiness of ourheart/mind. At Obon time we are supposed to behonoring our loved ones, but no matter what great
deeds we can do or large donations we make, it can’t
come close to ever repaying them for the thoughts,
words and acts of wisdom and compassion that theygave us and continue to give us.
All we can do is look up to those stars and letthem inspire us. At the Bon Odori, under the summernight sky, we dance with nembutsu—Namu Amida
Butsu—gratefulness for all the lives that are a part ofour lives. We dance because of what we receive fromthose myriad lives although we can’t help thinking

particularly of our loved ones. We dance under thestars, with our stars and with all the stars.
This year, while dancing under those stars I will bethinking of my grandparents, uncles and aunts, and temple
friends back in Los Angeles that had such an impact on mylife.
I will be thinking of those families I met for the firsttime during the services I have been fortunate enough toofficiate here in Hawaii.
I will be thinking of the many more people that I will bemeeting for the first time as I start out on this road of beinga Higashi Hongwanji minister.
I am glad to be here, and glad you are here, too. Namu
Amida Butsu.
			— Rev. Steve Toyoshima

Higashi Hongwanji Obon Festival GuideH

ere’s your handy-dandy guide to everything you needto know about Higashi Hongwanji’s 2019 bon festival,
all in one place:
WHEN: Friday, July 12, 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, July 13, 5:30 pm - 10 pm
WHERE: Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
1685 Alaneo St., corner N. Kuakini St.
(one block ewa of Liliha Bakery)
PARKING: In addition to street parking,ample free parking is available at Lanakila
Elementary School, across the street
from the temple, from 4:30 pm. Entrance
on Alaneo St., near the N. Kuakini St.
corner. Additional secured parking isavailable at Lanakila Senior Center on
Lanakila St., one block ewa, from 5 pm. Free shuttle service
from Lanakila Senior Center starts at 6 pm, last shuttle backleaves the temple at 10 pm.
DISABILITY PARKING: Two designated stalls available inthe mauka temple parking lot.
BUS ACCESS: #13 bus - Stop 57/58, Liliha/Kuakini#2 bus - Stop 68, School/Alaneo			
Stop 180, School/Momolio
MINYO PERFORMANCE: Harada NaoAtsusa Kai
			Saturday, 6 - 6:30 pm at yagura
MANTO-E SERVICE & CANDLE PROCESSION: Friday &Saturday, 6:30 pm at the yagura. All can participate.
ALL BOOTHS OPEN: 5:30 pm, closing times vary
BETSUIN BOOTH: Bon dance headquarters for volunteer
check-in, lost & found and general information. Bon dance
towels and fans, books and religion literature, t-shirts,
happi, obon donations. Cash or credit card.

P

2

KIDDIES CORNER: Fish pond, daruma-otoshi, jan-ken-po,
hachimaki making, tic-tac-toe, paper art in Otani Center.
NOMI-NO-ICHIBA FLEA MARKET: Bargains on new andgently used obi, kimono, yukata and other treasures in
Otani Center. Cash or credit card.
HOMEGROWN BOOTH: Member specialties, including
Margaret’s Toll-House cookies, chichi dango, Koolau baked
goods, patch quilts, succulent and airplant arrangements.
KAUPILI-ALOHA BOOTH: Gold leaf box, altar, Japanese
dolls, yukata bags and other exclusive Kyoto items you
won’t find anywhere else locally.
HIGASHI GOURMET SPECIALTIES: Spam musubi, BBQ
sticks, yakitori, bento, curry rice bowl, vegetarian curry ricebowl, chili rice bowl, vegetarian chili rice bowl, chili rice withfrank plate, inari somen, zenzai, ramune soft drink, monaka
ice cream. Cash or credit card.
SUPERB SUSHI: Futomaki/inari tray, spicy
tuna/reverse California roll tray, poke bowl.
WAIPAHU H.S. DIAMONDS BASEBALL:
Andagi, anda-dog, Okinawa yakisoba
SHIMAZU SHAVE ICE: Local favorite, withwide selection of flavors and toppings.
BON DANCING: Starts at 7 pm, both live and recorded
music. Participating bon dance clubs include the Honolulu
Fukushima Bon Dance Club, Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai and
Ryukyu Matsuri Daiko Hawaii. Bon dancing ends at 10 pm.
BON DANCE CLUB HOSPITALITY ROOM: Conference
room in the main temple building.
REST ROOMS: Otani Center and main temple building.
QUESTIONS? For more information, please call 531-9088 oremail betsuin@hhbt-hi.org.

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
and its Board of Directors
cordially invite you to attend theObon Service and Hatsu Bon Service
to be held on Sunday, July 21, 2019at 10:00 a.m.
at Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
1685 Alaneo Street, Honolulu
English sermon: Rev. Steven Toyoshima
Japanese sermon: Rinban Kenjun Kawawata
Otoki refreshments following the service.
The Obon Service is held to remember
our ancestors and to celebrate our life,
and is one of the year’s most important
observances. Please join us to resolve
to deepen our understanding of Buddhism.
Gassho,Rinban Kenjun Kawawata
Kenneth T. Saiki, President

The Manto-e
Tradition

ご招待状

初夏の候、
みなさまにおかれましてはお元気にお過ごしのことと存じます。
さて今年もお盆の季節がやってまいりました。本年は左記の如くお盆法要並びに初盆法要を厳修いたしま
すのでご案内申しあげます。
記

お盆／初盆法要

日時 2019年７月21日（日）午前10時
場所 東本願寺ハワイ別院
1685アラネオ • ホノルル
法話（英語）豊島スティブン 開教使
法話（日本語）輪番 河和田賢潤開
以上の予定となっております。
なお法要後、お斎の接待がございます。
どうぞご家族お揃いで法要にお参りください。
		

合掌

		
		

輪 番
理事長

河和田賢淳
佐伯ケネス

L

ong ago in India, wherever the Buddha delivered a sermon, the sangha—
those who came to listen—would each light a candle. The sangha
became so numerous that on these occasions, the lights came to be called
Manto, or 10,000 lights.
In Japan the tradition of Manto-e was started about 1,200 years ago
during the reign of Emperor Shomu. Once a year 10,000 lights were lit inhonor of the Buddha around the Todaiji Temple in Nara.
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii celebrates the tradition of the
Manto-e at our bon dance. This year our Manto-e service will be held at 6:30
pm on Fri., July 12 and Sat., July 13 at the foot of the yagura.
With your donation of $25 for each lantern you may wish to offer inmemory of a departed relative or friend, we will write his or her name, alongwith your name as the donor, on a small tablet to be hung from each lantern.
The custom-made lanterns from Japan can be picked up and are yours tokeep after the bon dance.

MANTO-E LANTERN ORDER • 万灯会提灯申込書 ($25 per lantern donation)
Here’s my donation of $______________ for _____________ lanterns in memory of:Name 名前										If known, Dharma name 法名____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Donor name 寄付者名									Phone 電話_______________________________________________________________________________

Please make check payable to Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii • 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, HI 96817 • ☎ 531-9088

3

News on the

Betsuin Wirelessfatal accident caused by Takumi(Takahiro Miura), a trainee. The
incident leaves Shiori devastated andthe shop hanging by a thread. Takumi
is determined to apologize and makeamends but is constantly rejected byShiori. The cherry blossoms are in fullbloom. What destiny lies in store forthis fateful encounter?
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., July 23,
119 min. Color, Japanese audio,
English subtitles. Free admission.
Light refreshments, or bring to share!
桜並木の満開の下に (さくらなみきの

Temple volunteers cheerfully clean the Ehime Maru Memorial before the June 30 Sunday
service at Kakaako Waterfront Park. Rev. Steve Toyoshima gave a brief dharma message
under the shoreline pavilion before everyone enjoyed a potluck lunch of chicken, potato& veggie salads, meatballs, Spam, Portuguese sausage, tsukemono and desserts.

Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii District Bon service at Makiki cemeterysummer bon dance schedules remembers contract immigrants
As you know, our Betsuin
bon dance is scheduled for the
weekend of July 12 and 13. If
you have an opportunity to doso, please don’t forget to dropby and/or volunteer your services
at our sister Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii District temples:
Saturday, July 6 at Kaneohe
Higashi Hongwanji: 6:30 - 10 pm;
food booths open 5:30 pm; service
6 pm. Parking available at Ben
Parker Elementary School. 45-520
Keaahala Rd., Ph. 247-2661.
Friday, July 19 & Saturday, July
20 at Waimea Higashi Hongwanji:
service 6 pm. 9554 Kaumualii Hwy,
Waimea, Kauai. Ph. 634-8181.
Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July
27 at Palolo Hongwanji: 6:30 9:30 pm; food booths open 5:30
pm, service 6 pm. Parking at Sacred
Hearts Academy with shuttle
service from 5:30 - 10 pm. 1641
Palolo Ave., Ph. 732-1491.
Saturday, Aug. 10 at Hilo Higashi
Hongwanji: Hatsubon service 6 pm,
bon dancing 7pm, 216 Mohouli St.,
Hilo on the Big Island, Ph. 935-8968.

4

Higashi Hongwanji Bishop
Kenjun Kawawata is scheduled toco-officiate the 33rd annual Kanyaku
Imin bon service with Bishop Eric
Matsumoto of Honpa Hongwanji
at Makiki cemetery on Sat., July 13,
starting at 9 am. The public is invited.
On this occasion of obon, we
pause to pay tribute to the 289
pioneers with no known descendants
who are buried in a common grave
beneath the memorial.

まんかいのしたに)
大震災の後、茨城県日立市のプレス工場で働く女性しおり（臼田あさ美）。 平凡な日常だが、同僚であり夫である研次けんじ（高橋洋）と幸福な日々を送っていた。
しかし、ある日、作業中の事故で最愛の夫を亡くしてしまう。 事故を引き起こしたのは、新入社員の工たくみ（三浦貴大）。
平和な日々を奪われ、心から工を憎む栞
と、赦しを乞い続ける工。 決して交わるはずのない境遇におかれた２人だったが、次第にお互いを理解する気持ちが芽生えていく・・・。
そして季節はうつろい、桜の花が満開となる春。 さまざまな葛藤をかかえ、理不尽な運命に翻弄された迷える男女の淡い恋は、一体どんな結末を迎えるのか？
監督： 舩橋淳、公開 :2013年、カラー、
言語 : 日本語、字幕 : 英語 、映時間 :119分、７月2３日(火)午後6:30時、入場無料。

After a fateful tragedy, a test offorgiveness in July’s Cold Bloom

A woman tries to forgive andforget in the face of tragedy in the2013 film, Cold Bloom, Director Atsushi
Funahashi’s 4th movie selected toscreen at a prestigious “Big Three” film
festival (Cannes, Venice and Berlin).
The story contrasts destruction
with natural beauty in Hitachi City on
the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture,
famous for its cherry blossoms. Afterthe 2011 Tohoku earthquake andtsunami earthquake disaster, Shiori(Asami Usuda), who works in a
metal-stamping shop, loses her
husband, Kenji (Yo Takahashi), in a

Cold BloomB
uddhism,theYounger generationEngaging the world
B
A

PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N • P U B L I C I N V I T E D
THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019, 6:30 - 8 PM
HIGASHI HONGWANJI MISSION OF HAWAII&

uddhism in Hawaii is facing a major transition as young
people are moving away from traditional and organized
Buddhism and more toward a general “spirituality”; aspirituality that actively supports their personal needs andhelps them find meaning through engagement with the world.
The Hawaii Association of International Buddhists (HAIB) isinterested in this transition and wants to explore the lives andmotivations of young people ages 25-45. The panel will ask
young adults to tell their story, explain why and how they
were attracted to Buddhism and what keeps them involved.
You are invited to join this enlightening evening ofdiscussion and fellowship. Questions? Contact Margery
Hamai, HAIB president, at margeryhamai@gmail.com.
BUDDHISM, THE YOUNGER GENERATION &ENGAGING THE WORLD
Thurs., July 18, 6:30 - 8 pm
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii main hall
1685 Alaneo St., corner N. Kuakini St.
Panel moderator: Nikos Leverenz has been a dharma practioner
since 2009. He served on the board of Sacramento Buddhist
Meditation Group for four years. He currently practices with the
Honolulu Diamond Sangha and works in the non-profit sector.
Steven Toyoshima is a fourth-generation
Japanese-American born in Los Angeles. After
two years of study in Japan and graduatingfrom the Otani Seminary in Yamashina, Japan,
Steven was assigned to be a minister at Higashi
Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii in April 2019.

Devon Hase coaches meditators on the 10%
Happier app, assists retreats at Insight Meditation
Society & Spirit Rock and leads mindfulness andmeditation retreats with her husband, Craig. Her
forthcoming book about ethics for millenials will
be released by Shambhala Publications in April 2020.
Noah Pomeroy is an oceanographer and a
UCLA-trained mindfulness facilitator and a
Certified Mindfulness Teacher. Noah offers
introductory classes in mindfulness andvolunteers at the Halawa Correctional Facility as
part of the prison dharma program.

Caroline Kunitake is an IT Disaster RecoverPlanner. Her family church is the Kona Honpa
Hongwanji Mission on the Big Island. She is nota member of any formal organization but
identifies her religion as Buddhist and is involvedin community and international volunteering.

Trey Fenton is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker and Certified Substance Abuse
Counselor, specializing in working withtransgender individuals. He is also a Buddhist
meditation practioner.

Here Is Happi-ness...
...and it’s just in time for bon dance season: the official Higashi
Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii happi coat!
Made of lightweight cotton, the cool, black one-sizefits-all happi features a white stylized Hokusai-inspired wave
design, front and back. Both lapels on the front have Higashi
Hongwanji screened in kanji, while the back has a white
Higashi Hongwanji crest contrasted on a red circle as shown in
the inset illustration on the left.
This exclusive happi is sure to make you happy and will
be available at the Betsuin booth at the bon dance, while
supplies last, for a $50 donation. Cash, check or credit card.

5World Dobo Gathering 2020
April 20th-22nd in Kyoto, Japan

第
十
三
回

世
界
同
朋
大
会

The 13th World Dobo Gathering will be held at the Higashi Honganji head temple in Kyoto, Japan.
These Dobo Gatherings are special opportunities once every few years to meet members and ministers from around the world as well as to deepen our appreciation of Jodo Shinshu.
Two tour packages are being planned, Details on the travel package pricing and application
forms will be released soon so if you are interested in attending the Dobo Gathering in 2020,
please contact the Hawaii District Office (contact info below).

Pilgrimage and Hot Spring Resort Tour
Apr. 18 Departure from Hawaii.
Apr. 19 Arrive at Kansai Airport.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Apr. 20 World Dobo Gathering.
Stay overnight at Dobo Retreat Center.*Apr. 21 World Dobo Gathering.
Stay overnight at Dobo Retreat Center.*Apr. 22 World Dobo Gathering.
Banquet and Entertainment.
Stay overnight at hotel.

4/23-25 Pilgrimage Tour by bus, with overnight
stay at hotels
Apr. 23 Pilgrimage Tour.(Hokuriku)
Apr. 24 Pilgrimage Tour. (Joetsu)
Apr. 25 Pilgrimage Tour. (Kanto)
Stay overnight at Hotel
Apr. 26 Pilgrimage Tour. (Kanto)
Departure from Narita Airport.
Arrive in Hawaii.
*As an alternative to sleeping at Retreat Ctr.,
offsite Western-style hotel rooms available

6

Dobo Basic Tour

Apr. 18 Departure from Hawaii.
Apr. 19 Arrive at Kansai Airport.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Apr. 20 World Dobo Gathering.
Stay overnight at Dobo Retreat Center.*Apr. 21 World Dobo Gathering.
Stay overnight at Dobo Retreat Center.*Apr. 22 World Dobo Gathering.
Banquet and Entertainment.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Apr. 23 Departure from Kansai Airport.
Arrive in Hawaii. (Return date and airport canbe changed for those wishing to extend theirstay.)
Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Office(1685 Alaneo St. Honolulu, HI 96817)
Tel: 808-531-1231
Mail: hawaiikantokubu@gmail.com
Bishop Kenjun Kawawata
Rev. Hidesato Kita

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

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

Address Service Requested

In this issue of WA...
• Reflecting on Obon p. 1
• 2019 Betsuin obon festival guide p. 2
• Obon/Hatsubon service p. 3
• Manto-e lantern tradition p. 3
• News on the Betsuin Wireless p. 4
• July movie: Cold Bloom p. 4
• Buddhism, Youth & Engaging World p. 5
• Here Is Happi-ness... p. 5
• 2020 World Dobo Convention p. 6
• Acknowledgments p. 7
• July shōtsuki service p. 7
• Temple activities calendar p. 8

Temple Activities Calendar
JULY
7/1 Mon 10 am Meditation Sutra study class
7/6 Sat 5:30 pm Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji bon dance
7/7 Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service (Kawawata)
7/7 Sun 12pm Basic Buddhism discussion in Japanese
7/8 Mon 12 pm 99 Lunch Bunch at Moanalua 99 Food Court
7/9 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
7/11 Thu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class			 led by Rinban Kawawata in English
7/12 Fri 5:30 pm Manto-e service/Betsuin bon festival
7/13 Sat 5:30 pm Manto-e service/Betsuin bon festival
7/14 Sun 9 am Bon dance cleanup			 No Sunday service at Betsuin
7/15 Mon 10 am Meditation Sutra study class
7/16 Tue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
7/18 Thu 6:30 pm HAIB panel discussion - Main hall
7/21 Sun 10 am Hatsubon service (日本語：河和田輪番)
			 (English: Rev. Toyoshima)
7/21 Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meeting
7/23 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
7/23 Tue 6:30 pm Movie night: Cold Bloom (2014)
7/26 Fri 6:30 pm Palolo Hongwanji bon dance
7/27 Sat 6:30 pm Palolo Hongwanji bon dance
7/28 Sun 10 am Sunday service and Shinran Shōnin			memorial service (Toyoshima)

6
4

AUGUST

8/4 Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service (Kawawata)
8/4 Sun 12pm Basic Buddhism discussion in Japanese			 仏教入門（お話と座談会）		
			 Fukuhara Conference Room
8/5 Mon 10 am Meditation Sutra study class
8/8 Thu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class			 led by Rinban Kawawata in English
			 Fukuhara Conference Room
8/11 Sun 10 am Sunday service (Toyoshima)
8/11 Sun 12 pm Buddhism 101 workshop (English)
8/12 Mon 12 pm 99 Lunch Bunch at Moanalua 99 Food Court
8/13 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
8/15 Thu 7 pm Dharma potluck
8/18 Sun 10 am Sunday service (Kawawata)
8/18 Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meeting
8/18 Sun 12 pm The Art of Paper Folding class			
Otani Center
8/19 Mon 10 am Meditation Sutra study class
8/20 Tue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
8/25 Sun 10 am Sunday service (Toyoshima)
8/27 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
8/27 Tue 6:30 pm Movie night: Good Morning (1959)
			 Fukuhara Conference Room
8/28 Wed 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.