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

Looking back at a mother’s love
,FJ[BCVSP5TVKJ
The following is a transcript of a dharma message presented by Kei Tsuji at our Sundayfamily service on May 8. This special Mother’s Day message is part of Betsuin’s ongoing lay
speaker program to allow members to share what they have learned, their life experiencesand daily perspectives with others.

In this issue of WA...

‘wa’
harmonyt-PPLJOHCBDLBUBNPUIFSTMPWFp. 1
t /FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTTp. 2

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletint %IBSNB4UVEZ$FOUFSMFDUVSFTp. 2
t+VOFNPWJF Late Spring p. 2t-PDBM%IBSNB(BUIFSJOH3FW.BFEBp. 3

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June 2016t "DLOPXMFEHNFOUTp. 5
t 4IPUTVLJMJTUJOHp. 5
t5FNQMFBDUJWJUJFTDBMFOEBSp. 6

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii

Temple Activities Calendar
JUNE
6/5
6/9
6/12
6/12
6/14
6/14
6/15
6/16
6/17
6/19
6/19
6/21
6/26
6/26
6/28
6/28
6/28

Sun 10 am Local dharma gathering
Guest speaker: Rev. Hiroko Maeda
Thu 7 pm ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 7 pm Hindu Scriptures: the Upanishads
and the Bhagavad Gita
Wed 7 pm Jewish Scripture: The Hebrew BibleThu 7 pm Christian Scripture: The New Testament
Fri 7 pm Islamic Scripture: The Koran
Sun 10 am Father’s Day family service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingTue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
Sun 10 am Sunday service & Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Little Voices from Fukushima
Documentary showing at Otani Center
Tue 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: Late Spring (1949)

JULY

Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
7/3 Sun 12 pm Omigaki - Polishing of altar ornaments
7/10 Sun 10 am Obon/Hatsubon service
7/10 Sun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class7/3

現代語で仏教を聞こう

led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseUkulele class/band practice
ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
10 am Sunday service & Sunday school
12 pm Betsuin board meeting
6 pm Bon dance practice at Otani Center(6 pm: Ryukyu, 7 pm: Fukushima)
7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Kaneohe
6:30 pm Manto-e service, followed by bon dance
6:30 pm Manto-e service, followed by bon dance
10 am Bon dance cleanup (no Sunday service)
3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
6:30 pm Movie night: Early Summer (1951)
10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
10 am Sunday service & Sunday school
11:30 am Ehime Maru Memorial cleaning
Picnic lunch at Kakaako Waterfront Park

7/12 Tue 3 pm
7/14 Thu 7 pm
7/17 Sun
7/17 Sun
7/19 Tue
7/19
7/22
7/23
7/24
7/26
7/26
7/28
7/31
7/31

Tue
Fri
Sat
Sun
Tue
Tue
Thu
Sun
Sun

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

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 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

Today is the second Sunday of May. It is Mother’s Day in the US. It’s
also Mother’s Day in quite a few other countries—including Japan—
but the date isn’t universal. Depending on where you live, Mother’s Day
can be observed on different dates throughout the year. In Argentina, forexample, Mother’s Day is the 3rd Sunday of October, while in Indonesia,
December 22nd is Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well
as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. In
this sense, it is a singular holiday where each family celebrates the mothersin their own family, rather than all the mothersin the world. And that’s why it’s called “Mother’sDay,” and not “Mothers’ Day.”
Anyway, when you think or talk about
your mother, you probably recall many fondmemories, especially experiences you sharedwith your mother in childhood. Your motherwas always there protecting you and watchingover you with love. Your mother’s nurturing andcompassion are no doubt strongly imprinted
on your memory system and easily come up
whenever you think of her. Throughout your life,
your mother’s shared wisdom and lessons assist
Lay speaker Keizaburo Tsuji shares you as you encounter difficulties or adversity.
his reflections on his mother’s love. I’ve been told that during World War II many
young Japanese men lost their lives as kamikaze pilots. On the night before
leaving on their missions, and facing certain adversity, they stood on theairfield and would shout as loudly as possible, “Okaasaaaan!” (“Motherrrr!”).
My own mother was raised as an only daughter in a well-to-do family.
When she married into the Tsuji family, she continued to enjoy a life ofprivilege, assisted by a large household staff. She had maids to do everythingfor her. Normal cooking and domestic chores were not familiar activities. Hers
was a soft and leisurely life.
Then, once the war started, all domestic staff and maids were mobilized
to work in the factories. My mother then had to take on all of the domestic
work herself. I was surprised by how strong my mother really was. In addition
to taking on the unfamiliar work of running of a large house single-handedly,
she was able to lead the entire family during the difficulties. Whenever I thinkof my mother, I cannot help but praise, honor and extend my gratitude.
I think all of you have similar memories with your mothers. In this sense, I
can say that all mothers are full of love, compassion and enormous strength.
Someone once asked a Buddhist leader for an explanation of Amida’sVow, which he was having trouble understanding. The Buddhist leader
replied that Amida’s Vow is something like a mother’s compassion for her
child. Mother always watches over the child. The child, while unaware of themother’s watchful eye, moves as he pleases, until he makes a wrong move...
then Mother corrects him. We cannot see Amida’s Vow, but we are always
under Amida’s guidance and protection.
In Kyoto, there are many, many temples. Each temple has a beautiful
garden with a quiet atmosphere. Among them, I like Eikan-do very much.
(cont’d on p. 2)

Mother’s Day (cont’d from p.1)
Eikan-do is well known for its
beautiful scenery in the fall, andfor its beautiful gohonzon Amidastatue, the principal image of thetemple. As seen there and in otherplaces, Amida statues are standing
facing toward you from the center

The backward glance by Eikan-do’s Mikaeri
Amida is likened to a mother’s love for her child.

of the altar. Only the Amida statue at
Eikan-do is shown looking back overits shoulder. Because of that unusual
posture, Eikan-do’s Amida statue iscalled Mikaeri Amida. In looking at
Amida’s gesture, you may learn manyteachings of Amida Buddha. Amidais constantly watching over us toensure we are on the right track.
The other day I was taking awalk at Magic Island at Ala Moana
Park. A young mother was withher 3- or 4-year-old daughter. The
child was following a few steps
behind the mother. The motherwas frequently looking back overher shoulder, making sure of her
daughter’s safety. Through her
frequent turning I could visualize
the mother’s love. When I compared
her posture with Eikan-do’s Mikaeri
Amida Buddha, I realized that
Mikaeri Amida is showing us Amida’s
profound love, like a mother’s love
for her child. Just as a child has trustin his mother’s love without doubt,
we should trust in Amida’s love.
On this happy Mother’s Day,
let’s take a moment to reflect on
the significant connection between
Mother’s love and Amida’s Vow.

2

News on the

Betsuin Wireless-FBSOBCPVUUIFXPSMETSFMJHJPOT memorable scenes which have madeWhat’s in the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish
and Christian scriptures that followers
find so compelling, so as to guide their
daily lives, in some instances to thepoint of “extremism”?
Here’s your opportunity to unravel
some of the mystery in a series of four
Dharma Study Center lectures at
Higashi Hongwanji by Dr. George
Tanabe, Professor Emeritus,
Department of Religion, UH - Manoa.
5VFT +VOF
)JOEV4DSJQUVSFTthe Upanishads
and the Bhagavad Gita
8FE +VOF+FXJTI4DSJQUVSFThe Hebrew Bible
5IV +VOF$ISJTUJBO4DSJQUVSFThe New
Testament'SJ +VOF
*TMBNJD4DSJQUVSFThe Koran
Each lecture is scheduled to run
from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. There is a $9 fee
per lecture. For more information,please call 531-9088.

cinematic history.
The movie won Best Movie in
1949 in Japan’s Kinema Junpo andsince then has become very wellknown and loved worldwide as oneof the greatest films of all time,
including a Top 15 ranking in 2012by the British Film Institute (BFI).
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., June 28.
108 min. B&W. Japanese audio,
English subtitles. Free admission.
Light refreshments provided.
（ばんしゅん）

本作以降、小津安二郎 監督作品でしばしば登場する、結婚を巡る父と娘の物語をこれが最初となる笠智衆、原節子の共演で描く感動作。北鎌倉で一人娘の紀子と２人で暮らす大学教授の曽宮周吉(笠智衆)。妻を早くに亡くしたこともあり、紀子は27歳になる今でも父を置いてよそへ嫁ごうとはしなかった。いつまでも渋る紀子を結婚させるため、周吉はついにある決断をするのだった…。

.&.03*"- '6/&3"- */63/.&/5#63*"-4&37*$&
Kurao Haruno family Segami family
Florence Matsuura
Howard Nikaido
Harvey & Norma Shima Helen Suzuki
Shojinaga family
June Ogawa
Ed & Diane Nakano
Patrick Miyamura
Don Fukuhara
Yaeko Iwasaki
Edward Akinobu Suyama family
Betty Nishida
Moriso Teraoka
June Oba
Annie Malama
Violet Uyeno(0+*,"*%6&4
Betty Koizumi
Roy Nakamoto
John Shojinaga

0)*("/

Sadie Sakai
Anonymous

E. Buffington
Anonymous
Ken Saiki
Raymond & Fay Uyema Helen Suzuki
Mitsue Ikari
Minako Ito SongSharon Sanchez
Roy Kaneshiro
Patrick Higa
Sachiko Yoshino
Florence Umehira
Elizabeth Nishimura Thomas & Peggy Ishida Rev. Michio Okada

Jean Haruno
Margaret Hamachi
Grace Sugimoto

Warren McKeon
Paul Nishida
Howard Nikaido

Frances Maekawa
June Omura
Robert & Frances Makiyama

05"/*$&/5&31"3,*/(-05

The Aikido Ohana
Quyen Duc Long
Dutchy Kahumoku

Jonathan Tani4)*//&/,"*Catherine Moribe

Kevin Kawawata

James DoteMillicent Yamamoto Noboru Hayase

Katherine Kurakake Anonymous
Florence Sueyoshi Doris Tsuyama
Beatrice Nakano
Helen Suzuki
Nagoya family
Anonymous
Shozo Fukunaga
Asano Family

Michael & Alice Nomura Betty NishidaMarilyn Kuroda
Akitoshi Nakahara
Henry Sakai
Jane Okazaki
Peggy Arita
Elizabeth Nishimura Kenneth Saiki
Yuko Oshiro

Atsuko Nonaka
Steven Wong
Connie Winkelmann Claire Tabiolo
Janell Mendez)#$)"/"."5463*4&37*$&1"3,*/(5&".

It wasn’t the same as the renown
Sunday Brunch at the Halekulani, but
no less love went into it.
The temple men whipped up theirfavorite creations, including temakizushi, miso soup, kakuma kimpira,yakisoba and pudding, and broughtsome Zippy’s chili as insurance.
No Yelp reviews of the spread wereavailable as of press time.

Katherine Kurakake June Masbruch
Charles Nishida
Richard Sorida
Evelyn Gail Miike
Miike family
Myles Nakatsu
Patricia Nitta
Amy AbePaul & Judith Umemoto Edward & Florence Suyama,:0%"/%0/"5*0/ (including columbarium, altar supplies)

Jonathan Tani
Chelsea Rafael
Traci Oba

.FOQSFQMVODIPO.PUIFST%BZ

Michael Takashita$"-&/%"3

Betty Nishida

Marilyn YonekuraJean Shishido

Briana Sugai
John Tiet

Ho Ky Minh
Minasan Hawaii

Stanley Sato

Dennis Kajiura)00/,0

Kikue Yuen

Michiko Terada'-03"-"33"/(&.&/54
Minako Ito-Song

Joyce Masaki

Shotsuki Observance for JuneO

0[VTNBTUFSQJFDF Late Spring, JT
NPWJFPGUIFNPOUIGPS+VOF
In post-World War II Japan, 27-yearold Noriko (Setsuko Hara) lives a
simple but happy life in Kita-Kamakurawith her father, Shukichi Somiya(Chishu Ryu), who lost his wife early.
Pressed to get married, Noriko would
rather stay single and take care of her
beloved father. When told that her
father will remarry, Noriko has to makea difficult decision...
If you enjoyed the movie shown in
December, Tokyo Story, then Late
Spring, by the same revered director,
Yasujiro Ozu, is for you, with its classic

MahaloGozaimasu

We gratefully acknowledge the following for theirgenerous contributions and assistance. If we’ve missed
any names, please accept our apologies and let us know
by calling the Betsuin at 531-9088 so we can makecorrections to our records. For donations of $250 or more,
receipts/acknowledgment will be issued in compliancewith current IRS regulations. Thank you.

親娘が語らい共に枕を並べるシーンは今や世界映画史的名シーン。以後、彼女は小津作品を象徴する存在となった。
1949年度のキネマ旬報の日本映画部門で1位に輝いている。日本国外でも非常に高い評価を得ており、英国映画協会(BFI)
選定の2012年版「批評家が選ぶ史上最高の映画トップ50」で15位に輝いている。
モノクロ 、 言語 : 日本語、 字幕 : 英
語 、映時間 : 108分、6月28日(火)午後6:30時 、入場無料。

ur monthly shōtsuki service in remembranceof temple family members who passed away inthe month of June of a previous year will be held thismonth on 4VOEBZ +VOFThe following list includes temple members whose
deaths occurred in May in the past 25 years.
Please call the office at 531-9088 if you have any
questions about the listing.

Masato Arima
Eddy S. Chinen
Matsuichi Fujimoto
Doris S. Fukuda
Philip T. Fukushima
Hajime Harauchi
Shuju Hirokawa
Momoe Inouye
Betsy Momoyo Ishii
Kenneth T. Iwasaki
Sute Kakugawa
Yoshiyuki KawakamiThomas T. Kojima
Ethel T. Komatsu
Ima Kono
Hideto Kubota

Satsuki Omura
Kikue Saida
Shizuko Saiki
Henry K. Sakamoto
Kenneth W. Sakamoto
Sadaichi Sakamoto
Sadao Sasabuchi
Shizue Sekiya
Stanley Manabu Shirai
Kenneth Mutsuo Sugai
Yoshitaka Tachibana
Kenneth Kiyoshi Tagami
Joe Tanaka
Stanley H. Tanaka
Hazel K. Tanijo
Sue Tanimura

Kiyoshi Matsumoto
Leatrice C. Matsumoto
Fusano Michioku
Otome Miyashiro
Sadako Morita
Michino Murakami
Lois K. Muramoto
Mitsuko Nakahara
Kiyoumi Nakamura
George Yoshio Nii
Katsumi NishidaMatsutaro Nishimura
Katsumi Nomura
Aileen T. Ogawa
Wallace H. Oi
Kazuo “Bob” Okazaki

Yutaka Teshima
Vivian Toshiko Tomita
Edward G. Tsubaki
Harry Hideo Tsukamoto
Geroge T. UchidaCharles S. Uchihara
Hiroharu Uyesato
Shigeru Uyeunten
Florence WatanabePeter Y. Watanabe
Russell Ken Yamamoto
Ted T. Yamamoto
Marilyn Shizue Yanagida
Harriet Natsuko Yatagai
Chima Yoshimura
George H. Yoshino

5

Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Retreat Program

Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Retreat Program

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Higashi
Hawaii

Local
LocalDharma
DharmaGathering
Gathering
Theme: “Awakening to Your Deepest Wish”
Date:

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Time:

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lecturer:Rev. Hiroko Maeda(Minister at Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji)

Place:

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, HI 96817
Telephone (808) 531-9088
Rev. Maeda
wasbornin Chiba,
Japan.Japan.
Rev.
Maeda
was
born
in Chiba,
She
received
ordination,
Tokudo,atoftheagenine,
She received
herherfirstfirstordination,
Tokudo,at the age
nine,
butof
she
was
more
into
sports—basketball.
but she was more into sports--basketball.
Afterhighschool,
school,enrolled
and graduatedfrom HaAfter highshesheenrolled
at andingraduatedfrom Hawaii
Community
Collegein
Hilo,majoring
infood
service.
Duringcollege,waii Community College in Hilo, majoring in food service.
DurshebecameinterestedinBuddhismthroughmeeting
with
Hawaiiing college, she became interested in Buddhism through meetministers
and members.
In 2010,decided toIngo2010,
to Doboing Buddhist
with Hawaii
Buddhist
ministers
and shemembers.
she
University in Aichi to study Shin Buddhim and received her Kyoshi.
decided to go to Dobo University in Aichi to study Shin BudIn April
she wasHigashi
Hongwanji
as thedhim
and 2012,
receivedherassigned
Kyoshi.toInKaneohe
April 2012,she
was assigned
resident minister.
to Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji as the resident minister.

Rev. Hiroko Maeda

Detach here

Detach HereI would like to participate in the Local Dharma Gathering on June 5, 2016.
Name:

Phone:FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please Call Higashi Hongwanji
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii: (808)531-9088
3

4

Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Retreat Program

Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Retreat Program

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Higashi
Hawaii

Local
LocalDharma
DharmaGathering
Gathering
Theme: “Awakening to Your Deepest Wish”
Date:

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Time:

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lecturer:Rev. Hiroko Maeda(Minister at Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji)

Place:

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, HI 96817
Telephone (808) 531-9088
Rev. Maeda
wasbornin Chiba,
Japan.Japan.
Rev.
Maeda
was
born
in Chiba,
She
received
ordination,
Tokudo,atoftheagenine,
She received
herherfirstfirstordination,
Tokudo,at the age
nine,
butof
she
was
more
into
sports—basketball.
but she was more into sports--basketball.
Afterhighschool,
school,enrolled
and graduatedfrom HaAfter highshesheenrolled
at andingraduatedfrom Hawaii
Community
Collegein
Hilo,majoring
infood
service.
Duringcollege,waii Community College in Hilo, majoring in food service.
DurshebecameinterestedinBuddhismthroughmeeting
with
Hawaiiing college, she became interested in Buddhism through meetministers
and members.
In 2010,decided toIngo2010,
to Doboing Buddhist
with Hawaii
Buddhist
ministers
and shemembers.
she
University in Aichi to study Shin Buddhim and received her Kyoshi.
decided to go to Dobo University in Aichi to study Shin BudIn April
she wasHigashi
Hongwanji
as thedhim
and 2012,
receivedherassigned
Kyoshi.toInKaneohe
April 2012,she
was assigned
resident minister.
to Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji as the resident minister.

Rev. Hiroko Maeda

Detach here

Detach HereI would like to participate in the Local Dharma Gathering on June 5, 2016.
Name:

Phone:FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please Call Higashi Hongwanji
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii: (808)531-9088
3

4

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

Looking back at a mother’s love
,FJ[BCVSP5TVKJ
The following is a transcript of a dharma message presented by Kei Tsuji at our Sundayfamily service on May 8. This special Mother’s Day message is part of Betsuin’s ongoing lay
speaker program to allow members to share what they have learned, their life experiencesand daily perspectives with others.

In this issue of WA...

‘wa’
harmonyt-PPLJOHCBDLBUBNPUIFSTMPWFp. 1
t /FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTTp. 2

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletint %IBSNB4UVEZ$FOUFSMFDUVSFTp. 2
t+VOFNPWJF Late Spring p. 2t-PDBM%IBSNB(BUIFSJOH3FW.BFEBp. 3

6t-JUUMF7PJDFTGSPN'VLVTIJNBp. 4

June 2016t "DLOPXMFEHNFOUTp. 5
t 4IPUTVLJMJTUJOHp. 5
t5FNQMFBDUJWJUJFTDBMFOEBSp. 6

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii

Temple Activities Calendar
JUNE
6/5
6/9
6/12
6/12
6/14
6/14
6/15
6/16
6/17
6/19
6/19
6/21
6/26
6/26
6/28
6/28
6/28

Sun 10 am Local dharma gathering
Guest speaker: Rev. Hiroko Maeda
Thu 7 pm ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 7 pm Hindu Scriptures: the Upanishads
and the Bhagavad Gita
Wed 7 pm Jewish Scripture: The Hebrew BibleThu 7 pm Christian Scripture: The New Testament
Fri 7 pm Islamic Scripture: The Koran
Sun 10 am Father’s Day family service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingTue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
Sun 10 am Sunday service & Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Little Voices from Fukushima
Documentary showing at Otani Center
Tue 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: Late Spring (1949)

JULY

Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
7/3 Sun 12 pm Omigaki - Polishing of altar ornaments
7/10 Sun 10 am Obon/Hatsubon service
7/10 Sun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class7/3

現代語で仏教を聞こう

led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseUkulele class/band practice
ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
10 am Sunday service & Sunday school
12 pm Betsuin board meeting
6 pm Bon dance practice at Otani Center(6 pm: Ryukyu, 7 pm: Fukushima)
7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Kaneohe
6:30 pm Manto-e service, followed by bon dance
6:30 pm Manto-e service, followed by bon dance
10 am Bon dance cleanup (no Sunday service)
3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
6:30 pm Movie night: Early Summer (1951)
10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
10 am Sunday service & Sunday school
11:30 am Ehime Maru Memorial cleaning
Picnic lunch at Kakaako Waterfront Park

7/12 Tue 3 pm
7/14 Thu 7 pm
7/17 Sun
7/17 Sun
7/19 Tue
7/19
7/22
7/23
7/24
7/26
7/26
7/28
7/31
7/31

Tue
Fri
Sat
Sun
Tue
Tue
Thu
Sun
Sun

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

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 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

Today is the second Sunday of May. It is Mother’s Day in the US. It’s
also Mother’s Day in quite a few other countries—including Japan—
but the date isn’t universal. Depending on where you live, Mother’s Day
can be observed on different dates throughout the year. In Argentina, forexample, Mother’s Day is the 3rd Sunday of October, while in Indonesia,
December 22nd is Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well
as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. In
this sense, it is a singular holiday where each family celebrates the mothersin their own family, rather than all the mothersin the world. And that’s why it’s called “Mother’sDay,” and not “Mothers’ Day.”
Anyway, when you think or talk about
your mother, you probably recall many fondmemories, especially experiences you sharedwith your mother in childhood. Your motherwas always there protecting you and watchingover you with love. Your mother’s nurturing andcompassion are no doubt strongly imprinted
on your memory system and easily come up
whenever you think of her. Throughout your life,
your mother’s shared wisdom and lessons assist
Lay speaker Keizaburo Tsuji shares you as you encounter difficulties or adversity.
his reflections on his mother’s love. I’ve been told that during World War II many
young Japanese men lost their lives as kamikaze pilots. On the night before
leaving on their missions, and facing certain adversity, they stood on theairfield and would shout as loudly as possible, “Okaasaaaan!” (“Motherrrr!”).
My own mother was raised as an only daughter in a well-to-do family.
When she married into the Tsuji family, she continued to enjoy a life ofprivilege, assisted by a large household staff. She had maids to do everythingfor her. Normal cooking and domestic chores were not familiar activities. Hers
was a soft and leisurely life.
Then, once the war started, all domestic staff and maids were mobilized
to work in the factories. My mother then had to take on all of the domestic
work herself. I was surprised by how strong my mother really was. In addition
to taking on the unfamiliar work of running of a large house single-handedly,
she was able to lead the entire family during the difficulties. Whenever I thinkof my mother, I cannot help but praise, honor and extend my gratitude.
I think all of you have similar memories with your mothers. In this sense, I
can say that all mothers are full of love, compassion and enormous strength.
Someone once asked a Buddhist leader for an explanation of Amida’sVow, which he was having trouble understanding. The Buddhist leader
replied that Amida’s Vow is something like a mother’s compassion for her
child. Mother always watches over the child. The child, while unaware of themother’s watchful eye, moves as he pleases, until he makes a wrong move...
then Mother corrects him. We cannot see Amida’s Vow, but we are always
under Amida’s guidance and protection.
In Kyoto, there are many, many temples. Each temple has a beautiful
garden with a quiet atmosphere. Among them, I like Eikan-do very much.
(cont’d on p. 2)