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

The World of Innermost Aspiration
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Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

3

March 2015

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii

Temple Activities Calendar
MARCH 2015
3/1
3/1
3/1
3/8
3/8
3/10
3/12
3/14
3/15
3/15
3/17
3/22
3/24
3/24
3/28
3/29

Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Jimmy’s Auto Basics
led by Jimmy Hirakawa
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseOtani Center
Sun 10 am Sunday service
Sun 12 pm Omigaki (polishing of altar items)
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceThu 7 pm ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Sat 10 am Hawaii District meeting
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Spring Ohigan service
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingTue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Kaneohe
Sun 10 am Rennyo Shonin memorial service
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: Pitfall (おとし穴)
Sat 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Sun 10 am Sunday service

APRIL 2015
4/5
4/9
4/11
4/12
4/12
4/14
4/19
4/19
4/21
4/23
4/26
4/28
4/28
4/28
4/30

Sun 10 am HBC Buddha Day service
Soto Mission of Hawaii, 1708 Nuuanu Ave(no Sunday service at Betsuin)Thu 7 pm ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Sat 10 am What on Earth Is Namuamidabutsu?
led by Rev. Frank Childs
Sun 10 am Betsuin Buddha Day service
Sun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceSun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingTue 7 pm Dharma Study Center lecture series
Dr. Jay Sakashita of UH-Manoa
Lecture 1:The Story of Buddha
Thu 7 pm Lecture 2: The Dharma Spreads
Sun 10 am Sunday service
Tue 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 7 pm Lecture 3: The Dharma Changes
Thu 7 pm Lecture 4: Japanese Buddhism

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
President: Faye Shigemura
Vice President: Jonathan Tani
Secretary: Debra Saiki
Treasurer: Edmund Nakano
Auditor: Ken Saiki
Rinban: Kenjun Kawawata
Associate Minister:Frank Childs
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

his year I became 63 years of age. If I were living 500 years ago, when the
average lifespan was about 50 years, I would have been approaching the endof my life. But today, the average human lifespan is more than 80 years, and you
have a chance to live more than 90 or 100 years. However, I cannot predict what will
happen in the next moment. I might die in the next moment, or tomorrow.
Shakyamuni Buddha once said, “To live a single day and hear the teachings oftruth is better than to live a hundred years without knowing such teaching.” Your life
may last 100 years, but if you don’t encounter the teachings ofthe truth, you will have wasted your 100 years of life.
One of the Seven Patriarchs of Shin Buddhism, VasuCandhu(4th century CE) said, “When contemplating the power ofthe Buddha’s original Vow, those who encounter it will
never pass in vain; quickly will they Ce filled with the great
Treasure Ocean of virtue.”
Shakyamuni Buddha said, “To live a single day and hear
the teachings of truth is better than to live a hundred years Rinban Kawawata
without knowing such teaching.” I think “hearing the teaching of the truth,” means
to have the true view, which is realization, and encountering the power of the
Buddha’s original vow that Vasubandhu mentioned in his writing.
The power of the Buddha’s Original vow (Hongan-riki) is the other power(Ta-riki), which is the power beyond self.
Shin Buddhist Minister Rev. Shigeshi Wada once said in a lecture, “When welisten to and share the teaching of Buddha with others, the working of the Pure
Land comes to us. Then that place turns to the Pure Land.”The Pure Land in Shin Buddhism is not like the Christian heaven. The Pure
Land not a physical place, but symbolizes Buddha’s state of mind, which is apeaceful, spiritual world. The Pure Land is the working of the Dharma thatmakes us realize truth and our true self.
So the working of the Pure Land is that “power beyond self” (Hongan-riki or
Ta-riki) which comes to us, embraces us, and teaches us the true self and truelife that we were meant to enjoy. “Other Power” is that power beyond self whichis from the innermost aspiration of Amida Buddha.
We are living in the world of oneness. The circle of life and world of life arecalled the “world of oneness” (compassion). In addition, we have one more
world that’s called the ”world of teaching,” also known as Dharma (wisdom). In
ancient India, they called these worlds “Amida.”
Rev. Wada also mentioned in his lecture, “The true nature of life is a wish.” I
think that every living thing has a wish to live free and liberated, and to live inpeace. We have a same wish in the bottom of our mind. So we have to ask
ourselves,“What is my deepest wish?”“What kind of life do I really want?”
People usually wish for money or other materialistic things. But is that what
we really want for our life? We know that money and materialistic things don’t lastforever. Of course, we need money. We need certain materialistic things in order
to live. However, it’s sad if we only chase materialistic things for our whole lives.
We have to think, “What is my life really about?”“Why was I born?”“What am I?”
We should think about our true wish for our lives. Thinking about our own
true wish and own life is practicing Buddhism. This is the life of Buddhist.
I feel that in order to find our true wish and true settled mind, we must listen to
the Dharma diligently in our everyday lives.
Thank you in gassho.
Kenjun Kawawata

MarchMusings

Malaki
März

삼월
Marzo

Y

ou may recall from high school World History classthat the month of March was named after Mars,
the Roman god of war. We learned that in ancient Rome,March was the first month of the year, a time to resume
farming and empire expansion, otherwise known as “war.”
In case you don’t recall these tidbits like I do, you don’t
have to feel bad. You may have had cafeteria duty that day
or might have even been absent from school and don’t
happen to have the excuse slip from the doctor any more.
Another recollection about March from small-kidtime: My 5th-grade teacher, Miss Loehr, who was from themainland, told us that people from where she was fromwould say, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like alamb.” She had to explain the meaning of the proverb to
us local kids since to us, the weather at the beginning ofMarch was exactly the same as the end of March. This was,of course, before youngsters had television, the Internet oreven family trips to the mainland to show us what it was
like outside the confines of our own neighborhood.
And one would hear, “Beware the Ides of March,” aline from Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” at this time of year.
In those days, March 15, the date when Julius Caesar was
assassinated in 44 BCE, was also the date Federal income tax
returns were due. Since Tax Day was moved to April 15, you
don’t hear the quote any more, unless, of course, you’re stillin high school and are forced to read Shakespeare.
Instead, nowadays at this time of year, chatter is more
likely to be about stuff that really matters, such as who’s
going to be in the NCAA Division I basketball Final Fourand, of course, the related office pool. Betting goes big time
during March Madness, and it’s hard to believe FBI reports

Ume blossoms are welcomed as among the first signs of Spring.

2

that some $2.5 billion in illegal wagers are made during thetournament. It’s almost as unbelievable as thinking that no
office pools are going on in the J. Edgar Hoover Building inWashington, D.C. during March Madness.
Did you know that Hawaii is one of only six states witha holiday in March? Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day isobserved on March 26, a Thursday this year. It’s one of only
two holidays in the U.S. to honor royalty, the other being
King Kamehameha I Day.
In Japan, March is eagerly anticipated for when thesigns of Spring appear, including fragrant white and pink
blossoms on the ume, or “Japanese plum” trees (which are
actually more closeMy related to apricot than plum). Then later
in March, Japan’s iconic sakura, or cherry blossoms, start tomake their magical appearance in the warmer areas, thengradually into the higher and cooler regions. The school
year ends in March anddomestic travel begins topick up during the month.
The Japanese namefor the third month is, nosurprise, sangatsu ( 三月).
The traditional name forthe month from ancient
Hawaii’s favorite Girls Day candy.
times is Yayoi (弥生, or“New Life”). Yayoi is also a Japanese female given name. So
if you meet a girl named Yayoi, you might be able to impress
her with your brilliance with a pickup line like, “Aha! I’ll bet
your birthday is in March!”
We’re all familiar with March 3, Hinamatsuri (DollFestival), or “Girls Day,” when families with girls will display aset of dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants
and musicians on a stepped platform. There are special
foods and sweet treats to celebrate the holiday.
In Hawaii not all girls were lucky enough to have anelaborate doll set for Girls Day. But most were just as content
to receive gifts of Tomoe Ame in the little red and blue box.
The most fun part was the rice candy inside, wrapped in the“paper” you could actually eat! How cool is that!
An only-in-Japan kind of national holiday, dedicatedto the love of living things and admiration of nature, iscelebrated on March 21, Vernal Equinox Day, or Shunbun
no Hi. It also marks the observance of Ohigan, a Buddhist
tradition during the mild weather at both the Spring andFall equinoxes. It is said that in ancient days, people who
normally worked in the fields had more leisure time during
the equinoxes to make a renewed effort to follow their
Buddhist practices.
Let’s all make a renewed effort to do likewise and makeit a point to come to the Betsuin Ohigan service on March 15.
As a special bonus after the service, there’ll be the traditionalohagi (sweet azuki-covered rice balls) for everyone!
— Ken Saiki

MahaloGozaimasu

We gratefully acknowledge the following for their generous
contributions. If we’ve missed any donor’s name, please
accept our apologies and let us know by calling the Betsuin
at 531-9088 so we can make corrections to our records. For
donations of $250 or more, receipts/acknowledgment will be
issued in compliance with IRS regulations. For other amounts
receipts will not be issued unless requested. Thank you.

.&.03*"- '6/&3"- */63/.&/5#63*"-4&37*$&
Ken Mashima
Stanley Gono
Jane Nakano
Frances Maekawa

Walter Yamada
Ida Hori
Sharon Sanchez
Peggy Arita

Ed Nakano
Mitsuharu Yukutake
Leatrice Omiya
Keiko Takauchi
Mabel Kihara family Kikuyo Wada family
Kalani Kamae family Stanley Kono,:0%"/%0/"5*0/(including Otani Center, nokotsudo, parking)
Walter Yamada
James Hirakawa
Atsuko Nonaka

Marian Kanemori
Anonymous
Betty Nishida

Janice Fukuda
Tadao Iwasaki
Wendy White

AnonymousMoriso Teraoka
Briana Sugai

)*("4)*)0/(8"/+*)"8"**%*453*$5$"-&/%"3
Betty Nishida
James Hirakawa
Dennis/Dabra Saiki Gainor Tomokiyo
Walter/Joyce Fukuhara Patricia Miyamura(0+*,"*%6&4

Patrick Miyamura
Ken Mashima
Jane Kaneshiro
Betty Honbo
Shizue Okazaki
Warren McKeon

Doris Toyama
June Oba
Michael/June DeBusk Wallace Naito

Annie Malama
Beatrice Nakano
Betty Nishida
Yukie Nagata
Dennis/Yasuko Kawada James Hirakawa
Atsuko Nonaka
Kenneth Saiki
Gainor Tomokiyo
Marilyn Yonekura
Janice Fukuda
Setsuko Urakawa

4)*//&/,"*

Ellen/Gerald Gono
Walter Yamada
Michael Sawai
Raymond Miyashiro
Kazue Uechi
Ronald/Patricia Hirata

Wayne Shinbara
Masato Gono
Kazuo Kono
JamesTsuchida
Michael/June DeBusk Sandra Chun
Ikuto/Gladys Taketa Gary NishimuraPaul/June Tanaka
Wallace Haruki

Frances Maekawa
Ruth Kunishige

Kikue Kaneshiro
Jonathan TaniJohn Tiet



Stanley Hosaka
Aikido Ohana

Kimie Sugimoto
Mitsuharu Murakami
Dennis/Debra Saiki Margaret Hamachi
Paul/Florence Nishida Harold/Jane Kudo
Jean Nitta
Kathleen Shin
Tadao Iwasaki
Faye Shigemura
Robert/Edwina Takayama

James Hirakawa
Ed Nakano
John/Janis Nakashige Robert/Chris Imoto
Keizaburo Tsuji
Joyce Masaki
Jeanne Kawawata
Atsuko Nonaka

Marion Kanemori
Wendy Kuwahara
Karen Kamihara
Faye Shigemura

Toshimasa/Irene Arai Gladys Sakata
Eleanor Tokunaga
Dennis/Debra Saiki
In Memoriam
Kenneth Saiki0)*("/#";""3

June Omura

Collin/Loreen Segawa Katherine Kurakake Wendy Kuwahara'-03"-"33"/(&.&/54
Minako Ito-Song

Joyce Masaki

We extend our deepest sympathy
to the family of the late
Ethel Hisayo Umemoto (90)February 2, 2015

Shotsuki Observance for MarchOur monthly shōtsuki service in remembrance oftemple family members who passed away in themonth of March of a past year will be held on 4VOEBZ .BSDIThe following list includes members from thepast 25 years .
While shōtsuki services for a loved one are observed
every year, special nenki hōyō memorial services are

Kay Kazuko Amuro
Jhosuke Asato
Kitoku Asato
Gary Shinyu Asato
Clifford Fujimoto
Yoshio Fukuda
Shige Gibo
Richard S. Goya
Robert T. Hayase
Yoshito Hebaru

Jinichi Higa
Margaret H. Higa
Toshio Kaichi
Takuji Kanemaru
Howard K. Kaneshiro
Yasuko Kawada
Chiyoko K. Kimura
Haruko Kinoshita
Haruko Sugita Kono
Yoshiko Kumamaru

held during certain auspicious years. These years
include the 1st anniversary, followed by memorialservices for the 3rd, 7th, 13th, 17th, 25th, 33rd and50th years, normally held during the year prior to theactual anniversary date.
Call the Betsuin office at 531-9088 for assistance orfor more information.

Betsy Shigeko Lam
Robert K. Matsuda
Yoshiko Matsumoto
Herbert S. Matsumura
Jane S. Matsunaga
Edith S. Miyasato
Ruth Y. Nakano
Florence T. Nishizawa
Gladys Yoshie Oda
Masako Ogata

Tsutae Ogawa
Jack Kikuo Okazaki
Mitsuo Omiya
Ben T. Sagawa
Gyoko Saito
Itaro Shimotsu
Frances S. Shinko
Handy S. Sueyoshi
Shizuko Tagami
Glenn Takaki

Kikue Takamatsu
Gladys K. Taketa
Hatsuko Tamanaha
Herbert M. Tokunaga
Bill Masaichi Toma
Rosie H. Uchida
Richard I. Uyema
Satoru Uyeno
Haruki Yamauchi
Shizuko Yoshida5

/FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTT
5FTIJHBIBSBHIPTUTUPSZPitfallGFBUVSFEBTNPWJFPGUIFNPOUI 1962 film debut of Hiroshi

awata
Bishop Kenjun Kaw
igemuraPresident Faye Sh
irectors ofand the Board of Daii
ji Mission of Haw
an
gw
on
H
hi
as
ig
H
u to attend
cordially invite yo

erviceSpring Ohigan S, 2015Sunday, March 15
10:00 a.m.
1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dharma message byraRev. Hosen Fukuha
an
nb
Ri
&
Former Bishop
Hawaiiofnioji Miss
Higashi Hongwan
g the service.

iately followin
Otoki lunch immed

心地よい天候が続く中、皆様にはお元気でお過ごしの事と存知ます。さて春のお彼岸法要を下記の如くお勤め致しますのでご案内申し上げます。お彼岸は古く聖徳太子の時代より行われてきた伝統ある法要です。私ども先達はこの機会を仏様の教えを聞く良き機会としてまいりました。
ご家族でご一緒にお参り下さい。
記
春のお彼岸法要法要
日 時 ２０１５年３月１５日 午前１０時
場 所 東本願寺ハワイ別院
1685アラネオ ストリート
法 話 福原 法仙前監督・輪番＊法要後お斎がございます。ご家族お揃いでお参りください。

合 掌
輪 番 河和田 賢

T教団理事長 重村 フェイ

SIX PARAMITAS

he practice of the Six Paramitas
is often emphasized during
Spring and Fall Higan, as observanceof the precepts allows us to cross overfrom this shore of suffering, anger anddepression to The Other Shore, or Higan.
The Sanskrit word “paramita”
means “going to the furthest, goingtowards perfection.”
Jodo Shinshu tradition, however,tells us that our self-centeredness getsin the way of working towards ourown perfection, or enlightenment.
We are encouraged to practice aswell as we can, but the teaching ismore importantly a reminder of theegocentric nature of our lives.
Exactly what are the Six Paramitas?

The Los Angeles Betsuin website gives
the following Sanskrit definitions:
1. %BOB, or giving, offering,
generosity. It is the practice of anopen heart, giving freely what isneeded by others.
2. 4JMB or discipline, observing theprecepts. Develop good behavior, obey
the rules of parents, teachers and society.
Buddhism encourages the developmentof the disciplined behavior of body,speech and mind.
3. ,TBOUJ or patience, inclusiveness. A
patient person can overcome manydifficulties. With patience, we candevelop an open heart, and frustration
and anger will diminish.
4.7JSZBi, or endeavor, diligence,

perseverance. It is to strive with one’s
whole heart, not for short periods ofconcentrated effort but continuously
over long periods. This spiritualstrength allows one to continue on
without giving up in face of difficulties.
5. %IZBOB, or meditation, contemplatlion.
The practice of meditation helps the
person to develop other paramitas
and concentrate upon the mind, tolearn to understand it.
6. 1SBK×B, or wisdom, insight,
understanding. See things as they
are, without the prejudices andperpectivies from within. Let go of
opinions and concepts, relinquish theself that brings this wisdom that leads
directly to enllightenment.

The black and white-garbed Pupule Papayas captivated the attention of attendees with
their imprecision dance routines for their first—and possibly last— live appearance.
Entertainment included minyo folk
(FOFSBMNFNCFSTIJQNFFUJOH
song
performances by Harada Nao/FX:FBSQBSUZESBXTBDSPXENearly 100 members, friends andguests packed Otani Center on
Sunday, Feb. 22, for the Betsuin’s
annual general membership
meeting and shinnenkai, or New
Year party.
Held immediately following the
Sunday service, the short meeting
included revision of the bylaws to
reduce board members from 1 tonine and election of new directors
Margaret Hamachi and John Ishikawa.
Officers were unanimously re-elected
into their current positions.
Tasty favorites from Mui Kwai
Chop Suey, supplemented by
Chinese chicken salad and chowfunn by Joyce Masaki, filled thebanquet buffet and proved quite
popular with attendees going forseconds and thirds

Azusa Kai led by Atsuko Nonaka-sensei,
group singing with the Dharma
Hawaiians ukulele group and ahilarious dance routine by the Pupule
Papayas, some of whom wererumored to have tried out for the
Rockettes and Takarazuka Revue.
New this year was Lucky Me!, whichallowed people to choose the drawings
to enter, for dozens of items including
kitchen tools, clothing, accessories,
crafts, jewelry and children’s games.
Then there was a ton of door prizes,
enough that every single person was awinner, from donated items, including arice cooker, Long’s gift cards and bodycare items, to 20-lb. bags of rice, various
household paper products and drinks.
Mahalo to all donors, helpers andattendees for making this year’s event
fun and fulfilling.

Besides food, there was fun and fellowship. Kei Tsuji performs a hula for the audience.

4

Teshigahara (Woman of the Dunes),
set in coal mines of Kitakyushu. A
man in white murders an
unemployed miner who resembles
the union leader at one pit and bribes
the only witness to frame the union
leader of the rival pit. The two union
leaders go to the murder scene toinvestigate only to come across the
body of the witness, who was killedby the man in white. They blame one
another and begin a fight which ends
in both their deaths, as the ghosts ofthe victims look on, powerless tointervene and bring the truth to light.
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., March 24,
97 min. monochrome, Japanese audiowith English subtitles. Free admission.

おとし穴

おとし

勅使河原宏監督の長編劇映画デビュー作である 。 不況の風が吹き荒れる北九州の炭鉱地帯。そのボタ山で殺人事件が発生した。事件の目撃者である女によれ
ば、加害者は労組の第一組合幹部にそっくりであり、被害者は第二組合の幹部によく似ていたという。彼女は真犯人に脅されて偽証したのだったが、その犯人に襲われ殺されてしまう。第一組合と第二組合の幹部は、現場で激論の末にお互いを殺し合ってしまった。
公開：1962 、 言語 : 日本語、字幕 :英語 、映時間 : 97分（モノクロ) 、3月24日(火)午後6:30時 、入場無料。

3



/FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTT
5FTIJHBIBSBHIPTUTUPSZPitfallGFBUVSFEBTNPWJFPGUIFNPOUI 1962 film debut of Hiroshi

awata
Bishop Kenjun Kaw
igemuraPresident Faye Sh
irectors ofand the Board of Daii
ji Mission of Haw
an
gw
on
H
hi
as
ig
H
u to attend
cordially invite yo

erviceSpring Ohigan S, 2015Sunday, March 15
10:00 a.m.
1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dharma message byraRev. Hosen Fukuha
an
nb
Ri
&
Former Bishop
Hawaiiofnioji Miss
Higashi Hongwan
g the service.

iately followin
Otoki lunch immed

心地よい天候が続く中、皆様にはお元気でお過ごしの事と存知ます。さて春のお彼岸法要を下記の如くお勤め致しますのでご案内申し上げます。お彼岸は古く聖徳太子の時代より行われてきた伝統ある法要です。私ども先達はこの機会を仏様の教えを聞く良き機会としてまいりました。
ご家族でご一緒にお参り下さい。
記
春のお彼岸法要法要
日 時 ２０１５年３月１５日 午前１０時
場 所 東本願寺ハワイ別院
1685アラネオ ストリート
法 話 福原 法仙前監督・輪番＊法要後お斎がございます。ご家族お揃いでお参りください。

合 掌
輪 番 河和田 賢

T教団理事長 重村 フェイ

SIX PARAMITAS

he practice of the Six Paramitas
is often emphasized during
Spring and Fall Higan, as observanceof the precepts allows us to cross overfrom this shore of suffering, anger anddepression to The Other Shore, or Higan.
The Sanskrit word “paramita”
means “going to the furthest, goingtowards perfection.”
Jodo Shinshu tradition, however,tells us that our self-centeredness getsin the way of working towards ourown perfection, or enlightenment.
We are encouraged to practice aswell as we can, but the teaching ismore importantly a reminder of theegocentric nature of our lives.
Exactly what are the Six Paramitas?

The Los Angeles Betsuin website gives
the following Sanskrit definitions:
1. %BOB, or giving, offering,
generosity. It is the practice of anopen heart, giving freely what isneeded by others.
2. 4JMB or discipline, observing theprecepts. Develop good behavior, obey
the rules of parents, teachers and society.
Buddhism encourages the developmentof the disciplined behavior of body,speech and mind.
3. ,TBOUJ or patience, inclusiveness. A
patient person can overcome manydifficulties. With patience, we candevelop an open heart, and frustration
and anger will diminish.
4.7JSZBi, or endeavor, diligence,

perseverance. It is to strive with one’s
whole heart, not for short periods ofconcentrated effort but continuously
over long periods. This spiritualstrength allows one to continue on
without giving up in face of difficulties.
5. %IZBOB, or meditation, contemplatlion.
The practice of meditation helps the
person to develop other paramitas
and concentrate upon the mind, tolearn to understand it.
6. 1SBK×B, or wisdom, insight,
understanding. See things as they
are, without the prejudices andperpectivies from within. Let go of
opinions and concepts, relinquish theself that brings this wisdom that leads
directly to enllightenment.

The black and white-garbed Pupule Papayas captivated the attention of attendees with
their imprecision dance routines for their first—and possibly last— live appearance.
Entertainment included minyo folk
(FOFSBMNFNCFSTIJQNFFUJOH
song
performances by Harada Nao/FX:FBSQBSUZESBXTBDSPXENearly 100 members, friends andguests packed Otani Center on
Sunday, Feb. 22, for the Betsuin’s
annual general membership
meeting and shinnenkai, or New
Year party.
Held immediately following the
Sunday service, the short meeting
included revision of the bylaws to
reduce board members from 10 tonine and election of new directors
Margaret Hamachi and John Ishikawa.
Officers were unanimously re-elected
into their current positions.
Tasty favorites from Mui Kwai
Chop Suey, supplemented by
Chinese chicken salad and chowfunn by Joyce Masaki, filled thebanquet buffet and proved quite
popular with attendees going forseconds and thirds

Azusa Kai led by Atsuko Nonaka-sensei,
group singing with the Dharma
Hawaiians ukulele group and ahilarious dance routine by the Pupule
Papayas, some of whom wererumored to have tried out for the
Rockettes and Takarazuka Revue.
New this year was Lucky Me!, whichallowed people to choose the drawings
to enter, for dozens of items including
kitchen tools, clothing, accessories,
crafts, jewelry and children’s games.
Then there was a ton of door prizes,
enough that every single person was awinner, from donated items, including arice cooker, Long’s gift cards and bodycare items, to 20-lb. bags of rice, various
household paper products and drinks.
Mahalo to all donors, helpers andattendees for making this year’s event
fun and fulfilling.

Besides food, there was fun and fellowship. Kei Tsuji performs a hula for the audience.

4

Teshigahara (Woman of the Dunes),
set in coal mines of Kitakyushu. A
man in white murders an
unemployed miner who resembles
the union leader at one pit and bribes
the only witness to frame the union
leader of the rival pit. The two union
leaders go to the murder scene toinvestigate only to come across the
body of the witness, who was killedby the man in white. They blame one
another and begin a fight which ends
in both their deaths, as the ghosts ofthe victims look on, powerless tointervene and bring the truth to light.
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., March 24,
97 min. monochrome, Japanese audiowith English subtitles. Free admission.

おとし穴

おとし

勅使河原宏監督の長編劇映画デビュー作である 。 不況の風が吹き荒れる北九州の炭鉱地帯。そのボタ山で殺人事件が発生した。事件の目撃者である女によれ
ば、加害者は労組の第一組合幹部にそっくりであり、被害者は第二組合の幹部によく似ていたという。彼女は真犯人に脅されて偽証したのだったが、その犯人に襲われ殺されてしまう。第一組合と第二組合の幹部は、現場で激論の末にお互いを殺し合ってしまった。
公開：1962 、 言語 : 日本語、字幕 :英語 、映時間 : 97分（モノクロ) 、3月24日(火)午後6:30時 、入場無料。

3

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Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

3

March 2015

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii

Temple Activities Calendar
MARCH 2015
3/1
3/1
3/1
3/8
3/8
3/10
3/12
3/14
3/15
3/15
3/17
3/22
3/24
3/24
3/28
3/29

Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Jimmy’s Auto Basics
led by Jimmy Hirakawa
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseOtani Center
Sun 10 am Sunday service
Sun 12 pm Omigaki (polishing of altar items)
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceThu 7 pm ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Sat 10 am Hawaii District meeting
Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Spring Ohigan service
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingTue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Kaneohe
Sun 10 am Rennyo Shonin memorial service
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: Pitfall (おとし穴)
Sat 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Sun 10 am Sunday service

APRIL 2015
4/5
4/9
4/11
4/12
4/12
4/14
4/19
4/19
4/21
4/23
4/26
4/28
4/28
4/28
4/30

Sun 10 am HBC Buddha Day service
Soto Mission of Hawaii, 1708 Nuuanu Ave(no Sunday service at Betsuin)Thu 7 pm ABCs of Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Sat 10 am What on Earth Is Namuamidabutsu?
led by Rev. Frank Childs
Sun 10 am Betsuin Buddha Day service
Sun 12 pm Basic Buddhism study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in JapaneseTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceSun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service &Sunday school
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingTue 7 pm Dharma Study Center lecture series
Dr. Jay Sakashita of UH-Manoa
Lecture 1:The Story of Buddha
Thu 7 pm Lecture 2: The Dharma Spreads
Sun 10 am Sunday service
Tue 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 7 pm Lecture 3: The Dharma Changes
Thu 7 pm Lecture 4: Japanese Buddhism

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
President: Faye Shigemura
Vice President: Jonathan Tani
Secretary: Debra Saiki
Treasurer: Edmund Nakano
Auditor: Ken Saiki
Rinban: Kenjun Kawawata
Associate Minister:Frank Childs
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

his year I became 63 years of age. If I were living 500 years ago, when the
average lifespan was about 50 years, I would have been approaching the endof my life. But today, the average human lifespan is more than 80 years, and you
have a chance to live more than 90 or 100 years. However, I cannot predict what will
happen in the next moment. I might die in the next moment, or tomorrow.
Shakyamuni Buddha once said, “To live a single day and hear the teachings oftruth is better than to live a hundred years without knowing such teaching.” Your life
may last 100 years, but if you don’t encounter the teachings ofthe truth, you will have wasted your 100 years of life.
One of the Seven Patriarchs of Shin Buddhism, VasuCandhu(4th century CE) said, “When contemplating the power ofthe Buddha’s original Vow, those who encounter it will
never pass in vain; quickly will they Ce filled with the great
Treasure Ocean of virtue.”
Shakyamuni Buddha said, “To live a single day and hear
the teachings of truth is better than to live a hundred years Rinban Kawawata
without knowing such teaching.” I think “hearing the teaching of the truth,” means
to have the true view, which is realization, and encountering the power of the
Buddha’s original vow that Vasubandhu mentioned in his writing.
The power of the Buddha’s Original vow (Hongan-riki) is the other power(Ta-riki), which is the power beyond self.
Shin Buddhist Minister Rev. Shigeshi Wada once said in a lecture, “When welisten to and share the teaching of Buddha with others, the working of the Pure
Land comes to us. Then that place turns to the Pure Land.”The Pure Land in Shin Buddhism is not like the Christian heaven. The Pure
Land not a physical place, but symbolizes Buddha’s state of mind, which is apeaceful, spiritual world. The Pure Land is the working of the Dharma thatmakes us realize truth and our true self.
So the working of the Pure Land is that “power beyond self” (Hongan-riki or
Ta-riki) which comes to us, embraces us, and teaches us the true self and truelife that we were meant to enjoy. “Other Power” is that power beyond self whichis from the innermost aspiration of Amida Buddha.
We are living in the world of oneness. The circle of life and world of life arecalled the “world of oneness” (compassion). In addition, we have one more
world that’s called the ”world of teaching,” also known as Dharma (wisdom). In
ancient India, they called these worlds “Amida.”
Rev. Wada also mentioned in his lecture, “The true nature of life is a wish.” I
think that every living thing has a wish to live free and liberated, and to live inpeace. We have a same wish in the bottom of our mind. So we have to ask
ourselves,“What is my deepest wish?”“What kind of life do I really want?”
People usually wish for money or other materialistic things. But is that what
we really want for our life? We know that money and materialistic things don’t lastforever. Of course, we need money. We need certain materialistic things in order
to live. However, it’s sad if we only chase materialistic things for our whole lives.
We have to think, “What is my life really about?”“Why was I born?”“What am I?”
We should think about our true wish for our lives. Thinking about our own
true wish and own life is practicing Buddhism. This is the life of Buddhist.
I feel that in order to find our true wish and true settled mind, we must listen to
the Dharma diligently in our everyday lives.
Thank you in gassho.
Kenjun Kawawata