Living in a World of Change
Rinban Kenjun Kawawata

T‘wa’harmony

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

2February 2022

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii
At Higashi Hongwanji, we remaintrue to our origins as an open Sangha,
welcoming anyone who wishes tolearn more about the Jōdo Shinshū
tradition of Buddhism.
A registered 501(c)(3) organization
Head Minister: Kenjun Kawawata
Resident Minister: Steven Toyoshima
Minister: Akiko Okada
President: Kenneth Saiki
Secretary: Marian Tsuji
Treasurer: Shigeru Numano
1685 Alaneo StreetHonolulu, 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 Saiki

he massive undersea volcano eruption in Tonga in mid-January triggereda tsunami that caused unprecedented destruction to the island kingdom
and rippled throughout the vast reaches of Pacific, with 9-ft. waves reported
as far north as Iwate, Japan and flooding in coastal areasfrom New Zealand to North and South America. The
volcanic explosion sent shock waves into the air thatcircled the globe and measurably affected the Earth’s
atmospheric pressure, which some scientists believe may
have given a boost to the tsunami waves and contributed
to the sudden rises in tide.
Mother Nature’s power is truly something to behold.
The potential harmful effects of the eruption, including
the volcanic ash, gases and tiny particles released into theatmosphere, which could be inhaled, poison water supplies, Rinban Ken Kawawata
disrupt agriculture, livestock and fisheries, and erode coastlines, are yet to be fully
understood. Meanwhile, COVID—most recently the omicron strain—continues tomultiply while other natural disasters disrupt daily activities all over the planet.
As human beings we cannot control these natural phenomena. There aremany things in ourSubmarine volcano eruption observed byeveryday lives that, as
the meteorological satellite “Himawari.”much as we try to makefrom Japan Meteorological Agency website
them go our way, wesuffer because we cannot.
We need to acknowledge
and accept that there arethings beyond our ability
to control.
The Buddha said,“Life is suffering, whichmeans there are manythings in life that are outof our control, that wecannot control. Ieyasu
Tokugawa, the first
shogun of the Tokugawa
気象衛星「ひまわり」が観測した海底火山の噴Shogunate, also said
煙＝気象庁のウェブサイトより
that life is like climbing a(cont’d on p. 2)

支えられているいのち輪番

河和田賢淳

1月15日、トンガで海底火山の爆発があり,その影響で津波が起きて太平洋沿岸の各地に１メートルーから２メートリ弱の津波が届き被害が出ているところもある様です。その影響が気圧の変動で観測されています。自然の力とは本当に大きなものだと思います。その影響はまだ続いているのです。
また世界中ではオミクロン株のコロナウイルスが蔓延しています。人知ではどうにもコントロールできない事がここにも起きているのです。
私たちの人生、世界には自分でコントロールできない事が沢山あります。それをコントロールしようとし、出来ずに苦しんでいるのです。
仕方が無い、仕様がないという事があることを知らなければなりません。
釈尊は人生で苦である。と言われました。それはどうしようもない、思いにならない事が沢山あるよと言っているのです。また徳川家康は、人生は重い荷(次のページに続く)

World of Change (cont’d from p. 1)
long hill with a heavy load on yourback. I think he is saying the samething as the Buddha.
Our lives and the world havechanged drastically due to theinfluence of an unseen microscopic
coronavirus. This is the suffering of“sickness” among the four sufferings
in Buddhism: birth, aging, sickness
and death.
A volcanic explosion is a handiworkof Nature, and humans are now wellaware of the magnitude of the recent
eruption. It exemplifies the seventh
suffering—the suffering of not being
able to achieve one’s desires—
which happens in a world where
everything is constantly changing,
and we are living in the resultant
effects of that change. Change isspawned by causation, by engi. We
are living in a world of engi, a basic
teaching of Buddhism, which teaches
interdependence and coexistence.
支えられているいのち (前ページより続く)物を背負って長い坂を登るようなものだと言っています。それは釈尊と同じことをいっているのだと思います。
目には見えない微細なコロナの影響で私たちの生活や世界は一変しました。これは四苦八苦の中の病苦です。
また火山の爆発は自然の営みであり、その自然の中に人間にその大きさを知らしめたことです。それは求不得苦と言う７番目の苦なのです。何もかも変化する世界で起こることで、私たちはその変化の影響の中で生きているのです。
変化とは因縁、縁起によって起こるのです。私たちは縁起するいのちの世界で生きているのです。
この縁起の法は仏教の基本的な教えで、相互依存、共生を教えています。
あらゆるいのちが共に生きているのです。 あらゆるものが私たちの生活に必要不可欠な事なのです。
小川一乗と言う先生は、“釈尊の基本的な教えは「縁起」です。縁起とは、私が存在しているこの瞬間が無量といっていいほどの多くの因縁によってなりたっているという意味です。し2Dr. Ichijo Ogawa, former presidentof Otani University, said, “The basic
teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha
is engi, or “dependent co-arising.” By“dependent co-arising,” we mean that
this moment of my existence is madeup of an infinite number of causes
and conditions. Furthermore, I can’t
go back and see myself in the past for
one second, nor can I see myself inthe future for a second. I can only see
myself in this moment of existence
as a present moment. I can count the10 or 20 causal factors that make me
who I am in this moment, but it isimpossible to count them all. That iswhat is meant by the word 不可思議,
fukashigi, or “wonder,” in Buddhism.
Dr. Ogawa also said the principleof engi is a unique concept in
Buddhism, not found in any otherreligion. Accordingly, hongan isa function that encourages thediscovery of zero, that self-existenceis zero. This must be the inner realityof hongan. In this regard, the writer

Ryotaro Shiba said the present
state of the universe is made up
of all interrelationships (engi) andis emptiness. The symbol of this is
Amitabha Buddha. Shinran explained
the emptiness to us in the 13thcentury. Such a statement by Ryotaro
Shiba is based on his insight that
Shinran expressed the Buddhist idea ofzero (emptiness) as absolute otherness.
Engi means absolute otherness.
All life is living together. Allthings are essential to our lives.
This kind of life, conditions and fateis called Amida. Amitabha means
immeasurable life, uncountable
life. We are kept alive by thatimmeasurable, uncountable life.
Amitabha is the word that expresses
the work of the ultimate truth, Dharma.
This is the wisdom of ourancestors, to bow down to the many
lives and live humbly while listening
to the Dharma, the true teachings.
In gassho,Kenjun Kawawata

かも一秒過去の自分に触れることもでないし、一秒未来の自分に触れることもできない、ただ今の一瞬として存在しているこの瞬間の自分にしか触れることはできません。この一瞬のただ今の私を私たらしめている因縁の十や二十は数え上げられますが、そのすべてを数え上げるこは不可能です。仏教で不可思議というのはそういうことです。不可思議な因縁によってただ今の私が生かされている、そういった自己存在を感動をもって自覚し人生の一瞬一瞬を感激をもって生きられる原動力となるもの、それが縁起という言葉のもっている意味です。

います。このような司馬遼太郎の発言は、仏教のゼロ（空）の思想を親鸞が絶対他力として表現していることを見抜いているわけで、勝れた洞察力によるものといわなければなりません。縁起とは絶対他力を意味しています。

また先生は、このように縁起という原理は他の宗教には類のない仏教独自の思想であり、この原理への覚醒を促しているのが本願です。従いまして、本願とは自己存在はゼロであったというゼロの発見を促す働きです。これこそ本願の内実でなければなりません。
この点について作家の司馬遼太郎は、宇宙の現在は、全部相互関係（縁起）でつくられていて、そして空である。
そのシンボルが阿弥陀如来なのだ。だから阿弥陀如来を、つまりゼロを賛美すればよい。１３世紀に親鸞が空を説明してくれた。と大変興味深く語ってですからこのような沢山のいのちや条件、ご縁を阿弥陀と呼んでいるのです。阿弥陀とは、はかり知れないいのち、数え切れないいのちという意味です。私たちは、そのはかり知れない、数え切れないいのちによって生かされているのです。そして、阿弥陀は、真の教え、智慧の働きを表す言葉です。多くのいのちに頭を下げ、真実の教えを聞きながら謙虚に生きる、これが先人たちの智慧なのです。
院の大きな行事の一つ、蚤の市も経験することができ、お寺と地域の繋がりを感じて嬉しく思っております。新
たな年をお迎えすることができたことに感謝するとともに、一瞬一瞬を大切にして日々を生きていきたいと、心新たに思っております。
皆さまどうぞお寺へお越しくださいませ。そして、今年もよろしくお願い申し上げます。
合掌河和田賢淳News on theBetsuin Wirelessfour additional members havevolunteered to help manage theaffairs and business of our Betsuin asboard members if elected. They are:Rika Hirata
Debra Saiki
Gale Shoda
Vivian Takagaki
Three others—Rinban Kenjun
Kawawata, Marian Tsuji and Shigeru
Numano—will continue to serve theirterms on the board and share theirtime and talents to help the temple
perpetuate its role in the community.
The election of directors is expected
to be the sole item of business
requiring a vote at the meeting.
You may call us at (808) 531-9088
or email betsuin@hhbt-hi.org if you
have questions.

Jōya no Kane: Members and families gathered on Dec. 31 following the year-end Jōya-e service forthe traditional ringing the temple bell 108 times, which is said to drive away accumulated desires.
Formerly conducted just before midnight on New Year’s Eve, the bell-ringing was moved earlier to
5:30 pm for safety due to the proliferation of late-night celebratory fireworks in the neighborhood.

Betsuin once again adjusts scheduleof activities as virus variant surges

Just as we were gradually opening
up our various activities to in-person
participation, the rapid spread of theCOVID-19 omicron variant locally has
resulted in a new emergency orderfor the City & County of Honolulu,
effective through March 6.
Although the new restrictions onlarger events do not apply to ourtemple and COVID infections are
predicted to drop off sharply very soon,in an abundance of caution, we areonce again suspending several
in-person activities, including movie
night and The Art of Paper Foldingclasses, and will continue to do sothrough at least the month of February.
Karaoke Night at the Betsuin willcontinue to be held on the first
Wednesday evening of the month, but
exculsively on Zoom, without thein-person option.
In-person attendance at weekly
services is available and COVIDmitigation measures are in place at themain hall. At the same time, we stillencourage viewing online from home
via the temple’s Facebook page.

Meanwhile, for everyone’s safety,
we urge everyone to follow City &County emergency orders and CDC
recommendations as applicable for
vaccinations and boosters, social
distancing, face coverings andwashing hands to help control
further spread of the coronavirus.

Annual meeting to be conducted
via Zoom video conferencing

In accordance with our bylaws, wehold a general meeting annually inFebruary to update membership ofour temple activities and financial
condition and conduct otherbusiness as needed, such as electing
our Betsuin board directors.
Although normally held in person
in Otani Center, our general
membership meeting this year will be
conducted via Zoom on Sunday, Feb.
27 via video conferencing for thehealth and safety of our Betsuin ohana.
Gojikai members on record as ofJan. 25 will be mailed a proxy ballot for
voting in the election of our Betsuinboard directors. In addition to two
directors whose terms expire this year
(Kenneth Saiki and Edmund Nakano),2022 anniversary memorial services:
hold now, postpone or do virtually?

In Buddhist tradition, anniversary
memorial services are held in special
years to provide families an opportunity
to gather and remember loved ones
who have passed away. We give thanks
to our ancestors and others for the life
they shared with us. At the same time,as Jōdo Shinshū followers, we express
gratitude to Amida Buddha for
ensuring our birth in the Pure Land.
In 2022 anniversary services may
be scheduled for loved ones lost in
the years shown. Consult a minister toschedule an appropriate time.
YEAR
2021
2020
2016
2010
2006
1998
1990
1973
1923

MEMORIAL SERVICE
1st anniversary
3rd year memorial
7th year memorial
13th year memorial
17th year memorial
25th year memorial
33rd year memorial
50th year memorial
100th year memorial

Our main hall accommodatessocial-distanced seating for up to 24.
We can also help with holding a virtual
service online or postponing agathering until conditions improve.
Families may opt to hold services
at the temple, your home or someother convenient location.

3HIGASHI HONGANJI HAWAII DISTRICT
2022 DOBO RETREAT PROGRAM

District Dharma Gathering
We wish to invite you to the 2022 Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Dharma Gathering. We
have invited Dr. Nobuo Haneda, the head of the Maida Center, Berkeley as our guest speaker.
The theme of the Gathering is “The Contemplation Sutra”. Please send the form below alongwith a check to the district office or to your temple’s office.
Date:
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Time:
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Speaker:Dr. Nobuo Haneda (Maida Center, Berkeley)
Theme:“The Contemplation Sutra”
Place:
Online via Zoom( We’ll Email the link to you)
Phone:(808) 531-1231
Contribution: $10.00 (Payable to Higashi Honganji Hawaii District)
Dr. Nobuo Haneda Biography
1946 Born in Nagano, Japan.
1968 Read Shuichi Maida’s works and became interested in Buddhism.
1969 Graduate from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
1971 Studied under Revs. Gyomei Kubose and Gyoko Saito.
1979 Received Ph. D. from University of Wisconsin.
1979 Lecturer, Otani University, Kyoto, Japan.
1981 Lecturer, Buddhist Educational Center, Chicago, IL.
1984 Head Professor, Institute of Buddhist Studies, Berkeley, CA.
1987 Researcher, NumataCenter, Berkeley, CA.
1997 Director, Maida Center of Buddhism, Berkeley, CA.

#reClip hePlease send the check to the district office or your local temple.
We don’t accept Paypal or any other transactions. Sorry for the inconvenience.
If you have any questions, please contact your local temple or the district office at:
Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Office1685 Alaneo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 531-1231, Email: hawaiikantokubu@gmail.com**********************************DetachHere**********************************
2022 DOBO RETREAT PROGRAM - DISTRICTDHARMA GATHERING
Mail to: Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Office, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 531-1231
NAM
E:__________________________________________q YES! Send meCONTACT
the Zoom link to Dr. Haneda’s presentation of “The Contemplation Sutra” on Sat., March 12.
NUMBER:__________________________________________
Enclosed is my check
contribution of $10 made payable to Higashi Honganji Hawaii District. Mahalo
E- M A I L ADDRESS:__________________________________________
Name_____________________________________________________ Phone__________________________________Y O U R T E M P L E:__________________________________________
Email address_______________________________________________ Your temple _____________________________

4

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

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

Address Service Requested

In this issue of WA...
t-JWJOHJOB8PSMEPG$IBOHF p. 1t支えられているいのち p. 1t/FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTTp.3
t Activities schedule adjustments p. 3
t General membership meeting p. 3
t 2022 anniversary memorial services p.3
t District dharma gathering p. 4t Acknowledgments p. 5t February shōtsuki memorial service p. 5tTemple activities calendar p. 6Temple Activities Calendar
FEBRUARYMARCH

2/2 Wed 5:30 pm Karaoke Night at the Betsuin - Zoom
2/6 Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service - In-person /FB Live
Dharma message: Rinban Kenjun Kawawata
2/6 Sun 11:30am Basic Buddhism discussion - Zoomー tミーン
Facilitated by Rinban Kawawata in Japanese
2/7 Mon 10 am Amida Sutra study class (English) - Zoom
2/8 Tue 3 pm Ukulele band practice - Zoom
2/8 Tue 6 pm The Larger Sutra study class (English) - Zoom
2/13 Sun 10 am Nirvana Day service - In-person/FB Live
2/17 Thu 6 pm
Okō/Tea time gathering - Zoom
2/20 Sun 10 am Sunday service - In person/Facebook Live
2/20 Sun 11:30 am Betsuin board meeting
Fukuhara Conference Room
2/20 Sun 11:30 am The Art of Paper Folding modular origami
No class this month
2/22 Tue 3 pm Ukulele band practice - Zoom
2/22 Tue 6:30 pm Movie night - No movie this month
2/24 Thu 2 pm
Intro to Modern Shin Buddhism 5* - Zoom
Rev. Patti Nakai, The Buddhist Temple of Chicago
10-part series running through July 2022
2/27 Sun 10 am General membership meeting - Zoom
2/28 Mon 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service - FB Live

3/2 Wed 5:30 pm Karaoke Night at the Betsuin - Zoom
3/6 Sun 10 am Shōtsuki memorial service - In-person /FB Live
Dharma message: Rinban Kenjun Kawawata
3/6 Sun 11:30am Basic Buddhism discussion - Zoomー tミーン
Facilitated by Rinban Kawawata in Japanese
3/7 Mon 10 am Amida Sutra study class (English) - Zoom
3/8 Tue 3 pm Ukulele band practice - Zoom
3/8 Tue 6 pm The Larger Sutra study class (English) - Zoom
3/13 Sun 10 am Rennyō Shōnin memorial service
In-person/FB Live
3/17 Thu 6 pm
Okō/Tea time gathering - Zoom
3/20 Sun 10 am Sunday service - In person/Facebook Live
3/20 Sun 11:30 am Betsuin board meeting
3/22 Tue 3 pm Ukulele band practice - Zoom
3/24 Thu 2 pm
Intro to Modern Shin Buddhism 6* - Zoom
3/27 Sun 10 am Sunday service - In-person/FB Live
3/28 Mon 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service - FB Live
*Intro to Modern Shin Buddhism Online Lecture
Series, sponsored by Shinshu Center of America.
Scan this QR code to register and receive Zoom
link. Registration free; $10 donation appreciated.
Email info@shinshucenteramerica.org for details.