The June 2020 Goji, the newsletter of the Hawaii Betsuin temple, is now posted to our website in English and Japanese versions. In this issue: Phased reopening of Betsuin scheduled to begin July 1, 2020 Notice: Choralfest 2020 Postponed President’s Message – Health Care Treasures videos Summer Session, June 22-26, 2020 BWA News and Events […]
Submitted by Rev. Yuika Hasebe Especially in this pandemic time, we are not able to meet whomever we want. Before this new normal, it was so easy to meet our loved ones and friends. We could shake hands, hug or eat and drink with laughter. Those were just ordinary things and we never thought we […]
On June 1, Bishop Eric Matsumoto published a message entitled “A reflection on our troubled nation” on the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii website. In reflecting on the senseless death of George Floyd and what has followed, the bishop relates how the words of the song “Live and Light the World” came to mind. The […]
Submitted by Rimban Toyokazu Hagio Astronaut Mr. Koichi Wakata, who had stayed in space for 347 days, suggested how to spend time in an enclosed space: When you wake up, check the date and day of the week. Plan a rough schedule. Do aerobic exercise. Take time for three meals with family. Keep a diary. […]
Submitted by Rev. Yuika Hasebe Those who hear the Buddha’s Name — Going even through flames that fill The great thousandfold world to do so — Attain forever the state of nonretrogression. When do we hear the Dharma, Great Compassion and Wisdom? In good times and also in bad, it is always “Now.” Don’t you […]
Submitted by Rev. Shingo Furusawa Due to COVID 19, we are all having a difficult time. Many people are thinking and asking how we should deal with this difficult and challenging situation. We must accept our present situation just as it is, and then we should find what we can do now. First of all, […]
Submitted by Stacy Bradshaw, Executive Director For nearly 10 weeks our temple has kept its doors closed, due to the state’s stay-at-home initiatives. We hope that you have been minimizing your contact with others and have been practicing safety measures such as wearing masks in public and washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day. Because […]
Submitted by Rimban Toyokazu Hagio Wrong means leading a selfish life without any gratitude to other lives. Right means living as if you were the other being. In truth, taking care of one’s own life means respecting others’ lives. In Gassho
Submitted by Rev. Yuika Hasebe Do you have anyone you can’t get along with? Could the person be one of your family members, relatives, friends, co-workers or neighbors? You might have had some issue with the person in the past, or you just can’t feel comfortable being together with him/her. The feeling may last several […]
Submitted by Rev. Shingo Furusawa Even though I say that Amida Buddha is always with you, you may say, “I cannot see the Buddha and I cannot feel the Buddha is with me.” If so, please recite “Namo Amida Butsu.” Namo means rely on. Amida Butsu means Amida Buddha. Namo Amida Butsu is the calling […]