Submitted by Rev. Shingo Furusawa Buddhism teaches us that the present is the most important. We should always be mindful how every moment is precious and unrepeatable. Due to the COVID 19, we must all stay at home. We cannot do the things we are used to doing. But we can do many things during […]
Submitted by Rev. Sol Kalu There is a saying: “A chain is as strong as its weakest link.” These words couldn’t be more appropriate in this critical time of the COVID pandemic. Humanity is facing a crisis of epic proportion and requires a collective defense against a perceived threat to our existence, a tiny virus […]
Submitted by Rimban Toyokazu Hagio Let us observe the light of a candle and self-reflect on our current lives. When we realize that our lives are illuminated by the light of the Buddha, we understand that we are not alone and that his compassion warms us. It is then that our body and mind become […]
Honpa Hongwanji ministers throughout Hawaii have begun to offer short video messages as one way to continue sharing the dharma with Hongwanji members and friends during the stay-at-home period. The series is organized by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii State Ministers Association. The “Senseis Say Hello!” videos are about 5-7 minutes long. The first […]
Submitted by Rev. Yuika Hasebe When times are difficult, sometimes we force ourselves to calm down and be steady. We often feel like we shouldn’t cry or shed tears and force ourselves to be strong and confident. Crying is not an expression of weakness. It means that you are strong enough to acknowledge fear and […]
Submitted by Rev. Shingo Furusawa Our community is now in an emergency lockdown due to COVID-19. As a result, we must stay at home. Of course, I feel sorry for the people who are suffering and passed away due to the coronavirus. However, I try to think that the lockdown is a very good opportunity […]
Hawaii Betsuin has a new associate minister! Reverend Masanari Yamagishi, most recently the resident minister of Buddhist Church of Lodi in California, has just begun a several-month assignment at Hawaii Betsuin. Despite the unusual challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak, Rev. Yamagishi reports he is doing well and has been reading and studying a lot. […]
The April 2020 Goji, the newsletter of the Hawaii Betsuin temple, is now posted to our website in English and Japanese versions. In this issue: Hawaii Buddhist Council Hanamatsuri Services cancelled Choralfest 2020 registration deadline extended to June 15 “Interdependence” — Dharma message from Rev. Shingo Furusawa Notice regarding Michiko Okano’s cultural classes We are […]
March 22, 2020 Given the rapidly evolving coronavirus outbreak, Hawaii Betsuin ministers and staff are taking the following additional steps to minimize in-person contacts from March 23 until May 15: Closing the Betsuin business office and the ministers’ office (phone calls will be forwarded). Suspending in-person services including bedside services, memorial services, and funerals. Staff […]
Hawaii Betsuin’s Spring Higan service will be streamed live on YouTube and also available for on-demand viewing afterwards. The service time is Sunday, March 22 at 10 a.m. and the guest speaker is Bishop Eric Matsumoto. Watch it here! Follow along: Words to Most Parts of the Service Prefer to watch on YouTube? Here’s the […]