Charlene Kihara (Hawaii Betsuin), Kerry Kiyohara (Moiliili Hongwanji), and Barbara Brennan (Hawaii Betsuin) recently returned from Japan as Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha priests.

Charlene Kihara (Hawaii Betsuin), Kerry Kiyohara (Moiliili Hongwanji), and Barbara Brennan (Hawaii Betsuin) in robes at Honzan. Photo courtesy Charlene Kihara.

Charlene, Kerry, and Barbara. Photo courtesy Charlene Kihara.

Charlene, Kerry, Barbara, and six candidates from Buddhist Churches of America made up a group traveling to Kyoto in July to pursue the final steps for Tokudo ordination. The candidates trained intensively for ten days with a schedule on most days going from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., including services, classes and testing, cleaning, meals, changing robes, chanting, and practicing rituals.

Two other groups of candidates from Japan received training at the same time, making a total of 33 candidates.

On the ninth day, candidates were presented with their ordination certificates by Gomonshu Kojun Ohtani, the spiritual head of the Jodo Shinshu denomination. Candidates also received a Ki-Gesa (paneled priestly vestment) and a Homyo (Buddhist name). Several more services the following day and presentation of certificates in English completed the program.

Congratulations to our newly ordained Jodo Shinshu priests!

Charlene Kihara and Barbara Brennan with Hawaii Betsuin ministers

Charlene and Barbara with Hawaii Betsuin ministers. Photo courtesy Barbara Brennan.

Charlene Kihara and Barbara Brennan with Rimban Hagio in the Hawaii Betsuin main hall (hondo)

Charlene Kihara and Barbara Brennan with Rimban Hagio. Photo courtesy Barbara Brennan.

With appreciation to BCA’s John Hughes, whose thorough write-up in the Longmont Buddhist Temple newsletter assisted in the preparation of this item.

Hear from Barbara and Charlene at the Betsuin’s Higan service on Sunday, September 18th. They will be our guest speakers and will share their motivations and Tokudo experiences.