Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin welcomes all to our annual Autumn Ohigan Service.  The word Higan means the “Other Shore” of enlightenment.  (O is a Japanese prefix to indicate politeness) Ohigan is a week-long observance, held during the week of the vernal equinox and autumnal equinox.  Traditionally, Amida Buddha’s Pure Land is regarded as being in the west.  On both equinoxes, the length of day and night are equal, and the sun sets due west.  People see the setting sun at due west and reflect upon Amida’s Pure Land peacefully.  During those times, the weather in Japan is mild and calm, so people use it as a wonderful opportunity to learn Buddhism and reflect on their lives.

8:00 a.m. – Japanese Language Service – Speaker: Rev. Shigenori Makino
9:30 a.m. – Combined English Service (main temple) – Speaker: Rev. Shigenori Makino
1:00 p.m. – Japanese Language Service – Speaker: Rev. Toyokazu Hagio

About the Dharma Teacher

Our guest speaker will be Rev. Shigenori Makino.  Rev. Makino was born in Kitakyushu-city in Fukuoka, Japan.  He studied Jodo Shinshu Buddhism at Ryukoku University, graduating with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  Then he studied psychology at Winona State University.  His ministerial career started at Sapporo Betsuin in Hokkaido, Japan.  He then served at Wailuku Hongwanji, Kailua Hongwanji, and Moiliili Hongwanji.  He was the Rimban of Hawaii Betsuin, served at Toronto Buddhist Church in Canada, and was the Bishop of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada.  Rev. Makino also has a certificate of pastoral care and volunteered as a counselor and chaplain in numerous places.  He is married to Sumie Tamekuni and has two daughters and two grandchildren.

 

See also more information about Sunday Services.