Bishop Eric Matsumoto, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Rather than including all the text right here, we are making the Bishop’s message available as a PDF file. This makes it easy for those who may prefer to print the message and read it offline.
Please do not let the nine-page length of the message dissuade you. We suggest you set aside a little time and read the message thoroughly, even if you attended Betsuin’s 2016 Ho’onko service. There is so much here of importance for the members of our Betsuin and extended sangha members to reflect and act upon.
In the message, Bishop Matsumoto highlights the sense of a new beginning with the accession of our Spiritual Leader, the 25th Gomonshu, His Eminence Kojun Ohtani. He notes how the 24th and 25th Gomonshu have encouraged us to change and adapt to changes in society, setting about the great task of identifying what is essential and what can be changed. Bishop also cites our own Hawaii theme and slogan for 2016, which calls us to “create a new vision which will plan for the future, and create engagement with our members and the community.”
Bishop lists several teachings of the Buddha that can guide us in the challenging process of change, emphasizing personal growth and development as the greatest change which has to take place. If we listen deeply, “becoming even more Dharma centered,” we will better embody the teachings in they way we think, speak, act, and interact with each other as we carry out the programs and activities of our temples.
Please enjoy Bishop Matsumoto’s 2016 Ho’onko message to Hawaii Betsuin.