By Rev. Ken Yamada
It seemed surreal: disco music, balloons, dinner buffet and cocktails aplenty. It was a “Celebration of Life” for a recently departed friend. Continue reading “Celebration of Death”
Killing Myself
By Rev. Koen Kikuchi
How do you feel about euthanasia—deciding the time and place of your own death? In Hawaii starting this year, euthanasia is allowed under certain conditions, adding to a growing number of states in this country. Is euthanasia really our choice to make? Continue reading “Killing Myself”
Trekking to the Unknown
By Joseph Deschenes
Usually in Spring, I get itchy feet—feeling the need to travel, go hiking or camping, just get away somewhere. It’s probably because I’m a schoolteacher and work gets busy. However, this year my journey took me to a place of frail health, physical weakness, and feelings of isolation. Continue reading “Trekking to the Unknown”
WWII internment in Hawaii
By Rev. Steven Toyoshima
I bid farewell
To the faces of my sleeping children
As I am taken prisoner
Into the cold night rain.
-Otokichi Ozaki, Honouliuli internee
We traveled to a place long lost to history: the site where Honouliuli Internment Camp once stood. Continue reading “WWII internment in Hawaii”
Who’s Evil? I am!
By Rev. Noriaki Ito
Our country—one of the world’s most advanced nations—is a leader in senseless tragedy. Already this year we’ve had many mass shootings and innocent deaths. How do we understand what’s happening through the Buddhist teachings? Continue reading “Who’s Evil? I am!”
Why is membership dropping at temples?
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Despite Buddhism’s rise in today’s popular culture, why is membership declining at many of our temples? What’s the answer and what can we do about this vexing problem? Continue reading “Why is membership dropping at temples?”