By Joanie Martinez
The topic was jarring: “Why I Think Jodo Shinshu Will Disappear.” Already, numbers tell the story, according to Rev. Mas Kodani, who spoke to our sangha. Continue reading “Report: Why Shinshu Will Disappear”
Akegarasu: Buddhist poet
His life could come from today’s headlines—controversial, charismatic and polarizing, with a life filled with tabloid worthy scandals. Rev. Haya Akegarasu (1877-1954) became a renowned Buddhist whose teachings were strongly influenced by Manshi Kiyozawa, whose own experiential approach modernized Jodo Shinshu. Akegarasu eventually held the top administrative post in the Higashi Honganji denomination. Continue reading “Akegarasu: Buddhist poet”
Up Next: Hoonko, Shinran’s Memorial
This Fall our Higashi Honganji temples will commemorate the life of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, with a special service called Hoonko. This is our most important service of the year. Continue reading “Up Next: Hoonko, Shinran’s Memorial”
Celebration of Death
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”
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”