Hanamatsuri, the Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha Buddhist Council Service 1727 Highway Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Scheduled for April 7th at the Betsuin

The Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin and the Higashi Honganji Mission will host the 2019 Hawaii Buddhist Council observance of Buddha Day on April 7, 2019 at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. The guest speaker will be Prof. Willa Tanabe.

GOJI Buddha Day, also known as Hanamatsuri celebrates the birth of Vol. 74, No. 04 the founder of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni Bud- dha was born in Garden in what is present day Nepal to King Suddhodhana and Queen Maya. The Buddha’s story of his birth is one steeped in tradition and folklore. Legends of the Buddha’s birth say that on the day he was born,flowers bloomed, and sweet rain fell from the sky to bathe the new born baby. The APRIL 2019 legends also described how the baby Shakyamuni took7 steps and proclaimed: “ I am chief of the world, Eldest am I in the world, NEWSLETTER Foremost am I in the world. This is the last birth. There is now no of the more coming to be.” Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Although the legends surrounding the Buddha’s birth seem fan- tastic and the statement He uttered after birth seems egoistic or hawaiibetsuin.org arrogant, it is not so much the authenticity of the stories that is important but rather what Shakyamuni Buddha had accomplished during his life of being a prince, renunciation of 2019 Slogan: the world, doing ascetic practices and Embrace Change: finally attaining Supreme Awakening or Enlightenment. Siddharta TRANSFORMATION Gautama, recognizing the (Walk in Peace) causes of suffering and moved by deep compassion towards BETSUIN all sentient beings, taught for 45 years of his life, to many people, MINISTERS the way he rediscovered that leads to the attainment of peace, tranquility, content- Chief Minister ment and genuine happiness Rev. Toyokazu Hagio in one’s life by becoming a Buddha, an awakened one. Ministerial Staff He achieved all of these as a human being, thereby Rev. Yuika Hasebe proving that we too can do Rev. Joshin Kamuro the same thing and awaken Rev. Sol Kalu to the inherent potential of Rev. Shingo Furusawa in all of us. PAGE 2 GOJI APRIL 2019 Message from Rev. Sol Kalu Every 8th of April is a special day for us 2,500 years ago, in Lumbini Garden, in and death of . Buddhists because that day is Hanamat- what is now the country of Nepal, sweet suri, the day we celebrate the birth of rain fell from the sky to wash the new- We are celebrating the Buddha’s birth- the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni born baby and perfumed blossoms fell day because we honor, respect, revere Buddha. On this happy occasion, we on both mother and child. This was the and above all thank the Buddha for his pay honor and respect to the Buddha, a first hanamatsuri or flower festival. So, teachings that we all try to follow. Had man who was born to a royal family in because of that legend, we have flowers the Buddha not been born, we would all ancient India, but who, rather than living and we pour sweet tea on the statue of be not here, maybe, we would not be in a the privileged life of nobility and taking the baby Buddha on this auspicious day. different place, different temple or place over the throne after his father, chose to It is also said that upon the birth of the of worship. Shakyamuni Buddha was seek the answers to the problem of suf- baby Buddha, he stood up, took seven born over 2,500 years ago as a prince fering, by leaving his family at the age of steps, and with one finger pointing up in his father’s kingdom, but when he be- 29 years old to find the way to enlighten- and the other down, proclaimed “I alone came an adult, he chose to become a ment through religious practices. am the World-Honored One!” Newcom- holy man instead of becoming the next ers to Buddhism tend to dismiss the king, succeeding his father. The Bud- His father was Suddhodana the King of Buddha birth myth as so much froth. It dha gave up a life of luxury and wealth the Shakya clan and his mother’s name sounds like a story about the birth of a because he realized that despite having was Queen Maya. It is said that at the god, and the Buddha was not a god. In everything, people still have suffering. exact moment that the Buddha was born, particular, the declaration “I alone am He, too, realized that he was not differ- the World-Honored One” is a bit hard to ent from the ordinary person and their square with Buddhist teachings on non- suffering was the same - that is, birth, theism and anatman - no soul, no such sickness, old age and death. He sought GOJI thing as an independently existing “I”. to find a way to end suffering and enable TheGOJI is a monthly publication of the “I alone am the World-Honored One”, continued on page 7 Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Tel. was not a statement of arrogance. Ma- (808) 536-7044. There is no newsletter hayana Buddhists interpret “I alone am published for the month of August. the World-Honored One” in a way that “I” DEADLINE: If you are unable Articles must be submitted no later than represents all sentient beings through- the 10th of the month prior to publica- out space and time -- everyone, in other to come to the tion by e-mail (execdir@hawaiibetsuin. words. It affirms the absolute value of temple and would org), mail (1727 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI, humanity. In that statement the baby 96813) or fax (536-0919). Address sub- like to have a Buddha was speaking of the Buddha- missions to the GOJI. Please include minister visit your name and contact information. nature that is the immutable and eternal Original images should be labeled on nature of all beings. The seventh step you in your home, the reverse side with caption and return that the baby Buddha is said to have tak- information. please call en right after birth symbolizes the goal Rev. Yuika Hasebe GOJI STAFF: or aim of one’s being born into this life, Editorial: Jo desMarets; Dianne Ida, at 536-7044 to Randy Kawamoto, Rev. Yuika Hasebe, the goal that signifies outside of Japanese section editor, Production: Stacy the six realms of suffering or the world of request a home visit. Bradshaw, Colleen Kunishige; Joyce Tomita, samsara. Circulation: Stacy Bradshaw; Contributing reporters from Hongwanji Mission School, Buddhist Women’s Association, Dharma The traditional date of the Buddha’s School & Parents, Project Dana, Wednesday birthday varies among the countries that Gang and Gals, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, are predominantly Buddhist, but in Ja- Pacific Buddhist Academy, and the Kyodan pan it is around April 8. In the We miss you and The opinions expressed by individual tradition Hanamatsuri or the Buddha’s contributors are their own and do not do not want to lose necessarily reflect those of the Honpa birthday is known as the Wesak, with a Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. slight difference being that the Wesak contact with you! commemorates the birth, enlightenment GOJI APRIL 2019 PAGE 3

BWA News and Events Fujiko Motobu DANA PROJECT: THANK YOU, TO ALL APRIL IS A BUSY MONTH FOR up the stairway to the large room. There OF YOU: Through the generosity from BWA: The first Sunday, April 7 is he was greeted by 1000 dogs, wagging all of you, donations of nearly $3,700.00 HANAMATSURI, birth of Buddha, their tails and bouncing up and down just was received for Dana Day. When the and joint service will be held with all as fast as he. He smiled, and was an- recipient for this year is decided, you will the affiliated Buddhist temples of Ho- swered with a thousand smiles back at be notified. The recipient gets one thou- nolulu. him. He was absolutely delighted and sand dollars for three years, and these thought to himself, “This is a wonderful are organizations doing services in our The second Sunday, April 14 is Mini place. I shall return as often as I can.” community. Market for BWA ladies. We have been very fortunate in receiving a lot In the same village lived another dog, HOSHA: Is there a simple way to show of donations in food as well as other but he was not a happy one. He also gratitude to the Betsuin for allowing us interesting products. Thank you and noticed the house with a 1000 mir- to listen to the Dharma, meeting with keep them coming. rors and decided to go and visit it. He friends, gaining new friends and provid- slowly snuck in with his head hung low ing a gathering place for many social The third Sunday, April 21 will be and he peered through the doorway. He and educational activities? YES! All BWA’s General Membership Meeting saw 1000 unfriendly looking dogs star- it costs is two hours of your time per Number #2 of the year beginning at ing back at him, so he growled, and was month. Come and volunteer to clean 11 am right after the 10 am service in frightened to see them all growl back at the Hondo on the first Saturday morning the Hondo. him. He quickly backed out and left the of each month from 8:30-10:30am. Just house as he thought to himself, “that is come with a rag in your hand. Dusting, The fourth Sunday, the 28th is Es- a horrible house. I shall never go back straightening and swifting is what you hinni-Kakushinni Day Service, spon- there again.” do to say thank you. JOIN US! Claire sored by the BWA for the 10 am ser- Groom is our BWA chair. Sign up with vice. Please attend Sunday services Whether you know it or not, you visit the her or Sudhana Fellowship chair, Marian in April. house of 1000 Mirrors daily and you see Urata. Sudhana Fellowship starts HO- all the faces in the world which are es- SHA in May. 1000 MIRRORS sentially mirrors. What they reflect back This Japanese folktale appeared in to you is what you project to them. Are STROKE HAS A NEW INDICATOR…… the Papaikou Hongwanji newsletter of you like dog # 1 or dog #2? READ ON! A neurologist says that July 2018 issue. Long, long ago, in a if he can get to a stroke victim within far away village in , there was a HUMOR #1 It’s been raining for days 3 hours he can totally reverse the ef- House with 1000 mirrors. A little dog now, and my husband seems very de- fects of a stroke. It is important for us learned about it and decided to go and pressed by it. He keeps standing by the to RECOGNIZE A STROKE. A person visit it. When he arrived, he happily window, staring. If it continues, I’m going may slip and fall, but will get up and say bounced into the doorway and went to have to let him in. that he or she slipped with new shoes, or missed a step, or whatever excuse they may have. but, test them to be sure HUMOR #2 Have you heard of the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh? and safe. STR is what you need to re- He had many interesting relatives. Among them were: member: First ask the person to SMILE His obnoxious brother---Please Gogh (S); then ask the person to TALK (T) and His dizzy aunt---Verti Gogh SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE Then His brother who ate too many prunes---Gotta Gogh ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS The brother who worked in the convenience store---Stop-N Gogh (R) A NEW SIGN: STICK OUT YOUR The grandfather from Yugoslavia---U Gogh TONGUE. If the tongue is crooked or it goes to one side or the other, that is an The cousin from Illinois---Chica Gogh indication of a stroke. DIAL 911 CALL Fruit loving cousin---Man Gogh THE AMBULANCE. This article was The ballroom dancing aunt---Tang Gogh shared by Marjie Determan. (Thanks, for the laugh, Hanayo) PAGE 4 GOJI APRIL 2019 Dharma School News Debbie Kubota On Sunday, February 24, the Betsuin enjoy doing, our favorite foods, etc. Hawaiian Railway Station for a bento Dharma school families participated The children and young at heart lunch and train ride, which went from in a joint Activity with Oahu District played a game out on the lawn Ewa Beach to Kahe Point and back. A Dharma Schools at the Ewa Hong- before heading into the hondo for total of 103 Dharma School students wanji. We attended a service at the service. Reverend Kevin Kuniyuki and parents participated, with 75 at- Hongwanji and rode the Hawaiian conducted our service and Koji and tendees from the Honolulu District Railway Train in Ewa! The weather Kenji Suzuki from Pearl City Hong- Dharma Schools (50 from the Betsuin) was just perfect as Dharma School wanji were our emcees. Reverend and 28 from the Oahu District. What a students and families from across the Kevin shared the history behind the fun event for all! island of Oahu joined together for the Hawaiian Railway as first time ever to enjoy a day filled with part of his Dharma fun and fellowship.. Both the Honolulu message. We were and Oahu District Dharma Schools pleased to have gathered at Ewa Hongwanji to start Bishop Matsumoto, the day with icebreakers so everyone Reverend Takahashi could get to know each other. We gath- and Reverend Higa ered in groups by the first letter of our also join us for the first names, then each group picked an day. animal that represented the first let- ter of their name (aardvarks, dolphins After service, we and sharks to name a few). Then, us- headed over to the ing M&M candy, we looked for another person with the same color M&M and shared personal information about our favorite holidays, things we

Upcoming Dharma School Events for 2019: Please Join Us on Sunday, May 5 - Intergenerational Picnic at Magic Island (Picnic Sites 38 & 39) — All Ages are Welcome! Event will run from 9 am to 2 pm. Planning to order bento lunch. The morning will start with a brief service, then group activities/ice breakers to get everyone to know each other. The Honolulu Dharma Schools will be in charge of the ice-breakers and introductory activities. Activities will be planned by each temple (Betsuin, Jikoen, Moiliili, Wind- ward ) along with the Betsuin BWA. GOJI APRIL 2019 PAGE 5

Scout News: Scout Sunday Alexandrianna Harman, Senior Girl Scout Troop 415 On Sunday, February 3, 2019, Honpa Hongwanji Girl Scouts, Hon- pa Hongwanji Boy and Cub Scouts honored the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin for their dedication and commitment to the Scouting Program.

We also honored our fellow Scouts with the prestigious Girl Scout Gold, Silver and Bronze award, Boy Scout Eagle and Cub Scout Arrow of Light.

We had dignitaries from the different Scouting organizations partici- pate in this annual event.

The Scouts, families and friends were honored to have such a beauti- ful temple to have this service in. After the formal service was com- pleted everyone was welcomed into the Social Hall for refreshments that was provided by Senior Troop 415, Troop 49 and Pack 49. Ev- eryone was also welcomed to enjoy all of the activities that was being held. The Cubs had their annual Pinewood Derby, the Boy Scouts cooked Quesadilla and the Girl Scouts had a cookie decorating and greeting card activity stations.

We would like to thank the temple from the bottom of our hearts for their continued support and dedication to our Scouting Program. Thank you to the Scout Sunday Committee, Leaders, Parents and Friends for all of their hard work and dedication to make this event a great success.

In Gassho, Alexandrianna Harman Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Senior Troop 415

Daisy and Senior Girl Scouts Learn Worm Composting

Worm Composting It was a combined hands-on journey proj- ect by both the Daisy Girl Scouts (Grades K-1) and the Senior Scouts (9-12). The girls proudly showed off their compost bins filled with Mahalo to everyone who live worms and veg- etable cuttings which helped make the the Daisy Scouts took Taste of Hongwanji home for their Flower a BIG SUCCESS! Garden. PAGE 6 GOJI APRIL 2019 President’s Message from Dexter Mar How Hawaii Buddhism Survived World War II: Lessons for our Second Century

Our Betsuin Vision: A welcoming place where all share the joy of living with gratitude and compassion inspired by Buddhist values.

On December 7th 1941, with the when Japanese Americans fought discover Hongwanji on their own. smoke of the Pearl Harbor attack to defend their faith, preserve reli- hanging in the air, Bishop Gikyo Kuchi- gious freedom and re-define “being Until his death in 1932, Bishop Yemyo ba of HHMH was arrested at 3pm here an American”. In mainland camps, Imamura spoke out for the American- at the Betsuin temple. Martial law imprisoned ministers offered spiri- ization of Nisei Japanese Buddhist, was declared at 3:30pm. Many Bud- tual support to tens of thousands. saying that Buddhism and American dhist ministers of various paths (and all Here in Hawaii, few ministers re- Democracy were a perfect match. Had Shinto priests, many Japanese school mained to offer Buddhist guidance his vision of a racially diverse, univer- teachers and diplomats) were also ar- and services, like Englishman Rev. sal Buddhism integrated into the com- rested on December 7th. In the Spring Ernest Hunt of Soto Mission munity been continued by his succes- 1942, large scale imprisonment started (Rev. Hunt was formerly a Hong- sor, Bishop Kuchiba may have been on the US mainland. In those dark wanji minister until terminated by spared arrest. years, Buddhism was threatened by Bishop Kuchiba in 1934) and pro- the American government and society American Rev. Mitsumyo Tottori of In early March presentations at Uni- with extinction. Without ministers and Haleiwa Shingonshu. versity of Hawaii and the Betsuin, Dr. closure of temples, how did Buddhism Williams spoke of the systematic gov- survive? Has it survived, or is it in per- In Hawaii, lay members quietly and ernment and societal campaign to de- manent decline? invisibly kept their Buddhist faith stroy Buddhism and convert Japanese In a groundbreaking history, “American alive in a time of martial law. This to Christianity. Most Hawaii Issei and ”, Professor Duncan Ryuken Wil- tradition of invisibility persisted after Nisei resisted and found in the liams provides a new perspective on the war, and forced later genera- Buddha. one of our country’s darkest periods tions of Japanese Americans to re- As we embark on our “Second Cen- tury” campaign, it’s our intention to share our “Buddhist American” values to the broader community, without the Eshin-ni shadows of shame and guilt of postwar and America. Kakushin-ni Do we embrace this opportunity to honor the legacy of the first 100 years? Day It will be hard, but not harder than the life of ministers who were imprisoned, or for members who had to rebuild the Honoring the Legacies of Betsuin after the war. Not harder than Lady Eshin-ni and Lady Kakushin-ni! for Rev. Hunt who served the Buddhist community during the war.

Combined Service We are Hongwanji. We survive. We step up. We don’t give up. Sunday, April 28th at 9:30 am Namoamidabutsu! GOJI APRIL 2019 PAGE 7 Dharma message continued from page 2 people to live happily as true human be- Buddhism has taken many forms and karma resulted in our birth as human ings. He first sought his own liberation ways of practice, the basic teaching of beings which is very precious and un- or enlightenment and after his enlight- wisdom and compassion is still the same. repeatable. Our parents and innumer- enment or the awakening to the truth of Wisdom is to be able to know life as it re- able number of people and beings have the universe, the Buddha spent the next ally is, viewed not from the self-centered sustained and supported us so we are 45 years of his life teaching to many ego, but through the wisdom eye and with living in this present moment. people the way of enlightenment that he that understanding, compassion follows, rediscovered through his many years of which is the ability to feel the pain and suf- And so, we should always be thankful ascetic and other forms of spiritual prac- fering of others and the desire to relieve for this life that we are living now. Our tice. The Buddha lived up to 80 years old such pain and suffering. life’s purpose is to realize that Buddha and died peacefully in the place in India nature in all of us and this is the very called Kushinagara. After his death, his Today we are joyfully celebrating the birth core of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teach- disciples continued his work of spread- of the Buddha, we do so as an expres- ings. Truly, the man who gave up his ing his teachings through word of mouth sion of gratitude for the teachings he gave becoming a king to become the greatest or other means, to many people and us. In so remembering the teachings and teacher of humanity, deserves this spe- lands in Asia, eventually reaching Chi- living our lives in accord with the teach- cial day of recognition and reverence. na, Japan and Korea and now there are ings, the Buddha is still very much alive Let us then, today, rejoice in commemo- Buddhist temples in the US mainland, in our hearts and minds. Hanamatsuri rating the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, Hawaii, Brazil and many other parts of is our birthday party for the Buddha. His the Exalted One, the Enlightened One, the world. Buddhism is considered one birth many many years ago, is our spiri- the Supremely Awakened One. Namo of the world’s major religion, alongside tual birth. And like Shakyamuni, we, too, Tassa Bhagavato, Arahato, Samma Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hindu- can become Buddhas because we all Sambuddhassa. Buddham saranam ism. Shakyamuni Buddha lived and died have that Buddha-nature in us. We should gacchami, Dhammam saranam gac- over 2,000 years ago but to this pres- always be mindful of our own physical chami, Sangham saranam gacchami! ent day, his teachings are still relevant birth, the meaning of being born and the Happy Birthday Lord Buddha! in our modern age, even more so, with purpose of our lives. We were born be- wars, injustice and other causes of hu- cause of many causes and conditions that man suffering still present. Although happened in the past and previous good NEW CLASS Betsuin BWA Asked to Participate in “Tsuru for Solidarity” "Buddhism In The Hawaii Betsuin BWA was asked to Ban. There will be taiko drums that will participate in “Tsuru for Solidarity” by echo out across the field to the prison Everyday Life folding paper cranes. We were able to camp, sending the message that there provide 200 cranes that we had from are people outside who care. Rev. Ko- -Tannisho" the Martin Luther King, Jr parade. Rev. bata will be participating. Ronald Kobata took them back to the Dates: (Fridays) Mainland and will have them strung to- Some of the demonstrators will then go gether. The cranes are for a peaceful to Austin, Texas to speak with legislators May 3,10,17, 24, & 31 protest. and representatives about the Japanese- Time: 10:00-11:00AM American internment experiences and On March 30th in Dilley, Texas, a group the similarity to what is going on today. Place: will hang 10,000 origami cranes on Annex Temple The next BWA general membership barbed wire fences surrounding de- With Rev. Yuika Hasebe tention sites to show the families and meeting is on Sunday, April 21st. I’d like children in the detention sites that the to invite anyone (women and men) inter- Japanese-American communities are ested in meeting new people, learning No fee supporting them. This will be a non-vi- new skills, and having opportunities to Everyone Welcomed! olent protest against the Muslim Travel support our temple to attend the meeting. PAGE 8 GOJI APRIL 2019

Radio Programs In Memoriam FEBRUARY 2019 APRIL 2019 KZOO 1210 AM The Hawai’i Betsuin extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the Japanese Language following members who recently passed away. May the family members Saturday at 7:30 AM find solace and comfort in the Nembutsu. Namo Amida Butsu

06 Rev. Shingo Furusawa JANUARY 21 WATANABE, Kevin Tamotsu (59) 13 Rev. Yuika Hasebe JANUARY 26 FURUSHO, Kikue (91) 20 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 27 Rev. Satoshi Tomioka FEBRUARY 2019 04 OYAMA, Lillian Shizuka (81) 21 TOMA, Bernice Kiyoko (101) Betsuin Services 07 HAMAMOTO, Jean Itsuko (90) 23 ONAGA, Leatrice Asako (93) 07 TOKUDA, Tamaki (95) 25 YOSHIMOTO, Elsie Kimiko (94) Asaji Service 8:00 AM 13 KURODA, Elsie Sueko (103) 27 KAWAHARA, Wayne Hiroyuki (57) 07 No Asaji - HBC Buddha Day 16 MORIMOTO, Teruko (98) 27 UYEDA, June Kazue (92) at Betsuin 9:30 am 20 TANAKA, Toshiaki (94) 14 Rev. Shingo Furusawa 21 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 28 Rev. Yuika Hasebe

Adult English Services Nursing Home Services 10:00 AM APRIL 2019 07 HBC Buddha Day at Betsuin 9:30 am Guest speaker 04 Hale Nani – Rev. Kamuro Dr. Willa Tanabe Hale Ho Aloha – Rimban Hagio 14 Green Day Service 9:30 am Rev. Blayne Higa 11 Maluhia – Rev. Furusawa 21 Earth Day Service – Michael Kieran Liliha – Rev. Hasebe 28 Eshinni & Kakushinni Family Ser. 9:30 am – Rev. Jan Youth 12 Kuakini – Rev. Kalu 25 Nuuanu Hale (9:30 am) – Rev. Kalu Nicchu Service 1:00 PM 26 Leahi – Rev. Hasebe 07 No Nicchu - HBC Buddha Day at Betsuin (only 930 am) 14 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 2019 Memorial Service Schedule 21 Rev. Yuika Hasebe 28 Rev. Shingo Furusawa 2018 is the memorial year for those who passed away in: 2018 – 1 year 2007 – 13 year 1987 – 33 year Dharma School 9:00 AM 2017 – 3 year 2003 – 17 year 1970 – 50 year 07 No DS - HBC Buddha Day 2013 – 7 year 1995 – 25 year 1920 – 100 year at Betsuin (only 9:30 am) 14 Green Day Family Ser. 9:30 am 21 Rev. Jan Youth The great practice is to say the Name of the Tathagata of un- 28 Eshinni & Kakushinni Family hindered light. This practice, comprehensively encompass- Service 9:30 am – Rev. Jan Youth ing all practices, is perfect and most rapid in bringing them to fullness. For this reason, it is called “great practice.” Saying the Name then breaks through all the ignorance of sentient beings and readily brings all their aspirations to fulfillment. Saying the Name is in itself ; mindfulness is nembutsu; nembutsu is Namo-amida-butsu. Everyone Welcomed! -Shinran Shonin Please join us for the 3rd Annual Hawaii Betsuin Green Fair Sunday, April 14, 2019

After a combined service at 9:30 a.m. featuring guest speaker Rev. Blayne Higa, come downstairs to the fair in the Social Hall and see what the “buzz” is about!

• make a beeswax wrap • take the pollinator quiz • shop local at the BWA MiniMarket • plant a bean with Fukuda Seed Co. • make a fun toy from bottle caps • pick up a bamboo utensil kit or Mottainai bag • prize drawing! Our Earth Day Service is Sunday, April 21 with Michael Kieran

Hawaii Betsuin holds its 2019 Earth Day Service on Sunday, April 21 at 10 a.m. We are pleased to announce guest speaker Michael Kieran from the American Zen tradition. Mi- chael is the current teacher at Palolo Zen Center, Honolulu affiliate of the Diamond .

Michael worked with Robert Gyoun Aitken Roshi (co-founder of the Ho- nolulu Diamond Sangha) for many years and began teaching at Koko-an Zendo in the 1980s. He withdrew from teaching to focus on his family and growing business. Later, after Aitken Roshi’s retirement, he began to work with Nelson Foster, a dharma heir of Aitken Roshi and the visit- ing teacher of Palolo Center. Michael was authorized to teach by Nelson Foster in 1999 and received transmission in 2004, ascending the Moun- tain Seat in 2006. He is an O’ahu resident and offers regular dokusan and sesshin at Palolo Zen Center.

After the service and fellowship in the Social Hall, our speaker will join us for an Earth Day dharma dialogue. All welcome!