2024 MARKS THE 100thYEAR OF KANEOHE HIGASHI HONGWANJI MISSION!
We hope you will come to the celebration. More information is coming, but we ask you to MARK YOUR CALENDARS and
SAVE THIS DATE: OCTOBER 27, 2024
(Please note that in your 2024 annual calendar sent to you earlier this year, the centennial was scheduled for September 22. That date is now incorrect! Please amend your calendar. Thank you!)
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Notice from the Board of Directors
Dear Dharma Members and Friends:
We are continuing our Sunday Dharma gatherings at Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji with a new monthly format which will include: interpersonal exchanges, Question and Answer sessions on Buddhist concepts, guest speakers, and book club discussions.
Hope to see you soon…here’s our schedule for April and May:
APRIL
April 14, 9:00 am, Open Forum discussion at Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji: “What is the Difference between Shakyamuni Buddha, the Enlightened Buddha and Amida Buddha?”
April 21, 10:00 am, Zoom discussion on contemporary issues with Palolo Hongwanji led by Rev. Noriaki Fujimori. {Email registration and Zoom info to follow, check back here. Can also join the Zoom viewing at Kaneohe Higashi temple}
April 28, 9:00 am, Sunday Service at Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, Speaker: Rinban Kenjun Kawawata, Bishop (Director of Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii District)
MAY
May 5, 9:00 am, Local Dharma Gathering on the Larger Sutra: Speaker, Rev. Steven Toyoshima
May 12, 9:00 am, Book Club discussion*: “River of Fire, River of Water” written by Taitetsu Unno; an Introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism
May 19, 10:00 am, Zoom discussion on contemporary issues with Palolo Hongwanji led by Rev. Noriaki Fujimori. {Email registration and Zoom info to follow, check back here. Can also join the Zoom viewing at Kaneohe Higashi temple}
May 26, 9:00 am, May Shotsuki Service, Speaker: Rev. Akiko Okada
We look forward to your active support and participation as we continue in 2024.
In gassho,
Mary Matsuda
Chairperson
All are welcome!
*Book Club discussion, May 12th:
River of Fire, River of Water: An introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism
The book is available at various book sites. Amazon offers used, discounted books which are very affordable. My thoughts are that used books are easier to mark up with margin notes or your own thoughts because we have the tendency of not wanting to mark up new books. Go for it, fellow seekers. Let's have a jab at this.... Any questions? Call me at (808) 271-2655 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Taitetsu Unno, a prominent scholar and authority on Shin or Pure Land Buddhism, delves into the profound teachings of this spiritual tradition in his book titled "River of Fire, River of Water: An Introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism"1. Let’s explore the essence of this work:
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Overview:
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Title: River of Fire, River of Water: An Introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism
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Author: Dr. Taitetsu Unno
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Publication Date: April 13, 1998
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Language: English
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Format: Paperback
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Length: 272 pages
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Rating: 4.7 (based on 120 ratings)
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Content:
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Dr. Unno introduces readers to Pure Land Buddhism, which is the most popular form of Buddhism in Japan. Unlike Zen or Tibetan traditions, Pure Land Buddhism was practiced by common people, making it harmonious with daily life. Its goal, like other Buddhist schools, is the awakening of the true self.
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The book covers topics such as the conspiracy of good, nonduality, interdependence, impermanence, unrepeatable life, and the view of death withing the context of Shin Buddhism.
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Significance:
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River of Fire, River of Water enriches the understanding of Pure Land Buddhism for both beginners and those already familiar with the tradition.
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Dr. Unno’s spiritual insight and scholarship contribute to the growing practice of Buddhism in the United States.
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This work stands alongside other influential books in the field of Buddhism, such as Three Pillars of Zen, The Miracle of Mindfulness, and Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind1. If you’re curious about the path of awakening and the interplay of spirituality with everyday life, this book offers valuable insights.
For those interested, you can explore the book on platforms such as The Maida Center (link in right margin), Amazon, Rakuten Kobo, and eBooks.com.
Select Sunday Service videos are on YouTube, Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, click here.
For an archive of past services, click archive.
The Maida Center of Buddhism (link in right margin)
The Maida Center is an excellent resource for Shin Buddhism. Their website includes articles by the Center's Director, Dr. Nobuo Haneda; their newsletter, THE DHARMA BREEZE; and the availability of books and lecture videos on Shin Buddhism.
{Please note that temple services and activities listed are subject to governmental directives for public health.
Please call 808-247-2661 with questions}
We are grateful for your DANA donations so this temple may continue to serve as your DOJO (place to learn); Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 45-520 Keaahala Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744
About Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji
The Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji temple was established in 1924 to serve the residents of Kaneohe and continues to serve a broader community. While the Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji temple is located on the Windward side of Oahu, its membership includes residents of other parts of the island, California, Nevada, and Washington state.
Buddha's teachings by virtue of its transcendental nature were for a long time limited only to the educated and the elite and therefore beyond the comprehension of the common masses. Shinran Shonin, the founder of our sect (Jodo Shinshu or Shin Buddhism) of Pure Land Buddhism, made Buddha's teachings understandable to the masses and showed us how the teachings are relevant to our daily lives.
While many people think of Buddhism only as it is related to death, on the contrary, Jodo Shinshu emphasizes how each of us can make the best of our lives here and now.
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