Newsletter March 2008

9:30 a.m. General Planning Meeting

*Morning Services will be held every Sunday from 6:30 a.m..

• Ask anything about Buddhism and Nichiren-shu

Q1: What is the meaning of the IHAI Tablet?

A1: When hitorical Buddha Shakyamuni passed away about 2,500 years ago in India, kings of eight countries, who were devoted Buddhists, received Buddha’s ashes and errected eight stupas (towers) to commemorate Buddha Shakyamuni. So, the IHAI is considered as a tower to commemorate the deceased. That is the reason the IHAI is tower-shaped.

Q2: What should I bring to the temple for memorial services?

A2: To hold memorial services means to express your respect and gratitude to your loved ones. Therefore, if you could bring some flowers that your loved ones liked and some food, such as fruits, snacks or pastry that your loved ones liked, it would be sufficient for offerings. Also your incence offerings and sincere prayer would be great offerings for your loved ones at the temple.

Q3: What is the meaning of "Namu-Myohorengekyo?

A3: When you go to India, you will see people greeting to each other by saying "Namaste". Namaste’s "Namas" means "I respect". "Te" means "you". So, they are greeting each other by saying "I respect you". What a way to greet each other! The NAMAS is the same meaning of Namu-Myohorengekyo’s NAMU. "MYOHORENGEKYO" is a name of the Lotus Sutra in Japanese. The Buddha Shakyamuni left his highest teaching in the Lotus Sutra. So, "Namu-Myohorengekyo:" means "I respect the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, which is the highest teaching of the Buddha Shakyamuni".

NOTICE BOARD

Seventh Dharma Circle

The seventh Dharma Circle will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. We are planning to hold a short Shodaigyo practice, English chanting of the Lotus Sutra and discussion with refreshments. This month, we would like to share with you the concept of the Middle Way, which means avoiding two extremes. Please feel free to attend the Dharma Circle. You are always welcome.

Rev. Takasaki completes Aragyo (rigorous ascetic exercises)

Rev. Tetsudo Takasaki, the resident minister of the Puunene Nichiren Mission in Maui, has completed the 100 days rigorous ascetic Buddhist exercises called "ARAGYO" in Japanese on February 10, 2008 at the Hokekyoji Temple in Chiba, Japan.

He is planning to attend our monthly Kito Service on March 9 with three other ARAGYO priests from Japan.

Rev. Takasaki will tell you his experience during the ARAGYO at the service. Refreshments will be served after the service.

KUMIHIMO Class

A KUMIHIMO Classes will be held on Sunday, March 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 25 after the newsletter mailing. Mrs. Carol Nagano, who explained the KUMIHIMO which is a Japanese cultural tradition and demonstrated her skill of KUMIHIMO at our new years party on January 27 this year, will instruct the class.

The KUMIHIMO has a lot of potential to develop itself in Hawaii and U. S.. It is also good chance for children to learn a Japanese cultural art.

The number of attendees will be limited because of the limitation of the number of tools. If you are interested in attending the class, please let Rev. Imai know.

The Buddha Day Service

Hawaii Buddhist Council is planning to hold the Buddha Day Service on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at McCoy Pavillion, Ala Moana Park from 9:00 a.m..

We, Nichiren Mission, will be attending the service and also after the service, we have decided to sing songs on the Pavillion’s stage to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.

Whoever wants to participate in the singing, just let Rev. Imai know. Your volunteer and cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

Please KOKUA for Sunday School activity

Sunday School is now asking all of you to bring old greeting cards and self-adhessive contact paper if you have. They are planning to have children make place mats and coasters as their activity. Please KOKUA.

Your HELP needed for Higan

We used to have OHAGI (Japanese sweet rice cake) at Higan services prepared by Fujinkai (Ladies Association) every spring and fall for for a long time. However, Fujinkai decided not to continue because of the lack of members. Now is the time to repay our gratitude for their long time effort. So, I would like to ask anyone who can help us prepare UDON noodle instead of OHAGI for Higan service on March 23 this year. Please feel free to let Rev. Imai know if you are able to help.

Fujinkai members, thank you for your efforts and please be our guests at Higan service this year!

Children, pay attention!!

Nichren Mission Sunday School is planning to celebrate our annual Children’s Day on Sunday, May 4, 2008. After the Children’s Day and Kishimojin Matsuri Service, we will prepare a lot of games and food!! Children will be able to bring friends to the Mission on that day. Please put it on your calendar and let’s have great fun!

Let’s share in the support for the homeless

The Mission has been asking you to bring any toiletaries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc. We have brought them to the downtown River of Life Mission to share in the support of the homeless and indigent people as a bodhisattva’s practice. It was greatly appreciated. Let us continue supporting them. If you have any questions on this matter, please feel free to contact Rev. Imai at 595-3517 or e-mail him.