NICHIREN SHONIN'S WORDS
Although the Buddha and each characters of the Lotus Stura seem to look different, it is
the same because the Buddha's mind has been revealed in the Lotus Sutra. Therefore,
chanting the Lotus Sutara means worshiping and looking up to the Buddha. Nichiren Shonin
taught us that each characters of the Lotus Sutra is the Buddha."Shujuonfurumai-gosho"
HOW ARE YOU?
Here is our April 2007 Newsletter. Ohigan is over and it is now the beginning of spring.
We will celebrate the Buddha's Birthday in April. Here are this month's announcements.
BUDDHA DAY SERVICES ON APRIL 1 & 8
Our Hanamatsuri Service at the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii will be celebrated on Sunday,
April 1, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. Hanamatsuri is also called the Buddha Day on which we
celebrate the Birth of the Buddha who was born on April 8th about 2,500 years ago in
India. Please wear your gyo-e at the service if you have one. After this service, there
will be held welcome and farewell party for Rev. Imai and Rev. Maeda.
The Buddha Day Service which is sponsored by the Hawaii Buddhist Council will be held on
Sunday, April 8, 2007 from 9:00 a.m., at Kapiolani Bandstand in Waikiki. No service will
be held on that morning at our temple.
Please attend both Buddha Day celebrations with your family and friends. Let us observe
the Buddha's birthday together.
We would appreciate your donations of flowers to decorate the shrine of the Buddha. If you
do have flowers, please bring them on Saturday, April 1st & 8th by 9:00 am.
FUJINKAI MEETING ON APRIL 15
The Fujinkai meeting will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2007 from 9:00 a.m.
DIRECTORS’ MEETING ON APRIL 15
The Directors’ meeting will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2007 after the 10:00 a.m.
service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING ON APRIL 22
Sunday School meeting will be held on April 22, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.
BLOW HOLE SERVICE ON APRIL 29
On April 28, 1253, Nichiren Shonin, who was 32 years old at that time, proclaimed his
faith in the Lotus Sutra on the top of Mt. Kiyosumi in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Facing the
rising sun above the Pacific Ocean, he recited the Odaimoku "Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge
kyo" for the first time with a resounding voice.
This is the memorable day of proclamation of a new religion by our Founder, Nichiren
Shonin, the Buddha's messenger, who overcame various difficulties in spreading the
Odaimoku and bringing salvation to the people.
We will hold a Sunrise Service at Blow Hole on Sunday, April 29, 2007 from 5:50 a.m. to
celebrate the day. Those who wish to attend, please be there by 5:30 a.m. Please wear your
gyo-e at the service if you have one. No Service will be held at our Temple that day.
VISITATION INFORMATION
The ministers are planning to continue their visits to the Liliha Health Care Center and
the Island Nursing Home on the third Tuesday of every month. We are looking for members
who wish to accompany the ministers to visit nursing homes. The residents of the nursing
homes are so happy to see many visitors so, please see the ministers if you wish to do so.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
The annual membership dues are $12.00 per month or $144.00 per year. Our Temple is
maintained by your membership fee so we would appreciate your kokua in this matter. Thank
you.
REMINDER
Since the registers and calendars for appointments and scheduling of services are
maintained in the office, FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCY CASES, you are encouraged to call 595-3517
during our office hours from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Calls to the office will help us to serve
you more efficiently. Thank you. |