Church guide

We honored our pets both past and present for the service, joy, and companionship which our pet animals provide

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Inline image Pet Friends and Family Invited to Special Service On Sunday, February 3 at 9 a.m., everyone is invited to bring their furry or feathered friends to a special service in the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Social Hall. "Our pets are often more like family members," says Rev. Bruce Nakamura of Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple."We take care of them and have good relationships with them. Especially for those who are alone, or those widowed, pets can bring comfort and companionship. We would like to extend our regular monthly service to include pet friends and family members." Nakamura has previously offered similar services at Kona Hongwanji, welcoming cats, dogs and other animals to their regular monthly gatherings. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to include their pet friends. Taking place in the month of February, the service also celebrates the time when Shakyamuni Buddha fulfilled his ministerial career, and at the age of 80 achieved complete Nirvana. “People may also honor the memory of their pets,” said Nakamura. “They can bring ashes, photos, or other mementos and put in front of the room to show their appreciation and love. The Pet Appreciation and Memorial Service is open to the public and all are welcome, regardless of faith, breed, or religious background. Pet owners are asked to bring well-trained pet friends on leashes or in appropriate carriers. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. Potluck contributions are encouraged.

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2018/09/22/video-peace-day-parade-held-in-honokaa-2/

Prince Dance group!

The Taiko Drums were fabulous!

We had a wonderful Peace Day and Parade!

It's the Season again! See the Details in the Post Below!

On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, The 64th Annual Baccalaureate Service will pay special tribute to Music Director Gary Washburn, as well as the Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School’s Class of 2018, and Classes of 1943 and 1968, celebrating their 75th and 50th Anniversary, respectively. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple’s Social Hall. Washburn, an innovative and dedicated music educator for 41 years, has helped hundreds of students discover their talents, and launched the careers of many professionals. Recently, he and the HHIS Jazz Band were on Oahu for an eight concert tour for Jazz Appreciation Month, beginning with a special appearance at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, where they were honored by the legislature, including Rep. Mark Nakashima, a former band student. Under Washburn’s direction, the Jazz Band has received an award from the Grammy Foundation as one of 36 Grammy Signature Schools, and a National Association of Music Merchandisers Award as one of the best communities in the US for music education. Washburn earned a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award from the National Society of High School Scholars, recognition from the Senate as a Living Treasure of Hawai’i, and a Nā Hōkū Hanohano nomination for his original album “Sassy.” Because of the impact he has had on countless young musicians, this Baccalaureate service will allow students and former students to express their gratitude to Mr. Washburn. Students will be invited and encouraged to thank their other teachers and mentors as well.

Join us for this Community Event! See the event posted below!

http://hongwanjihawaii.com/blog/2018/03/14/statement-gun-violence/

“This Is Not a Drill!” When most of us received the mistaken missile alert on January 13 at 8:07 a.m., for 38 minutes, our thoughts ranged from disbelief, to quiet concern, to the edge of panic. What turned out to be a false alarm, however, inspired Mr. Kiyoshi Najita, guest speaker at Honoka’a Hongwanji on Sunday, March 4 at 9 a.m. Najita’s talk is part of the semi annual “Ohigan” equinox service, which calls for reflection of the balance of life, and on the Buddhist concept of “going to the other shore,” at the end of life. Najita is an educator at Parker School, who years ago instituted mindful meditation in his high school English classes. In his presentation, “Embracing Impermanence,” Najita speaks in the context of continued living with the nuclear threat, 73 years after the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the first shadow of the Cold War. “The missile false alarm is entirely the inspiration for the talk,” said Najita, “But the concept of impermanence is central to all Buddhist thought... I lead mindfulness sessions with all of the students in our middle and high school, and this has been the very topic for the past few weeks—perhaps another reason why I selected it. The students all had remarkably mindful responses to the alert.” Najita said that embracing impermanence is a mode of acceptance, not the same as an apathetic or defeatist attitude, especially for young people. “Why is it a good idea to embrace impermanence?” asks Najita. “Because to do otherwise is to invite endless suffering, again a central tenet of Buddhist theory. Truly embracing impermanence, in an almost existential fashion, is virtually the diametric opposite of apathy. I’ll say more about that in the talk, but basically embracing impermanence becomes a commitment to making every instant of life meaningful, purposeful and activated.” The presentation is free and all are welcome, regardless of faith or religious background. Refreshments will be served following the service, with a Korean food theme, and potluck contributions are encouraged. For further information, text 808 640 4602 or email [email protected].

Along with our Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, we were lucky to be able to enjoy a performance by the Pacific Buddhists Academy's Taiko Drum Team! Excellent Job!

Please look at our Calendar!

PEACE DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL Saturday, September 23, the 11th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace steps off at 11 a.m. Mamane Street will be closed for this colorful and entertaining celebration, with Taiko drumming, hula, and all kinds of music. The Peace Day Festival follows immediately, with food booths, a variety of music, Bon Dance, and more.

Please note our Calendar in the "Notes" section!

We had a wonderful dinner to welcome the Gomonshu to Hawaii! Sponsored by Honpa, and hosted by the Hilo Betsuin. The Gomonshu is the spiritual head of our denomination based in Kyoto, Japan. The current Gomonshu is His Eminence Monshu Kojun Ohtani, the 25th-generation descendant of Shinran Shonin to head the Hongwanji!

We have cleaned out Buddha's basement! This Saturday, the 19th, at 8am we will be selling a huge pile of wonderful things! Everything MUST go!! We have no room!! If it doesn't sell it will go to The Salvation Army or the dump!! Check out our ad on Craig's List!!

Prince Dance group!

The Taiko Drums were fabulous!

Along with our Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, we were lucky to be able to enjoy a performance by the Pacific Buddhists Academy's Taiko Drum Team! Excellent Job!

Yet another outstanding (legal) Fireworks display! (in case you missed it!)

The New Dharma Band accompanies Sergio at Cafe Il Mondo in Honokaa, Hi.