Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the October 2008 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

In 2009, the Hawaii Kyodan observes Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial and Hawaii Kyodan’s 120th Anniversary. Honzan’s observance of Shinran Shonin’s Memorial, which is held every 50 years, will be from April 2011 to January 2012 in Kyoto, Japan.  Some of you will be visiting Honzan to observe the Memorial Service in conjunction with the World BWA Convention in Kyoto, Japan.

In Hawaii, the Ohana Conference for those who follow the Nembutsu path which Shinran Shonin clarified will be held on September 5, 2009, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village with the presence of Gomonshu and Lady Ohtani in conjunction with the commemoration banquet for Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial and Hawaii Kyodan’s 120th Anniversary. The Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin, officiated by His Eminence Monshu Koshin Ohtani, will be held on September 6, 2009, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. His Eminence Monshu Koshin Ohtani will also be visiting the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin on September 7, 2009, to officiate the Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial Service.

To prepare ourselves for observing the Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial Service, Bishop Okano will be visiting Hawaii Island on October 5, 2008 to participate in the Proclamation Ceremony where he will read the message of His Eminence Koshin Ohtani, regarding the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin.  The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin. After the ceremony, Bishop Okano will be sharing with the congregation about the upcoming events and activities for the double commemorations.  He will also update everyone about the commemoration projects for which we are currently asking each member to contribute at least $1,000.00 by 2011.  Please be sure to make an announcement to your members and communities about the Proclamation Ceremony so together we can prepare for the double commemorations.

Shinran Shonin lived in the Kamakura Era. In a time of disunity and violence, Shinran Shonin sought a way for all beings to attain perfect peace equally.  If Shinran Shonin had not clarified the teachings of the Primal Vow, our temples and organization would not be in existence today.  As I reflect upon the sufferings and hardships Shinran Shonin certainly experienced and encountered in order to clarify the True Teaching during his life time, I am truly aware of the significance of observing the memorial service for him.  I believe reflection is very important for us to prepare ourselves to appreciate Shinran Shonin’s 750th memorial.  At this time, we praise the virtues of our founder Shinran Shonin, to express our sincere appreciation for having encountered his teachings, and to reconfirm our true entrusting minds to listen and live his teachings each day.

We also have the opportunity to be part of a very special double commemoration in 2009. In addition to observing Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial, we are celebrating the 120th Anniversary of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.  The propagation of Jodo Shinshu in Hawaii began on March 2, 1989.  Since then, the ministers and their wives and the devoted members and supporters made countless unselfish contributions and efforts to unify all followers of Hongwanji and to promote the perpetuation and better understanding of our teachings here in Hawaii.

During the 120 years, our forefathers left us not only the temple and hall buildings but also the Nembutsu Teachings.  It is now our turn to develop leadership and take  responsibility  for  the  future of Hawaii Kyodan. From grandparents to parents, parents to children, there are many things to be passed on.  It is our turn to pass on heritage to the next generation, especially the Nembutsu Teachings.

It is a rare occurrence for us to commemorate the 120th Anniversary of our Mission at the same time as the 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin. All of the committees worked very hard to realize our plans and to promote our mission and Dharma to ministers, members, and the communities. We need active involvement from everyone, so I ask that you participate in the events and activities and to encourage your Dharma friends to participate in the events with you.  Let us all reflect on the relationship between Shinran Shonin and us and work together to carry out the events and activities for our double commemoration and also to succeed in our ongoing projects which Hawaii Kyodan is currently undertaking.  Let us all be aware of the significance of the two events and appreciate all conditions and situations brought us here today to encounter the Dharma.

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