Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the February 2005 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

Thanks to the dedicated leadership of the Kyodan officers and the hard work of the members of the three boards and varied committees, our Kyodan enjoyed smooth operations in 2004.

Many members participated in the Kyodan bazaar and programs for both youth and the elderly members of Hilo Betsuin community. My heartfelt appreciation goes to them for their support and kokua.

The newly elected Officers of the Kyodan Council and the members of the three Boards were installed after the Sunday Family Dharma Service on Jan. 9^th. Best wishes to them for their work in 2005.

With the ministerial changes of last fall, the past few months were a time of transition for the ministerial staff and the Kyodan. Ministerial assignments have been redefined and responsibilities have been confirmed. A few adjustments need to be made in the ministers’ functions, but they are determined to carry out ministerial work this year to the best of their ability.

The ministerial staff, as seekers of the Nembutsu teaching and as spiritual leaders of the temple, will be available to the temple community to exchange spiritual teachings and to serve as resources for the members, young and old. In order to fulfill this ministerial responsibility, the ministers will follow these guidelines:

1. The priority of the ministerial work is to share their appreciation of the Dharma through Sunday services, Dharma Study Classes and religious/educational programs. The members’ active participation in the services and programs are appreciated.

2. The ministerial staff will create the environment in which they can study and discuss the Dharma among themselves and practice the teachings in their lives. They will evaluate their work based on observations and assessments by the membership.

3. They will try to promote a warm sense of fellowship among themselves as well as the membership. They will try to be sincere with one another without becoming overly zealous about their work.

4. Communication is an important ingredient for temple community. Home visitations by the ministers is a long term commitment to get to know the members and to renew member connection to the temple. The cooperation of the membership is needed to make this program meaningful.

What is so special about our temple is the good attendance at the Sunday services, family programs and temple volunteer programs. With deep respect for Jodo Shin teachings and the temple, many parents have encouraged their children to attend Sunday services and the Dharma School program for many years. It is said that the children do not listen to the parents, but they do what the parents do. Therefore, let us study the teachings and realize the Amida’s compassionate heart in our acts. The children will likewise become learners of the teaching and practice it their lives. I feel very proud of this torch of love that has been handed down from one generation to the next in this community.

Jodo Shin teachings enable everyone to achieve an awareness of the imperfect self who is then guided to live his/her life truthfully, humbly and actively. This awakening to Amida’s compassionate heart, called Shinjin, has its own power in everyone living each day fully and appreciatively, saying “Namo amida butsu” in gratitude.

This genuine act to thank the Buddha is further expressed in temple volunteer work called Hosha.. This spirit of Hosha provides assistances to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in gratitude, having laid the solid foundation of Hilo Betsuin and its organizations--Fujinkai, Dharma School Teachers Association, Hoyukai, Choir, YBA, youth organizations and others.

The annual financial contributions known as Gojikai and Ofuse (special offerings) to the Buddha are precious forms of Hosha too. The members’ continued financial support out of their faith is deeply appreciated.

Let us resolve once again to deepen our appreciation of Jodo Shin teachings and strengthen the working of the Dharma in the community.

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