Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the October 2003 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

How time flies! One year has passed since I was assigned to Hilo Betsuin. It has been a short but enriching year, thanks to the warm support of the Kyodan Officers, members of the Boards and Affiliates, and the Ministerial and Office Staff. As the name of our temple indicates, Hilo Hongwanji and its organizations consist of individuals who are personally interested in awakening to the compassionate vow (Hongan) of Amida Buddha. Our genuine appreciation of Jodo Shin Buddhism is extended outwardly for the betterment of the community. Our temple has been generally maintaining these goals and objectives, something for which I am very grateful.

Reflecting on my ministerial work in the past one year, I wish to share with you what I plan to do in my work as the head minister of Hilo Betsuin.

As a means of providing assistance to the membership, I am seriously thinking about visitations to the homes of the members and prospective members by the Hilo Betsuin ministers. In visiting a family, a minister can inform the family of the temple programs and events. The minister can ask how the temple can better meet the needs of the family. In turn, family members may ask questions about Buddhism and the temple. Through home visitations, the temple hopes to strengthen its ties with its members on a more personal basis.

Here is an example. When I was at a Hongwanji temple in Honolulu a couple of years ago, I visited an elderly lady at home upon the request of the daughter. The daughter, who had retired as a registered nurse in California, returned to Hawaii to care for her mother with patience and devotion. The mother was not very ill, but she needed twenty-four hour attention. The mother and daughter cared for each other most of the time, but at times, conflicts arose between them.

The daughter and I jokingly agreed that it was more difficult to take care of one’s family member than it was to take care of others while she was a RN. And yet, the daughter’s decision was to come back to Hawaii to take care of her mother. I asked why such a choice. With tears in her eyes, the daughter said, “Out of love.” In those words, she confirmed her love to the mother. I felt the working of Amida’s love in the daughter. She renewed her tie to the Hongwanji. Through this visitation and many others, I have witnessed family situations that showed Amida's compassion at work. I believe people often need to express such compassion, however privately, and have it affirmed within themselves.

In the era of Internet and E-mail, why visitations to the members’ homes by the ministers? This outreach program, which will be only for those members who are interested, is an old but sure way to connect the clergy and the lay. Also, privacy and confidentiality will be assured. Details will be forthcoming in the near future. In the meantime, if you need a minister’s assistance at home, please contact the minister’s office.

May I ask the members of the temple to renew your understanding of these goals of our Jodo Shin temple and receive spiritual benefits through active participation in the services and programs? May I ask that you keep up your temple membership and maintain your tie to Hilo Hongwanji? Likewise, ministers will renew their understanding of the goal of Jodo Shin ministry and will provide spiritual and educational assistance to the membership.

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