Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the August 2007 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

Dear Dharma friends, Aloha! I will be coming to the Hilo Betsuin soon to fulfill the Bishop’s re-assignment. After my assignment to Hilo was decided, I announced it to my son, who responded, “Again? Why do we have to move so many times?” I answered coolly, “As long as Dharma friends are awaiting me, I will go anywhere to fulfill the duties of the Mission.”

Thus, I would like to recount a brief history of my time in Hawaii. My first assignment was in Waialua, Oahu, followed by Honomu on the Big Island for twelve years, where we had our two children, a daughter and son. My third location was Wailuku, Maui, followed by Waipahu, Oahu, and finally, my reassignment to the Hilo Betsuin on the Big Island. My daughter grew up on the Big Island until the fifth grade, so she considers the Big Island to be her hometown and would like to move back here after retirement. Like her, I hope that the Big Island is always waiting for us and welcomes us warmly as our home.

In Buddhism, tradition and deep conviction are very important. Through tradition, we can relive the same experience that our predecessors have, and we can pass these on to the later generations. Deep conviction is also important to study the Teachings, for we need to deeply understand the Teachings without self-interpretation while appreciating the predecessors. That is why it is truly important that we “Learn the new by studying the old.”

At this time, I would like to share my thoughts about Hilo Betsuin’s role in a project to become our spiritual home. A long time ago, the tera (temple) was a place the Chinese government provided for monks to stay.  In this sense, the temple is a comfortable place with amenities conducive to spiritual connections with the Nembutsu Teaching. Likewise, I would like to make the Hilo Betsuin our center of spiritual and mental support.

In addition, Shinran Shonin’s 750th commemoration events will be held at Japan in 2011. As a kick-off event, the Monshu and Lady Ohtani will visit Hawaii officially in September in 2009 and will conduct a memorial service at the Hilo Betsuin. Thus, let’s prepare for success under the theme, “May peace and tranquility prevail throughout the world.” I sincerely hope that all of the Dharma friends will support, help, and work together for this event so that we may walk the Nembutsu path together.

In Gassho,
Rev. Toyokazu Hagio

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