Namo Amida Butsu
Dear Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Ohana,
As we approach the remarkable milestone of our temple’s 125th anniversary, I am
filled with immense joy and pride. This celebration reflects the enduring spirit and dedication of our Wailuku Hongwanji families
and community. It is a moment to honor our
shared history and look forward to the future
with hope and unity.
This past September, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii celebrated three
significant anniversaries: Shinran Shonin’s
850th birth anniversary, the 800th anniversary of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji’s establishment, and our own Honpa Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii’s 135th anniversary. Our
Wailuku Hongwanji Mission’s 125th anniversary adds to these grand occasions, making this year truly special. Together, these
celebrations embody what we might call
“The Year of Grand Slam Celebrations.”
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all Wailuku Hongwanji members for your active participation in this special day. Your presence
and contributions have brought value, joy,
and gratitude to our celebration. It is through
your support and involvement that we have
made this event memorable and meaningful.
Since our establishment on October 20,
1899, a total of 45,656 days have passed. We
owe our present to the countless dedicated
Sangha and past resident ministers whose unwavering commitment has shaped our Wailuku Hongwanji Mission into what it is today. Their dedication and efforts have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us.
During World War II, our temple faced
a significant challenge when the US military
sought to condemn our facility. Thanks to the
selfless dedication of the late Mrs. Helene
Yonemura, our temple was preserved, even
though we could not use it for spiritual worship at that time. This resilience is a testament
to the strength and unity of our community.
After the war, many individuals, including ministers released from concentration
camps, returned to the temple. Some cried,
others felt deep appreciation, and many found
peace and serenity through the Nembutsu.
These shared experiences and our unity as
a community make our temple truly special
and significant in our lives.
Though time has passed and those dedicated members have returned to Amida’s
Pure Land, they left us invaluable treasures.
Our beautiful temple, our programs, and our
services reflect the legacy of those who came
before us. As a resident minister of this temple
for over 20 years, I deeply value the treasures
inherited from our predecessors and cherish
the continued growth of our community.
Wailuku Hongwanji Mission is indeed a
great Dharma Castle, a place where we can
share our values, smiles, joy, and gratitude
with our Ohana. We welcome new friends
seeking spiritual guidance, as we are all
fellow Nembutsu travelers on this journey.
Please remember that the County of Maui
has proclaimed the third Sunday of October
as “Wailuku Hongwanji Day.”
In the section “Building a Buddha Land”
from the Teachings of the Buddha, it is said:
“Thousands of people may live in a community, but it is not one of genuine fellowship until they know and sympathize with one another. A true community is illuminated by faith and wisdom. It is a place where people know and trust one another, and there is social harmony. Harmony is the essence of a true community.”
Wailuku Hongwanji Mission serves our
community, and we are always working together and participating in our Ohana. With
sincere gratitude and joy, let us celebrate our
125th anniversary on October 20, 2024.
