Namo Amida Butsu
As we welcome the year 2025, let us begin anew by reciting the Amida Buddha’s calling voice: Namo Amida Butsu.
The year 2024 was busy but memorable for Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. The memories we’ve created together have deepened our understanding of the Jodo Shinshu teachings, allowing us to share the wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha with our children and extended family (Ohana) here in Maui. Through these teachings, we become more aware of Amida’s infinite wisdom, guiding us toward joy and happiness in our lives.
At our temple, during memorial services or visits to the Nokotsu-do, we often receive beautiful flowers. These flowers teach us lessons—chiefly, the impermanence of life, the beauty of life, and the importance of togetherness. Whether grown from seeds or purchased from a florist, flowers are handled with care and respect. I recently spoke with a florist who, despite sourcing flowers from a wholesaler, treats each bloom with kindness, storing them carefully to ensure their lasting beauty. This same care and appreciation is evident in all that we do at the temple.
When we enter the temple, the fragrant incense calms the mind, symbolizing Amida Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, welcoming us with warmth and serenity. The experiences of 2024 remind us that we are constantly receiving Amida’s blessings, regardless of who we are, guiding us along the path to joy and happiness.
As we enter 2025, may we come to the temple to receive Amida Buddha’s peace and joy through the fragrance of His infinite wisdom and compassion. Throughout our WHM MINISTER’S NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE A Happy New Year! Reverend Shinkai Murakami 125-year history, our Nembutsu pioneers have passed down the teachings of Amida Buddha through temple services, activities, and gatherings. Now, it is our turn to share this great value with future generations, always with a sincere heart of gratitude.
In 2025, let us share smiles, kindness, and the sincere heart of Amida Buddha with our Ohana, welcoming all to our Dharma castle. Together, may we rejoice in the spiritual joy and happiness that comes from the dynamic teachings of the Nembutsu.
Shinran Shonin said in the Kyo Gyo Shin Sho: “Other Power is none other than the power of the Tathagata’s Primal Vow.” The Commentary on the Treatise on the Pure Land further states: “The Power of the Primal Vows… may be likened to an asura’s harp, which, though no one strokes it, spontaneously gives forth music.” (The Collected Works of Shinran, p. 57, “Other Power” #81 & 82)
May we all be blessed with Amida Buddha’s infinite wisdom and compassion throughout the year 2025.
