Imagine looking up at green ridged mountains against a sunny blue sky while participating in an outdoor service! About 35 dharma school students and church members experienced just that on Sunday, December 8, in observance of Bodhi Day. After unsuccessful attempts due to the pandemic and rainy years, the dharma school was finally able to hold the service at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Iao Valley amidst the natural beauty of the bamboo and monkeypod trees, koi pond, tea house and Japanese garden.
In his message, Rev. Shinkai Murakami spoke of Prince Siddhartha who yearned to learn the truth of suffering. He left his life of luxury to seek the truth by undergoing difficult ascetic practices. Being unable to seek salvation in that manner however, he meditated under the Bodhi tree and after 49 days, became Shakyamuni Buddha, the Enlightened One. He spread his teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
For the service, dharma school students Kaden Beauchamp confidently rang the calling bell at the start and Ryan Petro served as the capable emcee. Students Tate Quipotla, June Petro, and Kora Beauchamp greeted members and passed out program sheets. An aspiration was also shared by Ryan. Fellowship followed the service while enjoying hot coffee, tea, and cocoa with an array of refreshments prepared by the dharma school teachers. We had much to be grateful for on that glorious day!
