The Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will host its annual Gotan-e (Shinran Shonin’s birthday) Service on Sunday, May 11, starting at 9 a.m. The guest speaker will be Reverend Shingo Furusawa, the associate minister at Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin. Reverend Furusawa has previously served as the resident minister at Honokaa Hongwanji Mission and as an Oversea Minister for Kamuela, Kohala, and Paauilo Hongwanji temples. He also contributes to the Office of Buddhist Education.
Shinran Shonin founded the Jodo Shinshu, or Pure Land Buddhism, for ordinary people. Gotan-e translates to “coming down birthday gathering,” and it is also known as Fujimatsuri (wisteria festival). The double-wisteria crest is the symbol of Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. The pendant of wisteria blossoms represents humility and sincere reverence to Amida Buddha.