VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 2 • JUNE 2025

MAUI WILDFIRE RELIEF AND RECOVERY
Sending Aloha to Maui During Goshoki Ho’onko

BY REV. TABITHA KOBATA,
JODO SHINSHU HONGWANJI-HA INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT

A Disaster Recovery Fundraiser booth was set up by the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Relief Efforts Department with the cooperation of the International Department during Goshoki Ho’onko at Hongwanji in Kyoto from Jan. 9-16, 2025.

This year, food and products from Tohoku, Noto and Hawaii were on sale in support of recovery efforts in their respective regions.

Through the generosity of Kenneth Komo and his son, Patrick, of Kona Hongwanji and Komo Estate Coffee, we were able to sell bags of authentic Kona coffee, an extravagant rarity in Japan.

A big arigato also goes out to Edythe Vassall of Hilo Betsuin who safely delivered the coffee to Japan in addition to contributing a variety of Hawaiian print items; Reverend Masako Sugimoto of the Hongwanji International Department who donated macadamia nut chocolates and handbags, and Reverend Gene Sekiya of the Hongwanji International Department, who handcrafted nenju using kukui nuts and beads for the occasion.

Last but not least, we must thank the many supporters who came by the booth in support of Lahaina’s recovery. Many expressed their fondness for Hawai‘i, among whom were a few former Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii ministers and families.

Kona coffee was also brewed for those who wished to enjoy a hot cup at the Hongwanji in the heart of winter.

Reverend and Mrs. Joshin Inada, who served at Wailuku and Lanaʻi temples in the 1970s, and Reverend Osamu Ōzai, head priest of Chokōji Temple in Ōita, Kyushu, were among customers.

At first, I apologized as I served coffee because of how much each cup cost.

However, I began to sense that they were purchasing the coffee as a way to show their support.

As each customer made their way back to the tent to return their empty cups, their words of gratitude were very encouraging.

In addition to the food and products table was a panel exhibit updating the situation in Lahaina over the past year.

A beautiful photo of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission shared by photographer Alan Kubota was a stark reminder that nothing is permanent; how something we thought would be around for ages can vanish in a fleeting moment.

Invaluable and prompt assistance came from Kehaulani Cerizo, Communications Officer of the Maui County Office of Recovery; Duane Sparkman, founder and president of Treecovery Hawaii, and Gerry Anderson of the Maui News photo staff who provided images and captions for the exhibit. Their warm kokua and open-heartedness reminded me of just how truly special Maui is to me.

While in the Hongwanji courtyard during the Goshoki Ho’onko observance, as intermittent flurries of snow whirled around me, the warmth of the coffee and the words of kindness and encouragement from customers brought to mind words from a Dharma message by Reverend Giei Sasaki, the Fukudenji resident priest:

“A single recitation of the Nembutsu is like a warm cup of tea. . . .

“The way of serving tea is a reflection of one’s sincerity toward a guest. Therefore, you should serve with gentleness and grace in accordance with your caring heart.

“In terms of tea ceremony, it is believed that the host’s demeanor is a reflection of one’s true self. When the host’s hospitality is properly conveyed, a sense of gratitude naturally arises in the heart of the guest.

“Imagine the Nembutsu as a cup of tea. The Nembutsu tea is the pure compassionate heart and mind of Amida Buddha.

“In addition, this tea includes the salvific working that arises from the Buddha’s genuine compassion.

“Therefore, when reciting the Nembutsu, we should imagine Amida Buddha serving us a cup of warm tea and remind ourselves to be thankful to Amida Buddha, who never ceases to guide us through the stormy weather of life.”

Goshoki Ho’onko, the Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin is a week-long annual service culminating on Shinran Shonin’s memorial day, January 16.

Ho’onko is the most important among annual Hongwanji observances.

Jodo Shinshu followers from throughout Japan and overseas visit Hongwanji during this time to pay respects to our beloved founder.