VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 4 • December 2025

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Walk in Amida’s Light

Aloha kākou! I hope that you and your loved ones are in good health and good spirits as we enter the holiday season and look forward to the New Year of 2026.

Our theme and slogan for 2026 is Nurturing Nembutsu: Sharing Gratitude.

Shinran Shonin taught that the Nembutsu, the name of Amida Buddha, verbalized as Namo Amida Butsu is an expression of gratitude. The Nembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu, is our grateful response to Amida Buddha’s Calling Voice.

Nurturing Nembutsu: Sharing Gratitude reminds us that every moment of our lives, Amida Buddha embraces us with immeasurable Wisdom and Compassion.

Fun fact: Sometimes I recite the Nembutsu without sincerity or gratitude. I do it automatically in concert with others.

Sometimes my mind might be somewhere else. (Surely I’m not the only one?)

Yet, here is the amazing thing. I am constantly reassured that Amida accepts me, a bonbu, an imperfect being, just as I am.

Namo Amida Butsu.

This past September, I sang as part of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i Choralfest for the very first time! I admit that I did not sign up with enthusiasm. I was “nagged” into it by my sister, Mrs. Gail Taira.

I did not listen to the music or practice until a month or so before the performance. I was informed that I was a tenor (although I could not reach some of the higher notes). Not a problem because I lip-synched through the highest notes.

As we got closer to the performance date, I became anxious. I downloaded the music and listened to the soprano / tenor section of each musical piece. I tried to sing along with the recorded voice. (This is an interesting exercise in letting go of your ego, because you are following an opera singer with power and range.)

I attended practice sessions at Mililani Hongwanji and Hawai‘i Betsuin. I downloaded the music to my phone and listened to the music at home and in my car.

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying the process of learning the music and singing as part of a group. It helped that I actually enjoyed singing and listening to the songs chosen by the Music Committee.

Each song was different, but each one was beautiful. Of course, my fellow Choralfest tenors were a good-natured group.

Everyone just did their best and tried to make it a fun experience. If they heard any sour notes from me, they did not let on. It was a very positive group learning experience.

Saturday was the day that the entire group, which included neighbor island, mainland U.S. and a few Japan participants, gathered for the first time at the Hawai’i Betsuin under the direction of Choral Director Nola Nahulu and Music Committee Chair and pianist Francis Okano.

Ms. Nahulu has a wonderful way of commanding the attention of the entire group, getting each section to perform their best and weaving the voices together into one choral performance.

After a half day of practice, we were “ready.”

Sunday, September 21 was the day of Choralfest 2025. Prior to the service we had a final practice session. The Choralfest 2025 performance (in my unbiased opinion,) went very well.

The video is available on the Honpa Hongwanji Hawai’i YouTube channel (search Choralfest 2025 Music Service).

Overall, it was a memorable, uplifting experience for me. I would do it again!

I enjoyed learning the music and having a small part but trying my best to contribute to the group effort. I had fun and found it to be spiritually uplifting.

One song in particular brought tears to my eyes (and still does).

“To My Daughters” includes the following lyrics:

“In life, my daughters, there will come a time when you will make your way alone.

Oh, then, a load you‘ll bear, weighted down with cares, for you’ll be facing what’s unknown.

When life is hard, place your hands as one – place your hands in Gassho as you are.

In Amida‘s warming, assuring light – in this light, yes, you will walk on until the lullabies that you heard long ago, while snugly held on Mother’s back, return and gently touch your heart, and so warmed, your heart will glow at last.”

Lyrics by Ryunji Yonemura Music by Kouichi Iwashiro

My message to you for 2026 is — try something new!

A new activity, a new destination or perhaps a new skill.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, trust that you will walk in Amida’s Light.

In Gassho,

Warren Tamamoto, M.D.