VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3 • September 2026 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Nembutsu Change of Heart As we are often reminded, impermanence is a foundational theme of our Jodo Shinshu teachings. The circumstances and signals of change in our lives are countless. In our physical world, rising and receding tides of...
Courtesy of Alan Kubota Dr. Miki Tomita Okamoto, right with microphone, gathered participants into a closing circle, inviting them to share their takeaways from the day-long Dharma Educators Retreat at Buddhist Study Center. VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3 • September 2026 Rethinking Dharma Education for the Future A statewide retreat...
Courtesy of Cindy Nakamoto Dozens of Jr. YBA Convention delegates, ministers, advisors and volunteers gathered on Hawai’i Island from June 19-21 for the 69th annual state convention. VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3 • September 2026 ‘Sangha Means Family’ Theme Guides Jr. YBA State Convention Annual convention combines community service, leadership...
See the August 2026 Headquarters Update for the following articles: Bishop’s Message of Sympathy and Support Following Hurricane Lala (web) Social Concerns Update from Rev. Higa (web) Funeral Service for the Late Rev. Hiromi Kawaji (10/10) Zenshinza “Hanakobushi – Shinran Shonin and Eshinni” (9/3 and 9/4; web) Ministers Lay Assistant...
Fund Drive Reminder Action needed: The current Social Concerns Fund Drive runs through August 31, 2026, and temples are asked to submit all collected donations to Hawaii Kyodan HQ by September 30, 2026. We encourage your contribution so the Committee on Social Concerns can respond compassionately to urgent needs in...
Tropical Storm Lala: District-by-District Recovery Resources Scroll Directly To: Hawaii | Maui | Honolulu/Oahu | Kauai Updated August 17, 2026 Statewide Summary Although Lala briefly strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane as it passed Hawaiʻi Island, it is now moving away from the state as a tropical storm. All tropical-storm...
This page is intended to provide updates on Hongwanji Hawaii cancellations and closures due to impending tropical storm Lala as we learn of them.
POSTER CONTEST Calling all artists and photographers! Hongwanji Hawaii’s Commission on Buddhist Education is sponsoring a poster contest to visually express the 2027 Hongwanji theme/slogan “Nurturing Nembutsu: Living Aloha” The focus will be on “How do we live with aloha in our daily lives?” Through your art, reflect on what...
See the July 2026 Headquarters Update for the following articles: Message from Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani Condolence Ingo (Posthumous Title) 2026 BSC Summer Session Making New Friends Through YBICSE 2026 More Issues Headquarters Update Newsletter
The 2026 Buddhist Study Center Summer Session with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Aaron Proffitt begins July 26. The overall theme is “Rethinking Buddhist Education.” Here is a summary of the core and district sessions, with links to flyers, more information, and registration. Core Offering July 26-29 (Jikoen and BSC) Info...