Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani

2025 New Year’s message from Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani

As we stand at the threshold of 2025, I am filled with profound gratitude for the Sangha of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and the spiritual journey we continue to share. The theme for this year, “Nurturing Nembutsu: Cultivating Awareness,” reflects not only our collective aspiration but also our...

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Lotus blossoms at a lotus pond

‘From the Mud, the Lotus Flower Blooms’

Bishop’s Corner: ‘From the Mud, the Lotus Flower Blooms’ Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani September 2024 Ka Leo Kāhea newsletter Osono lived in Mikawa (present-day Aichi Prefecture) from 1777 to 1853. She got married at a young age and had two children, but unfortunately, both passed away early. This led her to...

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giant gate to Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto with gold lamp and doors open

Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and end to warfare between Israel and Hamas

Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha is the mother temple of the Nishi Hongwanji branch of Jodo Shin Buddhism. This statement from the Governor General was originally distributed in Japanese on November 17, 2023. Honpa Hongwani Mission of Hawaii received an official English translation on April 15, 2024. Both versions are available on...

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2024 New Year’s message from Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani

To welcome the New Year, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to you all. On behalf of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all of you for your support, dedication, and participation in our services and...

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Karamon Gate at Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan

Message on the new Ryogemon by the Gomonshu

Originally released in Japanese on January, 16, 2023 – Japanese version available as a PDF. Message on the new Ryogemon, a way of appreciating the teaching “Gratitude for the Jodo Shinshu Teaching” In March of this year, we will be observing the Joint Celebration of the 850th Anniversary of Shinran...

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