On August 14, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, members of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and community members gathered at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin for a special Commemoration Service titled “In Remembrance and Reflection: Commemorating 80 Years Since the End of World War II.” During the Commemoration Service, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani delivered the following aspiration.
In Remembrance and Reflection
Commemorating 80 Years Since the End of World War II
August 14, 2025
Aspiration
You may listen to Bishop’s message by playing this video clip from the service. The service video will be publicly available until 9/22/25.
The Amida Tathagata, out of boundless compassion for beings lost in the defilements of this world, stood up and raised inconceivable vows, fulfilled the sacred practice of embracing and never abandoning a single being, and established the Pure Land of peace and bliss.
This compassionate calling of the Buddha, as the sacred Name, Namo Amida Butsu, resounds throughout the ten directions. The Buddha continues to call out to us, guiding all who wander in the darkness of ignorance.
And yet, this world of the three realms is like a burning house, ever impermanent. Our human ignorance and foolishness are deeply rooted. Consumed by desires for fame, gain, and pleasure, we ignite flames of anger and fall into endless conflict. We harm ourselves, we harm others, and the cycle does not cease.
Eighty years ago, the Second World War, a conflict that affected countries across the globe, came to an end. Countless precious lives were lost. Many cities were reduced to ruins. Many people lost their families, friends, homes, and endured unimaginable pain. How deep, how unbearable, their sorrow must have been.
The cries born from that suffering and the tears shed in that grief reach us today as a silent yet powerful plea for peace.
Shakyamuni Buddha taught: “Hatreds never cease by hatreds in this world. By love alone do they cease. This is an ancient Law.” He taught us that all living beings are interconnected, sharing in the great web of life. The path that destroys others is the path that ultimately destroys oneself. The path that allows others to live is the path on which we, too, are truly brought to life.
These timeless truths we must now, more than ever, take deeply into our hearts. In this time of division and conflict, may each of us gathered here today listen closely to these voices and embrace the aspirations of our predecessors who longed for a world of tranquility and harmony. May we uphold human dignity, nurture a mind of compassion, and ensure the tragedies of the past are never repeated.
Let us walk forward together—to carry forward the message of peace from our predecessors, to ease the suffering of those who live among us today, and to safeguard the smiles of those who are yet to be born.
With humble hearts, I offer this aspiration. Namo Amida Butsu.
– Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani