We will not have a March edition of our temple newsletter. Attached is the current Hawaii Kyodan HQ update.
The current edition of the Ka Leo Kahea, Hawaii Kyodan's statewide newsletter:
Flowers Needed for HAIB Buddha Day
Flowers are needed to decorate the Hanamido for our HAIB Buddha Day Celebration on March 8th.
Please drop off flowers on Saturday, March 7th between 8:00am-5:00pm. Buckets will be placed by the conference room door near the temple bell.
Thank you for your help!14th Annual Hawaii Association of International Buddhists (HAIB) Buddha Day Celebration
March 8 at 9:30amKeynote by: Trinidad Hunt "Walking the Path of Harmony in a Chaotic World"
Celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha's Birth with Buddhists of various traditions. Flyer Attached.
Kona Hongwanji is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: 14th Annual HAIB Buddha Day Celebration
Time: Mar 8, 2026 09:30 AM Hawaii
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82929050802?pwd=FEWxKm5rQaOGx8OI1vavjUFEl5vtFf.1
Meeting ID: 829 2905 0802
Passcode: 619909
Free Film Screening: Nā Wāhine Buda Kiakahi: Buddhism and the Legacy of Hawaiian Women
March 8 at 11:00am in temple after HAIB Buddha Day Service
Q&A with Dr. Jon Matsuoka, Film Producer
In-Person Only
Nā Wāhine Buda Kiakahi is a 42 minute documentary film about the legacy of Hawaiian women Buddhists beginning with the life of Mary Mikahala Robinson Foster, lady in waiting to Queen Liliʻuokalani. While many have visited Foster Botanical Gardens in Honolulu, little has been known of her work to perpetuate the practice of Buddhism, even beyond Hawaiʻi, where she is revered in India and Sri Lanka for her contributions. Narrated by Puakea Nogelmeier and featuring Nola Nāhulu, Puanani Burgess, Norma Wong and Manu Aluli Meyer who bring contemporary practice of Buddhism into Hawaiian leadership. Flyer Attached.
Spring Ohigan Service
March 15 at 10:00am
Dharma Message by Rev. Blayne
Ohigan services happen twice a year around the spring and fall equinoxes when day and night are equal. In many ancient cultures, it was a time of celebration to remind us of our deep connection to the rhythms and cycles of the earth and the universe. Ohigan means “the other shore” and serves as a metaphor for crossing from this shore of ignorance, anger, and greed to the other shore of nirvana and peace.
Sangha Connection
Puzzle Exchange: Many Sangha members enjoy making puzzles. We have started a puzzle exchange in our temple library. A shelf in the library holds several boxes of puzzles. Please feel free to borrow or exchange a puzzle you have already made. Please check with the temple office.
BWA Scholarships Available
Applications for the HIUHBWA Scholarship are now available on the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin website, www.hilobetsuin.org, under Scholarships and Awards. Applicants must be deserving graduating high school seniors, whose parents are dues paying members of any Hongwanji temple on Hawaii Island. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded and can be used at any accredited college, university, or technical school. Application deadline is April 3, 2026. Any questions can be directed to Stella Miyashiro at 808-959-7919.
The Kona BWA Scholarship of $1,000 is also available for a graduating high school senior. Deadline is April 8. Contact the temple office for an application.
Temple Services and Events
14th Annual HAIB Buddha Day Celebration on March 8 at 9:30am. Keynote by Trinidad Hunt. Free film screening of “Nā Wāhine Buda Kiakahi: Buddhism and the Legacy of Hawaiian Women” at 11:00am Spring Ohigan Service on March 15 at 10:00am. Rev. Blayne will share a Dharma Message.Dharma Family Service on March 22 at 10:00am. Minister Assistant Linda Nagai will share a Dharma Message.***NO SERVICE MARCH 29***Hanamatsuri Service on April 5 at 10:00am. Rev. Blayne will share a Dharma Message.Dharma Family Service on April 12 at 10:00am.Dharma Family Service on April 19 at 10:00am.Dharma Family Service on April 26 at 10:00am.
Kona Hongwanji YouTube Channel
Check out our YouTube Channel with Dharma messages from recent services. You will be able to watch these messages anytime, even if you happen to miss a service. Please enjoy listening to the Dharma!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixxHp7mQH3BqbvQazSvQMw
Sutra Chanting-Shoshinge (Hymn of True Entrusting)
Fridays @ 8:30 am (Except Holidays) (No Chanting in March)
Composed by Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, Shoshinge is a poem that expresses his gratitude to the Buddha and the Seven Pure Land Masters. It summarizes the teaching of Amida Buddha’s Compassionate Vow to liberate all beings. Shoshinge is the central liturgical text in the Shin Buddhist tradition. Sutra Chanting has a meditative quality that settles our hearts and minds, helping us hear the calling voice of wisdom and compassion in our lives. Let’s chant together!
Monthly Meditation Next Session on Wednesday, March 25, 6:30pm-7:30pm.Enjoy a moment of contemplation and self-reflection as we engage in quiet sitting, guided meditation, and sutra chanting. As we quiet our mind and body, we can focus on the present moment to better hear the calling voice of wisdom and compassion in our lives.
