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Happy Obon!

Sharing an essay about Obon that I wrote a few years ago and that was published in Tricycle Magazine. 

On Memory, Rituals, and the Spirit of Obon – Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

An insightful essay about the experience of becoming ordained in the Jodo Shinshu tradition by Rev. Dr. Aaron Proffit. His reflection brought back memories of my own ordination and what a meaningful journey it was. 

Why I Ordained — And What It Was Like | Lion’s Roar

Dr. Proffit will be our Dharma teacher for the 2026 Buddhist Study Center Summer Session “Rethinking Buddhist Education.”  Please join us in-person or online for this series of events. For more information and to register go to: Summer Session – Buddhist Study Center. He will also be our guest speaker for the Holualoa Temple Obon Service on August 2 at 10:00am. Plan to join us!

The current edition of the Ka Leo Kahea, Hawaii Kyodan’s statewide newsletter:

June 2026 edition of Ka Leo Kāhea newsletter now available online – Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

KONA HONGWANJI BON DANCE & CRAFT FAIR
SATURDAY, JULY 25
5:00PM-10:00PM
5:00pm Food and Vendors Open

6:00pm Dancing Begins

We look forward to sharing our culture and traditions with the community at our annual Bon Dance, which will feature energetic dances, taiko drumming, food, and craft booths. An event of this size and magnitude requires the work of many compassionate hands working together in harmony. The Bon Dance Committee is seeking volunteers to help with the Bon Dance. See you tomorrow! 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Saturday, July 25

  • Setup—Yagura, tents, chairs, lanterns (8:00am-11:00am) (12-15 volunteers (heavy lifting))
  • Retail/Donation Booth (4:00pm-7:00pm & 7:00pm-10:00pm) (4 per shift)
  • Concession Booth (4:00pm-7:00 pm & 7:00pm-10:00pm) (10 per shift)
  • Assistance with Kimono/Yukata Dressing (5:00pm-6:00pm) (2 volunteers)
  • Comfort Crew (Trash and Recycling) (5:00pm-7:30pm & 7:30pm-10:00pm) (4 per shift)
  • Clean Up (10:00pm-11:30pm) (12-15 volunteers)

Sunday, July 26

  • Take down Yagura (9:00am-11:00am) (8-12 volunteers (heavy lifting))

Please contact the temple office to sign up. Mahalo for your help!

No Service on Sunday, July 26

We are taking a day off to rest after Bon Dance. 

See you on Sunday, August 2, 10:00am at Holualoa Hongwanji for an Obon Service with special guest Rev. Dr. Aaron Shoken Proffitt, the 2026 Buddhist Study Center Dharma Teacher. 

2026 Sustaining Membership

Please consider renewing or becoming a Sustaining Member of Kona Hongwanji. Membership forms were already sent by mail. Your continued support ensures we can provide a vibrant and welcoming spiritual home for everyone. Invite family and friends to join! Please see the attached invitation letter and pledge form. Mahalo! 

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. 

Temple Services and Events 

  1. Kona Hongwanji Bon Dance and Craft Fair on July 25, 5:00pm-10:00pm. 5:00pm. Food and craft vendors open. 6:00pm Bon Dance. 
  2. NO SERVICE ON JULY 26. 
  3. Holualoa Temple Obon Service on August 2 at 10:00am. Guest Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Aaron Shoken Proffit of the University of Albany and the Albany Buddhist Sangha in New York.
  4. Hiroshima Remembrance Service on August 9 at 10:00am. Guest Speaker will be Mitch Roth, Former Hawaii County Mayor. Sponsored by the Hiroshima Kenjinkai. Okonomiyaki will be served during refreshments. 
  5. NO SERVICE ON AUGUST 16, 23, 30.
  6. Dharma Family Service on September 6 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 on July 3, 17, 31)

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, August 26, 6:30pm-7:30pm. No Meditation in July. 

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.

Online Buddhist Education

Buddhist Churches of America Center for Buddhist Education Online Events: https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/buddhist-education

Everyday Buddhist by Orange County Buddhist Church: https://www.everydaybuddhist.org/

Buddhist Study Center of Hawaii Dharma Hub:  Dharma Hub – Buddhist Study Center (bschawaii.org)

Digital Dharma Learning

The Teaching of Buddha Audiobook is available. If you ever wanted to read the BDK “The Teaching of Buddha” book but never got around to it, you can listen to it as an audiobook through the BDK website. The Teaching of Buddha – Audio Files – BDK America. Free copies of the book are also available at the temple.

Spiritual Care

The Dharma can offer guidance and support for our whole lives, especially during times of difficulty. I am here to be a compassionate presence and companion to you wherever you are on life’s journey. I am available for spiritual care and counseling whenever the need arises. I am here for you. 

Mental Health Support 

  • Mental Health America of Hawaii – Mental Health America of Hawaii (mentalhealthhawaii.org)
  • Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii offers professional and accessible behavioral health counseling sensitive to the spiritual traditions of individuals, families, and communities in Hawaii, regardless of their ability to pay. Telehealth counseling is available. 
  • Hawaii CARES 988 DOH Hawaii Cares – Hawaii Cares provides a team of trained and experienced professionals to help individuals in times of a mental health crisis. Hawaii CARES is there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988. If you do not have a phone number with an 808 area code, call the hotline directly at (808-832-3100) or toll-free (800-753-6879) Chat, 24/7 at https://988lifeline.org/chat. If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you are a danger to yourself and/or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

Please keep healthy and safe, and let’s continue to take care of one another.

In Gassho,
Rev. Blayne