Temple to honor 2 anniversaries

Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special events at its Liliha temple at 1685 Alaneo St. this weekend.

The Buddhist temple is also observing the 750th “goenki,” or death anniversary memorial, of Shinran Shonin, the Shinshu denomination’s founder. There are five temples in Hawaii associated with the Higashi Hongwanji, headquartered in Kyoto, one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan.

The denomination started here in 1899 with a minister from Japan sent to assist immigrant plantation laborers in Waimea, Kauai, the first Higashi temple outside of Japan. Followers on Oahu established a temple in 1916, moving to various locations in Palama, where the Betsuin district headquarters temple was set up.

Following the attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Betsuin minister was interned and the temple shut down until 1948. After that, membership flourished with the establishment of a Young Buddhists Association (YBA), Junior YBA, women’s association, Sunday school and seniors club. In 1983, after more than 60 years in Palama, the Betsuin moved to its current Liliha home.

Today, led by head minister Rinban Ken Kawawata, the Betsuin holds weekly and memorial services, dharma study and recreational classes, and community service projects.

The public may attend the special events at the Betsuin temple free of charge, though reservations are closed for tonight’s Ala Moana Hotel banquet.

Today at 10:30 a.m. a panel discussion on “Awakening to Your Deepest Wish” will be moderated by the Rev. Michael Conway, a lecturer at Otani University in Kyoto. Speakers include Masago Asai, a peace advocate against nuclear weapons and a second-generation A-bomb survivor; Glen Kila, a Hawaiian culture consultant, speaking on compassion for the homeless; and Roberta Kehaulani Fontes, a former drug addict incarcerated for 12 years, who helps women facing similar circumstance.

On Sunday at 10 a.m. a Shinran Shonin 750th Goenki Memorial Service will be held, with music provided by the Hawaii Gagaku Society, and sutra chanting. A confirmation ceremony starts at 12:20 p.m.

Call 531-1231 to register, as a light lunch will be served; donations welcomed.