I am aware of some problems regarding Buddhist education among our membership. I believe that the root of the problem is the lack of understanding of the purpose or significance of the temple. Why we have a temple and Kyodan? If you do not understand correctly the significance or realize the true purpose for having a temple, we will no longer be able to carry out our primary purpose of listening the Nembutsu teachings and to provide for the religious needs of our fellow Nembutsu practicers. In other words, it is no sense to have a temple nor a minister for you without this understanding.

I feel the conflicts between those who are attending the religious activities such as Sunday services, workshops, study sessions, and helping youth organizations and those who are not. Each of their understandings for the significance of the temple is different. One is that temple should be the center for mainly Buddhist education as listening the teachings of the Buddha. The other is that temple should be for mainly social events as money making, fellowship, Japanese classes, etc. How do you think? This is your temple. You should think about it.

As I reflect upon Kapaa’s temple history, I feel that the temple was mainly focused on social events. I can see this even today through various meetings, services, fellowships, and so on. We certainly need the money making projects, because the temple will not be able to survive without the funds. However, unfortunately, it is not supporting the youth organizations and the Buddhist education programs. Some feel that fund raising without supporting the programs, which fulfill the true purpose of the temple, is not meaningful. It is important to meet the needs of all the members, however, we must not stray from our true purpose of the temple.

As you know, Buddhism teaches the impermanent of all things. However, our Buddhist organizations and communities seem to lack of the ability to change. We have lots of events and activities. It seems to be going on smoothly. However, it does not mean that we do not need to make changes and additions to what we currently have.

Now is a time to change our focuses. We need more new people to step up and take responsibility and take a great action in the temple. It does not mean that we kick elder members out from the temple. We truly appreciate what they have done. However, we do need to have more new and young participating and exchanging their new ideas based upon the teachings so that our entire congregation will be able to appreciate more the teachings of the Buddha, effectively seek to listen the Dharma, and as the result we will create stronger Sangha.

If you are a Buddhist, you need to know what is the Buddhism. If you are a follower of Nembutsu teachings and Jodo Shinshu, you need to know what is the Shinran Shonin’s teachings. If your religion is Jodo Shinshu, you should know what kind of teaching it is. Temple should be the center on Buddhist educational activities.

In May 1999, Jr. YBA was reactivated. In August 1999, Dharma School PTA was organized. In January 2000, Senior Buddhist Association which is the former Sr. YBA was reactivated. Since then, some of non-members joined our temple membership. Also, as you already know, lots of young and middle aged members are now very active in the religious activities. I am truly grateful for those who are seeking the Dharma. They now need more support and help from Kyodan on the Buddhist education. If you have children in the family, you will help and support them. The same as this, they are your children and grandchildren. They will be successors of you in the temple and the community. Don’t you think so?