Lihue Hongwanji Mission - Established in 1900, the Lihu‘e Hongwanji Mission is located on Kauai.

Minister’s Message

Rev. Shawn Yagi
The Kitchen of Life and Entrusting Ourselves to Amida Buddha
November 2026
November is the season when we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving and share our gratitude for the blessings in our lives. At Lihue Hongwanji, November is also a special time when we observe Eitaikyo, our Sangha Memorial Service, expressing our gratitude to those who came before us and helping ensure that the Buddha Dharma continues to reach future generations.
This month, I would like to share a reflection inspired by something many of us enjoy watching: a cooking show!
On television, professional chefs create beautiful dishes that look absolutely delicious. We can watch them prepare every ingredient and admire the finished meal. But no matter how long we watch, our hunger is never satisfied. To nourish our bodies, we need more than a picture of food. We need the actual food right in front of us.
The same is true of the Buddha Dharma. We may learn many wonderful Buddhist teachings and think they are wise and inspiring. But simply knowing about Buddhism is not enough. The Dharma becomes meaningful when we listen to the teachings and begin to recognize the truth of our own lives through them.
Think about the kitchen of your own life. We may want to create a perfect life, carefully choosing the ingredients and following our own recipes. We hope everything will turn out just as planned. But life doesn’t always cooperate! An unexpected illness, the loss of someone we love, a family difficulty, or an uncertain future may suddenly appear. These are ingredients we never wanted, and sometimes we feel that our carefully prepared lives have been ruined.
In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, we learn about the boundless compassion of Amida Buddha. Amida sees us just as we are—not as the perfect people we wish we could become, but as ordinary human beings who struggle, worry, make mistakes, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by life.
Amida’s compassion does not mean that every difficulty will disappear or that our lives will always turn out the way we want. Rather, we are assured that we are never abandoned, even in the midst of our struggles. Amida’s Primal Vow embraces us just as we are and assures us of birth in the Pure Land.
This is the meaning of entrusting ourselves to Amida Buddha. We do not have to make ourselves perfect or earn the Buddha’s compassion. We are invited to listen to the Dharma, receive this boundless compassion, and live our lives with a deeper sense of gratitude.
When we gather around the Thanksgiving table and put our hands together to say itadakimasu, we acknowledge that our food and our lives are supported by countless other lives and connections. The expression okagesama, or “thanks to the many conditions and people that sustain us,” reminds us that we never live entirely on our own.
Our opportunity to hear the Nembutsu here on Kauai is also a precious gift. Generations before us worked hard, made sacrifices, and preserved the Buddha’s teachings so that we could encounter the Dharma today. Eitaikyo is an opportunity to remember their kindness and renew our commitment to pass the Nembutsu on to those who will follow us.
As we welcome Thanksgiving and observe Eitaikyo this November, let us remember that we do not have to prepare a perfect recipe for life. We can live with humility, knowing that we are supported by countless connections and embraced by Amida Buddha’s compassion.
And as we become more deeply aware of this great gift, the words Namo Amida Butsu naturally arise from our hearts and lips—not as a prayer to make everything go our way, but as an expression of gratitude for the compassion that never abandons us.
May we continue to listen to the Dharma, appreciate the kindness of those who came before us, and share the Nembutsu with future generations.
In Gassho,
Rev. Shawn Yagi

October 2026

The Power That Sustains Us

After Hurricane Lowell, we experienced a three-day electricity outage. Many power poles were down, and electrical wires were cut. During those three days, I became very aware of how much I depend on electricity in my daily life.

No lights. No air conditioning. No internet. Even keeping our phones charged became a challenge!

I also know that some families and communities were without electricity for five days or even longer. I can only imagine how difficult and exhausting that must have been, especially while dealing with the heat, cleanup, spoiled food, and uncertainty about when the power would return. My heart goes out to everyone who experienced those longer outages. I am also deeply grateful to the people who worked hard to restore our electricity and helped our community recover.

Usually, we do not think about electricity. We simply flip a switch, and the light comes on. We take it for granted because it is normally always there.

Then, on Wednesday night, our power finally returned. I turned on the light, and somehow that simple light looked different to me. I thought, “Wow, I really missed this!”

I began thinking about everything that makes that light possible. Electricity travels through power plants, poles, wires, transformers, and many other connections before reaching our homes. During the hurricane, some of those connections were damaged. When the power returned, people had repaired the system and restored the connection.

This reminded me of a teaching:

“The power that sustains me is given to me by the vow of the Tathagata.”

In Jodo Shinshu, this “power” is not physical strength or energy. Our bodies and feelings change from day to day. Sometimes we feel strong; sometimes we are tired, worried, or discouraged.

The power of the Original Vow is something deeper.

We often think that the power to live must come from ourselves. We tell ourselves, “I need to be strong. I have to keep going. I must handle this on my own.” But Amida Buddha’s Original Vow is not something we create through our own effort. Before we were even aware of it, the compassion of Amida Buddha was already directed toward us.

Sometimes we simply do not notice.

Just as I took electricity for granted until the blackout, we can take the compassion of Amida Buddha for granted. Sometimes it is through an unexpected difficulty, loss, or change in life that we begin to recognize what has always been supporting us.

There is an important difference, however. Electrical wires can be cut, but the connection of Amida’s compassion is never broken. The Original Vow continues to work whether we are having a good day or a difficult one.

Shinran Shonin teaches that Amida Buddha, out of compassion for ordinary beings like us, bestows the treasure of the Dharma. It is not something we earn. It is a gift already given.

The Nembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu, is our expression of awakening to that compassion.

May Hurricane Lowell remind us to appreciate the people who support our daily lives and to remember those who continue to struggle after the storm.

And when life feels dark, may we remember that the light of the Dharma continues to shine.

Namo Amida Butsu.

 

February, 2026

Seeing the Sentient Beings of the Nembutsu

Seeing the sentient beings of the nembutsu
Throughout the worlds, countless as particles, in the ten quarters,
The Buddha grasps and never abandons them,
And therefore is named “Amida.” (Hymns on the Amida Sutra)

February is a special month for our Lihue Hongwanji Women’s Association as we observe Dana Day. This year, the Women’s Association will be holding a canned food and non-perishable food drive, offering help and care to those in our community who are in need.

In Buddhism, Dana means giving. It is the first of the Six Paramitas, the practices that guide us on the Buddhist path. We give in many ways every day—by supporting our families, helping at the temple, participating in the Women’s Association, and offering our time, energy, and resources for the benefit of others.

At the same time, when we look honestly at ourselves, we may notice that our giving is not always completely selfless. Sometimes we help because it makes us feel good. Sometimes we hope to be thanked, noticed, or appreciated. Sometimes we feel disappointed when our efforts go unseen. This is not something to feel ashamed of. Shinran Shonin reminds us that we are bonbu—ordinary beings filled with blind passions and limitations.

And yet, even with our imperfections, giving still matters.

There are moments when we help quietly—when no one knows what we did, when no one says thank you, when we may never meet the person who benefits from our kindness. A donated can of food, a small act of care, or a thoughtful gesture may seem simple, but for someone else, it can mean comfort, relief, or hope.

The Paramita of Dana is called a “perfection,” not because we do it perfectly, but because it is something we continue to practice throughout our lives. We give, we reflect, we learn, and we try again—slowly becoming less focused on ourselves and more open to others.

Amida Buddha’s giving is different from ours. It is completely selfless and without condition. Through the fulfillment of the Paramita of Dana, Amida Buddha shares even the enlightenment attained through countless kalpas of practice—freely offered to all beings, just as they are. That is why we can entrust ourselves to Amida’s compassion and live our lives supported by it.

As we observe Dana Day this February, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Lihue Hongwanji Women’s Association. Thank you for your generosity, your dedication, and your continued spirit of caring. Through your actions, the compassion of Amida Buddha is made visible in our community.

May this month be an opportunity for all of us to reflect on giving—not as something we must do perfectly, but as something we are grateful to practice together.

Namo Amida Butsu.

September 2025

Reflecting on Peace through the Nembutsu
This past month has been a time of deep reflection. September 11 reminded us once again of the tragic terrorist attacks in 2001. At that time, I was still in Japan. After a long day, I turned on the television and saw planes crashing into buildings. At first, I thought it was a movie. But as I realized the truth, my heart was filled with pain. Even from across the ocean, the sorrow was overwhelming. In our interconnected world, tragedy anywhere affects all of us.
On Kauai, a memorial service was held at Waimea Shingon Mission on September 7 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Proclamation issued by Mayor Derek Kawakami reminded us of the enduring spirit of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. These young men, many from Kaua‘i, showed perseverance, humility, honor, and devotion, even while facing discrimination at home. Forty Kaua‘i soldiers gave their lives, and their names are enshrined on the Waimea Shingon Mission’s Memorial Tower. Their sacrifices remind us of both the cost of war and the responsibility to foster peace.
Shinran Shonin wrote:
“Full of compassion for the sentient beings of this defiled world,
Mahasthamaprapta encourages us to say the nembutsu;
He embraces the people of shinjin
And brings them into the Pure Land.”
(Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma-Ages)
These words remind us that even in a world of conflict and suffering, compassion embraces us. Saying the Nembutsu—Namo Amida Butsu—is not simply reciting words, but awakening to Amida’s unconditional embrace. It softens our hearts and allows us to live with gratitude and compassion toward others.
So, what can we as followers of the Nembutsu do? What should we do? We can begin with humility, remembering that we do not have all the answers. We can practice remembrance, honoring those who suffered and sacrificed in times of war and tragedy. And we can commit to peace in our daily lives—peace that begins with kindness, gratitude, and respect for each other.
This spirit of peace was also celebrated in our own temple community. On September 22, members of the Lihue Hongwanji Women’s Association and children from our Lihue Hongwanji Preschool joined together for the event “Ring Your Bell for Peace Day.” With smiles and laughter, they joyfully rang bells to express their hope for a peaceful world. Though simple, such acts remind us that peace is nurtured in everyday life, beginning with the small gestures we share with one another.
As we remember the lessons of 9/11, the sacrifices of WWII, and the joy of our Peace Day event, let us reflect once again on peace. Guided by Amida’s boundless compassion, may we live each day with gratitude, humility, and the wish for a more peaceful world.
Namo Amida Butsu.

August 2025

Reflections on Impermanence in the Midst of a Summer Shopping Frenzy
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the summer. Thank you for your continued support of our temple and its many activities.
This month, I’d like to reflect on a very modern trend that has become part of our summer routine: the big online shopping sales. Every July, millions of people jump online to catch the “best deals of the year.” Flashy ads shout things like, “One day only!” or “Don’t miss out!” creating a sense of urgency and excitement. People rush to buy electronics, clothing, kitchen tools — even everyday household items — hoping to score a bargain before time runs out.
But have you ever noticed what happens after the package arrives? The excitement fades. Maybe we forget about what we bought. Maybe it ends up on a shelf collecting dust. That rush we felt during the sale doesn’t last very long. This is a perfect example of impermanence — a fundamental truth in Buddhism.
The Truth of Impermanence
In Japanese, we use the word mujō (無常) to describe impermanence — the reality that all things are constantly changing. Our possessions, our feelings, even our relationships and health — none of it stays the same. Shinran Shōnin, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū, lived during a time of great hardship. Instead of clinging to the things of this world, he turned his heart toward something deeper: the unwavering compassion of Amida Buddha.
We often suffer because we try to hold on to what is temporary. We want comfort, security, and happiness — but when we place our hope in things that don’t last, we’re bound to be disappointed.
You may have heard the phrase, “You can’t take it with you.” No matter how much we buy or how many things we own, nothing stays with us forever. In the Larger Sutra, it says:
“All things are transient and without lasting substance.”
This teaching isn’t meant to make us sad — it’s a gentle reminder to let go of chasing and grasping, and instead, to appreciate what is already here.
Finding Joy in What Is
When we begin to accept impermanence, we start to notice the simple joys of life:
-A quiet moment with a loved one
-The sound of wind through the trees
-A shared laugh over a cup of tea
These moments are beautiful because they are fleeting. Like a rainbow after a summer shower or the bloom of a flower in the morning sun — they don’t last long, but that’s what makes them so precious.
The Nembutsu: A Path Through Change
In Jōdo Shinshū, we find our peace not in material things, but in the Nembutsu — Namu Amida Butsu. This is not something we say to “get” anything. It’s a voice of gratitude, an expression of joy that arises when we are touched by Amida Buddha’s boundless compassion.
Even as we live in a world where everything is changing — our lives, our emotions, our health — the Nembutsu reminds us that we are always embraced, just as we are.
“Even though I live in a world of impermanence, I am not alone. I am supported by infinite wisdom and compassion.”
Closing Thoughts
So next time you see a limited-time sale or feel the urge to buy something new, take a moment to pause and reflect:
-What am I hoping this will bring me?
-Will it truly bring peace or joy?
-Am I trying to fill an emptiness that can’t be filled by things?
There’s nothing wrong with shopping — we all need to take care of ourselves and our families. But let us be mindful of why we buy, and remember that the deepest sense of peace does not come from what we own — but from awakening to what is already with us: the embrace of Amida’s compassion.
Let us live with appreciation, not for things that fade, but for the preciousness of each moment.
Namo Amida Butsu.
With gratitude,
Rev. Shawn Yagi

 

May 2025

During a recent vacation to Miyajima, an island in Hiroshima Prefecture known for its scenic beauty and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, I was captivated not only by the sights and free-roaming deer but also by a beloved local treat—Momiji manju. These maple-leaf-shaped cakes, filled with sweet red bean paste, are a specialty of the island and can be found in shops throughout its streets. Many stores feature open kitchens where visitors can watch the cakes being made by mesmerizing automated machines. As I observed this process—the batter poured, the filling added, the cakes flipped and cooled—I found an unexpected connection to the teachings of Shinran Shonin and the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist path.
The experience served as a powerful metaphor for the Nembutsu path and Amida Buddha’s compassion. Watching the Momiji manju being made, I was reminded of “Other Power (Tariki)”—a foundational concept in Jodo Shinshu. Just as the visitor to the shop does not make the manju but receives it, the path to enlightenment in Shinran Shonin’s teachings is not something we construct ourselves through hard work or spiritual effort. Instead, awakening is something we receive, thanks to the boundless compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha, which have been perfected over countless eons.
Shinran Shonin’s central teaching, based on the 18th Vow of Amida Buddha, emphasizes that salvation does not come through self-power or personal merit. We are like the customers at the manju shop—we don’t make the treat; we receive it as a gift. The “sweetness” of awakening comes not from our own doing, but through entrusting ourselves to the Vow, expressed through the recitation of Namo Amida Butsu. This isn’t a practice to gain favor or merit, but a spontaneous expression of deep gratitude for what has already been given.
Another reflection came from noticing how all the Momiji manju looked nearly identical—perfectly shaped maple leaves—yet no two were exactly alike. Some were darker, some puffier, some with more filling. Though made by the same machine, each cake had its subtle uniqueness. This diversity within sameness became a poignant reminder of how all beings are different, with their own personalities, struggles, and life circumstances, yet equally embraced by Amida Buddha.
This mirrors Shinran Shonin’s compassionate view of humanity. In “Kyōgyōshinshō”, he writes about how foolish beings are consumed by blind passions, sunk in desire, and scorched by anger—yet still, they are embraced by Amida’s Vow. The Nembutsu path does not demand perfection; instead, it acknowledges our human limitations and offers us unconditional acceptance. Just as the manju machine doesn’t pause to judge each cake, Amida’s compassion does not withhold itself from those who feel broken, flawed, or unworthy.
Then there is the taste of the Momiji manju itself—a moment of joy that brings a smile. Sweet and straightforward, this sensation reminded me of the feeling that arises when one says the Nembutsu with true gratitude. This isn’t a forced or calculated act, but a natural response of the heart, warmed by the realization of being unconditionally accepted. The taste of the manju became symbolic of the “sweetness” of the Dharma—comforting, joyful, and deeply satisfying.
For us, saying Namo Amida Butsu isn’t a way to earn spiritual points. It’s an expression of joyful gratitude, like savoring a delicious treat not because we have to, but because it brings us happiness. The Nembutsu is not a duty; it’s a reminder that we are already saved, already embraced, already loved. Just as we receive a manju with open hands, we receive the Dharma with an open heart.
In closing, I reflect that even something as ordinary as a small sweet cake can become a doorway to profound spiritual understanding. The Momiji manju can be a guide of key teachings in Jodo Shinshu:
– Enlightenment is something we receive, not something we manufacture.
– Each person is unique, but equally accepted by Amida’s compassion.
– The joy of the Dharma is real, warm, and present in everyday life.
These reflections lead to an invitation: the next time you enjoy a treat, whether a manju or something else, pause and let it remind you of the gratitude and compassion that surround your life. The path of Nembutsu is walked not in isolation, but together, supported by Amida’s great Vow. And along the way, we can find sweetness not just in desserts, but in the knowledge that we are never alone.
Namo Amida Butsu.

April 2025

Celebrating the Birth of the Buddha
April is a time of renewal and reflection, a season when we celebrate the birth of Prince Siddhartha, who would later become Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha. His birth is surrounded by rich legends, including the story of Queen Maya giving birth in the beautiful Lumbini Garden. It is said that the newborn Prince took seven steps and declared, “I alone am the exalted one.” While such stories captivate the imagination, as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we look beyond the literal aspects of these accounts to appreciate the deeper message they convey.
As I write this article from Japan, I notice that the cherry blossoms are almost starting to bloom. It’s a beautiful reminder of the impermanence of life—one of the key teachings of the Buddha. Just as these blossoms appear in their full splendor for only a brief time before falling, so too do all things in life arise and pass away. This fleeting beauty encourages us to cherish the present moment and reflect on the wisdom the Buddha shared with us.
In today’s world, where science and reason shape much of our thinking, it is natural to question historical accuracy. Did these miraculous events truly happen? Did the Buddha even exist? Scholars and documentaries continue to explore these questions, searching for tangible evidence of the Buddha’s life and teachings. While such inquiries can be fascinating, they may also lead us away from the heart of the matter—the wisdom that the Buddha shared with us.
Rather than focusing on whether every detail of these stories is factual, we should ask ourselves: What is the purpose of these teachings? Stories like the Buddha’s birth are not merely about historical record-keeping; they are meant to inspire us, to guide us toward self-reflection, and to help us understand the nature of existence. Too often, we dismiss narratives that seem beyond our comprehension, believing ourselves to be more enlightened than those who came before us. Yet, despite the advances of the modern world, suffering persists. Wars rage on, sickness continues, and our societies remain deeply divided. The ego, the sense of self-importance and superiority, remains as strong today as it was in ancient times. Maybe the biggest miracle is not that the Buddha took seven steps at birth, but that he took a single step toward awakening—and then dedicated his life to teaching the rest of us how to follow.
Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings remain as relevant as ever. His profound insights into the nature of suffering and the path to liberation continue to offer us guidance and hope. The Buddha did not come to this world to impress us with miracles but to reveal the truth of existence and show us the way toward enlightenment. For this, we can feel deep gratitude that Prince Siddhartha was born into this world and embarked on his spiritual journey—not for his sake alone, but for all of us.
So, this April, as we pour sweet tea over the statue of baby Buddha, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own journey. Sure, most of us didn’t declare our own enlightenment at birth—some of us didn’t even master walking until well into toddlerhood! But we all have the capacity to learn, to grow, and to awaken in our own way. Let’s celebrate the Buddha’s birth not just with ritual, but by taking a step—maybe even seven—toward kindness, mindfulness, and gratitude. After all, if the Buddha’s journey teaches us anything, it’s that the most profound steps we take are the ones that lead us toward wisdom and compassion.
Namo Amida Butsu.