Off to Singapore

Aloha all,

I'm off to Singapore on Thursday. While my trip is primarily business related, I plan on using this month away to also explore aspects of the Buddhist faith that I would normally not be exposed to. For instance, Rev Shin recommended that I visit the Buddha's Tooth Relic Temple. I have no idea what that is... but I'll find out. I'm imagining a giant temple, and instead of Amida at the center of the altar, there's a glass case with a molar in it, or something like that. I'm sure I'll be surprised.

Aside from visiting temples and taking pictures of Buddhas, there are other ways to explore my faith while I'm there. I'm going on this trip with 5 other people that I don't know, and I'll be rooming with one of them. I've never been outside of the U.S. (except for Mexico a couple times, but Ensenada doesn't count) and now I'm going to be plunged into a very foreign country, with 5 strangers, and with expectations of me to perform well at my job.

I think that two Buddhist concepts can be applied here: Impermanence and Interdependence. I'll quickly realize how temporary my comfort zone is, and that I have to flow with the tide. I'll be away from my wife for the first time in 9 years (even in Basic Training we were in Brother/Sister flights) and I'll be away from my children for the first time since they were born. If I grind my heels into the ground on this trip, then I won't have any fun. I need to embrace the change I'm about to experience. Also, in order for me to have a fun trip, I'll have to depend on my 5 co-workers; and naturally, they will depend on me. I'm going into this thinking that I academically understand these concepts, but we'll see what they're like in practice!

On the logistical side of things, I'm going to have to miss a very important meeting here in Hawaii. On January 30th, all the Tokudo candidates were supposed to meet and be introduced to the Hawaii Kyo-dan Ministers. It's really like the first formal function that I would need to attend as a prospective Minister. So that's the bad news. But, Rev Kevin said that he would attend on my behalf, and I might just have to meet with the Bishop one-on-one when I get back... no pressure, right?

Anyway, thanks everyone for your support and your comments! I'll post again when I get back in March!

In Gassho,

-Hank

Happy New Year!

Aloha all,

I hope everyone's new year went well. I'm excited about 2010 and all that we can accomplish! It's amazing how much my family and I have changed in the 5 years we've been in Hawaii, I can only imagine what 2010 will bring.

Anyway, here is my current status. I've been in language class for the past 3 weeks and have 3 more weeks to go. The interesting thing about this class is that it is being held at the University of Hawaii, which means I get college credit. It's a 6 week long course, but since it's everyday/all day, it actually knocks out 4 Chinese courses that the University offers. The academic advisor came and said that with our current background, we may be close to a BA in Chinese Mandarin. So now I need to find out which would be better/quicker for me: 1) BA from AMU in International Relations with emphasis on Asia, or 2) BA from UH in Chinese Mandarin. Any thoughts?

Also, I'll be TDY all of February to Singapore as part of a supplemental language training. This in combination with the language training I'm in now means that my meetings with Rev Kevin are at a stand still until I get back. In the meantime, he and I are still working on HOZO and a few other things. My list of things to memorize continues to grow.

One thing that hasn't changed lately, though, is my Sunday schedule. Every Sunday I show up at temple at about 7am. I let myself into the main altar (I have keys now, no big deal!) and practice chanting the Juseige. Then I set up the altar for morning services. The first service is Japanese service, of which I don't understand a word, but we chant the entire Shoshinge, which is good for me. After that is English service (my job is to ring the bell). After English service I close up the altar and double check with the minister and can usually be out of there by 11. I feel like a Catholic spending 4 hours at church every Sunday! Oh well, I enjoy it.

That's it for now!

In gassho,

-Hank

Hakujin Perspective - Terrific Honorifics

We were fortunate enough to have our Monshu, Koshin Ohtani, come visit Oahu in September. Of course, all of the temples on the island were busy in anticipation for such a special event. Helping out with, but mostly eavesdropping on, the preparation, I was confused to hear that sometimes the Monshu was called Monshu, but other times he was called Gomonshu.

After a few weeks of this, I concluded to myself that I was hearing the words incorrectly. After all, how many times do you actually hear a full Namo Amida ButsU? It’s usually just Namo Amida Butssss. Therefore, since dropping syllables has already been established, I was confident in my “knowledge” that the “Go” was simply a part of the word that was dropped for grammatical purposes now and again.

But there was a nagging at my brain. I had never heard syllables being dropped at the beginning of a word. Thus, the “Go”, or lack thereof, must have some other explanation. Next, I determined that the Monshu, and the Gomonshu, must simply be two different people! The Monshu was the religious leader of Shin Buddhism, and the Gomonshu was his assistant. Resolved, I put the issue to rest once more.

Based on context though, I later decided that this last assumption could not be true either. Finally, I worked up the courage to ask my Minister what the difference was. The explanation, of course, was that “Go” is an honorific.

According to Wikipedia, Japanese uses a broad array of honorific [prefixes and] suffixes for addressing or referring to people. These honorifics are gender-neutral and can be attached to first names as well as surnames. Some of the more common honorifics are San (most common), Kun (used by senior status members addressing junior status members), Chan (a term of endearment), Senpai (used to address someone senior in your school or organization), Sensei (teacher or authority figure), and Sama (a more respectable version of San).

Of course, there are many, many more and I don’t pretend to know even this short list, much less any more obscure honorific than presented here. But I find the idea and practice of honorifics very fascinating! Aside from the story presented in the beginning of this article, another incident caused me to have great interest in honorifics.

One day while a group of members and I were preparing the altar, another member, Elaine, said to me, “Please hand me that candle holder, Henry-san.” It was said very casually, and I’m not sure Elaine even noticed the difference. But the use of the honorific in this way had an impact on me!

Perhaps there is nothing significant about the honorific San, but in my case it was a very big deal. It validated my belonging to the temple. Her casual use of this word in reference to me brought me closer to the culture of our religion. I genuinely felt like I had achieved something! I don’t think that I was lacking this feeling before; I’ve always felt welcome and like a member of not only the temple, but the family there as well. But I can’t deny that there was something else there that I had so far not experienced. There was something there in being called Henry-san. There, at the altar, I simply handed her the candle holder as if I’d been called this a million times, but inside, I was giggling like a school girl!

I’ve realized that it is an honor to both give and receive these titles. It is my honor and pleasure to address our Monshu as Gomonshu. I feel included when I do so. It is also a great honor and pleasure to be addressed as an insider would be addressed.

These honorifics are purely Japanese in essence and while links can be made between honorifics and Buddhism, it is more of a cultural phenomenon than it is religious. But in Shin Buddhism, being closer to the culture is synonymous with being closer to the religion; or so it would seem, at least, from the Hakujin perspective.

In Gassho,

Hank (Henry-san)

Finally! My Transfer Credit is IN!

Man, I think it took almost 6 weeks! But, AMU has finally told me what classes I'm getting credit for towards my BA degree! Here's the breakdown:

I requested that credits be transferred from DLI, HPU, AP, and CCAF. When those transcripts were applied towards my degree plan, I was awarded 72 credits of 121! That means I'm only 49 credits away from my Bachelor's degree. I'm so excited about this!

I have to go to Language class starting next week, and that will pretty much take up all my time. I'll have to leave the house at 6am and won't get home until 7:30pm. That being the case, I don't think I can start taking any classes at least for the next 6 weeks. But after that... it's game on!

In Gassho,

-Hank

Informative Site

Hey all,

I was doing some surfing on the net and found this great page on the IBS Site. IBS is the Institute of Buddhist Studies and it's where I'll have to get my Master's degree. Anyway, check it out if you have the time. I'll post it here and put the main page in the links list on the right.

http://www.shin-ibs.edu/academics/chaplain.php

In Gassho,

-Hank

It's been awhile

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I was waiting for my Transcripts to post to American Military University so that I could see exactly how far I was from my BA, and then report. However, the date kept getting pushed back. As of now, I still don't know what my transcripts will yield. But since I have other information, I will post that.

My involvement in the Tokudo program is getting more formalized and more involved. First, I become increasingly more involved with the weekly services. I am going to start attending the Japanese service every week before the English service. My responsibilities include setting up the altar, ringing the kansho bell, keeping the incense burning, and then closing down the altar and temple after service is over.

Another bit of news: the Minister's Assistant currently assigned to my temple, Reverend David Nakamoto, is being relocated to Kailua. The Bishop said that we will not be getting another assistants because they have ME! In other words, increased responsibility and presence. Also, if Reverend Kevin ever needs to leave for whatever reason, then it will be my responsibility to lead service! I won't be able to do that from up on the Altar, as I'm still a lay person, but it's still a big deal, and I'm really nervous!

So here are some more technical details. Pasted below is a summary of my entrance into the Tokudo Training Program. Please forgive any spelling, grammatical, or formatting errors, as these pages were just scanned in.

MINISTERIAL TRAINING OUTLINE TOKUDO TRAINING

PRELIMINARY INFORMATIONAL SESSION (Conducted by State Ministerial Training Committee):

What: A half day session for people interested in Tokudo to learn about Tokudo and the commitments, sacrifices, and rewards.

Who: Aspirants who are actively involved in the Hongwanji for not less than a year during which time the membership has accepted the aspirant as a part of the congregation. (Recommended by Minister)

Why: Provide individuals interested in Tokudo with an opportunity to learn about the process and procedures.

PRE-ORDINATION TRAINING PROGRAM (POTP) (for those interested in going for Tokudo)

1. Candidate submits application to the Office of the Bishop

a) One page double-spaced essay to address the question "Why do I want to enroll in the Pre- T okudo Program?

b) One page recommendation by a minister.

c) Interview with the following questions:

How does your education relate to the pre-tokudo program?

What do you plan to do with this pre-tokudo program?

What qualities do you think a good temple minister has?

What is your understanding of Buddhism?

What is the role of religion in life?

As a minister, how can you contribute to the Jodo Shinshu movement?

How have you participated in the J odo Shinshu movement?

How do you relate to, work with people?

2. Office of the Bishop will give written acknowledgement of receipt of application, and will forward the application to the Ministerial Training Committee for disposition.

a) Bishop sends out copies of the application, recommendation and essay to the committee members before the Interview session.

Minister's Recommendation Form Application for Pre- T okudo Session

1. Applications and the attachment received by the Bishop will be reviewed by Ministerial Training Committee for recommendation. The Bishop will inform the applicants and temple ministers of the final decision.

Pre-Ordination Program - Local Training Program Pre-Ordination Program (at temple, district, or state level)

Stage A - OBSERVATION AND PARTICIPATION

1. DAILY ROUTINE

Morning and Evening Service

Flower Arrangement

Altar Clean Up

Offering

Temple Situation and Ministers Life

2. SERVICES AND CEREMONIES

Infant Initiatory Rites

Dedication Service

Wedding Ceremony (Temple & outside)

English Language Service

Japanese Language Service

Major Service

Special Service

Pre-school Service

Interfaith Service

Bedside Service (Makuragyo)

Service before cremation

Funeral Service at Temple

Funeral Service outside

Appreciation Service (Reimairi)

First 7-day Service

49-day Service

100-day Service

One-year Service

Inurnment (Burial) Service

3. MINISTERIAL ACTIVITIES

Staff Meeting

Pastoral Counseling

(Wedding Counseling, Crisis Center counseling, Religious Counseling (Jidan)

Hospital Visitation and Home Visitation

Study Class & Workshop

Community Services

Ministers' Meeting (Kyogakkai)

4. TEMPLE ACTIVITIES

Radio Broadcasting Program and related activities

Newsletter and related activities

Pre-school and related activities

Dharma School and related activities

Jr. YBA and related activities

Adult Group and related activities

Fujinkai and related activities

Martial Arts group and related activities

Scouting and related activities

Choir and related activities

Cultural and Fellowship activities

Various Temple Committees

Temple Board Meeting

Temple Kyodan activities

5. Familiarization and Memorization

1. Sutras, Chants, Sayings:

(Shinshu Pledge, Homages (Kikyomon), Vandana Ti­Sarana, Creeds (Ryogemon), Shoshinge, Wasan and others)

2. Excerpts from letters of Rennyo Shonin

Matsudaimucm-sho

Shinjin gyakutoku-sho

Shonin ichiryu-sho

Hakkotsusho

6. Proper Manner of Handling Sutras and Religious Texts

Triple Sutra

Wasan

Gobunsho

Raihai-seiten

Stage B - Overview of Total Scope of Services

1.Rites of Passage (pages 61-78)

2. Altar Arrangements (See Traditions oft Jodoshinshu Hongwanji­Ha, pages 45-48)

3. Etiquette and Liturgy (See Traditions of Jodoshinshu Hongwanji-Ha, pages 45-48)

4. Protocol for ministers (Reigi-Saho)

a) Sitting in Naijin

b) Entering Temple

c) Funeral Service

5. Clergy Attire on Appropriate Occasions (See Traditions of JOOoshinshu Hongwanji-Ha, pages 33-38)

6. Chanting of Shoshin-ge, other sermon and Gobunsho training (refer to service book) (See Traditions of Jodoshinshu Hongwanji-Ha, pages 61-78)

Stage C

1. FAMILIAR WITH BASIC SHINSHU TEACHING, HISTORY, AND TEXTS (OSHOGYO)

a Brief history of Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhist Handbook, pages 51-61)

b Outline of Jodo Shinshu Teachings

c Basic Texts of Jodo Shinshu

2. JAPANESE TERMS FOR ROMANIZATION AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION (See Jodo Shinshu Primer)

Stage D

1. Minister's role in temple finances

ELIGIBILITY:

1. Verification of a college degree (copy of diploma) or proof of pursuing a college degree (copy of current transcript).

2. Person with serious willingness and reasonable intent to assist the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.

3. A letter of Intent

4. Prerequisites submitted to the Office of the Bishop. The Bishop must approve the applicant's entry into the Pre-Ordination State Training Program.

5. Pre-Tokudo candidate must agree to participate in:

a. Statewide Training Program sponsored by the Ministerial Training Committee which will take up to (3) three full (not necessarily consecutive) weekends.

Thanks everyone! I'll post again when I know more.

In Gassho,

-Hank

Chuggin' Away

Reverend Kevin is in Kyoto this week, so not much has happened. My main goals right now are:

1) Read "Buddha's Wish For The World"

2) Study Hirigana

3) Practice chanting

4) Finish transfering credits so I can see how close I am to a BA degree

Man, it seems like such a short list... but wow! Trust me, it's a lot more intimidating in real life!

In Gassho,

-Hank