Buddha Day in Hawaii

         On April 6th, 2014, the Jodo Mission and Buddhist community celebrated "Buddha Day" also known as "Hanamatsuri."

Front-side of Jodo Mission of Hawaii

         At Jodo Mission, we helped with various parts of the celebration. First of all the basics, we welcomed in the guests, and handed out the pamphlets for them to read, or to be informed of what is to be expected in the ceremony. We also helped gather the offerings from the many generous people who donated money to Jodo Mission, whether it be small or large, its really the thought that counts.

Offering Envelopes

         This year, guest speaker Dr. George Tanabe, professor of the Department of Religion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, gave us an opportunity to learn about Buddha and his age. His talk about "How Old Is The Buddha", gave us an insight on a topic that, honestly, we knew near to nothing about. 

A mini-Buddha "alter" also known as a "Hanamido"

          Aside from taking a lot of pictures, and going through the ceremony, there was musical entertainment Dr. George Tanabe's talk. 

          Like the many others who were celebrating Buddha's Birthday at Jodo Mission, we enjoyed the time we spent there, and learned a lot, not only about Buddha, though that was the main focus, we also learned about the importance of culture not only in Hawaii, and how it can evolve, and change overtime.