Tales of Young Buddhists in Hawaii

Rev. Kevin's move-in day

2012-01-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Rev. Kevin officially started at the Buddhist Study Center on January 1st, but still was commuting back and forth to Wahiawa moving things. The Fellowship helped him move some things without the aid of a moving truck on Saturday January 7. This was also a good opportunity to meet and talk with Rev. Kevin and his wife. Here some pictures, courtesy of Wayde Toyama, from that day:

Most of us before packing one of the cars

Ian, Josh and Jake taking a water break

Beau and Koshin discovered how much fun and relaxing the mediation field can be

Rev. Kevin coaching Beau on how to properly rake in the mediation field

Beau bringing up some things to the minister's residence. This is also the load from one car.

Ian carrying a box into the residence

The chain of moving boxes into the residence

Many thanks to everyone who helped Rev. Kevin to move to the Center. We look forward to working with Rev. Kevin and Mrs. Kuniyuki in the future.

Trip to visit Laie Beach house

2012-01-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hello!!!

As I probably have mentioned Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki of Wahiawa is now the new director of the Buddhist Study Center. In taking the reins of the new position, we want to bring the focus of the Center back to the students and young adults. In doing so, for your benefit there will be a whole lot more activities planned ( *fingers crossed).

Jacob Chang and I went with Rev. Kevin to see a beach house in Laie. The view is amazing, but more on that in a bit. We also had the opportunity to visit Kahuku Hongwanji and meet the Tatsuguchis, which are the current caretakers. It's so sad that Kahuku Hongwanji is closing, but it was quite a treat to visit there and meet the Tatsuguchis.

The beach house is at Laie point which is amazingly spectacular itself, Seriously! I only have pictures of Laie point and the enclosed beach which the neighborhood can use. The house has an upstairs and downstairs kitchen and an amazing view of the ocean. Apparently, according to Rev. Kevin you can fish off the back wall. There also a small trail to tide pools and such in the backyard. Did I also mention that the yard is so nice that you can almost play golf on it?!?

Waves from Laie Point

Jake after checking out the waves at the Point

Mountain view from the Point

The enclosed beach for the neighborhood

We have a weekend full of fun planned including a beach house and we'd really LOVE it if you could make it out for at least part of the weekend, so let us know!

Tetsuya

2011-12-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is the only picture I have from Tetsuya. It was fun and everyone survived or at least I'm led to believe they survived. The above picture was taken when we were bugging Marcie about not coming after she requested that I buy ice cream. SEE YOU REQUEST, I DELIVER!

There was also home cooked food every night, mostly done by the assistant although Wayde did try out his new crockpot to make us curry. I hear that Spring Tetsuya is going to be amazing, so make plans to join ;)

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-10T16:51:00.000-08:00

I hope that you are hungry because there's a whole ton of food pictures about to hit your screen and make you drool, seriously!

The Association wanted to have a Thanksgiving celebration before they went home to celebrate with their families or in some cases not at all. Darn these retail board holidays! Thanksgiving is not only about giving thanks with your family, but also about giving thanks with your friends which can sometimes also be your family.

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” -Margaret Cousins

Thank you Jake for cooking the turkey, which is not pictured. It was a really good bird. Thank you to everyone who came. Not pictured are Koshin Soga and Chelsie Takasaki. Also not pictured are the cookies that Jordan and Jaret brought. :)

Stuffing made by Justin though it's not homemade

Chinese Chicken Salad made by Jamie

Garlic Mashed Potatos made by Justin

Candied Yams made by Jamie

Pumpkin Squares made by Allyson. Taste tested by Ken

We played all 12 rounds of Scattergories before and after Thanksgiving. We also watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving, The Charlie Brown take on the First Thanksgiving, and It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Justin needed some help from Ryne on this round

Playing Scattergories. Josh is just too good!

Feasting!

We hope to see you at the next event, which is most likely Tetsuya. December 12-16.

Homecoming Tailgate

2011-11-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is late, but here's a review of the UH Homecoming Tailgate that happened on October 22nd.

According to Urban Dictionary the word tailgate means to:

1) Usually found around sporting events, they involve beer drinking andBBQ from the back of a pickup truck or SUV. 2) The car that is so close to you in the rear that you can barely see it's headlights. Some people like to quickly brake to scare them off. Pretty annoying, but it's better to move to the right. Nobody likes a Left Lane Dick... unless there is no right lane. In that case, it's time for a Skid Contest.

We met at Aiea Hongwanji and caravanned over to the stadium. There was some getting lost and such, but what else is really new. We found parking at Gate 4 and soon were getting down to the major business of cooking and tailgating.

Here's the summary in pictures. UH won the Homecoming game for the record, in case you were under a rock or something.

There's no group picture, sorry! Maybe next time.. .annual event for Young Buddhists Association?!?

This golf cart broke down near us and they need to push it to get started, kind of amusing...

Ian brought the coolest things. This grill is a pop together, so cute! And yes, we needed 3 grills to cook all the yummy food. No full food spread picture though. You missed out.

Just chilling under the pop- up tent waiting to eat and such..

Abby and her friends were captured by a photographer at the Honolulu Pulse.

Wayde showed up with Mike Lum after they got done filming the Hawaii Betsuin's Futaba lecture.

Wayde fits in my ghetto trunk which he also dared to sit in.

Playing horseshoes, I think...

People stopped by to see us such as Emi's friend from Maui and Robyn and her friend.

Even Grant Ujimori hung out with us. No pictures of Ian though...

You can grow old, but growing up is optional!

Casey, his girlfriend Rachel, and Kenny stopped by to visit. Also Jess isn't crazy she's talking to someone.

Halftime performance by the UH band included a montage of many things including a Thriller dance and the Party Rock Anthem

Is that a Jiggly Puff?! or what?

Also in other news. The Buddhist Study Center is on facebook. Fan us to get more information on our events and feel free to check-in if you are ever here :)

The Races II

2011-09-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

On September 19 We ventured back out to Podium Raceway Park for yet another round of The Races see round one here There were definitely more people that came out this time. We even ran into Grant Okazaki and Barbara Sun though there aren't pictures of us all together to prove it. Since, it had been a while since we had been there Podium Raceway changed the track on us. HOW DARE THEY! The newer track is way more difficult than the original one.

Here's the photo trail. Don't worry if you missed this round of The Races I'm sure that we will end up going again.

Group Picture, but why is Beau trying to cuddle with Sugi?!?

Beau thought he won The Races but this was before we even started!

Easy on the dirty looks Sugi!

Upcoming Event: HomeComing Tailgate October 22nd Aloha Stadium Parking Lot. more details to follow.

Manoaphobia

2011-09-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

The annual Welcome Back to School and Welcome to Manoa Party known as Manoaphobia was held on August 31 at the Buddhist Study Center. This year was a little different than most. Since there has been quite a rumbling among certain parts of the Hongwanji we really wanted to get the young adults more involved and try to do more things in general. There were lots of young adults that were interested in Buddhism that came out to the event, but we're starting small.

*random fact: Manoaphobia got its name from popular movie Arachnaphobia

Playing Zip Zap and apparently Wayde is REALLY bad at this game!

Jake trying to cover my notes during the strategy session

This event was meet and greet as well as strategizing for the coming year. We got quite a few ideas and are working on a few.

Events to note: September 6 will be a sitting meditation session with Rev. Muneto. We will be learning to meditate and having a short round table session.

September 17 will be The Races II cause we all really want to beat Sugi and we may want to take people that didn't get a chance to go the first time.

Since, I have an official piece of paper in my hand today I can officially announce this. As of January 1, 2012 the new Director of the Buddhist Study Center will be... Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki of Wahiawa Hongwanji! We're really sorry Wahiawa Hongwanji :(

Young Adult Retreat 2011

2011-08-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Above is Jake attempting to fly while we were at the Pali lookout on the second full day of Young Adult Retreat.

So as mentioned in an earlier post. Young Adult Retreat took on August 12- 15 at Camp Kokokahi in Kaneohe, Oahu. This year Rev. Thomas Okano was the guest speaker and discussed the meaning of some of the main sutras we chant at the Hongwanji. Some of the other activities at the Retreat were the meaning of Obon along with bon dance lessons from Miss Cara Tsutsuse, and a hike on the Likeke Waterfall trail. There was also a mini bon dance without our instructor so we all kind of failed. We had a campfire and did the first ever chanting of Shoshinge by campfire light that we know of. It was all very cool!

*Note the photographs are not in any order

After the hike

With Rev. Thomas Okano, our guest speaker

Before we chanted Shoshinge with Bishop by campfire light

What some of the guys did at the end of the hike. Not shown is what Ken Oyadomari did. I don't have a picture of that...

Some of us posing at the Pali Lookout sign

The view at the Pali lookout

Bon Dance Lessons with Miss Cara Tsutsuse. They are not the same dance!

If any of the above interest you check out the Young Adult Retreat site here which should be updated with new information as it gets closer to the next Retreat. Also Dr. Toshikazu Arai did a nice blog on Obon and it's meaning here.

Hope that we see more of you soon!

The Races

2011-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

On July 16 Sugi organized a trip to Podium Raceway, the go-cart track at Kaleloa, for those who are unfamiliar. We met when the doors open at about 10 and got registered. You get to pick your own racer name and give them statistics for their database. They also do printouts and email you your race results :)

We decided to pay for the minimum package of 3 races. When they called out first race they took us into the Pit Area and gave us a general orientation on racing and the cars. They said that up until that day that had not had any accidents since December or something. The accidents weren't on our races, I swear! Marice and I got booster seats and foot boosters cause we're so short :( We're past the minimum height requirement, but still! We were lucky enough to have the track to ourselves for the most part for the first 2 races, but on the 3rd race they put in a bunch of random people, so it was a very busy track.

And now the long picture trail...

The Track

Sugi showing off how to properly wear the hair sock for hygeine

Getting helmets and heading to the cars

Jake being dramatic

Meditating or strategizing before the race

Action shot!

Heading out to the race from top to bottom: Ryne, Cara, and Abby

Thanks again for coming out you guys. Much thanks to Sugi for organizing, so when's our next trip? Wayde, Lacy, and Casey you actually gonna come next time?!?

A few recommended reads...

2011-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Like many young adults we're always looking on how to relate Buddhism in our everyday lives and how we can help other people understand Buddhism. Here's a few recommended Dharma in the media places:

Tiny Buddha: a website featuring simple wisdom and how to apply it to our everyday lives. Lori Deschene was featured in Tricycle for her advice on how to use social media specifically twitter to enhance your relationships. Follow @TinyBuddha

Here's a few good articles for Young Adults:

Stop Waiting to Live: Scare Yourself Alive

5 Questions: When You Aren’t Sure What You Want in Life

How to Carve Time for Yourself and Pursue Your Dreams

Buddha in Your Backpack: A survival book mainly for teens on living Buddhism in everyday life

Teachings of Buddha

WareHouse 13 on Syfy: The new character Jinx is Buddhist, but the show is about a team of "treasure hunters" finding artifacts from famous people that have special powers and bringing them back so they don't cause anymore damage to society.

Breakfast with the Buddha

Do you have any sites/ books you would recommend for Young Buddhists?

It's been quite a Summer

2011-08-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

SO....It's been a crazy summer!

Dr. Matsumoto was here for the 2011 Summer Session. It was really awesome. The topic for this year's session was Shin Buddhist Theology: Questions of Good & Evil, Humanness, and salvation. Thank You Wayde Toyama and Mike Lum for helping with the taping of Summer Session!!!! Also you can begin to watch some lectures on youtube here Right now there's only George Tanabe's lecture from the Lay Convention, but I'm assured there are more videos coming soon!

Sugi organized a trip to Podium Raceway "The Races" This was all that could make it that day minus Abby who is taking the picture. Oh this is just an overview of summer highlights more on some of the events coming soon :)

Thanks for coming out Cara, Ryne, Jake, Abby, and Marcie. Thanks for organizing Sugi! It was really fun!

This past weekend the 3rd Annual Young Adult Retreat was held at Camp Kokokahi in Kaneohe,Oahu. We apparently have to call it by the full name since Y.A.R. sounds strange to some ;) A more detailed blog will be coming later, but here is a picture at Pali Lookout after the hike. Thanks for the picture Alan Matsumoto!

Today is move- in day at UH-Manoa and so we've had several students stopping by and visiting. I wanted to personally all invite incoming freshman, people interested in Buddhism, young Buddhists, and not quite old Buddhists to come out to Manoaphobia on August 31st 530pm-10pm We would SERIOUSLY like to start a Young Adult Buddhists Association there will be more info when you get there, but there has been some nasty talk going around.

Young Adult Retreat

2011-05-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

This year's YA Retreat will be taking place at:

Camp Kokokahi in Kaneohe, Oahu

Please contact Jake Chang for more info on the Retreat. If you would like to attend here is the application

Thanks!

Finals and End of the Year party

2011-05-19T18:31:00.001-07:00

The school year has finally winded to a close and summer is here. Finals week was rough on the students since quite a few of them were suffering through Spring Fever. We had a few students spend the night at the BSC during Tetsuya. On Thursday, I attempted to make fried rice, I suppose it turned out ok, although Wayde Toyama would say it was "Amazing!"We also watched an anime Summer Wars and played the board game settlers.

On Saturday, at UH Graduation Heather Omori and Lynn Nakagawa graduated. Congratulations to you both and good luck in all your future endeavors.

Saturday Night, we toasted to the end of the school year and to summer vacation. We would have toasted to the graduates, but neither of them came :(was more playing of the game settlers ( which may be played a YA Retreat, but I won't spoil that surprise yet).

There were also games of Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, and umm...yeah....perhaps I won't finish.

Alex Shanklin, a representative at BDK Hawaii and student at UH Manoa will be starting at Ryukoku University in the Fall. During the Summer, he plans to travel and visit family. Since I don't know when I would see him next I took him to lunch at W&M BBQ Burger in Kaimuki. He really liked it and it was his first time there :) Best wishes to Alex at Ryukoku University and I hope I get the chance to see you again.

See you all in August or maybe sooner...:)

Spring Happenings!

2011-05-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Allyson Fujii & Ken Oyadomari Thanks for helping out at Bishop Matsumoto's induction Banquet!

Bishop & Mrs. Matsumoto singing "Triangle, Circle Square" gatha

Hey Everyone!

Above are pictures from Bishop Matsumoto's induction banquet on April 22nd. It was an interesting banquet to say the least, but it will be a good change to have Bishop Matsumoto as the new Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.

There have been quite a bit of changes happening in the Hawaii Kyodan. One is that Rev. Takata & his family will be moving to Arizona and joining BCA. We're definitely going to miss them! Above was a picture from their farewell lunch from the Headquarters Staff along with the Okanos and the Yosemoris.

Tetsuya is happening now for UH Manoa and its fellow campuses, this year's one is very low key and kind of sad. Graduations are also occurring around the state this month. In case, I don't see you Congratulations on your graduation and best of luck in all your future endeavors!

The BSC is planning a lecture series for students in September, but there will be more information coming later on that.

I hope that you are doing well. Let me know if you have any big news for the blog!

Random Updates of Note

2011-04-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Hey!

First off, I'd like to note that our hearts go out to the many people of Japan with big hugs and we're showing our support. The Hawaii Kyodan Social Concerns Committee is collecting funds which will be sent to Japan and distributed through Honzan to designated groups. The Jr. YBA is also organizing a project for the people of Japan.

In other news, the YBICSE trip is still scheduled and the participants have been receiving their notices. Some of itinerary has changed to accommodate recent events.

Tetsuya is also right around the corner for UH students. The BSC looks forward to hosting the students and all their studying needs during this week. Remember we're open 24 hours M-F. If you are coming late please remember to call so someone can let you in. Also there's a/c, food, drinks, and we've got sleeping bags too!

The dates and venue for Young Adult Retreat has changed. The new dates are August 12-15 on Oahu, but venue is still being determined at this time.

2011 Summer Session with Dr. David Matsumoto will be June 13trh-June 22. Feel free to join us virtually via Ustream. www.ustream.tv/bschawaii We're not currently broadcasting anything but feel free to take a look around the site, so you get the idea of what it's about :)

There's other updates in Hawaii Kyodan, but I'll probably post more pictures and updates soon. Hope you're doing well.

Jamie

Bishop Okano's banquet

2011-03-16T13:31:00.001-07:00

Rev. Thomas Okano officially left his post as Bishop for the Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii on February 28th, 2011 and his Aloha Banquet was on March 5th at the Hale Koa.

For the most part it was nice, there was a minor mishap since the Honolulu Star-Advertiser put the wrong announcement in that morning's edition of the paper. (There was a forcible venue change partway through planning). Most people were delighted to be there and say farewell to Bishop Okano officially.

Bishop Okano snuck into a planning meeting and picked Pineapple upside down cake as the dessert of choice because it is his favorite :)

There aren't any other pictures because it was super crowded and the DeRussy Room at the Hale Koa was packed. I do wish I had taken a picture of the centerpiece though because Ann Nakata did a really good job!

Please see the previous post on Robbie Omura's video of the banquet. Thanks Robbie and Grant for your hardwork :)

Aloha Bishop Okano

2011-03-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Living Treasures and SuperBowl Party!

2011-02-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

In Case you haven't heard there's a new Bishop in town or there will officially be one very soon. Rev. Eric Matsumoto of Moiliili Hongwanji will take office on March 1. This was official news at the 99th Giiseikai.

To celebrate the adjournment of Giiseikai and honor several of Living Treasures of Hawaii there was a lunch at the Sheraton Waikiki. If you want to see the food pictures let me know... Here's a few pictures:

Rev. Fujitani gives his usual speech on how the Living Treasures of Hawaii began. I believe it was let's honor this person. Cool! Here

Representative Hanabusa stopped by to say a few words

Rev. Murakami was honored for his 25 years of service

Rev. Soga was also honored for his 25 years of service. He and his wife wore kimonos made by their mothers for the occasion.

Here's a picture of most of the ushers and our wonderful leaders

Sunday, Feburary 6 was as many people know SuperBowl Sunday. The BSCFC celebrated with their typical party. It was a good game :)

Obviously we picked the right team to cheer for ;)

How do you fall asleep during the SuperBowl?!? At least he continued to cheer for the winning team...

They shared the whole couch but he was leaning one way more than the other. He really did fall asleep like that!

We couldn't resist...but seriously! Who falls asleep?!?

We love you Haley!

Tetsuya in Review...

2011-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Jake doing his voiceover for a yet to be released YESS camp commercial

Josh and Jake playing with swords before filming the commercial

My $1 store Gingerbread House which only lasted a week, actually maybe less

Making the gingerbread house...

If you missed Fall Tetsuya you missed out! As you can see from the pictures there was plenty of fun or at least amusement during that week. I think everyone seemed to recover fine and will be trudging back to school in a matter of days. *sigh* I know. There are lots of things happening at the Hongwanji soon, so if you want to help out or get in contact with me. It'll be good. :)

2011 will be magic!

End of the 2010 craziness...

2010-12-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

This Play came to Hawaii November 20 & 21 and Wayde, Jake, Abby, and I were among the few to go see it. It was a once in a lifetime experience and the play was very well done. Definitely ask the other for their opinions on the show.

In other news Tetsuya is going on now which you probably know since you probably aren't reading the blog and massively studying for finals. There will pictures coming to the blog soon, but if you're actually reading this and in Hawaii you should be going to Tetsuya, so why aren't you here!

Also would you be interested in seeing monthly dharma notes from either Honzan or locally?

Game/Movie Night in review...

2010-10-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

So Game & Movie night happened on October 8th. I'm so disappointed that more people didn't show up :( Seriously! Jake brought his wii, so we took some time to play wii sports resort. That game actually made me want to get a wii really bad. After there was Cranium.

*G-money don't forget to change the playdoh in your game before the next time we play!

Seriously it was fun. Here are a few pictures.

Guess who the green team was?!?

G-money moving the pieces above this picture

Wayde impersonating Sly Stallone seriously funny. We couldn't stop cracking up.

We hope to see more people at the next event. :)

Game/Movie Night is coming!!!!

2010-09-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

As stated in the previous blog because of the movement toward having a young adult group in Hawaii. We're taking steps to have more people meet. There's Game & Movie night at the BSC on October 8 6-9:30. We'll have new and old school games. Contact me for more info :)

There's a movement

2010-09-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
Surprisingly enough there have been a few calls and a few visits to the office for classes for Buddhism geared toward Young Adults. Not sure what to do because both my boss and I are overworked as well are many others. However, we are trying. I'm looking to upgrade the BSC website with a little help from the high school perhaps that's going to be my official next project learning html and better website building.

I'm trying to put together events so if you're reading this and on Oahu or visiting I encourage you to come visit/hang out with us. There's probably going to be an event on Friday October 8, but I'll put more details soon.

Here are some videos I found recently
1. a YESS camp trailer made last year in Wailuku
2. paper rocket flying from Young Adult Retreat
3. a video blog from Young Adult Retreat
4. Kirk Shimabukuro playing my guitar gently weeps

It's been a while...

2010-08-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been way too long since I've written here. Life has been changing in so many ways.

Youth Retreat happened for the second time in this decade. Jake was in charge with Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki of Wahiawa Hongwanji as the speaker. We went to Camp Kalopa on the Big Island.

Kona Hongwanji Taiko group, also known as Kristyn's Dad and Alan came and taught us taiko. We also got to make homemade taiko drums out of buckets and packing tape. We learned and flew paper rockets the same day, which is way more fun that you are thinking. If you don't believe me ask Bishop Okano or anyone who attended the Lay Convention in Kona :) We went for a hike and really enjoyed it. Rev. Kevin bought and taught most of his lecture out of Monshu Koshin Ohtani's latest book: Buddha's Wish for the World. I love that book almost as much as Dr. Ken Tanaka's Oceans so easy to read :)

If all this intrigues you then you should join us for Youth Retreat next year, I think it's July 4th weekend at Camp Kalopa again, but check with Jake for more details!

Manoaphobia happened on Friday August 27th and it was good. Although, it was a small turnout since UH had a concert that night as part of their back to school festivities. Perhaps, Manoaphobia will be moved to a different night near the beginning of school. Sorry there are no pictures. I didn't take any. Hopefully this blog will have more pictures in the future.

First YESS CAMP meeting is Friday September 17th at 6p.m. Buddhist Study Center. If you want to help out or know of anyone that wants to help out let me or Jake Thanks!

Manoaphobia 2010

2010-07-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION EVERYONE!

The date for Manoaphobia has been set as Friday August 27th

It will be from 5:30-10:30p.m. the first friday after school starts!

Come check it out!

Message me for more details :)

Spring Hi-jinks with Fabulousness

2010-05-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Spring Tetsuya has come and gone. It has clearly been expressed this year that Tetsuya has definitely changed since it started and perhaps it has come with the times. Here's a few pictures of the day we grilled. Oh that grill is amazing! Thanks David!

Casey looks worried as he cooks the teri burgers. He didn't do so well with the zucchini :/

Wayde helps to get the fire for the grill started. It took forever :( I miss days where there were expert grillers at my finger tips, anyone want to volunteer for me?

At the end of the week, Grant dropped off the Kapi'o with an article on Brass Knuckle Ballad. Click the link below to read the full article. A couple of people from the BSC have been working on this film set to be released at the Fall HIFF. So exciting :)

Story of Brass Knuckle Ballad - Entertainment

Saturday May 15th to conclude the World Jodo Shinshu Conference that was held in Honolulu there was a private tour of the Arizona Memorial with Governor General Tachibana and Shinmonsama, Shinurakatasama.

Wayde takes care of the wreath the Hongwanji placed at the Arizona Memorial.

The older group was unable to get a picture with the dignitaries so we took one with Jake and the wreath. Jake isn't smiling on purpose just to prove he's not having fun and Wayde, who apparently is having fun decided to go a little Captain Morgan on us. Photo courtesy of Alan's camera :)

Shinurakatasama, Shinmonsama and Governor General Tachibana

USS Utah and memorial.

Fact: There are 54 crew members and one civilian that died on Dec. 7th, 1941. One of the crew members was going to give his young child a sea burial and didn't have a chance to do so when the attack occurred.

Fact: The white blocks of concrete scattered around the Arizona Memorial are where the ships were positioned the morning of the attack.

USS Missouri where World War II was declared ended.

Arizona Memorial

A rainbow decided to peak out when we got there

Offering leis into the ocean with flower petals

the leis and flowers floating out to sea.

Unable to post the big group picture because it would have looked really small, since apparently this blog doesn't like big pictures.

Jr. YBA took a picture by the anchor monument.

Don't forget Young Adult Retreat coming up in August. Links on the BSC website and get your forms into Jake as soon as you know. Have a great summer and more coming soon :)

Spring Tetsuya

2010-05-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow!

It's already time for Finals. I know that you probably didn't want to hear that, but it's here. Sorry that this is so late , but my life has been crazy and I swear it has been crazier by the minute. The BSC will once again be hosting Tetsuya which begins on Monday, May 10th, 2010 and will be ending on Friday May 14th, 2010.

The BSC will be open 24 hours for all your finals needs. Make sure that you contact me beforehand because it would completely suck if you are stranded.

Also if you are still interested there will be a peace ceremony at the Arizona Memorial on Saturday May 15th, 2010. Let me know ASAP if you would like to go, because I need to reserve your spot on the Hongwanji boats.

Have an enjoyable summer and I hope to see you at the Young Adult Retreat in August :)! See the BSC website on the events page for all the necessary documents.

Young Adult Buddhist Association

2010-04-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, the Buddhist Study Center Fellowship Club hit a very rough patch a few years back and has never fully recovered. In lieu of that there have been talk about creating a much larger organization called the Young Adult Buddhist Association, which does not limit the scope of the club to just the University of Hawaii Manoa, but allows the possibility for there to be clubs and fellowships across the island chain for young adult Buddhists. Below are a few words from Jake Chang:

Also, I would also like to take that opportunity to discuss the possibility of starting up a "Young Adult Buddhist Association" with you guys as the core group. Lets get that started at 4 PM.

Please help me spread the word about the YABA meeting. It is open to anyone that is interested from 18-30. I would like to just have a talk-story session with those interested to see how we can do the club. This is a great chance for you to help make an impact for a club that should hopefully carry on into the future.

First meeting will be April 23rd at 4pm Buddhist Study Center. Check the website if you need directions or a map.

YESS camp XXVI = Success

2010-04-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is what is commonly referred to as the camp squeeze....seriously how many people do you think are in this picture?

Below a note from Robbie Omura, YESS Camp XXVI chair:

Thank you to everyone who made YESS camp 27 possible especially all the awesome campers who attended. I had a great first time experience as chair. Mahalo. :)

See more photos here

YESS CAMP teaser....

2010-02-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

Watch the commercial and then tell your youth and young'uns to get click the link and apply to YESS Camp March 26-28,2010 Camp Maluhia

♥ February ♥

2010-02-17T17:48:00.001-08:00

Back Row from L to R: Jamie Itokazu, Jake Chang, Emi Hashi, and Jessica Uehara

Front Row L to R: Ken Oyadomari, Allyson Fujii, Dwight Matsuo, and Dustin Soriano

Ken Oyadomari and Allyson Fujii

The above are pictures from the Living Treasures Luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki. See what you missed out on when you don't respond to my emails. Free food, interesting program and we got to meet Mayor Mufi, Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, and Virginia Henshaw were there too. Besides we put out a good club presence and did a good job at ushering. Thanks again Ken and Allyson for helping out :)

Sorry that there are no pictures from the SuperBowl party on February 7th. I forgot to take pictures again. But there was a good turn out. We BBQ burgers and enjoyed other assorted appetizers. Thanks for bringing the dip btw...Abby! There was mostly a Colt fan base at the party, but there were a few that cheered the Saints on to victory. I think I can safely say that everyone enjoyed the halftime and all the SuperBowl commercials.

More events coming soon since now is such a crunch for YESS Camp XXVII at Camp Maluhia, Maui.

YESS Camp Car Wash and other assortments...

2010-01-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Long time no write, I know. Sadly there will not be any pictures from Tetsuya on here because I forgot to take pictures while everyone was around and the only other pictures are on Rev. Muneto's camera. Apparently Rev. Muneto's camera doesn't want to release the pictures (ask me about this later you might know the solution).

January is almost here and gone, but here are somethings you should know:

SuperBowl Party February 7th 1p.m. email me for details

Giiseikai February 11-12 Hawaii Betsuin

Living Treasures Banquet February 12th email me if you want to help

YESS Camp March 24-26 Camp Maluhia,Maui

Sunday January 24th There was a car wash at the BSC to help cut the cost of camp. We were hoping to have more people come out, but due to the vog and the forecast of rain many people stayed away. Thanks to everyone who got their car washed or donated money. Also special thanks to those who came and helped us wash cars :) Below is probably the longest picture trail you will ever see on this blog.

*note my editting skills make the day seem sunny when it really wasn't.

Jake hanging the Entrance sign with my amazing artwork

Guiding the cars into the spot to get washed....

Camp Chair: Robbie sprays down a car...

Josh went hardcore to get people to come to the car wash. He even earned one dolla for his efforts...

The wiping after the wash for an all clean finish

The Super Youth Specialist fearlessly tries to get people to the car wash

Jake and Russ waving signs to attract attention....

Lynn mass texting her peeps about the car wash...no she wasn't slacking ;)

Lynn and Heather waving signs and we may have a taker...

Shaun's coca-cola ad...

Robbie's fun with the waterhose

Grant taking a break from recording to waves signs

Russ chomping on the food during a break

Wayde mass texting his peeps about the car wash

Apparently Beau thinks Josh is up to something....

Lynn driving Rev. Muneto's Prius up to get dried...

Rev. Hojo came to help too!

Even Maitri let us wash her car :)

Shaun showed up after work and people kept asking if the proceeds were going to benefit the military...

Russ takes a moment to yell from the landing

Cars get the all clean look...

Taking a lunch break...

Waving signs

Now I so want to wash my car because of this pic...hahaha

Aggressive sign wavers....
Heather scrubbing those tire rims....

The picture is odd and it got laughs but a lady said that she and her friend came back because this is where she wanted her car wash. Couldn't tell you if she was being serious or not:/

Marcie and friend stop by to help for a bit...

The Videographer. Clips of this will appear somewhere...

Tetsuya!!!

2009-12-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

I know I've spoken the world's most dreaded phrase for a student. FINALS WEEK. Yes, I know that for UH students your fall semester is winding down and as you prepare for Winter Break and time away from school. We here at the BSC understand your needs. We've been there and lived through that and are prepared to help you with all your needs.

During Finals Week (December 13-18, 2009) the BSC:

- is open 24 hours starting on Sunday the 13th

- you can sleep over

- real food and junk food is provided along with refrehsments

-we have old school Nintendo and other game systems to relieve your stress

-cable tv to watch your melodramas or dvds

-wireless internet for when you need it

-it's pretty quiet during the day since everyone is working, studying, or sleeping

So visit us during this time and we wish you well on your finals!

It's Coming...

2009-11-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

I know that it's been forever and a day since I actually wrote a blog here. It's mostly because I've been forgetting to take pictures that are blog worthy. Of Note:

Movie Night was good. I wish more of you had come but sometime soon I'll be showing Ponyo for Movie Night or there will be another event.

ACM Night at HIFF was good. Robbie's film was really cute though I think he told me that it didn't win :( For pictures from ACM night that are good check out Robbie's facebook.

TETSUYA! is coming. I know that most of you didn't want to hear that because it will just create added stress to your day. For those who don't know Tetsuya means Cram Session and in short form the BSC will be here for all your studying needs. We provide dinner and assorted junk food. You can also stay over although you'll have to deal with couches and the floor since there are no beds. If you stay over we do have a shower. I'll be here 24/7 during Tetsuya in case there are anything that happens, so you can come bug me. If you come by late make sure that you let me know, so that I can let you in.

Movies galore!

2009-10-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Don't forget we're going to have movie night this Friday, so come and bring your friends! It will be a good time.

Also I'm told that Mr. Robbie Omura has a film screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival on October 23 at 7:45p.m. Dole Cannery Theaters, so you should check it out. If you're super cool and have digital cable then you can also check it out there on channel 680. Vote on channel 681!

Movie Night!!!

2009-10-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I hope that you are doing well and that your midterms haven't let your mind explode yet.....

I know that life at the BSC has been quiet lately, but I wanted to let you know that on October 16th at 6p.m. we'll be having Movie Night!!!

For this movie night we will be showing Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle.

If there's time we might show another movie, but who knows. Bring your friends and blankets if you want. We'll provide the food, drink and movie so you can sit back relax and enjoy a relaxing night.

Got questions or other thoughts contact me. Information listed in the sidebar. Thanks!

YESS Camp!!!!

2009-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

In case you didn't know...YESS camp meetings are starting and we NEED YOU! It's true, Jake Chang who apparently WON'T WRITE A BLOG! says that in order to put on a really awesome camp we could use some more people to help out. We secretly want to go back to Camp Maluhia since we haven't been there in a really, really long time. If you need to know who else is participating with camp e-mail Jake: youth@ honpahi.com.

Can't wait to see you and meet you. Pics to come soon!

Ohana Conference

2009-09-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks Wayde, Grant and Robbie for helping film at Ohana Conference. You are awesome! Ohana Conference and the Commemoration activities had a good turn out and even though there were slight problems with some things everything turned out alright.

It was such an honor to hear the GoMonshu Ohtani speak as well as hear Jake Shimabukuro and Kirk Shimabukuro perform at the Commemoration banquet.

Jake Shimabukuro's latest songs released on a single Annon can be purchased online through itunes or purchased at the Annon Cafe at Tsukiji Market.

Manoaphobia Reviewed....

2009-09-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to Manoaphobia! You guys were awesome. For those who didn't come we were blessed to have Bishop Thomas Okano stop by as well as to hear an impromptu performance by Kirk Shimabukuro.

Thanks Sugi for finally starting the fire for the BBQ!

Proof that people do actually visit the BSC and that there are actually Young Buddhists in Hawaii!

Casey and Ken decided to spar and these are the best pics I got.

Here's the links to the videos since apparently blogger won't let me post the videos,LoL.

Kirk Shimabukuro

Jake Shimabukuro performing Annon

This weekend is the Hawaii 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin and Honpa Hongwanji's 120th Anniversary. I hope that you will be able to make it to some of the events.

Thursday 9-3-09: Ala Moana Centerstage performance by Jake Shimabukuro

Friday 9-4-09: Foster Garden's tree planting ceremony 3:30p.m.-5p.m. including entertainment by Jake Shimabukuro, HMS students, PBA taiko, and speeches by Mayor Mufi and GoMonshu Ohtani

Saturday 9-5-09: Ohana Conference 9a.m.-3:30p.m. workshops done by BJ Soriano, Dr. Matsumoto, Claire Tamamoto, and others

Commemoration Banquet: 5p.m. including performances by Jake Shimabukuro, Kirk Shimabukuro, PBA taiko, HMS students

Sunday 9-6-09: Commemoration Service 9a.m.

PBA dedication 3:30p.m.

Manoaphobia is coming

2009-08-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

So admittedly I'm no good at blogging 'cause I'm easily distracted however in an attempt to keep everyone informed about the growing young Buddhists population wandering around Hawaii I'm starting this blog.

I'm not really excited for school to start again either, but UH Manoa starts in about two weeks. Yups, school's about to be back in session. Students start moving back to the dorms on Monday August 17th. Rev. Muneto and Alex Shanklin have volunteered to do the UH Shuttle service on Friday August 21st.

With all the craziness that is ensuing because of Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial/ Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii's 120th Anniversary I had very few dates to schedule Manoaphobia on. Yes, Manoaphobia is still on! *drum roll* Clear off the calendars for August 28th from 6pm 'til about 11pm or so. There will be food, games, and other assorted good times.

More updates to come!