Kapolei Mission Celebrates Founder

Kapolei Buddhist Sangha invites everyone to its annual Gotan-e Service at 10 a.m. May 17, celebrating the birth of the founder of Shin Buddhism.

Shinran Shonin lived from 1173 to 1262, and his life and teachings “constitute one of the most significant developments in the history of Buddhism,” said Rev. Dr. Bert M. Sumikawa of the Kapolei group. Shonin discovered a path to the treasures of Dharma for all people, he added.

“This May celebration also is called Fuji Matsuri, or Wisteria Festival, after the purple flower that rep resents our sect,” Sumikawa explained.

“Though the flowers grow high on intertwined branches of a tall and sturdy tree, unlike other flowers that stand up when in full blossom, the wisteria hangs down, as if in humility.”

Ewa Hongwanji is located at 91-1133 Renton Road.

The congregation meets there for worship at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month, and conducts a monthly Dharma session at 6:30 p.m on the first Saturday.

For more information, call 492-7254.