Dennis Tashiro

A Message from President Dennis Tashiro

2023 has passed by quite rapidly. It was another year of interesting, exciting, and fun activities at WBT.

Sunday service attendance has surpassed pre-pandemic levels! The after-service intergenerational craft activities and bingo games are enjoyed by many. Rev. Barbara Brennan delivers most of the dharma messages, with temple lay members and guest speakers rounding out the schedule.

The first Sunday of each month is designated as 1st Sunday Family Service. Dharma messages for these services are geared toward children and families and it is followed by an intergenerational activity.

WBT continues to offer adult dharma classes and in 2023, we have had Spring and Fall-Winter classes led by Rev. Bert Sumikawa. Tai chi and exercise classes are also ongoing. Bon fitness and ikebana classes are two new activities that began in 2023. We encourage everyone to utilize the temple facilities and to take advantage of the activities mentioned and any additional programs that are offered.

In July, we resumed holding a bon dance at the temple. It was a huge success thanks to the hard work of many temple members and friends!

In an effort to become more visible in the windward community, members have participated in social concerns and earth-friendly events. Rev. Brennan and others are involved with a windward interfaith group comprised of several different faith organizations. We also have an aikido club practicing at the temple twice a week.

E komo mai (welcome)! We’d like to see you at the Sunday Services and/or participate in WBT activities. Temple greeters and leaders are ready to welcome you and share their aloha at Sunday services.

Mahalo to the members of the WBT Board, temple committees and volunteers for your continued dedicated efforts in supporting the temple.

My best wishes to everyone for a 2024 filled with good health, peace, and happiness. Thank you and In Gassho, Dennis Tashiro, President

In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

Intergenerational Dharma Service

Dennis Tashiro

Dharma Service for Sunday, November 5, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Dennis Tashiro at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Certified Minister's Lay Assistant (CMLA) Cynthia Rodriguez. For today's intergenerational service, Dennis shared the story "The Pumpkin Patch" by Sybil Taylor, a story of meditation and interdependence.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:14 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:13 - Meditation

    04:15 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:21 - Sutra: Gassho With Amida

    12:36 - Recitation: Homages (page 2 in the red service book)

    14:18 - Gatha: Arigatai

    17:25 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

    37:23 - Gatha: Namu Amida Butsu (page 104 in Praises of the Buddha)

    40:03 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in the red service book)

    42:19 - Announcements

    45:08 - November Birthdays

    48:32 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    49:34 - November Schedule

    49:49 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

Intergenerational Activity

Celebrating Birthdays

Intergenerational Dharma Service

Dennis Tashiro & Rev. Barbara Brennan

Intergenerational Dharma Service for Sunday, June 4, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by lay speaker and WBT President, Dennis Tashiro, at Windward Buddhist Temple. The service was officiated by Rev. Barbara Brennan at Windward Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii. 

The first Sunday of the month features an intergenerational Dharma Talk for kids and adults. Dennis shares a lesson of self-reflection and reads from the book "The Bad Seed" by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald.

Buy "The Bad Seed" on Amazon.com

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:20 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    03:04 - Meditation

    03:55 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:07 - Praises of the Buddha (page 112 in the red service book)

    17:41 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)

    18:42 - Gatha: Happy Little Children (page 57 in Praises of the Buddha)

    21:36 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

    42:19 - Gatha: At Our Altar (page 16 in Praises of the Buddha)

    44:04 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    46:57 - Announcements

    53:55 - June Birthdays

    57:20 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    58:04 - June Schedule

    58:17 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

Intergenerational Activity: Paper Tricks

Intergenerational Dharma Service

Dennis Tashiro

Dharma Service for Sunday, January 8, 2023 with a Dharma Talk by Dennis Tashiro at Windward Buddhist Temple. The first service of the month is our Intergenerational Service, with a Dharma message for both kids and adults. The book Dennis reads is "Waiting is Not Easy," an Elephant and Piggie book by Mo Willems.

"Waiting is Not Easy" at Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3WXPEBW

This was followed by an intergenerational craft activity. This month, we made Galaxy Glitter Jars.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:18 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:59 - Meditation

    04:14 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:42 - Sutra: Gassho With Amida

    12:42 - Recitation: Golden Chain of Love (page 126 in the red service book)

    13:51 - Gatha: Hotokesama II (page 74 in Praises of the Buddha)

    16:08 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

    21:36 - "Waiting is Not Easy" by Mo Willems

    33:32 - Gatha: Buddha Loves You (page 24 in Praises of the Buddha)

    34:44 - The Nembutsu (page 135 in Praises of the Buddha)

    36:46 - Announcements

    42:58 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    43:44 - January Schedule

    43:53 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    44:03 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

Galaxy Glitter Jars Activity

A Message from President Dennis Tashiro

Happy New Year! Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu! Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!

As the new (second time around) president of Windward Buddhist Temple, I look forward to serving you once more.

Under outgoing president Prudence Kusano’s stewardship, WBT was able to navigate through the pandemic and emerge with new ways of propagating the teachings. I am committed to working with the Board and temple members on building on that and using the momentum to move us forward. WBT is fortunate to have a mutli-purpose building that was designed for dharma seekers as well as an inviting place to gather in fellowship. I encourage everyone to utilize the temple facilities and to take advantage of the activities currently being offered such as tai chi, exercise, and other programs.

In 2022, Sunday service attendance has steadily increased to near pre-pandemic levels. If you have not had the opportunity to attend service, I invite you to come to the temple and experience hearing the temple bell resonate, offering incense, singing gathas, listening to a dharma message and connecting with friends. There are also some fun activities after service on select Sundays such as crafts and bingo.

The 2023 Windward Buddhist Temple pledge cards have been sent out. Your annual pledges help sustain our temple and its programs. Thanking you in advance for your generosity and commitment to Windward Buddhist Temple.

I wish you and your family a happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2023.

In Gassho,

Dennis Tashiro, WBT President

Family Dharma Service

Dennis Tashiro

Dharma Service for Sunday, October 9, 2022 with a Dharma Talk, "Importance of our Sangha" by Dennis Tashiro at Windward Buddhist Temple. This Jodo Shinshu Buddhist church service was recorded at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.

  • 00:00 - Opening Remarks & Program

    00:25 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

    02:46 - Meditation

    04:00 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

    06:18 - Sutra: Verses Reaffirming the Vows (page 117 in the red service book)

    12:38 - Recitation: The Creed - II (page 4 in the red service book)

    13:55 - Gatha: May Peace Prevail

    17:24 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

    36:16 - Gatha: Arigatai

    38:55 - The Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

    40:11 - Closing Aspiration

    40:56 - Announcements

    44:45 - Words of Thanksgiving (page 126 in the red service book)

    45:37 - October Schedule

    45:46 - Support WBT with AmazonSmile

    45:56 - How to Donate to WBT

  • We are now able to accept secure online donations using PayPal or a credit card. Please visit our Donation page for instructions or scan the QR code in the video.Item description

  • Download the Jodo Shinshu Service Book (the "red service book"): https://tinyurl.com/GetServiceBook

Online Dharma Service

Dennis Tashiro

Happy Halloween! Online Dharma Service for Sunday, October 31, 2021 with a Dharma Talk by Lay Speaker Dennis Tashiro at Windward Buddhist Temple, a Shin Buddhist Temple in Kailua, Hawaii.

  • 00:00 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

  • 01:59 - Opening Remarks & Program

  • 02:19 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

  • 04:16 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge - II (page 6 in the red service book)

  • 05:10 - Sutra: Twelve Homages (page 120 in the red service book)

  • 12:11 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

  • 31:31 - Gatha: Into the Breeze

  • 33:39 - Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

  • 34:33 - Closing Aspiration

  • 35:17 - November Schedule

  • 35:27 - Announcements

  • 35:37 - How to Donate to WBT Online

Online Dharma Service

Dennis Tashiro

Dennis Tashiro

Online Dharma Service for Sunday, January 31, 2021 with Lay Speaker Dennis Tashiro and officiated by Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple.

  • 00:00 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

  • 01:59 - Opening Remarks

  • 02:18 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

  • 04:17 - Sutra: Juseige (page 54 in the red service book)

  • 09:48 - Recitation: Shinshu Pledge - I (page 6 in the red service book)

  • 10:34 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro

  • 22:05 - Gatha: Into the Breeze (from "The Golden Chain")

  • 24:13 - Nembutsu (page 107 in Praises of the Buddha)

  • 25:33 - Closing Remarks

  • 25:53 - February Schedule

  • 26:08 - How to Donate to WBT Online

Online Dharma Service with Lay Speaker Dennis Tashiro

IMG_0528 Cropped.jpg

Online Dharma Service for Sunday, October 18, 2020 with Lay Speaker Dennis Tashiro and Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa at Windward Buddhist Temple. "Gratitude" is the theme for today's Dharma Talk. The program for today's service:

00:00 - Ringing of the kansho (temple bell)

02:18 - Vandana & Ti-Sarana (page 7 in the red service book)

04:09 - Sutra: Junirai (page 59 in the red service book)

12:10 - Recitation: Our Pledge

13:18 - Dharma Talk: Dennis Tashiro - "Gratitude"

25:56 - Gatha: Ondokusan II (Gratefulness II) (page 123 in the Praises of the Buddha book)

28:13 - Nembutsu (page 107 in the Praises of the Buddha book)

29:40 - Announcements

29:48 - Remembrance Day Reminder

29:57 - How to Donate to WBT Online

30:16 - Panda Express Fundraiser on 11/14/2020

First Sunday Family Service

For today’s Dharma Talk, Dennis discussed symbolism in both everyday situations, such as emojis, and in national icons, such as the Statue of Liberty. Did you notice that the Statue of Liberty is taking a step forward?

One of today’s First Sunday’s activities had to do with Indra’s net, and Dennis shared the symbolism around the interconnected jewels that we attached to the image of the world as we entered the temple. Our second activity was a Valentine’s Day craft, which both the kids and the adults enjoyed.

Celebrating February Birthdays

First Sunday Activities