Buddhist Thoughts
February 2026
Death’s Doula: Our Pets
Rev. J. K. Hirano
Dear Disciples, do not forget that death is only the disappearance of the physical body.
Our body was born from parents and nourished by food, so sickness and death are unavoidable. But the true Buddha is not a human body. The true Buddha is enlightenment. A human body must disappear, but the Wisdom and Compassion of Enlightenment (Amida Buddha) exist forever in the truth of the Dharma and the practice of the Dharma. Those who see only my body do not truly see me.
During the last forty-five years of my life, I have withheld nothing from my teaching. There is no secret teaching, no hidden meaning; everything has been taught openly and clearly. After my death, the Dharma will be your teacher.
Dear disciples, this is the end. In a moment, I shall pass into Nirvana. This is my instruction.
Death: Rites of Passage
Revs. Arthur Takemoto, Masao Kodani, Russell Hamada
Nirvana Day is the day Buddhists remember the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha. At our temples, we usually hold it in February, along with our Pet Memorial services. There are some who have wondered why I hold the two together. For me, Nirvana Day is a quiet day of reflection, not only about death, but about what continues beyond death. It invites us to reflect on impermanence, gratitude, and the teachings that remain alive long after a physical life has ended.
Near the end of his life, the Buddha told his disciples, “After I am gone, let the Dharma be your teacher.” He also reminded them that to truly see him was not to look at his physical body, but to see the truth of the teaching itself. In this way, the Buddha showed that death is not the end of learning, but another way the teaching continues to guide us.
One Shin Buddhist text, the Tannishō, expresses this tension clearly: how difficult it is for us to leave this familiar world, even when it is filled with suffering, and how hard it is for us to imagine the peace of the Pure Land. We cling to what we know, even when it hurts. And yet, when our karmic bonds to this world are fulfilled, we are carried beyond it. These words remind us that reluctance, fear, and love are all part of being human.
Often, we learn these truths not in grand moments, but in ordinary, deeply personal experiences.
My friend Rev. Mauricio Hondaku Ghigonetto had told me that he knew of some ministers working with hospice as Death Doulas. Doulas are usually in reference to non medical persons who assist with birth, something similar to midwives. Death doulas, assist in death and the psychological process of death and grieving.
For many families, the death of a pet is a child’s first encounter with loss. Pets are not “just animals.” They are members of the family. They greet us with joy, stay close without conditions, and offer love without asking for anything in return. Through them, children learn something tender and lasting: love does not protect us from loss, and yet love does not disappear when someone is gone.
I remember this clearly from when my daughter Kacie was very young. Our dog Sammy had grown old and was suffering from frequent seizures. When the veterinarian explained that Sammy would need to be put to sleep, we struggled with how to explain this to our children. In trying to soften the moment, Sammy’s passing was described as going to “La La Land.”
When Kacie heard this, she took it very seriously. Later, after we had said goodbye to Sammy and held a simple service at home, I asked her to imagine what Sammy was doing. She said she could see him running through green grass in the sunshine. I gently explained that this was the Pure Land, where Amida Buddha’s compassion embraces all beings.
That night, something quietly beautiful happened. Kacie placed Sammy’s picture inside the Obutsudan, next to Amida Buddha. When I asked her why, she said she was worried Sammy might feel confused or afraid in a new place. She wanted Sammy to be close to the Buddha, so he would feel safe and cared for. In that moment, a child expressed a truth deeper than any explanation I could have offered: love wants comfort for those it cares about, even beyond death.
Years later, I encountered this same teaching again, in a much more painful way, when we had to say goodbye to Miso.
On a bright spring day, after a long winter, I spent time with Miso in the backyard. The sun was gentle, the air was calm, and I did not yet realize that this would be our last afternoon together at home. Soon after, the veterinarian explained that Miso was suffering from a serious illness and recommended that we let her go that same day, so she would not suffer further.
Holding Miso as she was put to sleep was one of the hardest moments of my life. Grief did not arrive quietly. It came as shock, anger, confusion, and a deep ache that made it hard to breathe. Even knowing all the teachings about impermanence did not protect me from that pain.
And yet, slowly, something else began to surface. I remembered Sammy. I remembered Kacie’s concern that Sammy might feel lost in a strange new place. And I realized that just as I had held Miso with care and love at the end of her life, she was now held by a compassion far greater than my own.
I placed Miso’s ashes in the Obutsudan for a time. Not because she needed protection, but because I did. It reminded me that love does not end at death. It changes form, but it continues to shape us.
In February, our temple will hold both the Nehan-e service, commemorating the Buddha’s passing, and a Pet Memorial Service. Holding these services together reminds us that remembrance is not about clinging to what is gone, but about honoring what has shaped our lives. The Buddha continues to teach through the Dharma. Our loved ones continue to live in our hearts. Our pets continue to guide us in kindness, patience, and care. They may be our best death doulas.
On Nirvana Day,
we remember the Buddha.
We remember our loved ones.
We remember our pets.
And we give thanks for the love that continues.
Namo Amida Butsu.
President’s Message - Troy Watanabe
I can’t believe we are already into the month of February. January seemed to go by so quickly. I am still having a difficult time writing the year 2026 in my correspondence to everyone. If January is any indication of what is to come in the new year then I predict a very busy and yet wonderful 2026 for our Temple. We have had a lot of people coming out to our meditation services and our regular family services in recent months and it seems we are only going to be busier if we use last month as a marker for this. It is difficult for me to remember a time when our Hondo had so many people at every service. Our Ho-onko Service on January 25th reminded me of past Ho-onko Services when I was much younger. I find myself complaining sometimes of how busy our Temple is getting. I remember some very lean years where our services only had 20 to 30 people every week. We now are averaging close to 60 people and more each week. So, when I find myself complaining I have to remind myself of those lean years and then that re-energizes me when I see so many people every Sunday.
I would like to give a big thank you to Dot Richeda for her efforts in helping to plan and organize our Japanese American Heritage Night during the Utah Jazz game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22nd at the Delta Center. This was a Japanese American Community event where the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple played a big part in the success of the event. Dot and her many volunteers were able to get the Japanese Church of Christ, the Dai Ichi Ward, and the JACL chapters and Credit Union to all help in getting the word out. We had a couple of hundred people come out in support of this event. We had such a great turnout that we are thinking that this will be a regular theme night in future seasons.
We began our toban groups in the Fall and I am very grateful to Reiko Mitsunaga for organizing these groups. I am so grateful for all of the hard work these groups are doing to keep our Temple clean and organized. Speaking of cleaning and organizing, I would like to give a big thank you to Rolen Yoshinage for all of his hard work in the cleaning and organizing he did last month. Our kitchen and supplies room downstairs are looking very good because of his many hours in helping to get them in order. He also cleaned and organized our mailroom and supply room upstairs near the bathroom with help from Lisa Imamura. This room looks so good. They cleaned it out and organized everything on the shelving we have in there. I would like to ask everyone to help keep that room in order. If you go in there to get something please return it back to its original place. In addition please do not use this room as a catch all for storing things. They have assigned each shelf to store certain items for each organization and committee. If you don’t know where something goes please let me know and I will help you find its home. We want to keep this room looking as well as Rolen and Lisa worked so hard to make it look.
February looks to be as busy if not busier than January. Our Kerokai Senior Meal deliveries to our 80 year old plus members every other Wednesday is still going strong thank you to the continued donations and contributions to this service. If you know of any seniors that would qualify and benefit from this service we provide please contact myself or any Temple Board Member and we will get them added to our list. I also want to remind all of our Sangha that our General Membership Meeting for the Temple is on Sunday, February 22nd at 11:30AM following our Nehan E and Pet Memorial Service.
There are a lot of events coming up in the next couple of months and I encourage everyone to visit our website at slbuddhist.org to check out the calendar so you can get these on your own personal calendars. I also want to thank all of the organizations and committees for all of their hard work in supporting the Temple. Your tireless work in planning activities, fundraisers and keeping the Temple very active are why we are getting so much interest in our services. I have a lot of optimism that we will continue to grow our Sangha and keep the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple as a pillar of our greater community. Thank you to all of our Sangha for your continued support.
In Gassho, Troy Watanabe
Troop 442
The Troop had their winter dry camp in Moab last month in Moab, Utah. It was a beautiful weekend. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. We camped at Utah Raptor State Park just a few miles outside of Arches National Park. If you were unable to attend the Mountain States District Conference last November hosted by the Ogden Buddhist Temple then you are probably unaware that there was a Moab Citizen Isolation Center where 16 men who were accused of inciting violence at the Manzanar Relocation Camp in California were transferred to. This camp’s location is now a historical monument inside of the Utah Raptor State Park. The scouts were able to learn about the history of this camp that many of our community had no idea existed. At the visitors center in the park is a museum that has displays showing the history of this camp. The boys learned that the camp hosted 54 Japanese American young men who were from not only Manzanar but also from the Gila River and Tule Lake Camps. These young men were labeled as “agitators” and were sent to this camp in Moab. It is a tragic event in the history of our country and I am very grateful for our State Parks organization for sharing this story to all so that we never forget. The scouts were very surprised by this. I encourage everyone that visits Moab to visit this wonderful State Park to learn about this. The park also is the home to one of the largest dinosaur bone beds in North America. Over 5,500 bones have been recovered representing more than ten dinosaur species.
This camp is also a great place to see the stars as it is considered to be a secret place to see the stars away from all of the crowds and light pollution. We had a few new scouts attend this camp and they were blown away at all of the stars in the sky. We also hiked to the Delicate Arch which all of the boys enjoyed. Back at camp we were able to do a lot of educating and hands on training with map and compassing skills and fire starting skills. Our Saturday night going into Sunday morning low temperature got down to 16 degrees. This means the boys earned 16 Frost Points which is part of a winter camping incentive program where scouts earn points for each degree fahrenheit that the temperature drops below 32 degrees or freezing at an overnight, tent-based camp. They are hoping to collect 100 frost points this year so that they can earn the 100 frost point award. It is always a joy to wake up in the morning to a bunch of boys excitedly waiting to hear how many points that they may have earned. This is one of my favorite incentives that the boys can earn. It was such a fun camp that many of the boys want to return to in the near future.
We would also like to remind everyone that this coming Saturday, February 7th is the National campaign for Scouting for Food that will be held from 10:00 am to1:00 pm at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. The Troop will be collecting canned goods and non-perishables. This effort helps out the Utah Food Bank which helps our neighbors keep their families fed while they are struggling during these trying times. If you are able to donate, the scouts will unload these items from your vehicles in front of the church.
Thank you to everyone for your support of our Troop.
Yours in Scouting, Troy Watanabe
Dharma School a season of Gratitude
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dharma School has enjoyed a quiet but meaningful month as we settle into the new year.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) for hosting the lovely Ho-onko Luncheon. The meal was exceptional, with ozoni, salmon, and the wide array of delicious desserts. Beyond the wonderful food, these luncheons serve a vital role in our Sangha; bringing us together to share a meal, meet new friends, and create lifelong memories.
A giant thank you to everyone who donated to our New Year Goodie Bags! Thanks to your overwhelming kindness, our recipients will receive a generously supplied bag of treats and daily essentials. It is truly heartening to see our community come together to support one another in such a tangible way.
Upcoming Events:
Ice Skating: We are currently planning an ice skating outing for the near future. Please keep an eye on the bulletin for specific dates and details.
Hanamatsuri (April): Our next major milestone is Hanamatsuri. Our students are already beginning to work on their programming to celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. We look forward to sharing their hard work with you all soon.
In Gassho,
Dharma School
YBA
Please continue to support Marisa Eng’s Murray Children’s Food Pantry Food Drive. You can drop your donations on the table in the Foyer. We are still collecting clothes for our collab with Savers. Bring your bagged clothes or boxed home good items to church by January 30. You can drop them off on the stage.
BWA
Hoonko
Wow! What a great turn out!
Thank you to everyone who came to the luncheon and brought yummy food!
Thank you to the BWA members and friends who came early to prepare ingredients for the ozoni soup, salmon and rice. Junko, we LOVE your miso salmon sauce!.
We appreciate everyone who helped set up and clean up! Especially to Judy Watanabe and everyone who stepped in to do the dishes and final wipe down.
Upcoming events: Please contact Cindy for more information.
48th FBWA Conference – October 2-4 2026 in San Diego
18th World BWA Convention – September 11-12 2027 Honolulu Hawaii
Early registration is now open – rates will increase on March 31, 2027
19th World BWA Convention – 2031 Las Vega Nevada
Looking for feedback on the “Harmony in Diversity: Awakening Through Sound and Spirit” theme
In Gassho, 🙏🏻🌈
Cindy Yamada Thomas
BWA membership is open to all Temple members who would like to join.
Membership Committee
Dear Sangha,
The Salt Lake Buddhist Temple is our spiritual home, a cultural anchor, and a place where generations gather in joy, reflection, and community.
I often compare our temple to a country club, with many of our offerings open and welcoming to the public such as services, festivals, and cultural events. At the same time, some of our most meaningful and highly desired programs, such as the Youth Sunshine Trip, require paid membership to sustain them. Membership ensures we can continue offering these opportunities that build character, connections, and lifelong memories for our youth and families.
Our membership numbers are declining, and we are nearing the minimum level required by the Buddhist Churches of America. If this trend continues, difficult decisions about the future of our temple may have to be made. This is a critical moment.
Membership is not just a fee, it is an act of dana, a commitment to sustaining the Sangha and the Dharma. Membership supports:
Religious services and ministers
Youth programs and education
Cultural traditions and community events
Maintenance of our historic temple
The Salt Lake Buddhist Temple is also one of the last two remaining institutions on the final block of the original Japantown in Salt Lake City. As the surrounding area transforms into a sports and entertainment district, it is more important than ever that we show we are vibrant, relevant, and essential, not only preserving history, but actively shaping the future.
We need your help, if you attend our events, value our traditions, or feel peace when you walk through our doors, we ask you to join or renew your membership today. Membership forms are available at the temple. If you have questions, please reach out to the temple membership committee.
Together, we can ensure that the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple remains a center of faith, culture, and community.
In Gassho,
Salt Lake Buddhist Temple Membership Committee
Dear Sangha: Stan Hirai, our beloved taiko sensei and supporter of the SLBT, has asked us to share a special request with our temple community in the hope that a caring family may be able to help.
Cailey Yoshikawa is a 14-year-old All Star cheerleader who has been cheering since the age of five. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Cailey has dedicated nearly her entire childhood to the sport she loves. Her dream is to train at MAC’s All Star Cheer Gym in Draper, Utah which would provide her with advanced coaching and greater opportunities to grow as an athlete.
Beyond cheer, Cailey is an honor roll student who consistently works hard both academically and athletically. She is known for her good manners, honesty, and respect for others, values that align with our Buddhist community.
Cailey’s mother is seeking a Japanese Buddhist host family who might be willing to provide a safe, supportive place for Cailey to stay while she trains in Utah. Cailey would need transportation to and from the cheer gym, and possibly to and from high school if she does not homeschool.
Cailey’s long-time cheer teammate, her “cheer bestie” of over eight years, is interested in coming as well. While the priority is finding a place for Cailey, a family open to hosting two students would be especially appreciated, if feasible.
The timeline is May 2026 through the 2026-2027 school year. The pay is negotiable. However, mom is thinking it would work like renting a room including details like groceries, meals, gas, etc.
If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this opportunity, or if you have questions, please contact Emmy (mom) at 303-929-4770 or Stan Hirai at 801-201-6721. Even spreading the word within our community would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for considering this request and for supporting one another as sangha.
With gratitude,
Stan Hirai and SLBT
Tannisho: Spiritual Liberation for Ordinary Human Beings
Mondays 6-8 pm, March 2 through April 6, SLBT West Building 100 S 215 W
This 6-week course on “A Record in Lament of Divergences” is a Japanese classic and the defining doctrine of Shin Buddhist thought. It explains the heart of boundless Compassion that brought Shinran from the darkness of despair to the Light of freedom, joy, and peace of mind. (Instructors: Revs. Jerry & Carmela Hirano)
$75 per person Preregistration by March 1, 2026, Includes materials and refreshments
By check SLBT Adult Study Class, Carmela Hirano 13 W 3100 S, Bountiful UT 84010 or Online at https://slbuddhist.org/new-events
Watsonville & Salt Lake City Japan Tour
November 4 – November 14, 2026
Organized by Kintetsu International Express
Important Dates
- Tour Dates: November 4–14, 2026
- Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Limited to 45 participants (first come, first served)
Salt Lake City (SLC) Group – Per Person
Economy: $8,160
Premium Economy: $9,086
Business Class: $12,433
What’s Included
- International flights (ANA)
- Domestic flights (United for SLC group)
- Hotels, ground transportation, and guided land program
- Fuel surcharges and taxes (subject to change)
Optional Travel Insurance
Group travel insurance is available for Washington State residents, if ordered.
Registration
Register online at:
https://custom.cvent.com/FD5A79C0329F4617A2FC936DACBFA791
For a detailed itinerary go to http://slbuddhist.org/new-events
2026 SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIPS
Carl Dennison
Karie Minaga-Miya
Lynne Doi
Norris Nagao
Brian Fukushima
Paul Terashima
Tammy Park
Kathy Terashima
Carmela Javellana Hirano
Cindy Yamada Thomas
Craige Mayeda
Yoshiko Uno
Junko Mitsunaga
Byron Watanabe
Marcus Miya
Reiko Watanabe
2026 PAID MEMBERSHIPS
Received 12/25/2025 - 2/1/2026. Dharma School children not listed.
Tracy Akimoto, Ed, Justin, Jordan Roberson
Mark & Gail Minaga
William Auffermann
Steven Mugleston
Carl & Yuriko* Dennison
David & Julia Nagata
Emery Ryujin Duffin
Mei Mei Nagata Brown
Grant Ellis
Ray Nishikawa & Diane Akiyama
Illise Ellsworth
Gary & Ryoko Okamoto
Stan & Elaine Endo
Lee Oikle
Anna, Maile Fukushima
Chris Oki
Elaine Fukushima
Dot Richeda
Sherrie, Seiji, Miye Hayashi
Phillip & Connie Sakashita
Dean, Ethan Hirabayashi
Donna Sato
Troy & Ashley, Jonah, Isaac Holbrook
Walter & Karen Sato
Trey Imamura
Setsuko Schock
Cristal Isa
Dave Sekino
Sandy Iwasaki
Lynn & Marilyn Shimada
Kelvin & Jackie Kojimoto
Dru & Joni Sueoka
Henry & Tammie Kuramoto
Jun Sudoko
Ashton Lazarus
Christopher & Shelley Taketa
Irene Linnett
Lance Uno
Todd Matsuda
Juan Winkler
Kenneth & Reiko Matsuura
Arthur Yakumo
Shauna Mayeda
Rolen & Dawn, Collin, Keaton Yoshinaga
* Memorial Membership
DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026 DONATIONS
(Received & Deposited 12/25/2025 - 2/1/2026. Last USPS mail pickup was 1/20/2026.
Dana Campaign
Carl Dennison 1,000
Stan & Elaine Endo 150
Troy & Ashley Holbrook 100
Sandy & Paul Iwasaki 50
Henry & Tammie Kuramoto 30
Kenneth & Renee Matsuura 100
Shauna Mayeda 305
Mark & Gail Minaga 100
Junko Mitsunaga 600
Kim Mugleston 200
David & Julia Nagata 200
Gary & Ryoko Okamoto 100
Chris Oki 30
Phillip & Connie Sakashita 130
Walter & Karen Sato 130
Bob & Setsuko Schock 125
Jun Sudoko 100
Byron & Reiko Watanabe 100
Shotsuki Hoyo In memory of:
Junko Mitsunaga 25 Buntaro Mitsunaga
Jim & Faye Eng 30 Diane Mugleston
Todd Matsuda 50 Ei Matsuda
Scott & Pamela Koike-Stillman 50. Kazuyoshi Koike
Jim & Faye Eng 30 Ken Mitsunaga
Bob Kasubuchi 20 Matsue Kasubuchi
Scott & Pamela Koike-Stillman 50 May Koike
Robert & Tami Tokita 30 Shizuko Imada
Mickey & Gina Morinaka 50 Tane Nakamura
Kathleen Logan & Carol Houston 50 Taro Sudoko
Marcus & Karie Minaga-Miya 30 Yasuzo Minaga
Lynn & Marilyn Shimada 50 Yoshino Oishi
Noreen Okubo 100 Yukie Okubo
Joya-E (New Year's Eve)
Cindy Yamada Thomas 100
Shusho-E (New Year's Day)
James & Marisa Aoki 25
Hoonko
Carl Dennison 100
Lynne Doi 100
Jim & Faye Eng 50
Brian Fukushima & Tammy Park 200
Elaine Fukushima 50
Sandy & Paul Iwasaki 50
Brent & Sherrie Koga 50
Kenneth & Renee Matsuura 100
Craige Mayeda 50
Junko Mitsunaga 200
Marcus & Karie Minaga-Miya 25
Ray Nishikawa & Diane Akiyama 30
Chris Oki 100
Dot Richeda 30
Naomi Sanada 25
Donna Sato 30
Dave Sekino 30
Lynn & Marilyn Shimada 30
Dru & Joni Sueoka 30
Paul & Kathy Terashima 100
Cindy Yamada Thomas 50
Robert & Tami Tokita 50
Keirokai Senior Lunches
Kenneth & Renee Matsuura 50
Family of Nobuo Aoki 250
BWA
Family of Nobuo Aoki 250
YBA
Junko Mitsunaga 100
Scott & Pamela Koike-Stillman
Dharma School
Family of Nobuo Aoki 250
Scott & Pamela Koike-Stillman 125
Junko Mitsunaga 100
Troop 442
Junko Mitsunaga 100
Ichimi (DE&I)
Junko Mitsunaga 100
Temple General Donations
Christie Shiba-Rose 50 Buddhist Thoughts
America Online Giving Foundation 148
Blackbaud Giving Fund, eBay Foundation 50
Suzanne Hata 500
Jean Ikemoto 200
Jorge Ignacio Rosenberg 50
Donna Sato 100
Dave Sekino 50
Temple City Tattoo Supply LLC 1,000
cash 200, In memory of Nobuo Aoki
Family of Nobuo Aoki 1,000, In memory of Nobuo Aoki
SLBT Dharma School 2,000, Naijin Repair Fund
Upcoming Opportunities for Temple Donations
Major and minor Buddhist holidays/celebrations are listed here. Suggested donations based upon past donation averages.
Keirokai Senior Lunches - any amount appreciated to purchase or prepare lunches for some of our senior members.
BWA Steak Fry - Make optional donations to “SLBT BWA” or “BWA.”
Nehan-E and Pet Memorial - $25
To make donations, make checks payable to the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and mail to:
Attn: Robert Tokita
Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, 211 West 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Alternative method, using PayPal, Credit Card or Debit Card:
Go to our website, slbuddhist.org, and click on the "Donate" button.
On the payment screen, click on the "write a note" button and indicate what the donation is for.
This donation method is starting to pick up steam, thank you!
Check that your donations are listed
After you make a donation, check to make sure that your check clears and that your donation is listed here. If not, please contact Robert Tokita. Leave a text message or voicemail at 801-231-6699 or send an email to robert.tokita@gmail.com
2025 Major memorial services and Shotsuki memorial service
Shotsuki Memorial Service is a general memorial service held monthly to remember members and friends of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple who passed away during the month in which it is held. During these services, the temple will list the names of those members who have died during the month in the preceding years. These services are not meant to replace the services at pre-described intervals (1-yr., 3rd-yr., 7th-yr., 13th-yr., 17th-yr., etc. see chart below). for individuals held separately by families. The numbers or the years of service are using the “kaiki” which begins first year as 1 and second year as third year. To schedule a private memorial service please contact Rev. Hirano
2026 I year
2024 3 year
2020 7 year
2014 13 year
2010 17 year
2002 25 year
1994 33 year
1977 50 year
1927 100 year
Memorial services are held often according to our Buddhist tradition. In our annual calendar of events, major memorial services honoring members include the Eitaikyo Service and the Obon Service. The Memorial Service in our Jodo Shinshu tradition, although held in honor of the deceased, is received as an opportunity given to us by the persons we honor, to encounter and to listen to the teachings of the Buddha. Through remembrances of our family members and friends passed on, and through the Dharma, we are able to reflect on our daily life.
february 2026 Shotsuki Hoyo
Masao Akiyama 02/05/2018
Masayo Doi 02/23/1987
Misao Doi 02/24/2015
Kathleen Endo 02/26/2007
Mary Tsuru Iwasaki 02/23/2007
Hirokichi Kawaguchi 02/02/1969
Jimmy Yoshi Kido 02/26/2003
Shizue Kikushima 02/20/1986
Yasuji Kobayashi 02/05/1950
Sueyoshi Koga 02/22/1999
Michiko Koga 02/05/2002
May Koike 02/08/2012
Hideo Kojima 02/03/1985
David Lew 02/14/2006
Shime Maeda 02/04/1936
Rose Mayeda 02/22/2009
Shigeo Nagata 02/28/2007
Kanesaburo Nakai 02/19/1960
Frank Nakai 02/15/2006
Hide Nishida 02/23/1968
Kiyoshi Kenneth Nodzu 02/19/2020
Shige Nodzu 02/07/1980
Gentaro Ogawa 02/09/2009
Alice Ogura 02/08/2022
Kazuyoshi Oike 02/03/1959
Paul Okawa 02/11/1987
Yukie Okubo 02/07/2011
Kent Sakashita 02/18/2020
Shinzui Sanada 02/03/2016
Izyo Sauki 02/28/1994
Tamaye Sauki 02/22/1998
Kikuno Seko 02/04/1989
Sataro Shiotani 02/13/1985
Tokusaku Sueoka 02/04/1970
Otozo Suyehiro 02/02/1936
Tomiko Suyehiro 02/04/1931
Hanako Tachiki 02/08/2018
Kay Terashima 02/16/2009
Utako Tokunaga 02/27/2002
Masuko Tsugino 02/08/1980
Mojiro Tsutsui 02/23/1973
Harry Tsutsui 02/27/2002
Jerry Kiyoshi Tsuyuki 02/07/2002
Mitsuo Ushio 02/09/2021
Tatsu Ushio 02/14/2003
Tadao Ushio 02/22/2001
Ruby Ushio 02/15/2009
Ichiro Roy Watanabe 02/19/1985
Emiko Yagi 02/06/1983
Lessie Yamamoto 02/04/1999