Buddha Day Service at Kona Hongwanji

The Hawaii Association of International Buddhists, or HAIB, will host its 8th Annual Buddha Day Service on March 8 at the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Kealakekua. Festivities start at 9:30 a.m.

This event celebrates the birth of Shakyamuni, who became the Buddha, and is open to the public. Practicing Buddhists from all traditions, and all those interested in learning more about Buddhism, are welcome to attend.

The guest speaker is the Rev. Satoshi Ka‘imipono Tomioka from the Puna, Pahala and Na‘alehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temples.

During the service, ministers and representatives of Buddhist sanghas will be invited up to the Hanamido, a floral shrine representing Lumbini Garden where the Buddha was born. Here, offerings of sweet tea are made to the baby Buddha — a centuries-old practice which originated with the Brahmins.

Before and after the service, all in attendance will be given the same opportunity.

Following the service, the New Dharma Band will perform. Coffee and pastries will be served to all visitors, and bento boxes from the Kona Grill House will be offered for a donation of $10.

Food also will be collected for the Hawaii Food Basket, and all donations are appreciated.

For more information about the Buddha Day Service, please contact Rev. Jiko Nakade at 322-3524, or Rev. Blayne Higa at 323-2993.

HAIB seeks to represent all Buddhist schools and traditions in order to foster friendship and understanding, to realize the essential unity of all Buddhist schools and to promote the development of spirituality in order to improve the quality of life among Buddhists and humanity as a whole.