It was only three days after the solemn Investiture and festive Welcome Luncheon for Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani as our 17th Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, that the Maui Wildfire blew up in unimaginable force (August 8). Today the historic Lahaina town, along with Lahaina Hongwanji and many of their members’ homes and businesses are in ruins and we mourn the loss of lives including those who are still missing. We are grateful for the outpouring of support for the survivors who face the enormous task to rebuild their lives. Along with many other social agencies, the HHMH has established several ways that you can help, so go to their website at https://hongwanjihawaii.com Namu Amida Butsu.
Linda Nagai, President states “The Hawaii Federation of BWAs guided by the all Encompassing Wisdom and Compassion of Amida stands with Lahaina Hongwani and the Lahaina community with hands extended to support their relief and recovery efforts.”
Sharon Higa, President of Maui United BWA shares: “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today”. Thich Nhat Hanh
“As I speak to our Lahaina Hongwanji’s members, I see hope. They share heartbreaking stories of their Lahaina fire experiences. For the most part, they seem to be coping well. Their resilience stems from Amida Buddha’s guidance and compassion. Our Maui temples have been helping our Lahaina temple members by giving them a place to gather, whether for spiritual or social healing. Individually we are supporting our families as their needs arise. We are all a link in Amida Buddha’s golden chain of love.”