Sunday, October 22, 2023 Eitaikyo (Sangha Memorial Service) and Puna Hongwanji Distinguished Sangha Service Award Honorees

Eitaikyo is a contraction of the more formal term, Ei-tai-dokkyo.  Ei means eternal.  Tai means generations.  Dokkyo means chanting of Sutra.  The meaning of Eitaikyo is to eternally chant the sutras for generations and generations to come so that we can listen to the teachings of Amida Buddha.  Eitaikyo is called Sangha Memorial Service.

Eitaikyo is a time to remember our past members who made contributions to our Puna Hongwanji.  Puna Hongwanji is a gift from our ancestors who found refuge, hope, and spiritual guidance since 1902.  Eitaikyo is the opportunity and occasion for all to come together and reflect and reaffirm our dedication to the Sangha in mutual support of this precious gift through remembering our loves ones.  This service is dedicated to the memory of those beloved family members who have passed away.  We also show our gratitude for past members who made great contributions to Puna Hongwanji.

In 2017 we started the Puna Hongwanji Distinguished Sangha Service Award (DSSA). This was all thanks to Past President Jason Hashimoto and Rev. Satoshi Ka’imipono Tomioka’s brainstorm. During the Giseikai meetings there is a portion of the meeting where temples submit resolutions in condolence and appreciation for their members that have contributed to the temple and the Hongwanji as a whole. They felt how sad we share our appreciation when the person has passed on. Thus the Puna Hongwanji DSSA was created to share our appreciation to our members while they are able to receive the recognition. We appreciate every members, but there are some members that go above and beyond to qualify them to be nominated for this award.