Puna Hongwanji Monthly Buddhism Classes in 2026
The last words of Sakyamuni Buddha were to make the teachings your guiding light and yourself the driving force. In the ups and downs of personal life, community, country, and the world, we need guidance that lights our path toward harmony, peace, compassion, mutual understanding, and truth. The Buddha’s teachings guide us through both joy and sorrow, and those who immerse themselves in them can navigate life with wisdom. Let us learn from the Buddha’s teachings to make a better place for ourselves, for others, and for all living beings and everything on this earth. Everything begins with me – let’s learn together.
Buddhism Classes for 2026 are scheduled for the following dates:
- February 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – What is the Compassion and Wisdom of Amida Buddha? – Namo Amid Butsu
- March 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – Where Am I Going When I Take My Breath? – The Pure Land
- April 4, 2026 10:00 am. – Who is Sakyamuni Buddha, and What is the Relation with Amida Buddha? The Primal Vow
- May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in Japanese and 3:30 p.m. in English – Guest Lecturer will be Rev. Tomo Hojo (West Kauai) – Living the Dharma Every Day – Rituals, Chanting, and Everyday Meaning.
- June 13 ,2026 10:00 a.m. – What is obon and why is life bittersweet? – Shinjin
- July 18, 2026 10:00 a.m. – Why do I say Namo Amida Butsu? – The Nembutsu
- August 8, 2026 10:00 a.m. – How do the teachings help me in daily life?
- September 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. – Departed loved ones with me – how & why?
- October 2026 – TBD
- November 14, 2026 10:00 a.m. – What are the chants, and what impact in life?
- December 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. – What is enlightenment, and how do I achieve it?
Classes are available in person and online via Zoom. If you need the Zoom link send an email to mpunahongwanji@twc.com.
On February 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. we will have a Buddhism Class.
“What is the Compassion and Wisdom of Amida Buddha?”
On March 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. we will have a Buddhism Class.
“Where am I going when I take my last breath?”
On April 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. we will have a Buddhism Class.
“What is the relation of Amida Buddha and Sakyamuni Buddha?”
Sakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism. Born over 2,500 years ago in India, he was a prince. Through searching for the meaning of life and seeking the truth, he attained enlightenment and became Sakyamuni Buddha, the Awakened One. His teachings spread over time and developed into different schools, sects, and traditions, all conveying the essense of the Dharma.
In Hongwanji, the object of reverence is Amida Buddha, who is not a historical person but whom we revere and respect. This raises an important question: Why Amida Buddha and Sakyamuni Buddha? Since both share the title “Buddha”, are they the same, or are they different?
Let us explore this together. If you are curious for the answer join us on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in person or online via Zoom.
On May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. we will have a Buddhism Class.
日本語で浄土真宗-仏教を分かりやすく学びましょう。
お経ってなに？
儀礼、作法はどんな意味が？
仏教ってお葬式とか、死んだ人のためじゃないの？
一緒に学び、ほとけさまの心を感じましょう。
住所
16-492 Old Volcano road, keaau HI, 96749
お問い合わせ
mpunahongwanji@twc.com かDMで。
“Living the Dharma Every Day: Rituals, Chanting, and Everyday Meaning”
Rev. Tomo Hojo of West Kauai Hongwanji will offer the Buddhism Class during the month of May. His session will be “Living the Dharma Every Day: 
Rituals, Chanting, and Everyday Meaning”.
2:00 p.m. – Session will be in Japanese
3:30 p.m. – Session will be in English
A potluck dinner will follow the last session.
Rev. Hojo will be our guest speaker at our Gotan-e Founder’s Service on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. we will have a Buddhism Class.
This topic for the month of June will be “What is Obon and Why is Life Bittersweet?”
Obon has commenced across the island, but do we truly know what Obon is, along with its story and importance? By grasping its meaning, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this special occasion. The tale of Obon encourages us to reflect on the bittersweet aspects of life and offers insights on how to navigate and embrace them.
Session available in person and online. To receive the link email mpunahongwanji@twc.com
Updated May 21, 2026
