24 Nov Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin welcomes Nuclear Disarmament discussion

On Sunday November 23, 2019 Pete Doktor, Rev. Tatsuo Muneto, Helen Jaccard, Dr. Seiji Yamada, Bishop Eric Matsumoto and David Atcheson presented a program on the Golden Rule Peace Boat and Nuclear Disarmament at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, designated as the lead temple for Jodo Shin Buddhism in Hawaii.

Thanks to kupuna Dr. Ha`aheo Guanson for the beautiful oli, pule and blessing to start our program.

Rüdiger Rückmann, Director of Advancement at the Pacific Buddhist Academy said, “Mahalo to all organizers of the event yesterday. It was one of the best I have ever attended. The hosts, emcee, and audience were outstanding, the topic excellent albeit frightening, and the speakers inspiring.”

The Opening and Closing Aspirations were given by Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.

David Atcheson, a member of the Hongwanji’s Committee on Social Concerns, was the emcee.

Helen Jaccard talked about Veterans For Peace and the Golden Rule Project and led the sing-along to “The Ballad of the Phoenix and the Golden Rule” by Michael Stern. The theme of Helen’s talk was “Motivation leads to Action, which gives us Hope for nuclear disarmament” She read Albert Bigelow’s “I am going because…” from page 46 of “Voyage of the Golden Rule: An Experiment with Truth”.

Helen reported on the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the unanimous support from the City Council of Honolulu for the TPNW and Back from the Brink framework to reduce the possibility of nuclear war. The ten minute version of the documentary, “Making Waves: Rebirth of the Golden Rule” was well received.

Rev. Muneto talked about being a boy of four years old living in Hiroshima (but fortunately out of town) at the time of the bombing on August 6, 1945. He has pictures and stories about his experiences during the aftermath. Rev. Muneto had a 50 year career as a Honpa Hongwanji minister in Hawaii and helped people understand the importance of international peace and nuclear disarmament.

Seiji Yamada, MD is an activist physician who has treated many people from the Marshall Islands suffering from the effects of radiation exposure. He hopes to re-start the Hawaii chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Pete Shimazaki Doktor joined the speakers on a panel during the question and answer portion of the program. He added his voice as a veteran, co-founder of two Veterans For Peace chapters, and Jikoen Hongwanji temple member.

Attendees took action by writing messages of hope and solidarity with the people of Japan on a banner that will be carried to Hiroshima on the Golden Rule.

The program was sponsored by:
* Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
* Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii: Office of the Bishop, Committee on Social Concerns, Office of Buddhist Education, Honolulu Hongwanji Council

* Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) — BDK Hawaii
* Hawaii Association of International Buddhists
* The Interfaith Alliance Hawaii
* Sunrise Ministry Foundation

Printable version of the report: 2019-11-23 Report