EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Striving to inspire others

By Takashi Omiya

Do you remember the old railroad crossing sign, "Stop, Look and Listen"? As we begin the new year, we need to stop, look and listen.

Stop to reflect on the past, look at the present, and listen and think about the future.

This brings to my mind the five-year theme of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii: "Rededicating Ourselves."

Members of the 36 affiliated Hongwanji Mission churches in Hawai'i have been reminded of this theme each year. Launched in 2000, the theme and slogans invited ministers and lay members to reflect and express their beliefs.

For 2000 the slogan was "Rededicating Ourselves Through Reflection."

I believe that the emphasis was to reflect on who we are today. Who we are today was made possible by all the hard work and sacrifice of our parents — parents who were denied much education but believed their children should be given as much education as possible for a better life.

In reflection, the late Dr. Teruo Ihara said, "The thing that mattered most was the love of his family."

For 2001 the slogan was "Rededicating Ourselves Through Compassionate Activity." I believe that for the Buddhist faith, compassion is loving care. We find so many of our elderly members are taking care of each other because one of the spouses is ill. Many members are caregivers to their elderly parents and grandparents. Compassion should begin at home, then at work and for the community.

For 2002 the slogan was "Rededicating Ourselves as Expression of Gratitude." We need to express our gratitude to our Lord for the gift of life, health and well being. We are able to see the happy faces of our loved ones, to hear their happy voices and to feel their warmth as we hold their hands or give a hug. We need to express our gratitude, too.

For 2003 the slogan was "Rededicating Ourselves in Joy." The emphasis was the joy of happiness. This brings to my mind a paragraph in the "Golden Chain of Love" pledge used in our Sunday service: "I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that what I do now depends not only on my happiness or unhappiness, but also those of others."

I believe this pledge reflects the teachings of our faith for happiness. Happiness arises from our mind and heart.

For 2004 the slogan is "Rededicating Ourselves by Inspiring Others."

My mother inspired me with her wisdom and compassion. She reminded me to be courteous and respectful of our sensei — ministers, doctors, teachers and the elders. She reminded me that when you do things for people, do it willingly from your heart, not because you have to do it. Inspiration comes from the wisdom and compassion of our parents and from our religious teachings.

Let us remember the golden chain of love: to have good and beautiful thoughts, to say good and beautiful words, and to do good and beautiful deeds. By our actions, we will inspire our children and others.

Takashi Omiya is a 78-year-old lay member of the Pearl City Hongwanji Mission.