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His Life

With Deep Appreciation: Reflections of My Ministry Journey by Bishop Dwight Ryokan Nakamura

March 30, 2015

I went thru Dad's things and found this piece he wrote which doesn't capture his life work in entirety...but brief glimpses to his journey....


As I reflect on my ministry, I remember when I first came to Hawaii in 1954. World War II had ended and the Japanese-American community was dealing with various social changes.  During the war, many ministers were taken to internment camps on the mainland and the Jodo Buddhist movement was faced with re-establishing its role in the community.  I devoted myself to rebuilding Jodo Buddhism back in Hawaii.

My ministry began at the Betsuin, then as resident minister at Kurtistown Jodo Mission, Hilo Meishoin and then as Bishop at the Betsuin.  My late wife, Namiye was a great support and help to me throughout my term.

After my first appointment as Bishop, I left Hawaii anbd returned to my native Japan, there I was appointed to serve as resident minister at Seikyuji Temple in Shiga-ken.  Later I was assigned to serve as the Abbot of the historical Daijuji Temple which is connected to the Tokugawa Shogunate lineage.

At the Kyoku Convention in September 2003, I was nominated to be Bishop of the Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions for the second time.  I decided that I would return to Hawaii to devote my final life's period to perpetuate the Jodo Buddhist movement in Hawaii.  I cleared business matters at the Temple in Japan where I had been assigned and returned "home" to serve as Bishop of the Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions.

On June 2006, we were very fortunate to have observed our great master Saint Honen's 800th Grand Memorial Service and Jukai-e officiated by Archbishop Shogen Miyabayashi of the Komyoji Temple in Kamakura, Japan.  There were nearly 200 followers, 100 from Japanand 100 from Hawaii participating in the commemorative observances.  I am deeply grateful for the guidance of Archbishop Miyabayashi  and for the full cooperation and support of the members of the Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions.

In 1962, Kyoku published an English service book, "Light of Asia" in commemoration of Saint Hinen's 750th Grand Memorial.  In 1978, Jodo Shu celebrated its' 800th Anniversary, Kyoku published the "Otsutome" book containing both Japanese anbd English translation for laypersons.  I am happy to have served as the editorial chairman and proud to have beeen able to contribute to the compilation and publishing of these projects.  Over the years the two books have been utilized for services, chanting, learning and reference material for followers on the path of the Nembutsu.

I also translated Saint Honen's sayings, published by the Pure Land Institute in 1994, "Words of Dharma".  I hope had helped facilitate a deeper understanding of Jodo Buddhism for English readers.

As reference material for ministers, I compiled the prayer book simply titled, "Minister's Handbook" to aid ministers in daily services, blessings, funeral rites, etc.

Throughout my missionary work I am truly grateful to Amida Buddha for his Guidance and for the cooperation of the members of the congregation.

Talking about the Buddhist community in Hawaii, I had served as President of the Hawaii Buddhhist Council and was involved in the Hawaii Association International Buddhists (HAIB) movement.

Over my career as a minister, I officiated countless weddings, memorial services and funerals, as well as broadcasted over 1500 radio sermons.

After my stroke two years ago, my recovery has been slow, I realized that I cannot carry out my duties as Bishop, so I sadly decided to retire.

I know we are facing difficult challenges in this rapidly changing society to promote the teaching of the Nembutsu.  However, I believe if one flower blooms, the whole world will bloom beautifully.  To awaken the teaching of the Nembutsu in oneself is the most important step.  From there we can awaken the Nembutsu im the whole world.

Although I will no longer be the Bishop, I am still a Jodoshu minister and I wish to serve the Hawaii Jodoshu movement till the end of my life.

I also would like to add a report of following matters:  
When I came back to Hawaii in 2003, I enshrined a statue of Guze Shoson Bodhisattavas at the Betsuin courtyard where you look up at Punchbowl.  The project was done as a commemoration of my assignment as the Bishop.  The statue was sculputed by the great Buddhist sculptor, Nagaoka Wakei.

On my retirement, as a symbol of my gratitude to all the members and commitment to the promotion of Jodoshu in Hawaii, I have donated three stone statues for the grounds at the Betsuin.  The images of Amida Buddha, Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattava and Shumisen Jizo Bodhisattava were sculpted by the great Buddhist sculptor brothers, Nagaoka Kiza of Hokkaido and Nagaoka Wakei of Okazaki.  Both have been recognized as "Michelangelo's of the East" by the staff of the British Museum and other world prominent artists.  My hope is that when your pay respects to these images, your mind will feel at peace.

In closing, again I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to each one of you for your guidance, support and friendship over the past many, many years.  I pary for your good health and happiness guided by the Great Compassion of Amida Buddha.

Namu Amida Butsu