Joya-e / New Year’s Eve Service – First Service of 2025
The last service of 2024 was held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 7:00 pm. This Joya-E service had more than 108 Temple members and friends gathering on New Year’s Eve. This service expresses gratitude for the countless blessings received throughout the year.
The service included sutra chanting, meditation, and Dharma messages from Rev. Mukojima and Rev. Devon Matsumoto. On the onaijin with Rev. Mukojima and Rev. Matsumoto were Oasaji Leader Ken Nakano, and three former Youth Minister’s Assistants while in high school, Evan Tsukahara, Kevin Kujiraoka and Allison Tanaka.
After the service, everyone in attendance lined up and rang the kansho (bell). It was struck 118 times, and Mrs. Helen Sasaki was the 108th person to strike the Kansho. By striking the kansho, we symbolically “ring out” our passions and delusions and aspire to become free of them in the new year.
What is the significance of 108? Why 108 (6 x 3 x 2 x 3)? The “6” represents our six senses of sight, touch, sound, taste, smell and consciousness. The “3” indicates the different ways those sensations are experienced: good, bad or neutral. The “2” is for the dimension of attachment to pleasure: attached or unattached. The final “3” represents past, present and future. Multiply the numbers together and you get 108.
Toshikoshi-soba Treat After Joya-e Service
After the service, Rev. and Mrs. Mukojima, Kurumi and Oji invited everyone to enjoy traditional Toshikoshi-soba (buckwheat noodles) in the Sangha Hall. Zones 4 and 5 assisted.
Shusho-e / New Year’s Day Service – First Service of 2025
The first service of 2025 was held on Monday, January 1, 2025 at 10 am. The new year is a new beginning. The Shusho-E service is to renew our resolutions to live with Nembutsu gratitude. The service included sutra chanting, meditation and the first Dharma Talks for 2025 by Rev. Mukojima and Rev. Devon Matsumoto.
After the service, sake was served to adults and sparkling cider to children.