The last service of 2025 was held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 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 the gratitude for the countless blessings received throughout the year.
The service included sutra chanting, meditation, and a Dharma message from Rev. Mukojima.
After the service, everyone in attendance lined up and rang the kansho (bell). It was at least 108 times. 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 2 and 3 assisted.
