November 2023 Rinzai Maui Zen Mission Newsletter – Rinzai Zen Mission

Aloha Everyone,

Welcome Rev. Haga (“Sen-san”)
I’m honored to welcome Reverend Kodai Haga to our Rinzai Zen Mission. Since his arrival on October 16th, he has participated in three zazen sessions with Maui Zendo and helped set up and work at our fundraising event. He also performs a daily morning prayer service. Reverend Haga will be providing the much needed religious aspect of our Temple so please pray with gratitude not only for yourself but for family, friends, and those in need, especially during these trying times. With Reverend Haga here, we will resume our monthly third Sunday prayer service. Please join us for prayer service. Also planned is a New Year’s Eve service at 11 p.m. on December 31st with the ringing of the large bell and potluck afterwards.

Memorial Service for Rev. Yamaguchi
Reverend Seiya Chisaka will be here on December 27th at 10 a.m. to lead us in prayer at a memorial service for Reverend Ryozo Yamaguchi. His daughter and an assistant vice principal will accompany him. They will be staying at the Temple for three days.

Give Aloha Program
Thank you to Janet Miyahira for spearheading our participation in Foodland’s Give Aloha Program. Together with Western Union, we expect to receive a generous donation.

Rummage, Plant, and Food Sale a Success!

Thank you everyone for all the hard work at our past fundraising event. It exceeded our expectations, and together we raised approximately $6,200! The monies raised will be used to help maintain our Temple and its facilities, and to support our new minister.

A New Beginning
As we begin a new era with Reverend Haga, I encourage everyone to continue supporting our Rinzai Zen Mission. I’m hopeful that the next generation will become more involved so we can continue our Temple’s legacy. As the end to this very busy and successful year approaches, I wish all of you a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

In Gassho,
Alan Nago,

Message from Reverend Haga

Dear members and friends,

I am Kodai Haga from Japan, the new Rinzai Zen priest. My monk's name is Sen, so just call me casually “Sen-san.” I just moved here on Oct.16th and my visa allows me a 2 1/2 year stay.

I sincerely appreciate your warm welcome and wish to do my best for the temple and our members and friends during my time here. I have just started a new Instagram account to share the activities of the temple and myself. If you have an account, please follow "@hi.monksen" and give me comments sometimes.

I believe our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. Without your cooperation and assistance, we cannot create anything. Thanks for always supporting and thinking about the temple and I will work with you all.

In addition, I am a foot massage therapist based on reflexology. In reflexology, pressure is applied to specific reflex points on the foot. These points correspond to organs and areas of the body. It can help to clear any channels of blocked energy and to improve overall health. I am also able to do calligraphy. Please text or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Here are the UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
I would be happy if you are interested and join in these activities.

Daily morning service: 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. (mostly every day)

Nov. 4, 11, 18 (1st, 2nd, 3rd Saturdays of each month): 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Zen meditation to follow morning service.

Nov. 8 (every 8th of the month, on the anniversary of the Maui fires and also on random days): 5:00 p.m. at Big Bell. Prayer for Lahaina fire victims.

Nov. 12 ( 2nd Sunday of each month) Temple cleaning, 8 a.m. till done, potluck lunch to follow.

Nov. 19 ( every 3rd Sunday) Temple service and Dharma sermon, 10 a.m., potluck lunch to follow.

Dec. 10 (2nd Sunday) Temple cleaning, 8 a.m. till done, potluck lunch to follow. Dec. 17 (3rd Sunday) Temple service and Dharma sermon, 10 a.m., potluck lunch to follow.

December 27 (Wednesday) Reverend Yamaguchi’s Memorial Service, 10 a.m. service with catered lunch to follow.

December 31 (Sunday) New Year’s Eve Service, 11 p.m., ringing of the Big Bell, potluck to follow.

It has been a pleasure to introduce myself to such good friends.

Namu Shakyamuni Butsu

In Gassho,
Rev.Kodai Haga 􁽊 Contact me Kodai Haga (SEN)
Email: k.haga0412@gmail.com
Phone: 808-268-4216
Instagram: @hi.monksen