November 2021 Rinzai Maui Zen Mission Newsletter


Aloha Everyone,

Reverend Yamaguchi continues to have health issues relating to his brain aneurysm. He was recently hospitalized at Maui Memorial Medical Center where he underwent surgery to relieve the pressure in his brain. He has been transferred to Hale Makua for intensive physical and occupational therapy and will be there for a couple of weeks. If he progresses well enough, he’ll be able to return to the Temple. Please note that visitation at Hale Makua is for family members only. Let’s keep Reverend in our thoughts and prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.

Reverend’s son, Jesse, is here on a working vacation until early January. In between his work schedule, Jesse has been helping with the mowing and maintenance of the Temple grounds. Naomi continues to help with the postal runs, banking deposits, and other essential Temple business while Reverend Yamaguchi is recovering. We thank them for their dedication to our Temple.

Along with our 2nd Sunday of the month Temple cleaning, the following people have been gathering every Friday for the last couple months to clean and maintain the Temple and grounds: Elaine Fujita, Julie Higa, Janet Miyahira, Ken Findeisen, Rex Takushi, and Garrett Uyesugi. The Maui Zendo group has also been cleaning the Temple once a month. A big mahalo to all of you!

And due to Janet Miyahira’s efforts, our Temple has received $1,811.34 in donations through Foodland’s Give Aloha Program. Thank you, Janet, and the various donors, Foodland Foundation, and Western Union for your generosity. We are very appreciative of the time and energy everyone put into this endeavor to help our Temple.

While the United States has started welcoming foreign travelers again, Japan continues with stricter covid related travel restrictions. And although he is anxious to visit with Reverend Yamaguchi, Reverend Seiyo Chisaka of Japan has been unable to schedule his visit here as a result of those restrictions.

The search for a replacement minister also continues. And while we are hearing encouraging news regarding covid issues here in Hawaii, we need to remain vigilant and not let our guard down. Wishing everyone to remain safe and healthy during the upcoming holiday season as we gather with family and friends.

In Gassho,
Alan Nago President,
RZM Board of Directors Rinzai Zen Mission

Scroll to top