In honor of our founder, Shinran Shonin, who passed away on January 16, 1262, the dharma school students held a “Dress Up Like Shinran” day following the January 28 Sunday service and refreshments. Heleonahe and Kaden - students, Donna Ikeuchi - church member, and Kawika Beauchamp – parent, volunteered to be “Shinran” models. Four groups of students, parents, and teachers including Rev. Murakami, assembled their supplies of scissors, scotch tape, white and black rolls of paper, and a rope (belt) and proceeded to create Shinran’s robes to dress each of their brave models. With pictures of Shinran in his monk’s robe to study and use as a guide, everyone worked together to cut, shape, and tape together their model’s outfit. Shinran cardboard hats and stiff branches cut to look like canes were passed out to models as well as students who wanted to join in the fun of wearing hats and holding canes. Rev. Murakami joined in the fun by donning a Shinran hat and wearing his minister’s robe.
After everyone finished dressing their “Shinran”, students Kellen, Erik, and Cara, took turns narrating “The Life of Shinran Shonin”. After every part of his life was read, the audience which included members, parents, and grandparents participated in the program by bowing their head and reciting the Nembutsu aloud. They recited “Namo Amida Butsu” together, a total of 14 times! It was indeed a fun and unique way to celebrate Shinran Shonin! Thank you to our excellent narrators, Kellen, Erik
