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Religion Briefs
Star-Bulletin Staff &
Associated Press
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Temple plans rare Buddhist fire ritual
A Buddhist fire ritual rarely performed outside Japan will be offered next weekend at the Shingon Shu Hawaii temple at 915 Sheridan St.
Fifteen Shingon ministers from Japan's Kansai district will preside at the purification ritual, at 5 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Participants may offer wooden tablets containing prayer intentions for loved ones or personal goals to be burned in the bonfire.
"It burns off bad karma and helps clear the mind," said temple director Reyn Tsuru. "The smoke is symbolic of the prayer rising to the heavens."
"You don't have to be a Buddhist to participate," Tsuru said. "Shingon is nondenominational."
The ceremony, a thanksgiving service to mark the 90th anniversary of completion of the landmark Sheridan Street temple, is open to the public.
Tsuru said it is only the second time the fire ritual will be performed in Hawaii. It is specific to the Shingon sect of Buddhism, derived from a 1,500-year-oldTibetan ritual.
The Rev. Sumitoshi Sakamoto is minister of Shingon Shu Hawaii, which has recently organized as an independent temple.
Free health tests offered at church fair
Flu shots and cholesterol tests are among the fare to be offered at the First Chinese Church of Christ Medical Fair on Nov. 13.
An array of services will be available to the public from 9:15 a.m. to noon in the church hall at 1054 S. King St. Medical professionals assisted by University of Hawaii nursing students will provide the following:
» Flu shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Free to people with HMSA or Medicare B cards; $12 for people without insurance.
» Reservations will be taken for pneumonia shots to be administered Nov. 17.
» Blood testing will be done for blood glucose, $1; liver function, $5, and lipid profile (cholesterol), $13.
» Also available will be free blood pressure, osteoporosis, body fat and visual acuity checks.
Drs. Jack Zhou and Chen-Yen Wang and nurse Marlene Lee will provide professional services in the community outreach project sponsored by the church Evangelism Committee.
Church fund-raisers feature special foods
Food specialties are a highlight at church fund-raising fairs next Saturday.
» Korean and Samoan food will be available at a Wahiawa church. The Fall Bazaar at Olive United Methodist Church, 108 California Ave., from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will also feature handcrafted items, boutique and rummage sale booths, plants and baked goods.
» A Kailua church is the Mecca for chocolate lovers. A buffet of dozens of chocolate treats by home bakers and commercial bakery and candy companies will be open from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 780 Keolu Drive. Advance tickets at $10 are available by calling 262-4548; $15 at the door. The Chocolate Extravaganza will include a silent auction and musical entertainment. Proceeds benefit Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, Hale Kipa and the church programs.