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“If a majority of human beings can achieve compassion and peace within themselves, a majority of the world can be at peace.”

– Jon Riki Karamatsu –

Everyone has the potential to become Bodhisattvas and Buddhas

Becoming a Bodhisattva is a huge step in helping not only yourself, but also every other sentient being, both seen and unseen. Most people are self-motivated and work primarily to solve their own problems, keeping others a distant second. Should someone do an act of kindness, repayment is generally expected whether in the form of a thank you and/or further praise.

A Bodhisattva is motivated by pure compassion and love. Their goal is to achieve the highest level of being: that of a Buddha. Bodhisattva is a Sanskrit term which translates as: Bodhi [enlightenment] and sattva [being]. And their reason for becoming a Buddha is to help others. The Bodhisattva will undergo any type of suffering to help another sentient being.

When someone first enters the way of the Bodhisattva, they develop Bodhicitta, or, mind of enlightenment. Even as a person strives towards such an exalted goal, they feel as though they are limited by the fact that they, too, are suffering. So that they can be of aid to others, they decide to become Buddhas for a Buddha is capable of unlimited compassion and wisdom. Also, Buddhas are able to relate to all others at whatever level is needed.

To become a Bodhisattva is to be fearless. There is no aversion for those who are hostile and there is no obsessive clinging to those who are closest to us. There is no possessiveness, only love, compassion and discernment into the nature of reality.

The goal of Bodhisattvas as quoted in exoteric teachings:

I attended a fundraiser for the Friends of the Missing Child Center at a Kahala home on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. I wanted to support the cause and also Rep. Bob Herkes and his wife, Joanna Herkes who is on the board of directors for this organization. Rep. Marilyn Lee attended as well as a couple of my friends who are also on Facebook.

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, I attended my friends Brandon and Ellen’s wedding reception at the Ko’olau Ballroom.  Brandon is such an awesome friend and Ellen is wonderful!  I am so happy for them!

Unfortunately, on my way to the wedding, which I had to help with, I drove past the H-3/Kamehameha Highway cut-off, took the next cut-off, back-tracked to Kamehameha Highway and got stuck in the Kaneohe Christmas Parade for over an hour and I drove past the road to the event twice, thus, I was late. While driving, I got a call from the computer repair shop and found out that I needed a new hard drive. I felt terrible, but I began to feel better at the reception.

The most important thing is the happiness that is shared between my good friends as a newly wed couple!

On Friday, December 4, 2009, I worked on my business and attended a family gathering for my cousin Ryan, his wife, and new baby girl who are back in Hawaii for vacation.

On Thursday, December 3, 2009, I worked on my business, and met the following at my capitol office: three Local 5 members, two captains from the Honolulu Police Department, and an attorney practicing family law. I dropped off my Dell desktop computer at a computer repair shop because I have been having problems with it since Tuesday. I am really hoping for the best for my computer since I am not sure I backed up much of the current information.  I have my 2010 bill ideas, added campaign work and strategy, new work for my novel, and many new pictures that I am worried about.

On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, I worked on my business, met with two Victory Over Violence members at my office, attended the Emperor of Japan Birthday Reception at the Consul General of Japan’s official residence, and celebrated my friend Brian Uy’s birthday at  Du Vin.

On Tuesday, December 1, 2009, I attended the 2009 Hawaii Principals and Legislative Meeting at the Mid-Pacific Academy Elementary School Cafeteria from 4:30 P.M. to 6:45 P.M.  This meeting was coordinated by the Hawaii Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA) and the Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association (HEMSAA).

I attended the University of Hawaii (UH) football game on Saturday, November 28, 2009 when they played against Navy. In the past, I used to go to a lot of games, but it’s been hard to attend recently because of my busy schedule. I’m so glad I went. UH won 24-17. They played really well. I’m proud of my alma mater.

To my family, friends, & everyone I’ve met, thank you for your positive energy and all you do for society.  Also, I appreciate everything you have done for me.  Have a great Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones.  Live life to the fullest!

The following are my political and business weapons.  I plug the companies that make them because they perform well and are so important in my life.  They help me to keep working relentlessly towards my goals.

Dell Dimension 9200C Desktop Computer: I bought this computer in 2007.  I put all my ideas and strategies on my computer.  It is the most important weapon of all.

Mead Five Star Notebook: I write all my ideas and strategies in my notebook while in the field whether I’m in meetings, at events, or in a coffee shop.  I call my current notebook that I bought in 2009, “The Red Book” since it is red.

Motorola Droid Cellular Phone with Verizon Wireless: I bought the Droid on November 12, 2009.  The Droid is a super phone that helps me run my business, legislative office, campaign, and community projects.  The following are the applications I use: phone, contacts, calendar, text messaging, email, chat, Internet, tasks, alarm clock, GPS mapping, viewing and editing documents, Facebook, camera, picture gallery, calculator, Youtube, music, and Android Market.  My Microsoft Exchange calendar, contacts, and tasks syncs with my Google calendar, contacts, and tasks, thus my office staff, friends/strategists, and I can see the latest information at all times.  Plus it is on the best network in the nation with great coverage and few drop calls.  I can even make calls in some areas in basements of buildings.  I love this phone.

Sony Camera Cybershot DSC-T100: This camera has 8.1 megapixels and can capture a wide angle for a small camera that can fit into a pocket of most pants for males.  It is quick on the draw because instead of pressing a power button, you just slide down the front face cover and the power automatically goes on, therefore, it is great for quick pictures, especially on our campaign trail.  I bought this camera in 2007 and it is still is up there in technology capabilities.

2000 Nissan Frontier Truck: I got this truck in 2007.  My truck is like a mobile office.  I carry legislative, campaign, community, and business stuff in it all the time.  I’ve only owned used vehicles because I can’t afford a new one.  Maybe someday?

Parker Pen: I received my Parker Pen as a University of Hawaii at Manoa graduation gift in 1997 from my friend Isaac Nakata, a fellow colleague in the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii at Manoa or ASUH, the student government body of the institution.  My pen is blue but looks dark purple under certain lighting.  The pen is thy sword of the modern samurai.  I carry it on me at all times like a samurai would his sword(s).

AT&T Wireless Black Leather Business Card Holder: I got this businesscard holder free from AT&T Wireless in 2003, my freshman year in the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  I carry my business cards on me at all times.  I got my first cellular phone in 2002 with AT&T Wireless.

LG Bluetooth Ear Piece: I bought the bluetooth earpiece in 2009 to talk to people while driving or multi-tasking.

Nike Mettle Hammer Watch: My dad bought me this watch in 2008 since I haven’t had a watch for many years.  This digital watch is for me to get a quick time.  I use this to exercise too since it has a timer.  I need to get myself a dress watch to fit under my long-sleeve dress shirts and suits.

Jodo Shu Plum Wood Juzu (Buddhist Prayer Bead Bracelet): I bought the plum wood juzu from Jodo Shu in 2009 to keep me close with my ancestors and my teachers of compassion.  I pray to them for guidance and protection.  The beads also reminds me to strive for compassion.

Feng Shui Purple Ruby Bead Bracelet: I bought the Feng Shui purple ruby bracelet in 2009 to keep me balanced, protected, and filled with luck among other things.

Jodo Shu Omomori (Buddhist): The 2009 omomori keeps me protected.

Izuma Taisha Omomori (Shinto): The 2009 omomori keeps me protected.

List of my goals on my bedroom wall: I typed and printed all my personal goals and goals for Hawaii and the United States, and in November 2009, I taped them next to the head of my bed where I sleep so I can think of ideas before I sleep, while I sleep, and as soon as I wake up.  Sometimes I even dream about them.  I had dreams about a bill idea and legislation this year for example.

Pictures of my goals on my bedroom wall: On November 25, 2009, I printed black and white pictures of my personal goals and goals for Hawaii and the United States on my bedroom wall to keep a visual goal in my head before I sleep, while I sleep, and as soon as I wake up.

Suits, Dress Shirts, Ties, and Dress Shoes: For legislative sessions and formal dinners.

Aloha Shirts, Dress Slacks, and Dress Shoes: For non-legislative session days and business events.

Dry-Fit Golf Shirts, Khakis, and Leather Sport Shoes: For events in the outdoors or when I have do a lot of physical work such as campaigning for many hours.

Tote Bags:  I received many tote bags from organizations and companies at various events.  My campaign team and I use tote bags to carry all our campaign materials.

Palms Hotel Playboy Mug: I like to drink a hot beverage when I am thinking, strategizing, writing, and typing.  A favorite memory of mine is when I went to Las Vegas for a tradeshow, but mainly to be there for 07/07/07.  I played blackjack ($25 minimum a hand) at the Playboy Club in the Palms Casino and won about $300.  I bought the mug in July 2007 because it reminds me to work hard so I can reward myself to a Las Vegas trip.

Dragon/Great Wall of China Tea Mug:  As I mentioned for my Palms Hotel Playboy mug, the same goes for my Dragon/Great Wall of China Tea Mug,  I like to drink a hot beverage when I am thinking, strategizing, writing, and typing.  This mug is especially made for tea, and I enjoy drinking green tea from Japan.  My mom and dad went to China in September 2009, and my mom bought me a tea mug that has a design of a red dragon, and when there is hot tea inside, it turns into the Great Wall of China.  The mug comes with a strainer to be inserted in the mug where you can put fresh ground tea.  It also has a cover for the top of the mug to keep the tea hot.

777  (Triple 7) Restaurant Brewery Glass: Whenever, I drink cold beverages, I like to use my 777  (Triple 7) Restaurant Brewery Glass because on 07/07/07, I was in Las Vegas and ate at the 777  (Triple 7) Restaurant Brewery for lunch, which is in Main Street Hotel.  I bought the glass in July 2007 because it reminds me to work hard so I can reward myself to a Las Vegas trip.

Nano Ipod: I won this 5th generation Nano Ipod at an event on October 22, 2009.  When I need to relieve stress really quickly, I listen to my Ipod.  I also use it when I lift weights or run.

Samurai Swords: Behind me in my office is my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu’s samurai swords that was once displayed in his Kalihi house.  The swords push me to charge in an all-out blitz in everything I do.  It also reminds me that I must do all I can before I die.  The uncertainty of my demise is a huge motivating factor in my drive.

Well, these are some of my political and business weapons that help me really well.  I hope some of these may help you as well if you are not already using them?  Anything that makes you feel good and makes you want to take it to the next level is a plus.  Half the battle is psychological.  We have to win the war mentally, physically, and spiritually.  Good luck in all you do!

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

I participated in “Read Aloud” at Waikele Elementary School this morning from 8:30 A.M. to 9:45 A.M., November 25, 2009. I read a book “Miss Smith and the Haunted Library” to a sixth grade class taught by Ms. Regina Sakamoto. At the end of my storytelling, the students had a lot of questions about my background. I explained about my job as a state representative, my Internet retail business, & my community work. I also told them about the novel I am writing. They asked me to tell them about the story. I gave them a glimpse but they wanted to hear more and were interested in reading my book. A bunch of them asked me to autograph their papers and nametags. I really enjoyed spending time with the students.

I attended the Pearl City – Waipahu Complex Area School Community Council Orientation Meeting at August Ahrens Elementary School from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

On Monday, November 23, 2009, Speaker Calvin Say, Rep. Marcus Oshiro, House staff & I met with the Attorney General & his staff at Speaker’s office from 10:00 A.M.

In our race against our time in this world of the living, let’s do our best to appreciate our loved ones, achieve as much as we can, and spread peace and compassion. We must build a strong foundation with our ideas and solidify strong relationships with as many people as we can, so our dreams and vision will continue long after we die.

On Saturday, November 22, 2009, I met with my friend who is now living in Oklahoma in the afternoon at Hala Koa Hotel by the pool and in the late evening at our friend’s grill restaurant.

I attended my second cousin, Tatum’s fourth birthday party in Kapahulu on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 7:20 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

I attended the Gonzaga University alumni reception at Oahu Country Club on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 6:20 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

I attended my friends Chen and Christine’s son Aaron’s first birthday at Willows Restaurant on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M

As of Friday, November 20, 2009, I personally greeted about 22,000 people for my campaign since June of 2009. This is definitely not a sprint. It is like a marathon.

I attended the 6th Annual West Oahu Conference by West Oahu Economic Development Association at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa since 8:45 A.M. until 1:30 P.M., Friday, November 20, 2009.

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, I picked up orders from vendors I do business with during the morning, worked at my state capitol office in the afternoon, took a one hour nap between 4:30 P.M. & 6:00 P.M, attended Waipahu Neighborhood Board meeting from 7:15 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., exercised at the gym from 10:00 P.M. to midnight, & finished some last minute business work in the early morning of Friday, November 20, 2009.

 I attended “How to Network at Social Mixers” by the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association and The Young Lawyers Division of the Hawaii State Bar Association held at Hukilau Restaurant tonight, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 from 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Being in Kauai this past weekend with my friends for Brandon and Ellen’s wedding was really special. Brandon is my really good friend and political adviser. The trip really revitalized my energy. The energy from my friends as well as from Kauai, one of the most spiritual places in the world, really helped me to recharge so I can continue my relentless all-out blitz in all my goals.

Today, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., I along with fellow legislators and past legislators participated in a walk-through of the Kapolei Family Courthouse that is under construction.  Chief Justice Moon and and his staff took us around.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from 12:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., I participated in a golf tournament coordinated by the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii and Philippine Consulate General at Kapolei Golf Course.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, I attended the CTC-Pacific Construction Training Center’s blessing on 94-487 Akoki Street in Waipahu (Building Industry in Hawaii).  Their theme was “Building Success on Training and Education”.  The building is 15,670 Sq. Ft. on 32,000 Sq. Ft. of land and costed $7.75 million with the state contributing $1 mill.  It is wonderful to see the revitalization and modernization in Waipahu.

On Monday, November 16, 2009, I worked on my business in Waipahu from 9:00 A.M., briefed House leadership on issues before my House Judiciary Committee at the State Capitol from 11:00 A.M., met with the Hawaii Medical Association from 12:30 P.M., continued working on my business in Waipahu from 2:00 P.M., and celebrated my mom’s birthday at Alan Wong’s Restaurant with my dad and younger sister Lara from 6:00 P.M.

I attended my good friends Brandon Mitsuda and Ellen Tengan’s wedding in Kauai on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 4:00 P.M.  I helped with the audio and made the banzai toast from the guests to the bride and groom.

I presented a House certificate to Oceanic Cable and Pizza Hut 2008-2009 Outstanding Educator Elaine Matsuo of Waipahu High School at the school today, November 13, 2009 from 11:00 A.M.

I attended the Hawaii Forgiveness Project meeting regarding “Thought Field Therapy,” a practice that helps one achieve peace within at Cades Shutte law firm office today, Friday, November 13, 2009 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

I had a meeting with Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery and individuals interested in preventing human trafficking for prostitution at my office today, November 13, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

I attended the rally for Walk Across Oahu honoring our veterans at the Hawaii State Capitol rotunda on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 3:15 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

I attended a conference by The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.  I explained how to create a testimony for legislative hearings in a break-out session.

In the 2002 State House race for Waipahu, I got zero endorsements.  All the unions supported one opponent and all the business trades supported another opponent.  In the 2004 State House race for Waipahu, the Republican Party attacked me with all their might and money with Governor Linda Lingle walking door-to-door and Lt. Governor Duke Aiona walking door-to-door and sign waving for my opponent.  In the 2008 State House race for Waipahu, I was told by political insiders that no politician in the history of Hawaii politics has ever won after getting a DUI or any other negative mistake.  I won every single election despite the difficult obstacles and often harsh opposition.  From day one in my political career, I have worked hard and relentlessly, never giving up.  In my four State House elections, I have walked my district 10 times, which is about 64,000 homes.

As of today, I greeted about 21,500 people as I campaigned throughout the State of Hawaii.  I want to be the top politician when it comes to hustling the streets, parks, and events by meeting tens of thousands of people by September 18, 2010.  I want to take grassroots campaigning to a level that has never been seen before.  If I win, I win, but if I go down, I want to go down in an all-out blitz. 

I am thankful for my loyal friends/campaigners for their support.  They give me the extra energy to keep me charging relentlessly.  Our campaign team is best described by these words:

1. IDEAS
2. FRIENDSHIP
3. COMPASSION
4. LOYALTY
5. DETERMINATION
6. ENERGY
7. TENACITY

I will do my best!  Thank you!

I will attend the the Filipino Business Women’s Association’s 2009 Kimona Ball at Ala Moana Hotel tonight from 6:00 P.M.

I interviewed people for Olelo Television and greeted people at the Leeward Community College Family Fun Fair today, Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.

I interviewed workers at the Aloha Aina Earth Day #64 for Olelo Television at Leeward Community College today, Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Senator Bobby Bunda stopped by to recycle and I got him to participate in one interview. I volunteered as a guide for cars entering the from gate from 1:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

I attended the Wahiawa Hongwanji’s Health Fair at Wahiawa Hongwanji this morning, Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.  I was invited there from a friend in the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and Hongwanji.  I saw Rep. Marilyn Lee there manning a booth.

I attended the Oahu Urban Garden Center’s Arbor Day event in Pearl City this morning, Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 7:00 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. where the public could pick up some free trees to be planted and buy plants and vegetables.  Friends I met from the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation invited me to this event.  My father Richard Karamatsu is a volunteer there as well.  I greeted several hundred people.

Tonight, Thursday, November 5, 2009, I will attend “Rebuilding Hope: A Benefit Dinner for Hina Mauka” at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom from 5:30 P.M.

Today, Thursday, November 5, 2009, I attended the House Majority Caucus meeting at the State Capitol from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and met the head of the Hawaii State Office of Elections and his staff at my office from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, I had meetings with an attorney I befriended while campaigning at Izuma Taisha at my office from 2:00 P.M., Senator “Najo” Yoshinaga at my office from 2:30 P.M., a friend supporting at-risk youth at Starbucks on Alakea Street from 3:00 P.M., and attended the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association General Membership Meeting at Plaza Club from 5:30 P.M.

I attended the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association general membership meeting at the Plaza Club tonight, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

I visited the Waianae Comprehensive Health Center on Monday, November 2, 2009 from 10:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

I attended “A Tribute to Saint Damien” on the grounds of Iolani Palace from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

I attended the  Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Halloween Masquerade Ball at Pacific Beach Hotel on Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

I cooked oden with fellow members of the Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai at Palolo Hongwanji on October 31, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

In past journal entries, I have alluded to someday sharing my ghost or unexplainable experiences.  For many years, I have avoided it.  I finally decided to share a few of my experiences.  I am too nervous to share the more intense or scarier stories.  I remember how ghost story writer Glen Grant said how U.S. Senator Spark M. Matsunaga had hoped to share his ghost stories with him but never had the opportunity because he had passed away before he had a chance.  I tell a lot about my life now as far as my politics, philosophy, and personal life just in case I don’t have a chance to put it into formal writing.  With Halloween, this fits right in.

I don’t have much unusual experiences as a child.  I don’t remember this, but my mom did say that when I was really young, I told her there was a man in my room.  When she asked me where, I would point and she would tell me that she didn’t see anything.  My sister who is two and a half years younger would say the same thing later as well.

When I was young, I would hear whispering in my mom and dad’s bathroom.  I told my mom but she said it was probably because I needed to clean my ears.

I would not have anymore experiences until 1997.  At this time, I was a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa majoring in political science and a student government leader as Vice President of the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii or ASUH.  It was during this time that I experienced many unusual things and met a number of people who shared their supernatural gifts with me.

To be continued…