The upcoming 17th World Buddhist Women’s Convention will be hosted by Japan in Kyoto on May 11-12, 2023 in conjunction with a Joint Celebration commemorating the 850th birthday of Shinran Shonin in 2023 and the 800th anniversary of the establishment of the Jodo Shinshu teachings in 2024. The celebration will begin March 2023, and BWA members and their guests can join a special May 10th service preceding the Convention.
A Promotional Video for the Joint Celebration is now available on the HHMH YouTube channel where you can also find a written summary on the video as well as a link to the Hongwanji International Center website which will contain information on the Joint Celebration.
The Hawaii Federation of BWAs along with other Buddhist groups like the Pacific Buddhist Academy has participated in the MLK, Jr. March in Waikiki for the past few years. This year, we have chosen to create a video showing some similarities between Dr. King’s teachings and Buddhist beliefs including clippings of our participation in Waikiki and on Maui. We are grateful to the committee members including Rev. Blayne Higa, Dave Atcheson, Sharon Nohara, Carol Valentine, Jennifer Taira of Ohana Arts and Lois Toyama. Please join us on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 11:00am at this link: honpahi.link/youtube
Lois Toyama, President of the Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations
Aloha Dharma Friends,
The Hongwanji and the Buddhist Women’s Associations provide social connections to so many people. Because of the coronavirus, most temples and all of their activities will be closed for an extended period of time. It’s a frightening time when we are worried for ourselves, our friends, and our families. I feel very nervous and off-balance myself. At the time when we most need it, our usual ways of connecting are curtailed.
This is a time when the BWA Units and Uniteds can reach out in supportive ways to help our members. As our pledge says, “Following the teaching of ‘One World,’ I will spread the circle of Dharma friends.”
Some things we can do:
Write physical letters to members. Fun cards.
See if anyone needs support with groceries.
Make phone calls, especially to those who live alone.
Email and text those who have cell phones and internet.
Take care of yourself. If you usually exercise and don’t want to go to the gym, fitnessblender.com offers over 600 free workouts ranging from 5 minutes to an hour, and including stretching, yoga, aerobics, and strength training.
Twelve world-famous museums are offering free tours online, and the Met is streaming operas… a good chance for us to try something new!
Many temples are going to live stream their services during this time period. Headquarters is looking at this option, so stay tuned. The Buddhist Church of San Francisco has their services online.
Some of you may have to watch your grandchildren during this time of school closures. There are so many creative opportunities coming up online… free art lessons, actors reading children’s books, the Cleveland Zoo having a daily show about an animal with follow-up activities. If you want links to any of these, please let me know.
You always work so hard. This is a time to rest and care for yourself. If you have other suggestions, please share them.
