Workshops Update (as of 8/27/25)
All delegates should register with CVENT to select a workshop for each of the Breakout Sessions. Both sessions provide a variety of meaningful topics ranging from Buddhist education, Hawaiiana-related, personal growth etc. as previewed in the slide video introduction shared earlier (see below). Your selected choice will be indicated on your name tag.
Saturday, September 12, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Breakout Session #1 (choose one)
- Buddhist Values and Living Aloha (Dr. Miki Okamoto) Learn about the relationships between Peace and Aloha. The practices of Aloha can be living the Nembutsu.
- Hula for Beginners (Kristen Alm) Come to this Beginners workshop to learn the basics of hula and to perform a simple dance.
- Ukulele for Beginners (BJ Soriano) Come to learn ukulele chords and a strumming technique. Singing and strumming will be an integral part of the workshop. Limited number of participants.
- Mu‘umu‘u: A Live Retrospective See how mu’umu’u was shared with early Japanese Buddhist women in Hawaii.
- Buddhism Comes to Hawaii Learn about the impact of Jodo Shinshu in the lives of the early Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
- Sustainability: The Hawaiian Ahupua’a (a large traditional subdivision of land). Come to understand the interdependence between nature and human beings in the Hawaiian Ahupua’a.
Saturday, September 12, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Breakout Session #2 (choose one)
- The Beauty of Buddhist Gathas in Japanese (Rev. Masumi Kikuchi) Join in singing beloved Japanese Gathas as well as English Gathas composed in Hawaii and engage in the profound Dharma messages they convey.
- Advanced Hula (Kristen Alm) This workshop is for those who already know the hula basics and would like to learn a new dance.
- Ukulele for Beginners (BJ Soriano) Come to learn ukulele chords and a strumming technique. Singing and strumming will be an integral part of the workshop. Limited number of participants.
- “The Golden Chain of Love” in Daily Life (D. Trinidad Hunt) “The Golden Chain of Love” over a 100 years ago, yet it is more relevant than ever in these challenging times.
- Peace Day in Hawaii Hawaii initiated an effort to recognize a state-wide Peace Day. Learn the pivotal role of the youth, the Jr. YBA, in the establishment of Peace Day.
- Buddhist Values and Living Aloha (Dr. Miki Okamoto)
Introductory Video
The following slides were prepared for a 2027 World Buddhist Women’s Convention introductory video shared by a Hawaii member at a BWA meeting in California. Before the listing above was available, this slide show gave a flavor for what was planned.
Introducing the 18th World Buddhist Women's Convention in Honolulu, HI, September 11-12, 2027
In the warmth and beauty of the islands, you'll have the opportunity to reflect about aloha and peace while living one with the Nembutsu; Hawaii Dharma practice with aloha is truly paradise.
Hawaiian culture and history are embedded in living the dharma every day. A variety of convention activities and information will be shared demonstrating aloha influencing daily life. This includes fashion, food, mele related arts and crafts and more!
Learn the influence Hawaiʻi’s youth had in establishing Peace initiatives throughout the Jodo Shinshu sanghas and the Hawaiʻi community. These activities and actions continue to be ongoing and impactful.
As you enjoy the convention, you'll find opportunities and experiences of life with the Nembutsu. We hope you'll take these moments with you and continue to “live peace, live aloha, and live as one in the Nembutsu” wherever you are. Namo Amida Butsu