Workshops

Workshops Update

Workshops are first come first served.  The remaining capacity is listed as individuals register on CVENT.  Once the workshop is filled, capacity will be listed as “0” on CVENT. (updated 12/9/25)

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. (updated 8/27/25)

Saturday, September 12, 1:00pm-2:00p
Breakout Session #1 (choose one)

1. 1. Buddhist Values and Living Aloha by Dr. Miki Tomita Okamoto (with translation device)

   Learn about the relationships between Peace and Aloha.  The practice of Aloha can be living the Nembutsu.  ALOHA is the key to unlocking portals to a kind and compassionate world.  Dr. Miki Tomita Okamoto will share about her journey with her mentor Pono Shim and his teacher Pilahi Paki, and the work they embarked on together to help others to build ALOHA practices into every aspect of life, and how for her this has been a journey of living the Nembutsu.  Attendees will reflect upon and discuss how they have been living ALOHA through their Buddhist practices and share with others how we might all practice and grow more Aloha and Peace in our own lives and communities.  (500 capacity)

   1. Beyond Boundaries: Gender, Identity, and Belonging in BWA by panelists (with translation device)

   Panelists will discuss how Buddhist Women’s Associations are becoming more inclusive and welcoming of all genders and backgrounds to walk the Nembutsu path together.  They will share their stories and perspectives.  The audience will be able to ask questions and discuss how inclusion enriches our journey as fellow travelers.  (280 capacity)

   1. Buddhism Comes to Hawai‘i (English with some Japanese translation)

   Learn about the impact of Jodo Shinshu in the lives of early Japanese immigrants to Hawaii in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Their lives were filled with hardship and sacrifice. These Buddhist women were often the strength that sustained the temple while they “lived as one in the Nembutsu.” Hear their stories, watch the video, and be inspired by generations of dedicated women. (80 capacity)

   1. Hula for Beginners by Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui (English with some Japanese translation)

   Hula, a Hawaiian art of dance, has a rich history that embraces Aloha and embodies the Dharma in its connection to life and nature.  Attend this workshop for beginners to learn the basics of hula and perform a simple dance.  (200 capacity)

   1. Mu‘umu‘u: A Live Retrospective by Hawai‘i Federation BWA (English with some Japanese translation)

   The mu‘umu‘u is a familiar Hawaiian attire worn by women.  Attendees in this workshop will have the opportunity to see how mu‘umu‘u was shared with early Japanese Buddhist women in Hawai‘i.  Its incorporation into the BWA Sangha is joyfully reflected in this presentation as BWA women wear and share their mu‘umu‘u.  (80 capacity)

   1. Sustainability: The Hawaiian Ahupua‘a (English with some Japanese translation)

   Come to understand the interdependence between nature and human beings in the Hawaiian ahupua‘a, a large traditional subdivision of land from mountain to ocean.  Healthy soil and clean water maintain the diversity of the community.  Apply the knowledge of the Hawaiian ahupua‘a in your community.  Get inspired to restore the healthy balance in the ecosystem and maintain sustainable environments.  (180 capacity)

   1. The Modernization and Americanization of Buddhism through Rituals and Buddhist Gathas by Reverend Dr. Masumi Kikuchi (English only)

   About 100 years ago in Hawai‘i, Reverends Ernest and Dorothy Hunt produced the very first English service book, Vade Mecum.  This session will explore how it developed through five editions (1924-1932) and how it introduced well-loved pieces such as the “Golden Chain” and English gathas, as well as how it shaped the rituals we follow in English-speaking temples.  (80 capacity)

   1. Ukulele for Beginners by BJ Soriano (English with some Japanese translation)

   The ukulele is an instrument uniquely Hawaiian that was derived from similar Portuguese instruments brought by immigrants in the late 19^th century.  It has become a part of the history of Hawai‘i and impacted the lives of our Buddhist community.  Come to learn ukulele chords and strumming techniques.  Singing and strumming will be integral parts of this workshop.  Experience the joy that enriches the lives of our Nembutsu followers.  (20 capacity

Saturday, September 12, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Breakout Session #2 (choose one)

1. 1. 1. The Beauty of Buddhist Gathas in Japanese by Reverend Dr. Masumi Kikuchi (with translation device)

Several Buddhist gathas, cherished by Japanese Buddhists, have their origin in Hawai‘i.  These include Ondokusan, composed by Yasuo Sawa in 1918, as well as gathas composed in the 1920s and 1930s for English language services such as Ti-sarana (Pali Language), Nembutsu by Reverend Dorothy Hunt, and Namu Amida Butsu with lyrics by A.R. Zorn and Reverend Ernest Shinkaku Hunt.  Join in singing beloved Japanese and English gathas composed in Hawai‘i and engage in the profound Dharma messages they convey.  (500 capacity)

1. 1. 1. Advanced Hula by Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui (English with some Japanese translation)

Hula, a Hawaiian art of dance, has a rich history that embraces Aloha and embodies the Dharma in its connection to life and nature.  This workshop is for experienced hula dancers. (200 capacity)

1. 1. 1. Beyond Boundaries: Gender, Identity, and Belonging in BWA by panelists (with translation device)

Panelists will discuss how Buddhist Women’s Associations are becoming more inclusive and welcoming of all genders and backgrounds to walk the Nembutsu path together.  They will share their stories and perspectives.  The audience will be able to ask questions and discuss how inclusion enriches our journey as fellow travelers.  (280 capacity)

1. 1. 1. Buddhist Values and Living Aloha by Dr. Miki Tomita Okamoto (English only)

Learn about the relationships between Peace and Aloha.  The practice of Aloha can be living the Nembutsu.  ALOHA is the key to unlocking portals to a kind and compassionate world.  Dr. Miki Tomita Okamoto will share about her journey with her mentor Pono Shim and his teacher Pilahi Paki, and the work they embarked on together to help others to build ALOHA practices into very aspect of life, and how for her this has been a journey of living the Nembutsu.  Attendees will reflect upon and discuss how they have been living ALOHA through their Buddhist practices and share with others how we might all practice and grow more Aloha and Peace in our own lives and communities.  (80 capacity)

1. 1. 1. Mu‘umu‘u: A Live Retrospective by Hawai‘i Federation BWA (with some Japanese translation)

The mu‘umu‘u is a familiar Hawai‘ian attire worn by women.  Attendees in this workshop will have the opportunity to see how mu‘umu‘u was shared with early Japanese Buddhist women in Hawai‘i.  Its incorporation into the BWA sangha is joyfully reflected in this presentation as BWA women wear and share their mu‘umu‘u.  (80 capacity)

1. 1. 1. Peace Day in Hawai‘i by Hawai‘i Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association (English with some Japanese translation)

Hawai‘i initiated the effort to recognize a statewide Peace Day.  The Hawai‘i Federation BWA continued to advocate for peace in Hawai‘i and played a part in encouraging this youth movement.  Learn about the pivotal role of youth, the

Hawai‘i Federation of Jr. YBA, in the establishment of Peace Day in Hawai‘i.  (80 capacity)

1. 1. 1. “Golden Chain of Love” in Daily Life by D. Trinidad Hunt (English with some Japanese translation)

Reverend Dorothy P. Hunt and her husband, Reverend Ernest K. Shinkaku Hunt, both Hongwanji ministers, were instrumental in keeping the lamp of Buddhism alive in Hawai‘i in the early 20^th century and during World War II.  She wrote the “Golden Chain of Love” over a hundred years ago, yet it is more relevant now than ever in these challenging times.  In an interactive presentation, Trinidad Hunt, granddaughter of Reverend Dorothy P. Hunt, will share inspiring stories of a woman who transcended time.   (180 capacity)

1. 1. 1. 1. Ukulele for Beginners by BJ Soriano (English with some Japanese translation)

   The ukulele is an instrument uniquely Hawaiian that was derived from similar Portuguese instruments brought by immigrants in the late 19^thcentury.  It has become a part of the history of Hawai‘i and impacted the lives of our Buddhist community.  Come to learn ukulele chords and strumming techniques.  Singing and strumming will be integral parts of this workshop.  Experience the joy that enriches the lives of our Nembutsu followers.  (20 capacity)

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.