PUBLICATION OF REFLECTION ON THE THEME OF THE 750TH MEMORIAL OF SHINRAN SHONIN

The Buddhist Education division sub-committee on Publication is now collecting reflections on the theme of the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin.  The purpose is to create a special publication and deepen our understanding of the commemoration theme, “May Peace and Tranquility prevail throughout the world.” 

Participants: All followers of Shinran Shonin, Dharma School students, parents, and teachers (including ministers)

Suggested Entry: Colored art by younger children, Poetry or prose by older children and adults

Theme: “May Peace and Tranquility prevail throughout the world”

Deadline: Please submit your entries to your Dharma School or Temple by October 26, 2008 and temple submissions must be turned in or mailed to Headquarters by November 8, 2008

Instructions: The name of the contributor, date, temple and a phone number must be printed at the bottom right corner.  Each entry must be drawn or written on an eight and a/half by eleven inch (with 2-inch borders) sheet.

Note: Selected pieces will be displayed in their original color only on the front or back cover of the publication.  All others will be in black and white. Due to limited space and pages, not all entries may be published.

OHANA CONFERENCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH SHINRAN SHONIN'S 750TH MEMORIAL

As one of the programs of Shinran Shonin’s 750th memorial observance and Hawaii Kyodan’s 120th anniversary celebration, the Ohana Conference will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The dictionary definition of OHANA is “family in an extended sense, including not only blood-related but also adoptive and intentional members.”  The all-inclusive concept emphasizes the natural bonding of family and friends as they relate to one another with respect and compassion.

The Ohana Conference is designed to incorporate the profound teachings of Shinran Shonin which bind the Sangha together.

The term Ohana seems to express this core intent of the conference best, which is to include all who are embraced by the Nembutsu and are strengthen by the common bond of his teachings.

The theme of this conference will be “Annon - May peace and tranquility prevail throughout the world”, and the keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto of Berkeley Buddhist Temple.  The registration fee will be $100.00.                          

TIMELINE FOR THE 750TH MEMORIAL OF SHINRAN SHONIN

The Purpose of Timeline is to inform all ministers and lay leaders about the events and programs leading uo to the 750th Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin in September 2009 in Hawaii and in May 2011 at Honzan, Japan. 

All of the events and activities are great opportunities for all followers of Shinran Shonin to reflect on the significance of observing the 750th memorial service of Shinran Shonin and also to further deepen their understanding of the teachings of Shinran Shonin.

All ministers and lay leaders are urged to encourage temple members to positively participate in the events.  Each temple, district, and organization are requested and carry out unique programs.

 Year 2008: District Proclamation Service (Reading message from Gomonshu on the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin by Bishop Okano)

January 2009: Shinran Shonin’s Hoonko Service (Reading message from Gomonshu on the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin by Resident Minister of each temple at their Hoonko Service)

January 2009: Introduction of New Gatha for Shinran Shonin’s memorial (Gatha Contest)

March 20, 21, 2009: Leadership Workshop at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin                         

“Nurturing Leaders, Sharing the Teachings, Encountering Wisdom” with Rev. Marvin Harada of Orange County Buddhist Church and Professor Taishin Kawasoe of Ryukoku University

May 2009:District Follow-up Session on “Nurturing Leaders, Sharing the Teachings, Encountering Wisdom”

May 2009: Dissemination of DVD by Committee on Production of DVD

June 15-26, 2009: BSC Summer Session

September 5, 2009: Ohana Conference and Commemoration Banquet at Hilton Hawaiian Village with Gomonshu and Lady Ohtani

September 6, 2009: Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial Service & Hawaii Kyodan’s 120th Anniversary Commemoration Service at Hilton Hawaiian Village

Year 2010: State Dharma School Teachers’ Conference

Year 2010: State Buddhist Women’s Association Convention

May 2011: Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial Service at Honzan

In addition to the above events and programs, the Buddhist Education Division plans to publish books and services books within the year 2009.  Buddhist Study Center and the Commission on Buddhist Education also plan to focus on the life and teachings of Shinran Shonin at the district workshop, Nembutsu Retreat, Nembutsu Seminar, Summer Session, etc.