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.    

The tentative schedule for the conference is as follows:

9:00AM: Registration
10:00AM: Opening Service
10:30AM: “Peace” Presentation by Students from Pacific Buddhist Academy
11:00AM: Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto
12:00PM: Lunch
1:00PM: Workshops
* Special Session for Youth (7-College) by Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto
* Special Session for Adults by Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto
* Speak Out Workshop for Peace
* Buddhist Music by B.J. Soriano
* Buddhist Plants in Hawaii by Dr. Osamu Kawabata & Rev. Okamoto
* Peace Workshop “Gratitude” by Pacific Buddhist Academy
* Preschoolers Session Art & Crafts “Making Peace T-shirts” & Art & Crafts “Buddhist Holiday Crafts” (Child Care)
* Quiet Room for Keiki (Child Care)
3:00PM: Ends
6:00PM: Double Commemorations’ Banquet

Ohana Conference Workshop Description (click)

Ohana Conference Poster (click)