The Hawaii Island United Hongwanji Buddhist Women’s Association is presenting an educational seminar titled “Refugee Shinran” by professor Jeff Wilson from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May 19 at the Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall.
Wilson is the Numata visiting professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He also is a professor of religious studies and East Asian studies at Renison University College, an affiliated institution of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
Among his books are “Buddhism of the Heart: Reflections on Shin Buddhism and Inner Togetherness” and “Mindful America: The Mutual Transformation of Buddhist Meditation on American Culture.” In addition, Wilson is an ordained Hongwanji minister and a member of the Toronto Buddhist Church.
Registration and refreshments starts at 10:30 a.m. followed by Wilson’s talk, “What does Shin Buddhism have to say about the crisis of refugees, homeless, and other displaced people in the world today?” at 11 a.m. In this session, he will explore the personal hardships experienced by the Shin Buddhist founder Shinran and the reformer Rennyo, and consider how they were led to teach an inclusive, welcoming Buddhism.
Lunch is at 12:30 p.m. and the seminar concludes with a discussion at 1:15 p.m. led by the Rev. Eric Anderson and Paul Normann of the Interfaith Working Group on Family Homelessness about possible actions that can be taken on this growing problem.
“The topic is very timely,” said Jane Iida, education chairwoman. “Homelessness is an issue which everyone should be concerned about. (The speakers) present a Buddhist perspective on this and other issues.”
The seminar is open to the public. The cost is $10, which includes refreshments and lunch. Sangha Hall is located at 404 Kilauea Ave. The deadline to register is May 11. For more information, contact Iida at jyiida@gmail.com or 345-1718.