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RELIGION
Buddhists of Hawaii
will share a celebrationMusical offerings
Mary Adamski
Star-BulletinThe Buddhist temples and missions in Hawaii are separated along ethnic and nationalistic lines, a segregation that some visionaries think will change in this, the third millennium of Buddhism.
George Tanabe, chairman of the University of Hawaii Religion Department, will speak on the development of international nonsectarian Buddhism at the annual celebration of Buddha Day April 2.
"Toward Modern Buddhism: Beyond Ethnic and National Boundaries" is the theme of the program.
The Hanamatsuri festival will begin at 9 a.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Room. It marks the birth in 560 B.C. of Shakyamuni Buddha, whose teaching and meditative path to enlightenment are followed by millions around the world.
"Until recently, when you mentioned Buddhism here, it meant Japanese," said the Rev. Shugen Komagata of the Soto Mission of Hawaii, whose congregation is planning this year's event.
"Lately, other Oriental groups have been coming in. The mood is to celebrate what we share," he said, so Korean, Laotian, Tibetan and other Buddhists have been included.
An Englishman who worked here for years to incorporate Western elements into the belief system brought by immigrants from Japan will be memorialized at the service.
The Rev. Ernest Shinkaku Hunt, who died in 1967, and his wife, Dorothy, wrote an English book of Buddhist hymns that is used today. They created Sunday-school lessons and explanatory texts on beliefs, symbolism, stories and poetry that helped American-born generations understand the beliefs of their ancestors. Hunt formulated rituals for weddings and funerals, and services for youths.
Entertainment at the event will be a taiko drum performance by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Kona Daifukuji Taiko.
The event is open to the public. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items to contribute to Hawaii Foodbank.
Musical offerings highlight season
Star-Bulletin staff"The Show," a musical play with a Christian theme, will open on Oahu tonight and go on the road to the Big Island and Maui next month.
A troupe of 19 youthful performers, ages 14 to 21, perform popular contemporary Christian songs in the stage show, written by Kevin Ponstler and sponsored by the Salvation Army.
The show will be presented at 7 p.m. today at Camp Homelani in Waialua.
It will be performed at 7 p.m. April 1 at New Hope Church in Waimea, Hawaii, and at 7 p.m. April 8 at Kahului Union Church on Maui. Information on reservations is available by calling Salvation Army offices on those islands.
In another musical event, the choirs and musicians from several Hawaiian churches will perform in a song festival at 4 p.m. April 1 at Kaumakapili Church. The Aha Mele, sponsored by the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Churches, United Church of Christ, is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
