Lectures cover effect of modern Buddhism
The western perception of Buddhism as an Asian discipline has evolved in recent decades as centers for Buddhist studies and Zen meditation centers thrive in the United States.The impact of the ancient philosophy in modern times will be the topic of the Futaba Lecture Series Friday and next Saturday at Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin Hawaii, 1727 Pali Highway.
The lectures on "Contemporary American Buddhism, Its Prospects and Impact" are all free and open to the public. Lunch will be served, with voluntary donations accepted.
The program is sponsored by the temple, the Buddhist Study Center, Hawaii Association of International Buddhists and Milander Trust. Featured speakers are the following:
>> Friday, 7 p.m. -- John McRae, University of Indiana Buddhism professor and Numata visiting professor at University of Hawaii.
>> Next Saturday, 9 a.m. -- George Tanabe, UH religion professor.
>> Next Saturday, 10:30 a.m. -- Roy Perrett, UH philosophy professor.
>> Next Saturday, 1 p.m. -- Poranee Natadecha-Sponsel, Chaminade University religion and women's studies professor, and Leslie Sponsel, UH anthropology professor.
The annual lecture series was endowed by retired UH religion professor and Buddhist Alfred Bloom in honor of the late Kenko Futaba, a noted Shin Buddhist scholar who was president of Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan, and was regarded as a pioneer in "engaged" Buddhism.
For information, call 536-7044.
2 churches to hold holiday fund-raisers
Holidays are approaching, but the season of fund raising is already here for Oahu churches.>> The Holiday Fair will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Saturday at Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Ave. Homemade baking and other food items are featured, as well as sale booths of gift items and used clothing. It will benefit the United Church of Christ transition house for female and young survivors of domestic violence.
>> A silent auction will be under way next weekend at Unity Church of Hawaii, 3608 Diamond Head Circle. Bidding will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday and from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday on services including hair styling, massage and a yacht cruise, and items ranging from a ceremonial tea set to bikinis. The finale of the "Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi" event will be a live auction at 1 p.m. Sunday with music and refreshments. Proceeds will go to Sisters Offering Support, the Institute for Human Services and Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Talk explores links between faith, healing
A Honolulu physician and cancer researcher will explore the relationship of religious faith and physical healing at a Tuesday program celebrating the founder of the Baha'i faith."Baha'ullah's Teachings and the Cure for Cancer: Faith at the Molecular Level," will be the topic of a lecture by Dr. Randal Wada, an associate researcher at Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and associate professor at the University of Hawaii medical school.
His lecture at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Honolulu Baha'i Center, 2165 10th Ave., is open to the public.
The program also will feature music by pianist JoLinda Susilo and violinist Chandra Susilo and refreshments. It will be sponsored by the Honolulu Baha'i community to mark the birth of Baha'ullah, a 19th-century Persian nobleman who declared himself a messenger of God and taught the oneness of all religions and mankind.
Parenting seminar discusses discipline
A free parenting seminar, "Why Kids Misbehave and What to Do About It," will be presented next weekend at Community Lutheran Church in Salt Lake.The sessions will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and 10 to 11:30 a.m. next Saturday at 4429 Malaai St., behind the former Costco. The course is based on the teaching of psychologist Kevin Leman, co-host of the "Parent Talk" radio show.
Child care will be provided. Refreshments will be served.
Religion Calendar
