Religion professor will discuss Shin Buddhism
Dr. Alfred Bloom will speak at the Buddhist Study Center's Third Annual Kanmo Imamura Lecture Series on "Shin Buddhism: Restrospect and Prospect," April 30 and May 1.It will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. April 30 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 1 at the center, at 1436 University Ave.
Bloom is a professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii. After completing his Christian theological education, he studied Buddhism at Harvard University and received a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue research in Japan. He received his Ph.D. in 1963. He moved to Hawaii to teach Japanese religions and Buddhism at the University of Hawaii, from 1970 to 1986.
In 1990 he was ordained as a Jodo Shinshu priest and appointed Kaikyoshi in 1997. Though retired, he continues to lecture and speak widely.
For more information on the lecture series, call 973-6555.
Class to consider who was Mary Magdalene
A one-night class, "There's Something About Mary," will be conducted April 22 by the Religious Science Church of Honolulu.The Rev. Frank White will discuss the various identities given to Mary Magdalene -- from reformed prostitute to wife of Jesus and mother of his child. This subject has gained considerable attention with the publication of Dan Brown's best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code."
The class will meet 7-10 p.m. at the Center for Positive Living, 1521 S. King St., No. 301, at the corner of King Street and Kalakaua Avenue. Admission is $10 for members, $20 for others. Register by calling 947-0690.
Church seeks to make world's longest lei
In honor of its 184th anniversary, the historic Kawaiaha'o Church is collecting leis to construct the world's longest lei to surround the church."He Lei No Ka Ho'omana'o Ana," or "A Lei of Remembrance," will be dedicated from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. April 18. The lei embraces the church's rich history and the cultural contribution of those buried there.
All lei types will be accepted Thursday and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the church's Likeke kitchen. Next Saturday, registrars will be at the main gate to direct people from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Leis will be mounted beginning at 5 p.m.
Longer leis to drape an entry gate should be at least 144 inches long, with a 6-inch thread at each end of the lei for connection. Attach a tag to designate the honoree of your lei.
Registrars will also have tags available, and each lei's length will be recorded to document its entry into the world's longest lei. All data will be assembled into a journal and placed in the church archives.
Submit lei registration forms to Skip Tomiyama, lei mistress, Lisa Leong, the registrar, or the church office. Call 522-1333 for information.
Religion Calendar