Retired UH prof to discuss relevance of Buddhism

The relevance of Buddhist teaching in 21st-century life will be the topic of a May 25 seminar at the Buddhist Study Center, 1436 University Ave.

Alfred Bloom, retired University of Hawaii religion professor and the author of books on Buddhism, will speak at the Nembutsu Seminar sponsored by Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and the Honolulu Hongwanji Council.

Bloom will explore the teaching of Shinran Shonin, founder of Shin Buddhism in Japan in the 13th century, who said religious practice is not confined to people in monasteries, but applies to people in all walks of life.

The seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. is linked to the 2009 international celebration of the 750th anniversary of Shinran's life.

May 25 is the deadline for reservations. The cost is $15. For information call the Rev. Shindo Nishiyama at 845-3422 or write to him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Translator to give update on putting Bible online

A project that is making a Hawaiian-language translation of the Bible available on the Internet will be discussed at a Thursday forum at St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Helen Kaowili, a translator and researcher with the Baibala Hemolele project, will speak at 5:45 p.m. in the Von Holt Room.

The program, part of a monthly series, is free and open to the public.

Church sales will feature cookbooks by members

Two Oahu churches will go beyond selling the ethnic-food specialties that are a staple of fundraising sales. They're also selling cookbooks of members' recipes.

» Next Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waipahu United Church of Christ, 94-330 Mokuola St., will offer barbecued chicken, sushi, musubi and hot dogs at its annual Spring Bazaar. Chicken tickets are available by calling 677-3317. The church's “;Favorite Cookbook”; will be on sale along with fresh produce, pickled vegetables, mochi, desserts, plants, crafts and used clothing, toys, books and white-elephant items.

» May 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Honolulu Japanese Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2655 Manoa Road. The Yard and Food Sale will feature collector toys still in their original boxes, power tools and used clothing, books and household items. The church's vegetarian cookbook will be on sale. Food service will include fried noodles, cone sushi, vegetarian corn dogs, kim chee and andagi.

Workshop to consider 'What Would Buffy Do?'

A two-part workshop beginning Tuesday at St. Clement's Episcopal Church will use the television series “;Buffy, the Vampire Slayer”; to explore spiritual themes.

Scott Gossett will lead the discussion on friendship, forgiveness, sacrifice and redemption in “;What Would Buffy Do?”; at 7 p.m. in the parish hall, 1515 Wilder Ave.

The series will continue at 7 p.m. May 19. It is open to the public.