Services to observe Ash Wednesday

Many Christian churches will observe the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday services next week.

Lent, the six-week period leading up to Easter, is traditionally a time of spiritual self-examination and penitence.

The practice of marking the foreheads of worshippers with ashes is symbolic of the mortality of humanity.

» St. Andrew's Cathedral, Queen Emma Square. Ash Wednesday will be observed with Holy Eucharist service and imposition of ashes at 7 and 11:45 a.m., and imposition of ashes at an Evensong service at 5:30 p.m. Other Episcopal Church parishes will hold similar services.

» Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, Fort Street Mall. Catholic Bishop Larry Silva will preside at a noon Mass for Ash Wednesday, followed by imposition of ashes. Other Catholic parishes have scheduled similar services.

Japanese handbell choir performs

The Hakuoh University Handbell Choir from Oyama, Japan, will present free public concerts next week.

The 16-student group will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday at United Church of Christ, 467 N. Judd St., and at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Windward Community College Paliku Theatre, 45-720 Keaahala Road, Kaneohe. The goodwill tour in Hawaii will also include concerts for public school children and an appearance at the Japanese Cultural Center.

Hongwanji offers Buddhism primers

Courses that provide an introductory exploration of Buddhism for people curious about the 2,500-year-old philosophy and religion will be offered by the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin.

The Dharma Light Project at the temple at 1727 Pali Highway will begin Wednesday with an opportunity for “;Meditation: Quiet Sitting.”; Alan Goto will facilitate the free experience of quiet sitting, chanting and dialogue at 7 p.m. in the Betsuin Lounge. Meditation will be open to all every Wednesday evening.

The Rev. Richard Tennes will teach “;The ABCs of Buddhism”; on four Monday evenings, beginning at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Betsuin Lounge. There is no charge, but registration is required by calling 536-7044. The discussion course is designed for people with no background knowledge but is open to all who are interested. Tennes will also present a class on the teachings of Shinran Shonin, the basis of most Buddhist denominations that came to Hawaii from Japan. “;The Compassionate Way of Shin Buddhism”; will begin on April 5 and continue for six Monday evenings. The cost is $35 per person. Call to register; class size is limited.

Tennes, who holds a master's degree in Buddhist studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley, Calif., has been in Hawaii since 2003 and became a minister in 2007.