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Please join us for the Kauai Hongwanji Council Nembutsu Seminar! Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji will be giving a presentation titled “A Look at Shinran Shonin’s Life and Thought”. Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu school of Buddhism, sought enlightenment while practicing as a Tendai monk on Mt. Hiei. But as we look at the various episodes that develop in his life, we will come to see how he gradually turns over to the Great Working of Amida Buddha. How did this happen? What does this mean? What can it mean for us?

In this seminar, he will provide possible interpretations as to how certain events in Shinran’s life helped to shape his religious thought. In addition, we will look at some of his writing to see what are the key points in his teaching, which will bring forth to light just how significant his contribution was to the development of Buddhism as a whole.

Registration is free for this event, but please note that there is a limit of 100 people to this event. Registration is required. Registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis. An email will be sent 3 days before the event with the Zoom link.

Donations can be made to the Kauai Hongwanji Council. Please make a check payable to Kauai Hongwanji Council and send it to Lihue Hongwanji Mission 3-3556 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, HI 96766.

A small bio about Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji:

Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji is currently a minister at Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church since August 1, 2020. In addition, he teaches at the Institute of Buddhist Studies located in Berkeley, California. His previous assignment as a minister was at Tacoma Buddhist Temple from December 2017 to July 31, 2020.

He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Japanese language and literature, Institute of Buddhist Studies at Berkeley, California with a Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies, Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan with a Master’s Degree in Shin Buddhist Studies, and completed the doctoral coursework at Ryukoku University. He specializes in the areas of Japanese Buddhism and religion, translation of Buddhist scripture, and Jodo Shinshu doctrine and ethics.

Rev. Miyaji received his Tokudo and Kyoshi qualifications at the Honpa Hongwanji school located in Kyoto, Japan. He also obtained the academic ranking of Hokyō recognized within Hongwanji. He most recently completed his doctoral dissertation entitled, “Shin Buddhist Ethics,” through Ryukoku University.