The BSC Summer Session is an annual, week-long seminar with a well-known Buddhist scholar. The 2024 Summer Session will be the 50th annual event!
The Buddhist Study Center presents Summer Session 2024
“Shifting From ‘Please’ to ‘Thank You’ —
A Path to Awakening”
with Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi
August 5-9, 2024
In person at the Buddhist Study Center or Online via Zoom
Register
Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi
Seminar Schedule
Why & How of Gratitude
Monday, August 5, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m HST
“Practicing the Non-Practice of Gratitude”
Truth: Now and Then
Tuesday, August 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m HST
“Our Understanding of Truth Has Expanded from the Buddha’s Time to Now”
Who Am I in the World?
Wednesday, August 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m HST
“Finding My Authentic Self”
Benefits of Shin Buddhism
Thursday, August 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m HST
“Current Interpretations of Ancient Rituals”
Being Sacred in the Profane
Friday, August 9, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m HST
“Being Whole, Not Holy”
About the Speaker
Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi
- Education: Univ California San Francisco Dental School (DDS), Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (MATP), and the Institute of Buddhist Studies (MBS).
- Experience: USAF Capt. In Misawa, Japan. 30 years private dental practice in San Jose, California. San Jose Betsuin Board President. Chaplain at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
- Former head minister of the Buddhist Temple of San Diego. Retreat leader, author, teacher.
Registration & Donations
Register Online (Google form) — you can specify in person or online attendance.
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2024
Suggested tax-deductible donation: 5 sessions $50, single sessions $10.
Checks made out to HHMH and sent to 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813 with “Summer Session” in the memo line.
Or, make an Online Donation. Mahalo!
If you have questions, please contact the Buddhist Study Center at (808) 522-9200 or 1436 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Past Summer Sessions
2023: Shinran’s Challenge: A Shin Buddhist in the 21st Century
2022: Jodo Shinshu and the Making of American Buddhism
Speaker: Dr. Scott Mitchell
2021: Peace Through Buddha-dharma
2020: Interlinked: Understanding the Origins and Evolution of American Buddhism
2019: Everyday Buddhism
2018: Everyday Buddhism for a Happy, Meaningful Life
2017: Jodo Shinshu in the land of Shakyamuni
2016: Mindfulness and Buddhism in America
more past sessions
2015: What does Jodo Shinshu Mean to Me?
Speaker: Hawaii Kyodan Ministers and members
2014: Resolving Life’s Problems through Buddhism
Speaker: Marvin Harada
2013: The Power of Shin Buddhism
Speaker: Mark Unno
2012: The inner workings of Shin Buddhism: Savoring the spirituality of Gutoku Shinran
Speaker: William Masuda
2011: Shin Buddhist Theology: Questions of good & evil, humanness, and salvation
Speaker: David Matsumoto
2010: Rethinking Jodo Shinshu
Speaker: Toshikazu Arai
2009: Inconceivable Life: Buddhist compassion in the Ocean of Light
Speaker: Mark & Ty Unno
2008: Coping with Life and Death: Buddhist Style
Speaker: Carl Becker
2007: Foundation of Buddha Dharma: How to live in Metta (loving kindness)in Today’s world
Speaker: Shoyo Taniguchi
2006: Joy and Appreciation of Shin Buddhism through Shoshinge
Speaker: Eisho Nasu
2005: Learn the Dharma Through life and thought of Great Buddhists
Speaker: Marvin Harada
2004: Back to the Basics
Speaker: Toshikazu Arai
2003: The Growth of American Buddhism: The Role of Shin Buddhism
Speaker: Ken Tanaka
2002: The Conemplation Sutra: PureLand Path of Exclusion and Inclusion
Speaker: David Matsumoto
2001: The Larger Sutra
Speaker: Nobuo Haneda
2000: Dharma Experience Through Poetry
Speaker: Ty Unno
Summer Session History
Group photo from the 2018 Summer Session (click image for larger version)
Summer Session held its first classes in 1974 with Dr. Alfred Bloom and Dr. Mokusen Miyuki. For over 40 years, distinguished teachers including Dr. Taitetsu Unno, Rev. Gyomay Kubose, Dr. George Tanabe, Prof. Takamaro Shigaraki, Dr. Mark Unno, Rev. Ruth Tabrah, Dr. David Matsumoto, Rev. Marvin Harada, Rev. William Masuda have shared their knowledge and perspectives on Buddhism through this program.
