A diverse lineup of instructors and monks explore the present and future of Spaceship Earth. The modern Terakoya, "School Nalanda," is held in Hokkaido.
The modern Terakoya, "School Nalanda," is hosted by Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, one of Japan's largest traditional Buddhist organizations. It's a place of learning where diverse instructors—monks, scientists, artists, and more—gather, sparking unexpected chemistry each time.
The 8th session is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, and Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at Hongwanji Otaru Betsuin in Otaru City.
In a world facing crises such as extreme heat, floods, droughts, and divisions or conflicts among people, this session's theme is "Living Together on Spaceship Earth: Diverse Crewmates." Against the backdrop of Hokkaido's natural beauty, where diverse wildlife thrives, we will learn and contemplate how we, unable to disembark from this planet, can continue our voyage with its varied inhabitants.
Once again, a diverse and distinguished lineup of instructors will gather. This includes Hiroshi Nakagawa, a linguist who supervised the Ainu language for Satoru Noda's "Golden Kamuy"; Sahel Rose, known not only for her acting but also for her human rights activism, who plays an Ainu woman in the film "Sisam" releasing in September; Takeshi Ise, an environmental scientist researching sustainable relationships between humans and nature; Tomoko Konoike, an artist who explores the fundamental relationship between people and wildlife; and Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha monks Tomomasa Teramoto and Hiroaki Nagata.
Beyond lectures, there are also enriching special programs aligned with the theme. Participants can engage in an "Ainu Traditional Pattern Kirie Workshop," create a "Wooden Music Box" using Hokkaido's driftwood and birch, and enjoy a "Seafood Bento" for lunch, featuring the rich bounty of Hokkaido's seas. The program is specifically for ages 15-29, emphasizing the value of reciprocal exchange among participants of similar age. "School Nalanda in Hokkaido" opens its doors, offering wisdom and encounters that resonate deeply with both intellect and heart.
Program: NALANDA Special
Both Days: Lectures by each instructor, a talk session with all instructors, discussions among participants and with instructors, plus lunch and workshops.
(1) Ainu Traditional Pattern Kirie Workshop (Sept 28)
Ainu patterns, found on clothing and everyday items, also carry the meaning of "warding off evil." Experience creating traditional Ainu patterns through kirie (paper cutting) under the guidance of Ainu pattern kirie artist, Motoki Ogawa. Ogawa, also an Ainu traditional instrument player, will perform Ainu music and songs.
(2) Wooden Craft Music Box Making (Sept 29)
Craft a music box using wood from Hokkaido, a land surrounded by grand nature. The base will be made from trees considered auspicious, such as those symbolizing longevity
, and birch. Create animals and landscapes using driftwood and birch branches washed ashore on Hokkaido's coast.
(3) Lunch Featuring Hokkaido Specialties: "Seafood Chirashi Sushi Bento" (Sept 28) and "Crab Battle Bento" (Sept 29)
At Nalanda, participants can enjoy delicious local cuisine for lunch.
Hokkaido is renowned for its abundant marine resources. Enjoy a chirashi sushi bento with crab, salmon roe, sea urchin, scallops, and salmon, alongside a crab-focused bento featuring three types of crab. A separate menu is available for those who do not prefer seafood.
"School Nalanda" Vol. 8 Hokkaido
Date & Time: Saturday, September 28th & Sunday, September 29th, 2024, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Hongwanji Otaru Betsuin (1-4-17 Wakamatsu, Otaru City, Hokkaido)
Instructors:
Sept 28: Hiroshi Nakagawa (Linguist, Ainu Language Researcher)
Sahel Rose (Actor, Talent)
Tomomasa Teramoto (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Monk)
Sept 29: Takeshi Ise (Forest Ecologist, Environmental Scientist)
Tomoko Konoike (Artist)
Hiroaki Nagata (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Monk)
Target Audience & Capacity: Ages 15-29. 50 participants per day.
Participation Fee:
General: ¥3,000 per day, ¥5,000 for both days (includes lunch)
Students: ¥2,000 per day, ¥3,000 for both days (includes lunch)
*Student ID required at registration.
Application URL:https://nalanda8-hokkaido.peatix.com/
*Application Deadline: Monday, September 24th, 2024, noon.
(First-come, first-served basis. Registration closes once capacity is reached.)
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Office for Promoting Children and Youth Engagement
Tel.goen@hongwanji.or.jp
https://goen.hongwanji.or.jp/