A place of learning where instructors from diverse fields, including monks, scientists, and artists, gather. The modern Terakoya, "School Nalanda," is held.
A modern Terakoya, "School Nalanda," will be held for two days, February 12th (Sat.) and 13th (Sun.), 2022, at Yamaguchi Betsuin in Yamaguchi City. It is a place of learning where instructors from diverse fields, including monks, scientists, and artists, gather to share living wisdom and engage in dialogue.
Under the theme "The Unchanging and the Changing: How We Adapt to Remain Constant in a World in Flux," participants will explore what to change and what to preserve amidst a world undergoing significant transformation, alongside a diverse lineup of instructors.
The instructors include Mari Urahe, an internist and the eldest daughter of economist Hirofumi Uzawa, who advocated for "social common capital" and has seen his work re-evaluated in recent years; Akitsumi Nakamura, former guitarist of Ginko BOYZ, now living in Yamaguchi as a farmer and monk; Naohiro Yoshida, a biogeochemist researching Earth's environmental changes and interactions with life; Toshinori Yoneda, director of the brand "SREU," which garners attention for its collections made from upcycled vintage clothing; and Tomoaki Akai and Yoshitomo Fukuma, monks of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect.
In addition to lectures, the program offers a rich experience including a "Special Buddhist Service" by the Yamaguchi Gagaku Society, where attendees can immerse themselves in the sounds of gagaku and shomyo, the scent of incense, and a solemnly adorned space. Participants can also enjoy a traditional Washi paper-making experience with 800 years of history in Tokuji, and local Yamaguchi cuisine like "Kawara Soba" and vegetarian Buddhist lunches.
While offline participation is open to those aged 15-29, this year marks the first attempt at online streaming, making it accessible to anyone. In an era where the future is uncertain, this event offers an opportunity to gain wisdom and forge connections that can help establish a strong inner compass and guide actions.
NALANDA Special
The program includes classes by individual instructors, a talk session with all instructors, discussions among participants and with instructors, as well as fulfilling lunch and workshop offerings.
■ Special Buddhist Service by "Yamaguchi Gagaku Society" (Feb 12)
A special Buddhist service by the "Yamaguchi Gagaku Society," comprised of monks dedicated to the study and dissemination of gagaku court music and Buddhist chanting rituals. This is a precious opportunity to experience the sounds of gagaku and shomyo, the aroma of incense, and a solemn, beautifully adorned space. A workshop is also planned to experience Buddhist implements and rituals, such as gagaku instruments, incense, and monastic robes.
■ "Tokuji Washi" Paper Making and "Watoji" Bookbinding Workshop (Feb 13)
Tokuji Washi, with over 800 years of history, is said to have been introduced to Yamaguchi in the early Kamakura period by a high-ranking monk of Todai-ji Temple. This workshop offers the chance to learn paper making using natural materials grown in the Tokuji region and bookbinding techniques from artisans who craft high-quality Washi.
■ "Kawara Soba" (Feb 12) and "Shojin Style Lunch" (Feb 13)
Nalanda offers delicious local cuisine for lunch. This year, participants can enjoy "Kawara Soba," a representative soul food of Yamaguchi Prefecture, served with green tea noodles and toppings on a hot tile, and a creative vegetarian Buddhist meal featuring abundant local vegetables, prepared by MAKI, a researcher of home-style vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
*Image is for illustrative purposes
School Nalanda Vol. 6
Date: February 12th (Sat.) and 13th (Sun.), 2022, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Honganji Yamaguchi Betsuin (3-7 Kōgun Hana-no-chō, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Instructors:
Feb 12: Mari Urahe (Internist), Akitsumi Nakamura (Farmer, Monk, Musician), Tomoaki Akai (Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha Monk)
Feb 13: Naohiro Yoshida (Biogeochemist), Toshinori Yoneda (Fashion Brand Director), Yoshitomo Fukuma (Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha Monk)
Capacity: On-site participation: Approx. 30 people per day
Online participation: No limit
Participation Fee:
On-site participation (attend all programs at the venue)
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
Online participation (view selected programs live over two days)
General/Students: ¥2,000
Application Page:https://nalanda6-yamaguchi.peatix.com/
*Application Deadline: February 7th, 2022 (Mon.) noon. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once capacity is reached.
Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha Office for Promoting Connections with Children and Youth
https://nalanda6-yamaguchi.peatix.com/