School Nalanda: Learning Wisdom for Life from Diverse Fields and Practicing It in Society

【Event Overview】
School Nalanda Special Edition
[Date and Time] December 9, 2017 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
[Venue] Nishi Hongan-ji Amida Hall and Grounds (Horikawa-dori Hanayacho-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City)
[Amida Hall Performers]
Masakatsu Takagi (Musician, Filmmaker)
Yuetsu Kuruma (Biologist)
Tomoo Fujimaru (Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji-ha Monk)
[Capacity] Amida Hall: 600 people (advance reservation required, first-come, first-served basis); Grounds: No capacity limit
[Admission Fee] Free
[Application Form URL]https://nalanda-special.jp/apply/
[Age Range] 10s to 40s (for Amida Hall events only)
*The Goen-san Expo is open to everyone.

【Program 1】School Nalanda (Amida Hall)
[Date] December 9 (Saturday)
[Schedule]
1:00 PM Doors Open

1:45 PM - 2:10 PM O-tsutome (from Hōsan Dentō Sakuhō)
A ritual performance by the "Midōshū," known as "Sandanshū" and "Sōgakuin," featuring Buddhist chanting and Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music). The solemnity of the music, the monks' sutra chanting, and the ornate decorations of the main hall, said to represent the Pure Land, along with the monks' traditional kesa robes, create a magnificent and solemn traditional ceremony. *Image top left: Impression of O-tsutome.

2:25 PM - 3:10 PM Music Concert: Masakatsu Takagi (Piano, Visuals)
A concert by Masakatsu Takagi, a musician and filmmaker known for his work on Mamoru Hosoda's popular animated films "Wolf Children" and "The Boy and the Beast." Experience Takagi's piano performance resonating within the serene and solemn atmosphere of the main hall. *Image top right: Masakatsu Takagi.

3:20 PM - 4:00 PM Lecture: Yuetsu Kuruma (Biologist, Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology)
Dr. Kuruma's research explores the origins of life on Earth billions of years ago through the creation of artificial cells. His lecture will focus on his research into "cell membranes," which distinguish self from non-self, and the scientific definition of "life."

4:05 PM - 4:10 PM Panel Discussion: Message from the 25th Monshu Sennyo
A greeting from Monshu Sennyo, who succeeded to the dharma light in 2014 and was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

4:10 PM - 4:50 PM Panel Discussion: Masakatsu Takagi + Yuetsu Kuruma + Tomoo Fujimaru (Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji-ha Monk)
Theme: "Boundaries Between Self, Others, and the World"
An engaging discussion between an artist, a scientist, and a monk. Buddhism aims for a way of thinking and living that transcends self-centeredness. This panel will explore the boundaries between self and others from various perspectives, offering insights for finding a personal anchor in life.
Moderator: Sari Hayashiguchi (Art Producer, Epiphany Works)

【Program 2】Goen-san Expo (Grounds)
[Date and Time] December 9 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
December 10 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Approximately 30 Buddhist stalls and 10 food stalls are expected!
《Buddhist Stalls》
"Goen-san" is a colloquial term for monks, derived from "Go-inge-san." Monks and organizations from Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji-ha and other Buddhist sects, who are engaged in innovative initiatives nationwide, will gather at Hongan-ji for the "Goen-san Expo."
Young monks today are remarkably active, organizing music concerts and markets at temples, giving Dharma talks in live music venues, and running "monk bars" and cafes where people can casually chat with them—activities that extend beyond traditional temple settings.
Explore contemporary Buddhism through introductions to their activities at the stalls, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to interact with the monks.

《Food Stalls》
Monks will offer hospitality with "Shōfū," a traditional sweet from Hongan-ji, and sweets from popular Kyoto cafes.
Furthermore, reflecting Buddhist principles of seasonal and local consumption, and engaging all five senses, Takuji Takahashi, the third-generation head chef of the renowned Kyoto restaurant "Kinobu," has curated food vendors, primarily featuring Kyoto cuisine. Takahashi and the vendors will present exclusive, limited-edition bento boxes for the "Goen-san Expo," designed to be both nourishing and delicious. Consider these thoughtfully crafted bento boxes that are good for both body and soul.