Akira Minagawa, Tamotsu Shimaji, Saeri Natsuo, and More to Speak at the Modern Terakoya "School Nalanda vol.4" Opening at Kyoto's Nishi Honganji Temple
First held in February 2017, "School Nalanda" brings together lecturers from diverse fields such as scientists, engineers, and artists, centered around Buddhism, sparking unexpected chemical reactions each time. Its rich program attracts many participants and has garnered significant acclaim. A key feature is the involvement of young people of similar age to the participants, who join the planning and operation as "Team Nalanda."
The fourth installment, themed "Seriously Imagining a Society Where Diverse Values Can Be Expressed," will be held at the World Heritage site of Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto, featuring a distinguished lineup of lecturers.
This edition boasts a rich program including lectures and panel discussions by Akira Minagawa, fashion designer and head of "minä perhonen"; Tamotsu Shimaji, a leading contemporary dancer in Japan; Osamu Sakura, who researches evolutionary theory and the relationship between science, technology, and society; Saeri Natsuo, a freelance writer whose speculative tweets about romance have gained attention; and a priest from the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha sect. Participants can also enjoy a tour of Nishi Honganji Temple, a World Heritage site and National Treasure not usually open to the public, and workshops where they can experience making incense and prayer beads related to Buddhism. Lunch will be *shojin ryori* (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) served as *otoki* at Nishi Honganji.
Theme for the 4th Edition: "Seriously Imagining a Society Where Diverse Values Can Be Expressed."
We humans have survived for 250,000 years by creating societies and communities. Yet, conforming too much to society can be draining. In an era of developing technologies like the internet, which has given rise to various new communities, how can we foster coexistence among diverse values and ways of being?
Let us learn and think together with creators who express themselves through fashion and dance, scientists who view humanity through the lens of evolutionary theory, writers who use text as a means of communication, and a monk who offers a transcendent perspective from the "world of Buddha."
"School Nalanda vol.4"
Date & Time: Saturday, February 9 & Sunday, February 10, 2019, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Nishi Honganji Temple, Dendo-in (Horikawa-dori Hanaya-cho sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City)
Access:http://www.hongwanji.or.jp
Capacity: 60 people per day
Target Audience: Ages 10-20s
Participation Fee: General: ¥3,000 per day, ¥5,000 for both days (includes lunch)
*Students: ¥2,000 per day, ¥3,000 for both days (Student ID required at registration)
Lecturers:
〈Feb 9〉 Akira Minagawa (Designer), Tamotsu Shimaji (Dancer/Choreographer), Tomoo Fujimaru (Priest, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha)
〈Feb 10〉 Osamu Sakura (Science Theorist), Saeri Natsuo (Freelance Writer), Masafumi Takeda (Priest, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha / Clinical Psychologist)
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 (Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; closes once capacity is reached)
● How to Apply: Via the application form (http://ur0.work/OgE8)), or by email (goen@hongwanji.or.jp) or FAX (075-351-1211) to the "Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Office for Fostering Connections with Children and Youth." For details, check our Facebook page!
◎ School Nalanda Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/HonguanjiNalanda/
"School Nalanda" is a modern *terakoya* (temple school) aimed at young people aged 10-20s who are about to enter society. In an era where it's challenging to establish one's own "measuring stick" amidst diverse values, this event offers wisdom and encounters that may provide hints for navigating this landscape.
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Office for Fostering Connections with Children and Youth
Tel. 075-371-5181
https://www.facebook.com/HonguanjiNalanda/