2009 Young Buddhists’ International Cultural Study Exchange
This year, we were privileged to represent the Toronto Buddhist Church and Jodo Shinshu Temples of Canada at the Young Buddhists’ International Cultural Study Exchange held at the Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. There were fifteen participants from the Buddhist Churches of America, fifteen from Hawaii, six from Brazil and nine from Canada. Rev. Grant Ikuta of the Steveston Buddhist Temple led the Canadian contingent of two youth from Calgary, two from Vancouver, two from Lethbridge and three from Toronto. Prior to the trip, Rev. Fujii held a workshop to give us important and helpful information for the trip.
The first leg of the trip was a flight from Toronto to Vancouver where we met the rest of the Canadian youth. From Vancouver we flew to Narita airport in Tokyo and caught a connecting flight to Kansai Airport in Osaka. On leaving the airport terminal in Osaka we were overwhelmed by the heavy humidity. The humidity stayed with us throughout the trip. Before the Hongwanji programme started, we visited many UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kiyomizu Dera, Kinkakuji, Ryoanji as well as Arashiyama Monkey Park.
The Hongwanji Programm
Before the programme started, we were concerned whether or not we would be able to get up in time for the 6am morning service and sit seiza for the entire time. Surprisingly, no one missed or was late for any of the services. We were honoured to be greeted by the Gomonshu and have our picture taken with him. At the end of the programme, the Gomonshu gave us our Buddhist names during the Affirmation ceremony. Rev. Gene Sekiya of the International Department was our lecturer. He gave us an interesting and insightful talk about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. We were given a behind the scenes tour of the newly renovated Founder’s Hall and saw the newly finished gold-leaf, wood and lacquer work. We also travelled by bus to visit the Osaka International Peace Centre and many historical sites that related to Shinran Shonin. We visited Shinran’s birthplace, Mount Hiei where he studied for many years, the place where he died and the Ohtani mausoleum where his ashes are.
As part of the programme, we all stayed at the homes of Jodo Shinshu temple families. We attended their morning services, visited their local festivals and visited local tourist sites.
The Hongwanji programme was a unique opportunity to meet other Jodo Shinshu youth from other parts of the world.
In Addition
During our travels we were able to try many different types of food – from Kobe beef to ekiben (train bento) to Japanese-style Italian or Chinese food. Everything was delicious!
After the Hongwanji programme was over, we travelled by Shinkansen to Hiroshima and visited Amagase Onsen. On Kyushu, we visited Mount Aso and Kumamoto. Travelling back by plane, we visited many places in Tokyo before heading back to Canada.
The Youth Tour made us realize even though we live in different places and have different interests, we all share a common religion and cultural background.
Lori and Amy Okada, Crystal Anzai
Please click on the images to see them in full size (it will pop-open a new window):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permalink