The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

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The Office of Buddhist Education page

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR 2000

Rev. Mari Sengoku, Acting Director of Buddhist Education

Best wishes for the year of the dragon! As acting director of the Office of Buddhist Education, I have two resolutions for the new year. One is to establish a good relationship with Dharma school teachers through the new project, "Philosophy for Children," and by activating the State Dharma School Teachers’ Association and its conference.

"Philosophy for Children," a new curriculum developed by Dr. Thom Jackson of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, will be taught to Dharma school teachers at two, one-day sessions this year. Two Dharma school teachers will be invited to learn how to teach the curriculum. The goal for this project is for our Dharma school teachers to develop the skills to shape our children into flourishing individuals, with the universal common sense to cope with all ethnic groups, with the Buddhist philosophy, so that they can become responsible adults who understand the essence of Buddhism.

Through the activities and the Dharma School Teachers Conference, I anticipate that all Dharma school teachers from each island will develop closer relationships and have increased opportunities to discuss the future of our Dharma schools and students.

My second resolution is to develop a counseling system in accordance with the Buddhist philosophy. In our organization, a meaningful counseling seminar or retreat should be planned to provide a systematic program for counseling. Since our Hongwanji organization is planning to develop a closer relationship with the Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii, it is essential for us to consider methods to assist ministers in this area.

There are two major therapies derived from Buddhism. One is Morita therapy, based on principles of Zen Buddhism. The other is Naikan therapy, developed by a Jodo Shin Buddhist minister, from the idea of an ascetic method of self-examination. Unlike Morita therapy, which values individuality and independence, Naikan therapy fosters a sense of appreciation for our relationships with other by discovering our self-centeredness. Naikan therapists believe that when we recognize who we are and change our lifestyle to one of grateful self-sacrifice, a tremendous liberation of energy occurs.

As a Jodo Shin minister, I am very interested in Naikan therapy and would like to introduce it to our organization as a counseling method. Therefore, I would like to plan a training institute conducted by Naikan specialists and share the skill and technique with other ministers. I also hope to plan at least one seminar or retreat for lay members.

I continuously ask for your support and guidance. If you have any questions or comments regarding the Office of Buddhist Education, please contact me - honpahi@aloha.net.