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Los Angeles, CALIF.-- The first ever symposium on the teachings of
Honen (1133-1212) - founder of the Pure Land School of Buddhism in Japan, is being given free of charge on Saturday, November 30th from 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. and will be open to the public. In an attempt to preserve the teachings of Honen and activate interest in its far-reaching implications, among the lay and academic public, a spirited and rigorous symposium has been planned. Scholars from Stanford, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Duke University to name a few will lead discussions.
Saint Honen, whose profound teachings have been the focus of Japanese Buddhism, strove to include women as well as common people in the search for salvation - unlike other sects that sought to exclude them. He taught that through the recitation of Nembutsu, even the sinful may realize Ojo, birth in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha.
Bukkyo University located in Kyoto, Japan was established by the Pure Land school in 1868. In 1992, it created an extension in Los Angleles who's academic mission has been to impart the spiritual and philosophical tenets of Buddhism, particularly those taught by Honen, and introduce it to the North American continent.
The teachings of Honen and its far-reaching effects will be dicussed in this international symposium for scholars and interested public. An engaging discussion can be expected. Any and all who have an an interest in the subject of Buddhism will find this presentation intriguing.
To R.S.V.P. or for more information, fax 213/346-9678