Prof. Mark Blum

Professor and Shinjo Ito Distinguished Chair in Japanese Studies, University of California at Berkeley, CA. Prof. Blum published his translation of the Nirvana Sutra (Vol I) in 2013. In researching Vol II, he found certain aspects to be of interest, which he shared with us in his talk, titled “Buddhist Reverberations of Forgiveness: Shinran and the Nirvana Sutra Tale of Ajatasatru”

"I cannot prove this, but I am personally convinced that Shinran had some sort of awakening when he read or learned of this story. This reminds us that the second most quoted sutra in Shinran's writings after the Larger Sukhavativyuha is the Nirvana Sutra and that this story takes up more than 40% of the Faith chapter in the Kyogyoshinsho.” 

Eastern Buddhist League 2020

Rev. Dr. Mark Unno

Professor of East Asian Buddhism, Department Head Religious Studies, University of Oregon, shared his insights on the topic of:"Dharmakaya: The Body of Great Compassion"

“Through facing and becoming aware of suffering within ourselves, we come to an embodied awareness of suffering. Deepening this awareness leads to the embodied realization of boundless compassion.”

Eastern Buddhist League 2020

Rev. Blayne Higa

Resident Minister, Kona Honganji Buddhist Temple, Hilo, shared his thoughts about our spiritual journey, exploring how “It's Ok to Not Be Ok: Shin Buddhist Wisdom for Living” 

“Exploring how Shin Buddhist spirituality can offer ways of understanding our imperfect lives and help us cultivate greater compassion and resilience in times of difficulty.”

Eastern Buddhist League 2020