Generally, a field trip will be held shortly before the class in which we focus on that topic. This allows the participating students to lead their co-hort discussion group we have every class.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Japanese Buddhism (Saturday June 13 16:30-18:30) Kamakura.  We will study about the creative life of a Japanese fully ordained nun (bhikkhuni), whose numbers have dwindled to only a few hundred nationwide. Rev. Yuko Okamoto trained in the Tendai tradition which blends veneration of the Lotus Sutra and esoteric ritual. Rev. Okamoto is also trained in Nepali traditional dance. We will learn about her creative and unusual life as a Buddhist woman in Japan and also learn of the barriers that women face in creating legitimate and empowered Buddhist identities in Japan. Meet at Kamakura station West Exit at 16:00. Limited to 10 students.

Homeless “Patrol”  with the Hitosaji Association (Monday June 15 16:00-21:30) Asakusa. This is a special opportunity to learn directly from the founder and head priest of Hitosaji, Rev. Gakugen Yoshimizu, who last year was portrayed in an hour long NHK documentary. We will also get a chance to learn about Pure Land Buddhist chanting. This event is only held twice a month on Mondays. Meet in front of Tobu-Asakusa station at 15:30. Limited to 8 people

Suicide Prevention (Sunday June 21 15:00-18:00) Yokosuka City (about 1 hour from Hiyoshi) Visit Rev. Soin Fujio at his temple to study Zen meditation and learn about suicide prevention and mental health. Rev. Fujio also works in the local government and provides an amazing example of Buddhist priests working in the public sector. Wear comfortable light clothing for tai-chi and meditation. Dresses not recommended. Try to avoid short shorts and tank-tops. Meet at Oppama Station on the Keikyu Line at 14:30. Limited to 20 people

Eco-Temples & Community Development (TBA Friday June 19 OR Monday June 29 14:00-16:30) Edogawa-ku, eastern Tokyo with Rev. Hidehito Okochi, Keio graduate and abbot of two eco-temples in Edogawa-ku & Bunkyo-ku. We will tour the grounds of Kenju-in temple in Edogawa-ku and have a wide ranging discussion with Rev. Okochi about anti-nuclear activism, community development, alternative economics, and social justice. Meet at Shinagawa station at 11:45 OR JR Shin-Koiwa station at 13:30 (South exit). Unlimited

End-of-Life Care (TBA)

War, Peace & the Lotus Sutra (TBA) Nipponzan Myohoji is a Lotus Sutra denomination established in the Taisho era. It has a long history of peace work, especially peace walks in both Japan and internationally. We will visit their temple in Shibuya and have an opportunity to speak with their monks. Then we will go together to the park in front of the National Diet building to study the various peace groups who participate in the maintaining Article 9 of the Constitution which forbids an active military (such as labor organizations, women’s organizations, environmental NGOs, and religious groups like the Nipponzan Myohoji).

EXTRA: Kamakura Field Trip (TBA 10:00-16:30/sunset): The focus will be on visiting Buddhist temples and learning more about Japanese Buddhism. It will involve a lot of walking and perhaps some short hikes in the hills to get from one temple to another. I hope we may also find a good outdoor spot for practicing meditation if possible. Of course, we can also enjoy some good local macha ice cream etc. Buddhists are Middle Way so it will not be a field trip of strict suffering! Limited to 12 people

Meeting Place: Kita Kamakura Station 北鎌倉駅 and NOT Kamakura station at 10:00 am. Kita Kamakura has only one exit at the very front. I’ll be waiting there at the front. Please come out the side exit next to the temple and do not cross over the tracks to the main exit.

What you need:

• comfortable shoes and clothes for a bunch of walking and some nice hiking over the hills to various temples (so maybe not wearing a dress or high heels, but not serious hiking boots etc., sandals or trainers OK)
• plastic sheet or mat for sitting outside
• warm outer layer for sunset meditation on the beach (it might get chilly then)
• finding a restaurant for lunch will be hard with a group on a crowded weekend so bring some rice balls or a portable lunch and we can enjoy eating outside.

If you want to bring a friend who’s not in our class that’s fine, but tell me so I know how many are coming. You can sign up anytime or cancel by just sending me an e-mail.