The World Buddhist Women’s Convention followed recent Jodo Shinshu anniversary celebrations in Kyoto, Japan. Shin Buddhist BWA members from around the world gathered for workshops and fellowship. The program included sharing from the various overseas districts, with Hawaii Betsuin’s Cindy Alm speaking for the Hawaii delegation.

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association delegates and friends performed the new Buddhist Women’s Pledge in song and sign language. BJ Soriano of Hilo Betsuin had composed music to make the pledge into a song, and David Atcheson and Wendie Yumori of Hawaii Betsuin had developed an American Sign Language translation.

Thanks to Kona Hongwanji, who shared this video on their Facebook page, we can share a partial recording of the performance here:

The recording is of the last sentence in the pledge, “We welcome all, with aloha, to come as they are to the circle of Namo Amida Butsu,” repeated as a chorus. You can find the words to the entire pledge on the website of the Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations website at http://hawaiibwa.org/about/#pledge.

See also

Here is a related post on the Facebook page of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (Bishop’s Office).