Federation Buddhist Women's Conference

This past weekend, we were able to attend the Federation Buddhist Women’s Conference, “Winds of Change”. Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada illustrated with a power point presentation the technological progress we have made in the last 60 years. But with this incredible progress, he expressed how this change has created many challenges in our lives. He continued to state that the teaching of the Buddha Dharma is the foundation in which to live through these challenges and difficulties. The Dharma, as he stated, “ is what is constant, stable, and timeless.”

Dr. Paula Arai, the first professor of the Eshinni and Kakushinni Professor of Women and Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, gave a presentation entitled “Receiving and Giving: Buddhist Women Past, Present and Future”. This was followed by the FBWA Representative meeting, where the amended resolution of the Eshinni Kakushinni Endowment Fund was passed, and the announcement that Karen Akahoshi was selected to be our representative at the panel discussion at the World Buddhist Women’s Convention in Japan this May 2023. A slideshow of the FBWA Music Project for the Japan Convention was also presented. Here is a link to this beautiful and inspirational song, With Gassho from the Heart, which was created by our FBWA membership.

The conference continued to focused on the decline in the membership of the BWA throughout our country, and strategies to encourage and build new membership. A panel discussion highlighting 3 ministers and lead by Rev. Candice Shibata, discussed how we can encourage new members to join, and continue to maintain our traditions through inclusiveness, openness, and sharing inspirational stories. Letting go of attachments was also discussed. “Sushi can be made in so many creative and delicious ways, not just one way”, as was expressed by Reverend Mascher-Mace of the Denver Buddhist Temple.

A problem solving workshop was presented in the afternoon to help our chapters define our values and goals by utilizing the 5 Whys, and then to use strategies to get the word out to the membership and the public about these goals and values. Nicole and Megan Doi, from the Stockton Buddhist Temple, used their marketing and technology skills, to inform us of how to meaningfully communicate and interest others about the BWA. It was a most helpful and informative workshop.

I left the conference feeling inspired, hopeful and so appreciative of our BWA traditions and the compassionate, hard working and dedicated members of the Federation Buddhist Women’s Association.

In gassho,

Mani Ryan

BWA Corresponding Secretary