Workshop

shabutsu:
transcribing buddha

in conjunction with the current exhibition "Myo-o In the Shell"

Date & Time:

Tuesday, March 5 at 7pm

Venue:

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
(5700 Wilshire Blvd., #100 Los Angeles, CA 90036)

Admission Free, RSVP Required FULL

Street parking is available near JFLA. Click here for parking info.

The Buddhist practice of Shabutsu（写仏）, transcribing Buddha is a means of spreading the Buddha Way among people through transcribing. It is also a way of praying for the fulfillment of one’s greatest wish. But today, besides being for these overtly religious purposes, Shabutsu also allows one to reflect on ourself, or to attain mental well-being by mindfully tracing the sacred scriptures and images. It does not matter if one has faith in Buddhism or not, or if one’s writing is good or not.   In our modern world, we can cherish quiet and serene moments fostered by Shabutsu through calligraphy, as Zen to deeply look at the self, which is an essential part of our everyday life.

Rev. Shumyo Kojima from Zenshuji Soto Mission, Los Angeles will hold a workshop of Shabutsu on March 5.  In copying the Buddha painting, the participant will experience Japanese calligraphy and meditation.  Beginners welcome.  No experience necessary.  All materials for Shabutsu will be provided including the Myo-o drawings by artist Takuma Kamine from the current exhibition "Myo-o in the Shell".

about lecturer

Rev. Shumyo Kojima
Rev. Shumyo Kojima was born in Novemver, 1968, Saga prefecture, Kyushu.
Growing up as a priest’s son in their family temple, he naturally gravitated towards becoming a Buddhist priest himself. Upon graduating from Komazawa University where he studied Buddhist history and philosophy, he entered the Soto Institute for Buddhist Studies, education department, where he studied for three years. In 1993, as a research trainee from the institute he embarked to the U.S. to temporarily join the staff at Zenshuji Soto Mission in Los Angeles. He entered Eiheiji Monastery at the age of 25. In 1995, He returned to Zenshuji to become a full time minister where he has remained for over 20 years and is currently still assigned. He became the head minister of Zenshuji since April 2015.

.