Getting global on Kauai

LIHUE — Delegates to the 57th Junior Young Buddhists of America state convention were encouraged to “Think Outside the State: Become a Global Citizen.”

Despite having only four members, the Kauai Jr. YBA hosted the annual state convention which wrapped up Sunday at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort and the Lihue Hongwanji Mission in Kapaia.

“We picked the theme in observance of the changes in our world today,” said Melia Okura, convention co-chair, and a member of the Kauai Jr. YBA. “People from all across the globe are able to communicate and converse because of great advances in technology. With these extended relations, it is important for our generation to realize that every one of their actions has a reaction, and the ability to work with other people is important.”

Buddhist belief in oneness and interconnectedness includes the practice of peace and tolerance with all types of people, she said. It also embraces all styles of thinking, so global citizenship relates back to the basis of our religion.

“Our workshops and guest speakers had insightful interpretations on this theme,” Okura said. “As an example, Mr. Jose Bulatao and the Bailes de Jose Troupe led a workshops on learning the ‘Tinikling,’ the national dance of the Philippines. While doing the dance, Mr. Bulatao taught us the not only the importance of teamwork in dancing the ‘Tinikling,’ but in life as well.”

The 57th Jr. YBA state convention was made possible through the efforts of the Kauai Hongwanji Council, the Lihue Hongwanji Mission, the West Kauai Hongwanji Mission, the Kapaa Hongwanji Mission, the Kauai United Buddhist Women’s Association including the Lihue BWA, West Kauai BWA, and Kapaa BWA, Rev. Kazunori Takahashi, Rev. Bruce Nakamura, and many more supporters and friends.