At the Pacific Buddhist Academy, taiko is a required course for freshmen and an elective thereafter. Through practice and performance, students develop concentration and self-discipline, they become more physically fit, and develop confidence in their artistic abilities. Most importantly, students develop awareness of their egocentric attachments and fundamental interdependence, two central Buddhist principles.
The theme for this year's festival, One Thousand Cranes for Peace, is inspired by the poignant story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl stricken with leukemia after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and her courageous struggle to heal. Through her actions she inspired millions of people around the world to work for a more peaceful world.
"Peace is something we may strive to achieve, but are never quite able to grasp," said PBA taiko Sensei, Jay Toyofuku. "Our hope that this concert will raise the awareness of those attending that we can each do something that brings about a peaceful vibration. Even simple things like a walk in nature or the sharing of good music can bring a sense of calm."
Tickets for this event will be $10.00 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Pacific Buddhist Academy Taiko Program.
Pacific Buddhist Academy is a small, independent, college preparatory high school. Located at the edge of downtown Honolulu, the Academy is part of a unified system of Buddhist education, pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Pacific Buddhist Academy students and faculty engage in academic, spiritual, and social learning in a community that treasures each person and is strongly committed to promoting peace.
For more information call (808) 532-2649 or email info@pacificbuddhistacademy.org.