Buddhist Women's Association
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The Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) is the English name of the worldwide auxiliary lay organization of the Nishi Hongwanji-ha branch of
History
The BWA or Fujinkai was founded in Japan in the early 20th century by Takeko Kujō (1887–1928),[1][2] a daughter of Koson Ohtani, the 21st monshu (head abbot) of the Nishi Hongwanji-ha.[1] Takeko Kujo was in her early twenties at the time she founded the Fujinkai.[2] She also founded Asoka Hospital, one of Japan's first modern medical centers.[2] She died in Tokyo, Japan after contracting an illness during her charitable work in the city's slums following the Great Kanto earthquake.[2] Soon, BWA chapters were established in every Jodo Shinshu temple in Japan, and later in the United States and other overseas areas as many Japanese began emigrating in the late 19th century and early 20th century. These local fujinkai provided spiritual, financial and community support to immigrant Japanese.[3] The BWA in the United States is an auxiliary organization of the Buddhist Churches of America, the mainland United States branch of the Nishi Hongwanji-ha.
After World War II, Lady Yoshiko Ohtani (1918–2000) the spouse of the 23rd Monshu, Kosho Ohtani,[1] visited many temples in Japan and around the world and worked to revive the association.[1] At this time, the first worldwide conferences were held so BWA chapters could communicate.[1] Many BWA chapters observe an annual memorial service in her memory to commemorate her dedication to Buddhism.
BWA chapters have historically been composed of the older female members of a Shin temple
In the United States, the umbrella organization of BWA chapters across the nation is called the Federation of Buddhist Women's Associations (FBWA) and yearly conferences are held, the location and sponsorship rotating among the various BCA districts. A worldwide conference of BWA chapters is held every four years. The last worldwide conference was held in September 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Men and women both attend these conferences.
References
- ^ a b c d e f "History". San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Kujo Takeko : A Modern Buddhist Woman". Shin Dharma Net. Archived from the original on November 30, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
- ^ Nakamura, Kelli Y. "Fujinkai". Densho Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
- Kujo, Takeko. Muyuge: Flower Without Sorrow (The Nembutsu Press, Los Angeles, 1985).