The Japan adventure began in San Francisco at the Shinnyo-en Foundation office. We engaged in hands on learning experiences where we were introduced to Japan, Shinnyo-en Foundation and Order and to each other. This preflection set the stage for the adventure ahead and welcomed us into a circle of trust with fellow travelers.

We first visited the exciting vibrant city of Tokyo! From the top of the Tokyo Tower we could see sky scraping buildings to the horizon in every directions; we got a sense of the size of this metropolis and the 33 million inhabitants. The city was so clean; the transportation systems so efficient. We loved using the trains, subways, buses, and taxis. It was very interesting to have a very formal elegant luncheon meeting with James Zumwalt, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mark of The Embassy of the United States of America ; we learned about Japanese US relationships and did a presentation on service and peace. We learned of Japanese history and WWII at the Japanese History Museum; this began our thinking of the tragedy of war and the necessity of peace. The highlight of the trip was attending The Celebration of Joy lead by Her Holiness at beautiful O’gen-In.

We enjoyed the chanting, the music, the love shared between Her Holiness and the international followers.
This beautiful service gave us a beautiful view into Shinnyo-en practice, tradition and belief system.

By bullet train we traveled to the ancient capital of Kyoto. It was exciting to see the city scape blend into the countryside; we enjoyed seeing rice growing in beautiful green patches. Kyoto is a cultural center with traditional architecture and a slower pace. We enjoyed visiting a Shinto shrine. We were thrilled to visit Daigogi, the ancient temple and educational center where Shinjo Ito received training and inspiration to lead The Shinnyo-en Order. We enjoyed seeing the lovely Golden Palace and garden; we were excited to see the Nijo Castle and learn about the Shogun history.

My favorite site was the Ryukyo garden and center. This area was recently restored by Shinnyo-en to a most beautiful garden and art center. I found the restored garden of trees, moss, streams, waterfalls, stepping stones, and mountains to be calm, peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. The restoration inspires me to begin some restoration in my own life. I will always treasure this calm beautiful memory. Ryukyo is a treasured gift to the world.

Again by bullet train we traveled quickly to Hiroshima. We were prepared for the learning in Hiroshima by watching a fascinating DVD “The Barefoot Gen” ; this experience gave us a framework to begin to understand the human cost of war. A Hiroshima survivor spoke with us; that experience made the history come alive. We visited the Hiroshima Museum and Peace Garden where we saw the history of WWII, the tragedy of Hiroshima, the cost of war, and the invitation to peace given by the people of Japan.

Deep group reflection helped us process all we saw and learned; this reflection gave meaning and structure our thoughts. This Hiroshima experience forever changed us and encouraged us to see all of humanity as one.

We learned about Japan, about Shinnyo-en, and about ourselves. Deepest gratitude to Shinnyo-en Foundation for this life changing experience. We all are all transformed by a deep connection to Japan, each other and ourselves. This trip encouraged compassion and an ability to see the world through a different lens. We learned to see a viewpoint in addition to our own. We expanded our circle of care and concern and our ability to connect with others. Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Haru Inouye and the Foundation for this life changing experience.

Two Shinnyo-en young adults, Komada Tatsuyki (Seattle) and David Mcclean (New York) traveled with four Catholics, Kaye and Fred Tierney, Raquel Palma and Deacon Steve Herrera, from the Diocese of San Jose to explore the Navajo and Apache tribes in Arizona and New Mexico. We toured mystical landscapes and walked with the paths ancient ones walked in centuries old cliff dwellings. We read the petroglyphs left for us millennia ago and tried to decipher their meanings.

This was an interfaith trip which Catholics, Shinnyo-en Buddhists, Navajos and Apaches engaged in dialogue and gained a new appreciation of each other’s religious traditions.

One very special place we visited was Canyon De Chelly. We traversed the canyon floor and were awestruck by its wondrous beauty. A Navajo saying is to ‘walk in beauty’; it is a spiritual aphorism that applies to us except that we rode in beauty!

After our tour of the lower canyon we drove along the rim of Canyon De Chelly and drove to a sacred place at the end of the rim road. This place is overlooking Spider Rock. In this place you can hear sheer silence as you see the cathedral-like tower that is the sacred Spider Rock. Tatsuyuki and David brought their chanting kits to this sacred place. They sat on the ledge of this holy ground and chanted and offered this spiritual place their own Buddhist blessing.

At the same time they were chanting, there were two Navajo’s just about 10 feet from Tatsuyki and David who were also praying in this sacred spot. Marcella and George were blessing Spider Rock with their Navajo prayers at the same time. The ancient ones, the ancestors brought these two religions traditions together at the same exact time, so that the Navajo prayers and Buddhist chants could be joined in a joint blessing of Spider Rock.

After the Buddhist and Navajo prayers met, Tatsuyuki and David met Marcella and George. David and Tatsuyuki shared their story and explained that they were Shinnyo-en Buddhists who were praying in this sacred place to pay homage to their spiritual cousins!

This was a profound meeting of two unique spiritualities in a chance meeting in a sacred place, in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth. This was truly a highlight on this unique interfaith trip.

The luncheon also gave me a chance to reconnect with the executives, staff and fellows of the Shinnyo-en Foundation. Seeing them joyfully at work reminded me that it is also through their bridge-building efforts that Her Holiness Shinso Ito’s message of peace and interconnectedness is able to reach people of different cultures and continents. Representing different backgrounds, generations and ethnicities working together to advance the Six Billion Paths to Peace initiative, they’re a true and vivid reminder that “Kindness has no borders.”

Kicking off the discussion Jim Kielsmeier, President of National Youth Leadership Council, spoke of the amazing power of service as it relates to peace building and illustrated how Active learning combined with Active Service has the potential to build bridges in local and international communities.

He also highlighted several impressive service programs across the globe- from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Argentina, each born out of international partnerships.

The work of Kyleigh Kuhn, Founder of Pennies for Peace & the Shinnyo-en Foundation Ambassador of Peace, served as an exemplary model to Jim’s point. As her family’s organization Roots for Peace tirelessly serves the world transforming mine fields into agricultural fields Kyliegh expressed how she herself has been transformed through her work with others. “While we often consider the benefits that the community may receive we must also acknowledge the ensured rewards that we gain,” said Kuhn.

Kyleigh also acknowledged those who have supported her in her work, “the Shinnyo-en foundation has provided a breath of life into my path to peace.”

Kennedy Roberts also spoke humbly of his own inner struggle to find his path to peace through service. While he told a story of the devastating civil war that divided his home country of Grenada, he also spoke of the critical role that volunteering played in ending the conflict and reuniting communities.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Rueven Gal, clinical psychologist and author, shared openly about his own transformation from his service in the Israeli military to becoming a peace activist. He described his own transformation which can be best be illustrated by his most recent book title, “Service Without Guns.”

After discussing the many and varied programs, what each panelist was eager to discuss was how to engage and connect young global citizens with their own paths to peace.

Kennedy Roberts, a diplomat from Grenada, set the stage for the discussion by affirming, “We cannot hope for our children to find peace if we continue to perpetuate war,” and each panelist went on to speak about the importance of providing people with alternatives to violence through service, education, youth leadership and interfaith dialogue.

Amy, thank you for agreeing to talk with us today.  To begin with, would you tell us about how you came to be working at UC Berkeley?

I was working for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology for several years before meeting my current colleagues at Berkeley. Given my background in international business and my academic degrees – one from Berkeley – it seemed a natural fit. Berkeley has always had a special place in my heart. It is great to be able to “give back” by working here.

Could you give us some information about your work with Cal?

I work in a very small team on campus, called International Relations. We are responsible for expanding the presence of Berkeley overseas through community building (Berkeley Clubs) and outreach to the press. These activities help to raise affinity for the campus, and enhance our other major activity of increasing international support for our faculty, students and infrastructure, in the form of gifts and grants.

What are the goals, objectives, and mission of your organization?

The University of California Berkeley is, I am proud to say, one of the world’s premier public universities and a wellspring of innovation. Based on a strong ethic of academic excellence and public service, our community of faculty, students and alumni make key contributions to the economic and social well-being of people around the world. In fact, as I interact with alumni around the world, I would say that the key unifying factor is our shared dedication to the betterment of others.

The Office of International Relations strives to support the mission of academic excellence and public service by unifying and expanding our communities around the world, and by ensuring meaningful supportive partnerships with individuals and organizations throughout the world.

What parallels and connections do you see between Shinnyo-en Foundation and your organization?

We share a commitment to peace-making in the active sense.

Shinnyo-en invites and inspires others to make an active difference in the world on a personal level and a public level. They translate esoteric peace doctrine into plain language and practice so that all make access and express their better selves.

It has long been said that faculty don’t come to Berkeley for the salary, the come for the community and the sense of public service. The fact that as an institution we have the highest number of Peace Corps alumni attests to this fact. Faculty successfully convey this commitment to the student body.

Can you tell us a little bit about the vision of UC Berkeley?

Our vision is one of access and excellence. That is, to provide the access or opportunity to the richness of our institution to all – to improve their lives whether through direct education, indirect benefits from scientific and intellectual discovery, and so forth. We are committed to ensuring that knowledge improves quality of life across the globe, and in turn brings about a more peaceful world.

What were your impressions of the Six Billion Paths to Peace event in San Francisco last year?

I was deeply impressed by the honorees’ achievements, and the insight of Shinnyo-en to include all types of individuals – from the world-renowned to the modest elementary school teacher. Very touching! I also enjoyed the spectrum of generations represented on stage. From Bishop Ito, hailing from the senior ranks to the very young singer Bianca. It is a work of peace to create meaningful dialogue across generations. We can envision active roles for ourselves throughout time, in various contexts, with the goal of serving others.

Now Amy, we’d like to learn a little about your interests outside of your professional work?  What is the best book you have read recently?

Gosh, the best book – hmmm, I read as much as possible when I have a quiet moment – fiction, books on finance, Buddhist scripture, you name it. The world offers us so much to ponder.

I would put two books in the “best of “ category right now – the whole Harry Potter series, and a very insightful classic entitled, “A Random Walk Down Wall Street.” Both are works of genius, but very different from each other. As an all-time favorite, I would vote for “Japanese Pilgrimage,” by Oliver Statler, which is about the Shingon pilgrimage on Shikoku Island, and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee.

When not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

More than reading….I spend a lot of time with my twin daughters and husband of 21 years! Mom stuff – volunteering at school and the softball team. I also have a daily yoga practice balanced with lap swimming. Finally, my husband and I are remodeling our 80+ year-old home. Our home is a lovely great dame, in need of a major face lift. Right now, we are studying the finer points stucco-ing exterior walls. Once that’s done, we will rewire the whole house and then rebuild the kitchen.

So, yoga is your passion?

Indeed, my passion. You know, I have yet to meet someone who does not appreciate yoga, after practicing it.

In principle, it is basically stretching, right? However this simple activity awakens the senses and spirit and refocuses my attention for the day. I practice what is called hot yoga, though I enjoy all forms. Hot yoga requires full attention to the poses – no room for outside thoughts. I also appreciate practicing in a group. It is very humbling and reassuring to see so many of us striving to live fuller, more conscious lives. – no matter what we look or sound like. No one looks too good after 90 minutes in a really hot room. But oh the smiles!

Secretly, I take a mental photo of people after their first lesson. There is a certain smile that tells me they reconnected with their higher self.

And in closing please share with our readers, what is your personal path to peace?

My personal path to peace is to consciously serve the world as best I can, with the talents I have been given. I have found a common challenge for us – human beings – is lack of self-confidence and spiritual support – not just from family, but from the community at large. I try to remain mindful of this in everything I do –to recognize the best intentions in others, and to encourage. It costs nothing to encourage, and to praise. Everyone wins!

Like in yoga, I set my intentions at the beginning of each day by reciting a short morning prayer. In the prayer I dedicate the day back to this great universal spirit which is reflected in those around me.

I have just completed my first week of the program, and it has been both wonderful and challenging. The students bring so much character to the program and to my class; however, I realize that I have to continue working on my curriculum development and classroom management approaches. Even though it has just been one week, I am quickly learning the importance of being firm yet compassionate with the students. In my class, perhaps there are a couple of students that frequently talk out of turn, which means I have to respond strictly. Outside of class, however, I realize the power of relationship building, as I want to show all the students that I care even if I mean business when it comes to the classroom.

Because the relationships I will build with students are more of a mentor-student dynamic, I would initially expect that the students would overtly gain and grow through the guidance of the “mentor”. At this point, however, I feel that I am gaining more than I see my students learning in class. I have wondered if this then becomes a one-sided relationship, where I am the mentor receives the challenges and is able to grow. I am hoping that this is just a tendency of beginning stages in getting to know students and teaching for the first time.

Each day has its challenges and rewards, however, I anticipate that the next four weeks will pass quickly. For now though, I am curious to explore how the SEF philosophy intertwines with the role of educators, especially in light of educational inequity. Some days I feel that my students have not learned as much as I hoped possibly because I am still developing my teaching skills. Nonetheless, my attempt to start a ripple of knowledge and understanding stops short, and I realize that I may need to send many continuous “ripples” in order to get them to spread. I am hopeful for this, and as the program progresses and I build relationships with students, I hope that both mentor and student will gain something, whether a support network, knowledge, or an enriching summer experience.

Bishop Ito with First Lady Paterson of New York, Susan Stern, Karen Baker, and guests at the Hearts of Service Luncheon

Not a single cloud in the blue skies of the Big Apple!

The weather forecast for rain and thunder for June 28th, was knocked out with a burst of sunshine on opening day of the world’s largest gathering of service and volunteer leaders: The National Conference on Volunteering and Service 2010!

Shinnyo-en Foundation’s Heart of Service Awards Luncheon launched the Conference at the very elegant and stylish Manhattan landmark, the Plaza Hotel.

Her Holiness Shinso Ito, Head Priest of Shinnyo-en and Bishop Ito welcomed First Lady Paterson, First Deputy Mayor Harris, and some 300 distinguished guests, to honor and celebrate the commendable work carried out by the awardees.

Bishop Ito with First Lady Paterson and Henry Lozano

On this occasion, Her Holiness presented a statue of Prince Shotoku – a symbol of Peace and Harmony – from the private collection of Master Shinjo’s works, to the City of New York for its exemplary role as a model city in implementing social change and innovation.

Her speech reminded all those in attendance about the shared bonds and strong connections between people, and the need for everyone to help each other. It was truly an inspiring moment.

The recipient of the 2010 Pathfinders to Peace Award, an award which honors those who have dedicated their lives to bringing about a more peaceful world through their endeavors, was U.S. Senator Harris Wofford, who was honored for his lifelong commitment to service, including his important role in the formation of the Peace Corps, and his support of the civil rights movement working alongside the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. that are only a few of his many accomplishments.

The panel discussion moderated by Ariana Huffington brought an interesting exchange of ideas, bringing together some of the most successful and important women in the community.

The Opening Plenary

Every seat was filled in the legendary and historic Radio City Music Hall at the official kick off of the Conference, with close to 6,000 leaders of the business, nonprofit, government, and volunteer sector ready to embark on the three-day event. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and a host of other dignitaries, community leaders, and volunteers from across the country gave words of encouragement, with emcees Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” kept the crowd entertained.

Mayor Bloomberg

Her Holiness Shinso Ito, brought her serene and quiet strength to encourage and thank all those who were giving their time tirelessly in the task of helping others.

The three days in New York City will provide ways the service movement can better target resources toward pressing social problems and measure impact; expand opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to serve; build the capacity of individuals, nonprofit organizations and communities to address social challenges; and embrace innovation through workshops, plenary session, and in the hallways meeting other people with common goals.

I was picked up by a flashy “chicken bus” – one of the brightly painted American school busses that ferry people around Guatemala. We then drove to the project to pick up the students. They got on the bus and, of course, walked immediately to fill up the back of the bus. I have hardly had any opportunities to interact with the students since I’ve been here. I really felt that lack of connection as the students got on the bus and whizzed past me without a second thought, or perhaps even without a first. I haven’t had a bus ride that lonely since I was an awkward pre-teen (and I was pretty awkward back then).

Once we arrived at Irtra, I started chatting the students up right away. Of course, being teenagers, they were way too cool to chat with me. Teenage rebellion transcends place and culture. But, I was determined to wriggle my way in.

After some finagling over pool regulations with the powers that be – who knew Guatemala had rules? – we finally got to head down to the pool. Once at the pool, it was a whole different story and my interactions with the students took a complete 180 degrees. Not only were the students suddenly responsive to my conversation starters, but they even sought me out. It was amazing.

Most of the students knew how to swim, thanks to their involvement in the Guatemala City United Way swimming program in 2008. We horsed around seeing who could make the biggest cannonball splash and the coolest looking jump into the pool. One of the girls climbed on to my back and had me dragging her around in the water. We raced in heats across the pool. I was constantly trying to let them win because I’ve clearly had a lot more practice at swimming than they have. My attention was primarily focused on teaching. I gathered a group of a few students and reached deep into my memory bank to remember the proper technique for the different swim strokes. We went through front crawl, the frog kick and back crawl. One of the boys, Wilfredo, didn’t have much experience and showed a keen interest, so I took him aside. We spent almost a half an hour at the wall of the pool practicing kicking. I didn’t know I remembered so much about swimming! It was unbelievable to see the difference in their ability after just a short morning swim. It’s true what they say; kids soak up everything like a sponge. Especially when they’re already in water.

It felt good to provide the students with an opportunity to just relax and have fun. These youth have a very difficult life. A majority of them come from single parent homes. Their parents work extremely long hours – first spending 10 or more hours in the dump, then several more sorting through the day’s findings. Many of them come from large families, with a number of siblings all vying for attention. In some cases, the parents are addicted to drugs – often alcohol or glue. Some have been exposed to domestic violence. For many of these youth, there is just simply not enough love to go around. Yes, they are teenagers filled with angst, but all of that melts away in a moment after giving them some positive attention. It’s a very bittersweet realization. How bad must their home lives be in some cases to be so hungry for attention and so open to receiving it from someone they’ve only just met? You can feel it in your bones how badly they want love. It absolutely breaks my heart to think of all the forces at play that keep such amazing people from being shown how wonderful and lovable they are.

But, because of that, there is also tremendous opportunity to really connect with these youth. It’s hard for many of the volunteers to see or feel that they’ve had a real impact because most are here for only a matter of a few weeks or a few months. I am here for a year. I have the time to really connect with these youth and be a consistent source of support and positive reinforcement. I won’t be able to change the larger social system at play, but in that time I can definitely plant the seeds for them to challenge it. I want these youth to see something beyond the dump. I’m not saying that working in the dump is purely bad. In fact, I think the guajeros do a job that is absolutely vital. But, the conditions surrounding the work are extremely bad, and the way it proliferates itself within families is abysmal. Some of these youth are going to grow up and get out of the dump, and that’s great. That’s the whole point. But, not all of them are going to grow up and work in call centers, tourism or some other more socially acceptable job. And I’m realizing that’s okay, too. As a matter of fact, I honestly hope some of them don’t leave. I hope some of them stay and take the knowledge and skills they’ve learned from school and Camino Seguro to fight to change the conditions surrounding the dump. I hope they fight for better pay. I hope they fight for clean water. I hope they fight for sanitation. I hope they fight for better safety regulations and more strict accountability measures. I hope they fight for proper disposal of medical waste. I hope that some of them have the courage to make life better for their whole community. That takes real courage, real knowledge, and real wherewithal. If I see that someday, I know the work of Camino Seguro has been a success.

Realistically I can’t personally do much in a year. I can’t effect broad, sweeping changes. But I can love them, and I can set up a system, at least in my department, that gives them the tools to take a stand. I can’t create harmony in their outside lives, even if I can give them a daily dose of positivity. The lasting impact that I can make is helping them build on the harmony that they already have inside (and they do) to bring that out into their communities. It may take years for this to develop, but that’s okay. Small steps are still progress. And all this came from a short morning swim.

This week I saw peace in a pool.

They can’t wait to put all of their work in a presentation to share with the foundation staff and especially with Haru.

We have already gone three times and each time the number of children increases. Usually we go there on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

It is such a beautiful place and yet it is so dirty and no one can enjoy the nature. All the children wrote signs with very nice messages like – “Please keep this place clean” – “The world will say thanks if you care about this place” – many others said similar messages. They took a video and interviewed most of participants and the children said some very interesting and meaningful things like “when we do something bad to nature, we are doing this to ourselves, because nature and people are not separate.” The children will put together a film of their work.

Unfortunately the week after there were only two or three signs left. People had taken them down. The children of the Six Billion Paths to Peace Club Mexico decided to continue hanging signs until people would understand the message and clean the lake.

So, when they reach the goal, we will have a huge PICNIC. The good news is that last Sunday we went again and it was cleaner than other times. We collected less than half the bags compared with the first time.

Also, others who were total strangers joined to collect the trash. Wow.

If we do it together it is easier and faster and fun! I don’t know if this is only a coincidence, but I saw more different and beautiful birds this visit at the lake than the last time. If you came, we can have a PICNIC, what do you think?