May the peace be with you

HONOKAA — Wednesday is international Peace Day, celebrated with concerts, cultural gatherings, religious services, dance and art happenings worldwide.

In Honokaa, Peace Day will be welcomed with light sabers and stormtroopers, as 10 days of peace festivities kick off with a costume contest and a free screening of “Star Wars: the Force Awakens” at Honokaa People’s Theatre on Sept. 21.

“Not everybody knows that George Lucas is a Buddhist or that Yoda has a lot in common with a Zen master,” said Peace Committee Chairman Miles Okumura. “Buddhistic themes actually run throughout the ‘Star Wars’ saga in a lot of surprising ways. The idea behind showing the movie is to help people, especially young people, to connect the dots, and to raise awareness of Peace Day in Hawaii.”

The day itself originated with young people when a contingent from the Hawaii United Federation of the Junior Young Buddhists Associations lobbied Gov. Linda Lingle. She signed legislation in 2007, proclaiming Sept. 21 as the annual “Peace Day in Hawaii.”

“Star Wars” screenings and costume contests will take place statewide, including the Hawaii Betsuin Social Hall in Honolulu. In Honokaa, Parker School educator Kiyoshi Najita will introduce the movie, and afterward, a quick quiz that will give the audience a chance to win prizes.

“The theme of The Force resonates with Buddhism,” said Najita. “The Force is described as an endless field of energy that binds together all living things in benevolence and serenity. It makes itself known in its own way and time in the lives of all the major ‘Star Wars’ characters.”

He continued, “Like the yin yang, the Force has its dark side, but you’ll hear characters in several movies say of those who have turned to the Dark Side, ‘I know there is still light in him.’”

Peace Day events continue through the end of the month, including a Blue Zones Project – North Hawaii gathering at Cafe Il Mondo, a “Read for Peace” book talk and art activities for kids.

On Sept. 24, Mamane Street will close at 4 p.m. for the 10th annual Parade and Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace.

“We’re doing something new this year,” said Okumura. “People love to dance and play in the streets. It makes an occasion even more special because it’s something you don’t usually get to do. So after the parade, we’ll direct attention to actual stages for some great music, taiko drumming and more. Plus we will have really good food booths. Be sure to try the ribs; it’s a secret recipe.”

In addition, Hawaii Mediation Center is partnering with Hamakua Youth Center to create a special hooponopono game, where children can learn about the traditional problem-solving method while they play and win prizes.

Wrapping up the peace-themed events, A Day of Mindfulness with Dr. Gregory Pai will be held at Honokaa Hongwanji Social Hall on Oct. 1. The free workshop, “The Path of Mindfulness — From Health and Wellness to Freedom from Suffering” includes guided sitting and walking meditation, a Dharma discussion, and a mindful, silent meal.

Pai has practiced meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist, Zen Buddhist, and Vipassana or Insight Meditation traditions. Trained in Myanmar and at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, he currently teaches a public meditation class at the Broken Ridge Korean Temple on Oahu. He has taught meditation at the Hawaii State Hospital, Kahi Mohala, Queens and Tripler Hospital and the Center for Alternative Medicine of the University of Hawaii.

“Yoda says ‘Don’t try, do,’” said Okumura. “That works for us. We do things, and we encourage folks to do them with us. Movies, music, mindfulness; we do things we think will inspire people, especially young people — to see and appreciate the values of peace, compassion and global, or even galactic, interdependence.”

Info or updates: Peace Day Parade on Facebook, www.PeaceDayParade.org or email info@peacedayparade.org