Hawaii Expedition 2012: Wednesday morning 7/25

Yesterday was a long day. Class in the morning about Daoism, and comparing it to Monday's discussion of Confucianism. Today's morning lecture is on Buddhism, specifically Chan Buddhism as it developed in China. Since there is no one Buddhist "faith" but many Buddhist paths, it should be interesting though the central concepts of Buddhism were introduced two years ago when I was last at the EWC. We also had a luncheon provided (last of the free meals I believe) for a bit, and it was very good Moroccan food (I chose the lamb and eggplant, pretty yummy!). Then we had an introduction to Hawaiian culture and a brief sense of "place". The speaker was different than the last two times I attended, so I actually learned something new.

We were done by 2 pm, so I went back to my room, and got some reading done. I also had a couple phone calls from unexpected people, then went for a walk, getting rained on briefly as showers decided to fill the Moana valley skies. By the time I walked under the H1 underpass, it was sunny. The used bookstore still had it's sign out, but obviously had closed up shop and there were no signs in the windows showing it had moved. So the purpose of going for my walk sort of disappeared, but it was good to get out and stretch legs.

I came back, took a shower, and then got changed to go see a movie. The movie was "The Founding of a Republic" a 2009 propaganda piece on the formation of the People's Republic in 2009. I certainly found it interesting, if quite long, but it was apparent that the Communist party was doing its best to soften the image of Chairman Mao (especially in light of what would come later). It was also interesting to see that the meeting of the Communist Party in 1949 was actually a much larger democratic affair, though we all know that within a few years, one party rule would reassert itself as the Communists became the very thing they had claimed they were fighting against the KMT about: one party rule and extensive corruption. It was also interesting trying to pick out all the Chinese stars in the movies, many with very small roles: Jackie Chan briefly played a reporter, Jet Li was a Chinese nationalist army officer, etc. While the movie was sub-titled, none of the names were translated, which made it difficult to follow at times...okay a lot of times, and the explanations of who was who didn't often appear in the subtitles. Nevertheless, the short film series that is part of the Infusing Institute started off on a better foot than the last series.

Today's morning session is on Buddhism, but after that I believe we are free for the day. I think I am going to go out this afternoon (I will need to exercise as well since I am taking it easy this morning) and maybe do some sightseeing. What exactly I don't know, but something historical I haven't seen before...maybe the mission houses museum near the Iolani Palace. Maybe a jaunt through Chinatown while its daylight, I don't know yet.

Here's a few pics to tide you over...