Register for Buddhism classes

The Jodo Shin Buddhist Temple, under the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin (main temple), is accepting registration for Dharma Light Project classes on the fundamentals of Buddhism from February through May.

All classes will be held at the Honpa Hongwanji Annex Temple, 1727 Pali Highway, except for one, which will be held at the Buddhist Study Center. Call 536-7044 to register and for more information on class subjects, or visit www.hhhb.org, and www.hongwanjihawaii.com. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available for the following classes:

» Japanese Buddhism and Art. Instructors: George Tanabe, professor emeritus in the Department of Religion at the University of Hawaii; and Willa Tanabe, professor emeritus in the UH Department of Art and Art History. From 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 24 at the Buddhist Study Center, 1436 University Ave. $40.

» The ABCs of Buddhism: An Introduction to Buddhism. The Rev. Bert Sumikawa of the Kapolei Buddhist Sangha and Moiliili Hongwanji. From 7 to 8:15 p.m. Feb. 14, 21, 28 and March 7. $20.

» Shin Buddhism: "Journey on the Great Path of Boundless Freedom." The Rev. Shigenori Makino, a retired Hongwanji minister. From 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 5, 12, 26. $30.

» Spring Equinox (Ohigan) Talk Story: Buddhist Activism. Alfred Bloom, professor emeritus on Shin Buddhism at UH-Manoa. From 8:30 a.m. to noon March 19. $10; $15, with lunch.

» Facing the 21st Century. Dr. John Nelson, professor of East Asian religions and chairman of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Francisco. From 6 to 9 p.m. April 4. $10.

» Introduction to Shin Buddhism: Way of True Entrusting. The Rev. Richard Tennes of Honpa Hongwanji. From 7 to 9 p.m. April 11, 18, 25 and May 2, 9, 16. $30.

Chaminade lauds Catholic schools

In recognition of national Catholic Schools Week (tomorrow to next Saturday), Brother Bernard Ploeger, president of Chaminade University of Honolulu, said thousands of Catholic school students in the state receive a rich education that focuses on the development of the whole person.

"Daily cultivation of the minds, bodies and spirits of Catholic school students is visible in the classrooms, on athletic fields and on performing arts stages," Ploeger said in a news release.

Catholic schools are characterized by their development of moral character and the commitment to "an academic culture of excellence," he said.

"Families that embrace Catholic education often are part of a tradition that spans generations. Families working together and getting involved in the education of their children form a key ingredient for success," Ploeger said.