Manitoba Buddhist Temple
a Mahayana Buddhist temple in the Jodo Shinshu tradition
Fujinkai
History
In 1947, Mrs. Setsuko Nishimura, the wife of the
first minister of the Manitoba Buddhist Church brought
together the women associated with the movement to
establish a Buddhist Church in Manitoba. She provided
spiritual guidance during a very difficult time in our
history. Her support, created opportunity for women to
gather and discuss common problems. It was also a chance
for these pioneers to share their hopes and dreams
In 1948, the Fujinkai was officially formed with Mrs. Teru Inouye as their first president. Realizing that the younger women in the church did not share the same ideas as the ladies in the Fujinkai, Mrs. Nishimura was instrumental in organizing the younger ladies in 1959, by forming the Buddhist Young Women's Club. In 1961, this Club changed its name to Maya Club.
For the next 27 years, these two ladies organizations worked side by side supporting the various functions of the Manitoba Buddhist Church. In 1988, the two organizations amalgamated into single women's organization. The new group continued as the Fujinkai. Recently, new group of younger ladies have been attempting to organize themselves as the new Maya group. This group is still in the formative stages.
After living in Vancouver of nearly 30 years, Mrs Nishimura came back to Winnipeg because of failing health and is now residing in a personal care home. She will be 98 years old in 2007.
Today
As in society, the role of woman have changed. With new Dharma school families attending the temple, there is potential for growth in the women's organizations.
Major activities of the Fujinkai mainly involve supporting the Bukkyokai in their activities in terms of preparing meals for the various special services and functions such a the Bazaar. The major fundraising for the Fujinkai is our annual Cherry Blossom Tea held each year the week before our Hanamatsuri Service. Other fundraising events include the sale of omanju and satsumage at various times of the years and making mochi at New Year's. Fujinkai members also volunteer at the Japanese Pavilion during Folklorama, a multicultural festival held each year in Winnipeg. As well, members volunteered at the Agape Table, by assisting in preparing and serving a chow mein meal, to the city's less fortunate.
History
In 1948, the Fujinkai was officially formed with Mrs. Teru Inouye as their first president. Realizing that the younger women in the church did not share the same ideas as the ladies in the Fujinkai, Mrs. Nishimura was instrumental in organizing the younger ladies in 1959, by forming the Buddhist Young Women's Club. In 1961, this Club changed its name to Maya Club.
For the next 27 years, these two ladies organizations worked side by side supporting the various functions of the Manitoba Buddhist Church. In 1988, the two organizations amalgamated into single women's organization. The new group continued as the Fujinkai. Recently, new group of younger ladies have been attempting to organize themselves as the new Maya group. This group is still in the formative stages.
After living in Vancouver of nearly 30 years, Mrs Nishimura came back to Winnipeg because of failing health and is now residing in a personal care home. She will be 98 years old in 2007.
Today
As in society, the role of woman have changed. With new Dharma school families attending the temple, there is potential for growth in the women's organizations.
Major activities of the Fujinkai mainly involve supporting the Bukkyokai in their activities in terms of preparing meals for the various special services and functions such a the Bazaar. The major fundraising for the Fujinkai is our annual Cherry Blossom Tea held each year the week before our Hanamatsuri Service. Other fundraising events include the sale of omanju and satsumage at various times of the years and making mochi at New Year's. Fujinkai members also volunteer at the Japanese Pavilion during Folklorama, a multicultural festival held each year in Winnipeg. As well, members volunteered at the Agape Table, by assisting in preparing and serving a chow mein meal, to the city's less fortunate.