Place of Peace Buddhist Temple and Asian Gardens Dedication

On Sept. 5, 2008, Furman University President David Shi, American and Japanese dignitaries and hundreds of guests were on hand for the dedication ceremony for the Place of Peace. Sitting on a hill overlooking the beautiful Asian Gardens the Hei-Sei-Ji temple is testament to Furman University's commitment to Asian studies and its dedication to stronger worldwide connections between peoples. A quote from the Dedication Program says, "The Place of Peace and the adjoining Asia Garden are designed to stimulate your experience of connection to the earth and all the peoples of the world."

The inter-generational temple had been shipped from Nagoya, Japan after being disassembled in to 2408 pieces, carefully packed to protect it from damage and warping, shipped through the Panama Canal, warehoused for nearly four years until funds could be raised to have it reconstructed. A team of expert Japanese artisans were brought to South Carolina to rebuild it with the precision and respect the structure deserved.

In his speech, Seiji Tsuzuki spoke fondly of memories of him and his sister, Yuri sweeping the leaves around the temple, and of polishing the wood when they were children in Nagoya, Japan. Both had come from Japan to Greenville as children and now their family temple had made the same journey.

Masao Nakajima the President of Aichiken Construction talked about the materials and level of craftsmanship involved in reconstructing Hei-Jei-Si (the Japanese name for the temple). He promised that it would stand for at least 300 years and during that time he hoped that it would become an American national treasure as it was already a Japanese one.

David Shaner, Furman Professor of Philosophy and Asian Studies officiated the traditional Buddhist blessing with the assistance of Shi Yong Xiang (Jim Eubanks, Furman Class of 05) Abbot and Director of Buddhist Studies for the Order of Pragmatic Buddhists in St. Louis, Missouri.

Square wooden masu cups of sake were handed out to all the guests and the dedication concluded with a Kagamiwari Ceremony in which President Shi, Masahiro Katamoto, Seiji Tsuzuki, and Masao Nakajima symbolically smashed open a barrel of saki. Everyone raised their cups in a toast to this important event.

After the ceremony everyone was invited to take off their shoes and experience the interior of Hei-Sei-Ji.

Hei-Sei-Ji temple and the Asian Gardens make up the total Place of Peace on the Furman Campus. It is a place where people can go to reconnect with their bodymind and with the universe around them. The temple and gardens will become an integral addition to Furman University's growing Asian Studies Program.