From 2 to 4 p.m. on June 11, world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese flute) Grand Master Riley Lee will perform at the Lawai International Center’s Pilgrimage for Compassion at the 88 shrines in Lawai Valley. All are invited to walk this ancient
From 2 to 4 p.m. on June 11, world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese flute) Grand Master Riley Lee will perform at the Lawai International Center’s Pilgrimage for Compassion at the 88 shrines in Lawai Valley.
All are invited to walk this ancient pilgrimage and share with those who have a special bond with this site, says Lynn Muramoto.
A non-profit community project, Lawai International Center focuses on archaeological and cultural treasures in a valley long recognized as a healing sanctuary. In 1904, the first generation of Japanese immigrants built 88 shrines replicating an ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan.
Volunteers are bringing these shrines and this valley back to prominence as an international center for compassion, education and cultural understanding, Muramoto says.
Riley Lee is the first non-Japanese to attain the rank of Grand Master in the shakuhachi tradition, and remains one of the few outside of Japan.
The international recording artist has performed extensively throughout the United Sates, Europe and Asia including the Sydney Opera House and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and was honored at Princeton University as a Visiting Fellow, Muramoto says.
The pilgrimage starts and ends at the Lawai Cultural Center, and organizers encourage participants to wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella and carpool if possible.
Donations will also be accepted with gratitude.