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Embracing Anxiety: A Workshop with Elder Sumana Sāra

On September 6, 2025, the Yurakucho Asahi Hall located on the 11th floor of the Yurakucho Marion in Tokyo will host a compelling lecture titled Transforming Anxiety into Purpose, led by the esteemed Elder Sumana Sāra. This event aims to address modern anxieties through the lens of early Buddhism, providing both practical and concrete strategies for attendees.

The workshop is designated as a part of the Yurakucho Buddhist Day, which offers a variety of engaging activities throughout the day. From morning until late afternoon, various events will enrich the understanding and appreciation of Buddhist teachings among participants. A key highlight includes a talk by popular author Shinmei P, acclaimed for his bestseller There Is No Self. His session will run from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, focusing on Eastern philosophy.

Event Details

• - Date: September 6, 2025
• - Location: Yurakucho Asahi Hall, 2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• - Time: Activities from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Elder Sumana Sāra's lecture from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• - Capacity: 600 participants
• - Cost: Free (advance reservation required)

The Yurakucho Buddhist Day will also feature various initiatives designed to promote a deeper connection with Buddhism:

• - Lobby Activities:

- A Sri Lankan product exhibition showcasing traditional crafts and goods.
- Book sales and distribution of Buddhist texts.
- Tea classes at the T-Sarana cafe corner.
- A design and art corner to stimulate creativity inspired by Buddhist themes.

Introducing Elder Sumana Sāra

Elder Sumana Sāra, born in Sri Lanka in 1945, became a monk at the age of 13. He has lectured on Buddhist philosophy at the National University of Sri Lanka before arriving in Japan in 1980. With over 40 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in promoting early Buddhist teachings and guiding Vipassana meditation through organizations like the Japan Theravada Buddhist Association. His engaging approach, characterized by sincerity and clarity, draws accolades, especially for his proficient use of the Japanese language.

Elder Sumana Sāra is a prolific author with over 100 publications, including the best-selling book Learning to Not Get Angry, which sold over 250,000 copies. He has also contributed to various NHK programs such as Switch Interview and The Age of the Heart. Recently, he has expanded his reach via YouTube, where he shares Buddhist teachings and discussions with a growing audience, currently boasting over 53,000 subscribers. His content is available for free on the official channel of the Japan Theravada Buddhist Association, emphasizing Buddhism as practical wisdom for contemporary life.

How to Register for the Event

To stay updated on the workshop and find the latest details, visit our special page. To secure your spot at this enlightening event, complete your reservation through the registration page.

This gathering is organized by the Japan Theravada Buddhist Association. For further inquiries, please reach out at [email protected].