Chinowa Kuguri, Japan's oldest religious tradition, will be celebrated 4 to 9 p.m. July 12 at the Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu, 1239 Olomea St.

The Chinowa Kuguri, a rejuvenation ritual that involves stepping through a large ring made of reeds, is the only one to be conducted outside Japan. The Chinowa ring will be specially crafted with ti leaves.

Parking is available at Damien Memorial School, with free shuttle offered.

Information: 721-2935 or www.e-shrine.org.

SILENT RETREAT STARTS JULY 14

The Contemplative Outreach of Hawaii will sponsor an eight-day silent retreat beginning at 5 p.m. July 14 at St. Anthony's Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley.

Attendees are expected to have been part of an established practice of Centering Prayer for at least six months. The cost is $600.

Information: 536-6090 or cohi@lava.net.

WEEKLY TALKS ON BUDDHISM SET

The Pacific Buddhist Academy will sponsor a free weekly series of four Dharma Circles, or open discussions about Buddhism, beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Participants will discuss the Dharma, or Buddha's teachings, in a nonsectarian format. It's open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists.

The sessions will be held at the school's campus, 1710 Pali Highway, in Room UC 103.

Information: 723-0252.

HONGWANJI MARKS MILESTONES IN '09

In 2009, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii will commemorate two milestones: the 750th memorial of its founder, Shinran Shonin, and its 120th anniversary.

Events will include a leadership workshop March 20-21, and an 'Ohana Conference slated for Sept. 5, 2009, with a commemoration banquet that night, followed by a Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial Service the next day.

Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii has about 37 temples throughout the state.

Information: June Asato at 623-0082 or awarenesscomm@yahoo.com.