The Nichiren Mission of Hawaii has begun a Dharma Circle, a monthly gathering.

It is a new initiative by the Rev. Shingyo Imai to introduce people to the basics of Buddhism. The Dharma Circle will meet at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Imai officiates in English. The mission is at 33 Pulelehua Way in Nu'uanu.

After the meeting there will be a discussion. Coffee or Japanese tea and cookies will be served.

Information: 595-3517.

BEST-SELLER IS BASIS FOR CLASS

"Turning the Mind into an Ally" is the topic of a daylong class based on Sakyong Mipham's best-selling book of the same name.

The class, which will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Buddhist Study Center, 1436 University Ave., is being presented by Kailua Shambhala Meditation Center.

Cost: $40 ($20 students; aid available).

Information: 342-6298, info@ksbcenter.org or www.ksbcenter.org.

PEACE CONCERT SET FOR FRIDAY

The Mo'ili'ili Hongwanji Mission will host a free Concert for Peace at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Buddhist Women's Association and the Junior Young Buddhist's Association's concert includes music and dance representing cultures of Cambodia, India, Okinawa, Japan, Europe and Hawai'i. A lotus candle vigil will be held, artwork will be displayed and light refreshments served.

The mission is at 902 University Ave.

Information: 949-1659 or www.moiliilihongwanji.org.

SONG FESTIVAL HAS FRIDAY DEADLINE

Lokomaika'i 'Aha Himeni, the 14th annual song festival, is seeking participants.

This year's festival will be 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at St. Ann Church, 46-129 Ha'iku Road in Kane'ohe.

Each choir shares a Hawaiian or Hawaiian-English hymn. The combined choirs will sing three selections together. Choirs provide their own accompaniment.

Registration deadline is Friday.

This year, refreshments will follow in the parish hall in lieu of the potlucks of years past.

Information: Margaret A.K. Peters, 261-3410 or Darlene Ah Yo, 735-0259.

NU'UANU CHURCH HOSTS 2 SPEAKERS

Nu'uanu Congregational Church is hosting two speakers for Thursday morning talks in the coming weeks.

The free events will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the church, 2651 Pali Highway, in Kosasa Hall.