Some of the activities in the past

 

April 1993
The Supreme Council of Maha Sangha of Malwatte Temple (General Headquarters of Theravada Buddhism) headed by the Most Venerable Vipassi, Mahanayaka Maha Thero (equivalent to the Pope in the Christian world) decided to confer the honorary title of living Buddha gSri Shanti Sukha Sadhinih (great, shining, holly female god of peace) to Dr. Michiko Ito.

Declaration of the establishment of ASCA Overseas Cultural Exchange at Malwatte Temple.

April 1993
Presentation of the three sacred treasures in Buddhism namely the casket, ancient scripture and Bodhi-sapling by the Government of Sri Lanka at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

Discussions included the late President of Sri Lanka, H.E.R. Premadasa.

April 1993
Donation to the Buddha Sasana Fund for children preparing ordination, the Seven Sarana Foster Parents Scheme and the Seva Vanitha Bureau for the educational activities for underprivileged children. Our scholarship program started.

Nov. 1993
Discussions included the former President of India, H.E. Dr. S.D. Sharma.

Dr. Ito was the first woman in history to hold the sacred relic above her head and ride on an elephantfs back that proceeded through Mulagandha Kuti Temple area and Sarnath city in the midst of a movement that tried to bring back Buddhism to the spirit of Buddha's time when people were equal beyond the caste system and the gender difference.

Feb. 1994
Discussions included the former President of Sri Lanka, H.E.D.B. Wijetunga.

April 1994
The supreme members of the Malwatte Temple; Most Venerable Vipassi Thero (Mahanayaka Maha Thero), Most Venerable Sumangara Thero (Anunayaka Maha Thero), Venerable Vigitha Siri Thero (General Secretary) and Prof. Seneviratna (Peradenia University) visited Japan, ASCA Overseas Cultural Exchange.

Most Venerable Vipassi Thero presented a genuine sacred relic to Dr. Ito.

Discussions included High Priests of traditional Japanese major Buddhism sects, late Prof. Hajime Nakamura and other scholars in Buddhism and His Excellency Mr. Jayasinghe (Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan).

Visit to a primary school in Nagano Prefecture.

Sept. 1994
Dr. Ito awarded the honorary title of Doctor of Philosophy from the Sanskrit University.

Discussions included the former President of India, H.E. Dr. S.D. Sharma.

Oct. 1994
Dr. Ito received permanent permission of the usage of the personal and official emblem of Most Venerable Vipassi Thero, Mahanayaka Maha Thero, gHorinh (Dhamma Chakraya) hence, the name of the organization had been changed to ASCA Horin Overseas Cultural Exchange.

Dec. 1994
Malwatu Maha Vihara Vishrama Shala Sadhaka Trust was established in Sri Lanka and Dr. Ito was inaugurated as Vice-President of the Trust. Dr. Ito established Malwatu Maha Vihara Vishrama Shala Sadhaka Trust Japan Branch.

Jan. 1995
Permission to establish the Japanese Branch of Malwatte Temple by the Most Venerable Vipassi Thero, Mahanayaka Maha Thero.

Feb. 1995
The Sangha Council of All India Bhikhshu Maha Sanggha in India conferred the honorary title of gTripitaka Maha Pandith (Dr. of Tripitaka) to Dr. Ito.

Dr. Ito blessed Mrs. Phoolan Devi, a leader of womenfs liberation on the occasion of her conversion ceremony to Buddhism. Mrs. Devi later became a member of the Parliament in India.

Dr. Ito discussions included Mother Terresa and gave a donation.

May 1995
Dr. Ito was inaugurated as Director of the Foundation of Japan Youth Cultural Society.

June 1995
Dr. Ito was inaugurated as General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India in Japan. Late Prof. Hajime Nakamura was inaugurated as Honoray President of the society.

July 1998
Ms. Ayami Ito, Vice President of ASCA Horin Overseas Cultural Exchange was ordained at the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, General Headquarters of Tendai Sect. Her ordination name became Gensei Ito.

Sept. 1998
Dr. Ito resigned as General Secretary, Maha Bodhi Society of India in Japan. Late Prof. H. Nakamura resigned as Honorary President of the society.

Visit Buddhists in Nepal. Venerable Gensei was offered a Nepalese style ordination ceremony by the Chief Monk of Nepal, Venerable Vikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir. She is named gMaha Maya Devi.h

Visit to the world heritage, Swoyambhu Temple.

Sept. 1999
New N.P.O. Law approved ASCA Horin Overseas Cultural Exchange as a N.P.O. and the name of the organization was changed to N.P.O., ASCA Horin Overseas Cultural Exchange.

Nov. 1999
Discussions included Dr. Gary Young, President of Young Living Essential Oils and Mrs. Mary Young. They joined our organization as a cooporating body.

April 2000
Attended World Festival of Sacred Music organized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet House held in Bangalore, India as one of the sponsors.

May. 2000
Dr. Ito and Ven. Gensei ,Vice President were invited to Inauguration of the Tenth President (Dr. Chen Shui-Bian) and Vice President of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
July. 2000
Discussions included Father Maximilian Mizzi in Assisi, Italy.
Oct. 2000
Organize the explanation of the project and a reception party of the gInternational Temple Theme Parkh.

Dr. Ito was appointed as Chairman of Mahabodhi Temple protection group of Japan by Bhante PrajnaSheel Chief Monk and Secretary BuddhaGaya Temple Management Committee, Buddhagaya, Bihar, India.

Nov. 2000
Discussions included Father Maximilian Mizzi and Rev. Shuhen Sunahara (Tohji Temple, Shingon-sect ) in Tohji Temple, Kyoto.

Nov. 2000
Discussions included Father Maximilian Mizzi and Rev. Genshin Nakayama (Hieizan Efnryakuji Temple, Tendai-sect ) in Efnryakuji Temple, Kyoto.

Nov. 2000
Dr. Ito, President and Ven. Gensei,Vice President attended International Meeting and Ceremony of "Sacred Gifts for a Living Planet" ( World religions pledge action on conservation ) organized by Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) held in Kathmandu, Nepal. WWF was launched by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Honorary President.
April. 2001
Supported and participated in the 2,001 Miss Korea Japan representation selection rally.
May. 2001
We cooperated in the opening of for a night clinic for people who come from foreign countries to work.

Invited and Attended the Miss Korea Pageant (Final Selection in Korea).

June. 2001
Announcement of the project, gNikko Sanctuary Pavilionsh was made at Urbino, Italy through an invitation by Fr. Mizzi and the Green Cross International. Dr. Ito, President and Ven. Gensei, Vice President were invited to participate in the Interreligious Conference at St. Pietro, Vatican and at the Centro Francescano. Assisi.

Dr.Gary Young President of Young Living Essential Oils, U.S.A., visited ASCA Clinic for a lecture and demonstration.

July. 2001
Ven. Gensei handed a message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Mr. Gorbachev at Loreto, Italy.

Dr. Ito and Ven. Gensei were invited to the presentation and the launching of the Earth Charter at Urbino, Italy.

Dec. 2001
Discussions included Taoist, Dr. & Ven. Wong Tai Sin Yuen Ching Kwok at Hong Kong.
Dec. 2001
Dr. Ito and Ven. Gensei were invited to the gathering for prayers for world peace organized by The World Religions and Arts for Peace and Respect of Life at the site of the WTC disaster.
Jan. 2002

Dr. Ito, President, Dr. & Rev. Shunkai Hayakawa, and Dr. Omar Musa, Coordinator of the Islamic Bloc were invited and participated in the Gathering for Prayer for World Peace by World Religion Leaders convened by Pope John Paul II at the Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Italy.

Jan. 2002
The newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mr.Amunugama visited the NPO office for discussion with President Dr. Ito and, Vice President Rev. Gensei.

Feb. 2002
Dr.Ito & Rev Gensei were invited to a formal dinner at the residence of the Ambassador by the Ambassador and Mrs. Amunugama.

Mar. 2002
President Ito was invited to the Hisatoki Komaki Peace Foundation President & International Earth Environment University honorary President Dr. Hisatoki Komakifs 77th Birthday gKiju-Shukugah Party.

April 2002
The Buddhist Ceremony for the Opening of the Kannonin Kagaji was held as the first step to materializing the project gWorld Religious Theme Parkh. His Excellency Mr. Karunatilaka Amunugama, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, and Mrs. Amunugama, His Excellency Dr. Awad Mursi Taha, the Ambassador of Sudan, Mgr. Fuyuki Hirabayashi, Vatican Office, Ecumenical and Inter-religious Dialogue Section Chief, Rev. Yatawara Pannalama representing Japan Sri Lanka Buddhist Center, Rev. Pelpola Vipassi, President of Pelpola Vipassi Foundation Korea Buddhist Samron Order, President Ven. Seok Dae-Won, International Buddhist Dhamma Propagation College of Korea, President, Dr. Seok Ma-jung were among the guests.

April 2002
Supported and participated in the 2002 Miss Korea Japan Representation Selection Rally.
April 2002
President Dr. Ito had a discussion at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Howard H. Baker Jr., Lord Michael Sandberg, C.B.E, member of the House of Lord, U.K. and Prof. Yukinobu Mori, hon. Dr/President Global Soken Inc.
April 2002
The name of the organization was changed to N.P.O., ASCA Overseas Cultural Exchange.

July 2002
President Dr. Ito was invited and participated in the gWater For Peaceh co-sponsored by Gorbachev Foundation, Green Cross International, & Green Cross Italy, where our president discussed collaboration in several projects with Mr. Gorbachev, President of Gorbachev foundation & President of GCI.

Oct. 2002
Vice President Ven. Gensei was invited to and participated in the 3rd World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates organized by Gorbachev Foundation & City of Rome.
Oct. 2002
President Dr. Ito was invited to and attended the CGIAR /McNamara Seminar at the United Nations University.
Mar. 2003
Dr. Ito and Ven. Gensei were invited at the completion of the Pilgrims Rest (a guest house) in Sri Lanka.

June 2003
Dr. Ito and Ven. Gensei were attended the reception of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickremeshinghe held at the Lankaji Temple.
Nov. 2003
Vice President Ven. Gensei was invited to and participated in the 4th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates organized by Gorbachev Foundation & City of Rome.
June 2004
President Dr. Ito and Vice President Ven. Gensei attended the state funeral of the Supreme Patriarch of the Theravada Buddhist Monastic Order, Most Ven.Rambukwelle Sri Dharmarakshita Vipassi Mahanayaka Maha Thero.
Aug. 2004
Dr. Ito and Rev. Gensei were invited to and attended the state inauguration ceremony of the Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala, new Mahanayaka Maha Thero of Malwatte Chapter.
Nov. 2004
President Dr. Ito was invited to and attended the fifth World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, Italy.

June 2005
President Ito and Vice President Gensei attended the Ceremonies of Pilgrims Rest (Guest House) and the annexed pre-school, Michiko Ito Pre-School, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. They were invited and attended the ceremony to mark the establishment, the donation and the opening of the memorial house dedicated to lateVen. Rambukwelle Sri Dharmarakshita Vippassi Mahanayaka Maha Thero, and the first annual memorial service for the late Mahanayaka Maha Thero.
July 2005

Dr. Ito resigned from the position of President. She assumed a position of Senior Advisor. Dr. Emmanuel Salvdor assumed the position of President.

 

Nov. 2005

President, Emmanuel Salvdor and Vice President Gensei participated in the 6th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates organized jointly by Gorbachev Foundation and City of Rome, in Rome, Italy. The theme of the conference was “Africa Emergency”.

The following is the speech that our President gave at the final session of the conference on 26th of November.

 

Mar. 2006 Vice President was invited to and participated in the gala dinner "The Festival of Colours: 4th Annual Peace and Poetry Soiree" in the honor of Prof. Swaminathan at the Tokyo American Club.
Aug. 2006

President, and Vice President participated in International Buddhist Conference on "The Buddhist way for a better World" to mark the 2250th Anniversary of Buddhism (Buddha Jayanthi) in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

 

Sept. 2006

President, and Vice President were invited to and participated in the 2006 International Summit of the Mothers of the Earth for World Peace held by Gorbachev Foundation, The World Centers of Compassion for Children International and the Government of Piacenza in Piacenza, Italy, on 22 & 23 of September, 2006.

 

Nov. 2006

Our Senior Advisor Dr. Ito was invited to and attended the 7th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, Italy with ASCA as a supported sponsor.

Nov. 2006

Dr. Emmanuel Salvdor resigned from the position of President. He assumed a position of Special Advisor. Rev. Gensei assumed the position of President.

Nov. 2006

Our Senior Advisor Dr. Ito and President Gensei were invited to and participated in Foundation Laying Ceremony of New Pilgrim’s Rest at Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Center Sanchi in commemoration of the 2550 Buddha Jayanthi held jointly by the India and Sri Lanka Governments and Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka, in Sanchi (designated as a World Treasure), India Recited the Shomyo prayer for world peace at the ceremony.

Dec. 2006

Dr. Ito and President were attended the official funeral of Ven. Rambukwelle Seelaratana Maha Thera in Kandy, Dec. 2-4

Dec. 2007

Dr. Ito and President were invited to and attended the 8th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, Italy with ASCA as a part of organizer.

Nov. 2008

On the Occasion of “The Fifty Sixth Anniversary” of Chetiyagiri Vihara at Sanchi –a World heritage in India, President has assumed the position of Honorary President of the Buddhism Center of Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka in Sanchi, India as the first foreigner as well as the first woman in the history

Dec. 2008

President was invited to and attended the 9th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Paris, France with ASCA as a part of organizer.

Oct. 2009

Our Director Seirin Ushimaru was invited to and attended the Opening Ceremony of Sanchi Pilgrims Rest in Sanchi, India, which has been designated as a world heritage. Our President is Honorary President of the Buddhism Center of Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka in Sanchi.

Nov. 2009

Dr. Ito and President were invited to and attended‘Festival of Freedom’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Domino Gallery ( domino action).

Nov. 2009

Dr. Ito and President were invited to and attended the 10th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Berlin, Germany with ASCA as a part of organizer. The Theme of the year was "Breaking down new walls for a World without violence".

Dec. 2009

Dr. Ito and President were invited to and participated in the International Conference organized by Tibet House, in New Delhi, India.

Nov. 2010

Dr. Ito and President were invited to and attended the 11th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Hiroshima, Japan with ASCA as a part of organizer, on 12 through 14 of November, 2010. The Theme of the year was "A World without Nuclear Weapons".

Nov. 2010 On 12 through 14 of November, 2010, Our Directors Seirin Ushimaru and Seia Yamanaka were invited to and attended the Bo Tree Planting Ceremony and public meeting of 58th Anniversary of The Chetiyagiri Vihara, Sanchi, India, which has been designated as a world heritage. Our President is Honorary President of the Buddism Center of Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka in Sanchi.
Feb. 2011 President was invited to The International Seminar and Exhibition on Kumarajiva held by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts through Feb.03-05, 2011.
Mar. 2011

A.S.C.A. Institute Co. Ltd. carried and distributed 100 boxes (each box contains 6 2-little bottles) free of charge in Fukushima prefecture and other disaster areas by a vehicle for which a special permission to enter the disaster area had been obtained.

 

Aug. 2011 President performed at the occasion of celebrating the succession of the Iemoto name; Kikunojo Onoe.
Sept. 2011 President was attended the fund raising activity by Asia Initiatives, Tokyo with M.S. Swaminathan Foundation (MSSRF).
Oct. 2011 Our Directors Seirin Ushimaru was invited to and attended the 4th Seminar on Islam and Earthquake Disaster.
Oct. 2011 President was attended meeting with Dr. Gary Young in Tokyo.
Nov. 2011 Dr. Ito and President were invited to Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Nov. 2011 President was invited to 59th Anniversary of The Chetiyagiri Vihara, Sanchi.
April 2012 Dr. Ito and President were invited to and attended the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago.
July 2012 President was invited to and attended Permanent Secretariat’s Working Meeting for the 13th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates at Assisi, Italy.
Sept. 2012 President was invited to and attended the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Sanchi University of Buddhist and Indic Studies and International Conference on DHARMA-DHAMMA Vidhan Sabha Bhawan Bhopal Madhya Pradesh, India.
Nov. 2012 Dr. Ito and President were invited to The Opening Ceremoney The Pinnacle of The Newly Ereeted at Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Nov. 2012 President was invited to 60th Anniversary of The Chetiyagiri Vihara, Sanchi.
Oct. 2013 President was invited to and attended the 13th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Warsaw.
July 2014 President was invited to 150th Birth Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of Anagarika Dharmapala
Sept. 2014 Dr. Ito and President were invited to People's Republic of Bangladesh
Nov. 2014 Dr. Ito and President were invited to Lao People's Democratic Republic
Nov. 2014

President was invited to 62th Anniversary of The Chetiyagiri Vihara, Sanchi.

And 150th Birth Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of Sri Math Anagarika Dharmapala

Dec. 2014

 

President was invited to and attended the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Roma.

April 2015
Dr. Ito and President was invited to Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Sept. 2015
Dr. Ito and President vited to Embassy of the Republic of Benin in Japan
Nov. 2015
President was invited to and attended the 15th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Barcelona.
Jan. 2016
Dr. Ito and President were invited to Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Dec. 2016@@Jan. 2017

Dr. Ito and President were invited to Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

 

Feb. 2017

 

 

President was invited to and attended the 16th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Bogota, Colombia.

Aug. 2017

 

 

Dr. Ito, President and VicePresident were invited to and participated in the Party of congratulating Mr. Sankhon’s Bestowal of the Order of the Rising Sun.
April 2018
President was invited to and attended the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates Annual Planning Meeting, Piacenza, Italy
April 2018
The Birthday Party of Grandmother of President Gensei, and Meeting with Mr. Saman Athaudahetti.
June 2018
Dr. Ito and President were visited by Vikhunu Dr. Anoja Guruma, the Chief Nun of Nepa.
June 2018
President was invited to the Best Father Yellow Ribbon Prize 2018.
June 2018
President was invited to the 18th Anniversary of the First Inter-Korean Summit and the North-South Joint Declaration at Kim Dae-jung Presidential Library & Museum.
April 2019
Dr. Ito and President were invited to the ceremony of handing over the ashes of The Supreme Patriarch of the Theravada Buddhist Monastic Order, Late Most Ven. Rambukuwelle Sri Dhamarakshita Vipassi Mahanayaka Maha Thero, Malwatte Maha Vihara to ASCA Overseas Cultural Exchange.
Sept 2019
Dr. Ito and President were invited to the Book Publishing Reception of "Churaumi to the Country of Sun Rise from the Country of Buddha" at Tokyo.
June 2020
Ms. Vongpanya Pinkham,Director, ASCA Overseas Cultural Exchange of Laos attended funeral of Dr. PHA Maha Ghon Dumrong Boun The 5th Patriarch of Lao Wat Sisaket, Vientien, Laos.
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