SECTORIAL CONFERENCE · NARA, JAPAN
Neo-Humanism
Toward a Compassionate Civilization
14–17 November 2026 · Nara Youth Hostel
DATES
14–17 November 2026
Saturday to Tuesday
ARRIVAL
1:00–4:00 p.m. · 14 Nov
Conference begins at 3:00 p.m.
DEPARTURE
10:00 a.m. · 17 Nov
After breakfast and closing
VENUE
Nara Youth Hostel
Nara, Japan
Organizers: Chairperson—SS Hong Kong; Sectorial Coordinator—SOS Hong Kong; Local Coordinator—Ác. Vijitatmánanda Avt. and Japan Márgiis.
A HISTORIC RETURN TO JAPAN
Gathering in peaceful, beautiful Nara.
After many years, the Hong Kong Sectorial Conference returns to Japan. Márgiis throughout Japan are preparing to welcome the sector to Nara—a place where ancient temples, wooded paths and autumn colours create a calm setting for collective spiritual practice.
The conference offers time to step away from everyday life, deepen meditation and strengthen bonds across our diverse sector.
CONFERENCE THEME
Toward a Compassionate Civilization
“When the love of the human heart extends to embrace the entire living and non-living world, that is Neohumanism.”
— Shrii Shrii Ánandamurtijii
THE VENUE
The beauty of Nara
Nara, Japan, feels like a quiet treasury of beauty where history and nature share the same gentle rhythm. Ancient temples and shrines—set among mossy stone lanterns and towering trees—give the city a calm, timeless atmosphere, especially around Nara Park, where the famous free-roaming deer wander close as if they belong to the landscape itself.
A SHARED SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
Four days of practice, learning and joy.
◎
Collective meditation
Experience the strong vibration of more than 140 people practising kiirtana and meditation together.
∞
12 hours Akhańd́a Kiirtana
Three hours and nine hours of continuous collective kiirtana across the conference.
◇
Workshops and classes
Inspiring learning, spiritual discussion and practical exchange.
♫
RAWA night
High-quality spiritual music, song and dance performances.
♡
Spiritual wedding
Share in a meaningful spiritual wedding ceremony during the gathering.
✦
Sentient meals
Delicious, healthy vegetarian meals throughout the conference.
SPIRITUAL GATHERING
Daily schedule
Programme from arrival on Saturday through departure on Tuesday. On smaller screens, swipe horizontally to see every day.
| Nov 14th Sat | Nov 15th Sun | Nov 16th Mon | Nov 17th Tues |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:00 ~ 16:00 Arrival & Registration | 4:45 Get up | 4:45 Get up | ~6:30 Akhańd́a Kiirtana ends |
| 17:30 Dharmacakra | 5:00 Páiṋcajanya | 5:00 Prabháta Saḿgiita | 6:30 Collective Sádhaná |
| 19:00 Dinner | 5:40 Morning Duties | 5:05 3 hrs Akhańd́a Kiirtana | 7:00 Baba's video |
| 20:00 Prabhát Saḿgiita Sharing | 6:00 Asana Class | 8:05 Sádhaná | 7:30 Closing Ceremony |
| 21:30 Ávarta Kiirtana, meditation | 7:00 Dharmacakra | 8:35 Spiritual talk | 9:00 Breakfast |
| 22:00 Lights off | 8:30 Breakfast | 9:00 Group Photo | 10:00 Departure |
| 9:30 Opening Ceremony | 9:10 Breakfast | ||
| 10:30 Sádhaná Shivir | 10:10 Free Time | ||
| 12:40 Lunch | 10:30 Class | ||
| 13:40 Free Time | 12:00 Collective Sádhaná | ||
| 14:30 Workshop/ Class | 12:45 Lunch | ||
| 16:00 Free Time | 13:45 Free time | ||
| 16:15 Kaoshikii and Tandava Competition/ BP & US Meeting | 14:30 Workshop/ Class | ||
| 17:00 Break/Half Bath | 16:00 Half bath, Individual Sádhaná, Ásana | ||
| 17:30 Dharmacakra | 16:30 Collective Sádhaná | ||
| 19:15 Dinner | 17:45 Marriage Ceremony | ||
| 20:15 Katha Kiirtana (Baba stories & kiirtana) | 18:30 Prize Distribution | ||
| 21:30 Ávarta Kiirtana, meditation | 19:00 Dinner | ||
| 22:00 Lights off | 20:00 RAWA program | ||
| 21:25 Prabháta Saḿgiita | |||
| 21:30 9hrs Akhańd́a Kiirtana |
THE VENUE
Nara Youth Hostel
The conference venue includes a dining hall, sitting areas, traditional tatami rooms and both large and small dormitories.
TABLEPRESS · TABLE 69
Conference fees
All food and accommodation are included. The table remains connected to TablePress so future price edits appear automatically.
Early-bird deadline:
14 September 2026
| Item | Early-bird Price* ¥(US$) | Normal Price ¥ (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥30,000 ($195) | ¥37,000 ($240) |
| Students (7-18 yrs) | ¥20,000 ($130) | ¥22,000 ($140) |
| Children (3 to 6 yrs) | NA | ¥14,000 ($90) |
| Children (up to 3 yrs) | Free | Free |
| Whole Timers | NA | $150 |
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Reserve your place in Nara.
If you live within Hong Kong Sector and are travelling from outside Japan, please give the conference fee to your local whole-timer. Contact the organisers if you require assistance.
FROM KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
How to reach the venue
Nara Youth Hostel
4 Chome-3-2 Horensahoyama, Nara 630-8108, Japan
〒630-8108 奈良市法蓮佐保山4丁目3-2
OPTION A · AIRPORT BUS
Kansai Airport (KIX) to JR Nara
Approx. 1 hr 40 min · ¥2,400
- Purchase Your Ticket: After leaving the arrivals lobby at Kansai International Airport (KIX), purchase a limousine bus ticket for Nara from one of the automated ticket vending machines located outside, near the airport bus stops. See Step 2 for the correct bus stop number.
- Board the Limousine Bus: Go to Bus Stop No. 9 at Terminal 1 or Bus Stop No. 5 at Terminal 2. Look for the Airport Limousine Bus marked “Nara” or “JR Nara Station.”
- Travel to JR Nara Station: Remain on the bus until it reaches the final stop at JR Nara Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Terminal 1 and slightly longer from Terminal 2, depending on traffic.
- Transfer to a Local Bus: At JR Nara Station, follow the signs to the West Exit bus terminal and go to Bus Stand No. 15. Board Nara Kotsu bus No. 208, 209 or 115. Check that the bus stops at Municipal Stadium (市営球場 / Shiei Kyūjō). Allow approximately 15 minutes for this journey.
- Arrive at the Hostel: Get off at the Municipal Stadium (市営球場 / Shiei Kyūjō) bus stop. The hostel is directly behind the bus stop, on the same side of the street, so you do not need to cross the road.
Published departures: T1—10:45, 14:45, 17:45, 20:45.
OPTION A · AIRPORT BUS
Bus Timetable
OPTION B · TRAIN
KIX to Nara
Approx. 1 hr 25 min · from ¥1,800
- Purchase Your Train Ticket at KIX: Follow the blue JR-WEST signs to JR Kansai-airport Station and purchase a ticket through to JR Nara Station from a JR ticket machine or the JR Ticket Office. Enter the JR lines area and go downstairs to the platforms. If you arrive at Terminal 2, first take the free shuttle bus to Aeroplaza, next to the railway station.
- Take a Train to Tennoji: Board either the Haruka Limited Express, which requires a limited-express ticket or supplement in addition to the basic fare, or the Kansai-Airport Rapid Service towards Osaka or Kyobashi. Both services stop at Tennoji Station. The Haruka is faster and more comfortable, while the rapid service does not require a supplement.
- Transfer at Tennoji: Follow the signs for the JR Yamatoji Line towards Oji, Nara or Kamo. Nara-bound trains normally depart from Platform 15 or 16, with most rapid services using Platform 16. Check the electronic departure board before boarding. For the fastest journey, take a Yamatoji Rapid Service bound for Nara or Kamo.
- Arrive at JR Nara Station: Get off at JR Nara Station. If the train continues to Kamo, make sure you still get off at Nara.
- Go to the Bus Terminal: Follow the signs to the West Exit of JR Nara Station. The local bus terminal is directly outside the station. Proceed to Bus Stand No. 15.
- Transfer to a Local Bus: From Bus Stand No. 15, board Nara Kotsu bus No. 208, 209 or 115. Check that the bus stops at Municipal Stadium (市営球場 / Shiei Kyūjō). Allow approximately 15 minutes for the journey.
- Arrive at the Hostel: Get off at the Municipal Stadium (市営球場 / Shiei Kyūjō) bus stop. The hostel is directly behind the bus stop, on the same side of the street, so you do not need to cross the road.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Conference reminders
- Bring a sleeping bag, if you wish, (but blankets are provided by the hostel), meditation blanket, toiletries and a reusable water bottle.
- Please observe maonavrata—silence—after 10:00 p.m.
- Confirm current airline, railway and bus information before travelling.
TRAVEL FAQ
Preparing for Japan
Do I need a visa?
Requirements depend on nationality. Check the current rules with a Japanese embassy or official immigration source before booking travel.
Can I obtain a SIM card at KIX?
SIM cards and Wi-Fi services are generally available from staffed counters, vending machines and pre-order pickup desks. Check current terminal locations and opening hours on the Kansai Airport website.
WELCOME TO JAPAN
Prepared with devotion and care.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Reserve your place in Nara.
If you live within Hong Kong Sector and are travelling from outside Japan, please give the conference fee to your local whole-timer. Contact the organisers if you require assistance.