David Komeiji Offers Dignity & Inclusion To The Marginalized

A native Hawaiian, David Komeiji’s Japanese Buddhist heritage informs his life of service. In his career as a healthcare professional, David has worked to address the needs of the houseless. He now teaches ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, to the incarcerated. Sarah speaks to David about sacred space, his rituals of honoring ancestors, and how he works to humanize those who often go unseen in our society.

David Komeiji is a Japanese American, born and raised in Hawaii, who has been many things: a physical therapist, a Shingon priest, an ikebana Master Teacher, a houseless advocate and a volunteer with both the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Grief Gratitude & Greatness is hosted by Sarah Shaoul and is a production of Recursive Delete Audio/Visual in Portland, Oregon.

This episode was produced & edited by Jack Saturn, with additional production by Sarah. The music was by Samantha Jensen.

This episode is sponsored by Lori Mason Design. When someone close to us dies, having a reminder of them that you can see everyday and keep close to you can be a great comfort. Lori crafts memorial quilts for the deceased, transforming their garments — their favorite Hawaiian shirts, their judge's robes, uniforms and other personal fabrics — into a piece of art that reflects their lives. Visit http://LoriMasonDesign.com/ to check out examples of how she honors each individual's unique life with her art.

Grief Gratitude & Greatness is the recipient of a 2020 grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

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