A Way of Living as a Nembutsu Follower

Delivered by the 25th Monshu (Resident Minister of Hongwanji) Kojun Ohtani

Due to the COVID-19, we are closing TEMPLE and NOKOTSUDO and cancelling all in-person activities at temple from March 14 until further notice. Thank you for your understanding under these most trying times. In Gassho

We have sunday service from 10am via zoom. If you would like to attend the service, please email NishiDharmaCenter@gmail.com to obtain the link. 

Sunday, July 19: Obon Service at Evergreen Cemetery - Cancelled

Sunday, July 19: Obon Service at Hondo at 10:00 am, held via Zoom

              Speaker: Rev. George Matsubayashi (English & Japanese)

Sunday, July 19: Obon Service at Nokotsudo at 11:30 am, held via Zoom

              Speakers: Rev. William Briones (English), Rev. Koho Takata (Japanese)

Sunday, July 26: Sunday Dharma Service at 10:00 am, held via Zoom

              Speakers: Rev. William Briones & Rev. Hibiki Murakami (English)

                               Rev. Koho Takata (Japanese)

Sunday, July 26: Hatsubon (1st Obon) Memorial Service at 1:00 pm, via Zoom

              Speakers: Rev. William Briones (English), Rev. Koho Takata (Japanese)

Saishin Dojo - Cancelled

LABCC Camp - Cancelled

Today we find ourselves in a time of deep unrest and pain. There is no justification for the killing of George Floyd, of Ahmaud Arbery, of Breonna Taylor. These and other countless racially motivated misuses of force against Black people are a travesty that must not continue. The pain and anguish of the Black community is resounding throughout the United States and the world, and is touching the hearts of many more people, including our own ministers and members.

Amida Buddha is said to have the “Wisdom of Non-Discrimination.” This is manifested in the Great Compassion that embraces ALL beings. Amida Buddha does not reject anyone based on age, gender, class, race, or any other basis. Although it is difficult for us as unenlightened beings to manifest this Wisdom of Non-Discrimination, this radical equality is an ideal in our tradition. Although it is difficult for us as foolish beings to manifest the all-embracing Great Compassion, this kindness and caring is our model to strive for. However, this equality will never be reached until Black Lives Matter.

Buddhists are not immune from racism. The insidious influence of racism is learned from many sources, usually unconsciously. It is important for us as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists to engage in self-reflection, and to be open to finding this racism within ourselves, as well as within our temples.

With the Buddha Dharma as our guide, let us help with the work to dismantle systemic and institutionalized racism, both within ourselves and our organization and in the community around us.

Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge

On behalf of the Buddhist Churches of America Ministers Association

Rimban William Briones (English)

Rev. Koho Takata (English)                         高田　興芳　開教使（日本語）

Rev. Hibiki Murakami (English)                    村上　響　開教使（日本語）

Due to the COVID-19, we are cancelling all classes and Dharma gatherings for 2020 Spring course. Thank you for your understanding.

What is or ought to be an American Jodoshinshu Temple by Rev. Masao Kodani

Monday, 7:00-8:30PM: April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4

Tannisho - A Record in Lament of Divergences - by Rev. Koho Takata

Monday, 6:30-8:00PM: May 11, 18, June 8, 15, 22 

The Basic Teaching of Jodo Shinshu by Rev. Ryuta Furumoto

Tuesday, 7:00-8:30PM: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 

Contemporary Issues and Jodo Shinshu Perspective by Rev. William Briones

Wednesday, 7:00-8:30PM: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

『弥陀のご本願に聞く』－『安心論題』を中心に by Rev. Hibiki Murakami

Saturday, 10:00-11:30AM: April 23, May 14, 28, June 18, 25

蓮如上人の『御一代記聞書』に聞く by Rev. Nobuo Miyaji

Saturday, 10:00-11:30AM: April 25, May 30, June 27

Need to Register to attend the Dharma Gathering. For more information, please contact Dharma Center at NishiDharmaCenter@gmail.com