Dharma School classes for children and youth (nursery school through college ages) are normally held Sunday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. during the months of September through June. Classes are taught by volunteer teachers, under guidance by the ministerial staff, and cover subjects including Temple etiquette, history of Buddhism, and Buddhist teachings.

Dharma School Parents is an association of parents of the Dharma School students. Its purpose is to promote Jodo Shinshu through participation in and support of the Dharma School program and other Temple activities.

The Dharma School Parents was established in 1947, under the name “Ijikai”, which means “organization to provide support”. The first fundraising efforts of the parents were the Temple Picnic and the Oseibo program. These events made it possible for the Dharma School to become financially independent and are still being held as annual events.

In 1962, the name of the organization was changed to Sunday School Fubokai and the meetings started to be conducted in English. Prior to this the meetings were conducted entirely in Japanese. 

The Dharma School Parents supports various youth activities including the Sangha Teens and Junior YBA. The Dharma School Parents also supports other Temple fundraisers such as the annual Obon Carnival and Surf and Turf Dinner Sale. The Dharma School Parents welcomes all Temple members, especially those with Dharma School students.

DSP Cabinet