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Greetings from BCA Connect! Here’s some ways you can stay connected to the dharma and to your community:
- Visit the BCA Connect blog to read and share BCA news, announcements, and articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTube channel to view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka: Remembering a Great
For most of his life, Rev. Dr. Seigen Haruo Yamaoka shared the Dharma and, through a series of trailblazing accomplishments, became a monumental figure in leading and shaping the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS).
Rev. Dr. Yamaoka amassed a 44-year career as a Kaikyoshi minister at the Buddhist Church of Oakland and Buddhist Church of Stockton. He served 15 years as BCA Bishop — and concurrently — as IBS President. He was the H.E. Kosho Ohtani Professor of Shin Buddhist Studies and Vice President of Development at IBS. Through his efforts, IBS became a member school of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California, in 2020.
He also led the BCA’s first national fundraising drive, the Campaign for Buddhism in America, in February 1982.
Rev. Dr. Yamaoka passed away on Dec. 15, 2023, in Seal Beach, California, at the age
of 89.
However, all of these accomplishments, and many others, don’t fully describe the full measure of the man and the countless lives he touched and impacted — all over the world. He was particularly beloved by Sangha members, IBS students and colleagues, and his family. He was devoted to his late wife Shigeko. He loved and cherished his two daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, craved Costco hot dogs, and was most comfortable at home in his Adidas tracksuit and Raiders cap.
Read the full article here
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Firefighters Battle Blaze, Save Arizona Temple
Nearly 100 firefighters battled and extinguished a massive overnight fire Feb. 4 at a construction building next to the Arizona Buddhist Temple — and saved the temple from ruin.
The temple suffered some exterior damage, Arizona Minister’s Assistant Rev. Lynn Sugiyama said, and he added that the Hondo and Onaijin areas were not damaged. The Arizona Buddhist Temple was able to continue its Sunday services.
No one was injured in the fire and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
“First off, I want to express my relief at the news about the Arizona Buddhist Temple being saved from the accidental fire,” Supervising Minister Rev. Gregory Gibbs said.
“We were lucky,” Rev. Sugiyama said. “There was no smoke or fire damage inside.”
Read the full article on the fire here
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Hoshina Seki Describes Path as a Trans Woman
It was always meant to be. That’s what my life is all about. But let me unravel how this Japanese American was asked to write this article.
First, I do not know why. I am transgender, and my samsara, the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, keeps going on. This means I’ll return many more times until I get it right.
About nine months before the United States declared war on Japan, I was born in a hospital in New York City. Then, 14 months later in May 1942, my father, Rev. Hozen Seki, was arrested and taken to Ellis Island by two FBI agents.
Read the full message here
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Discover more stories and articles to connect with
Visit the BCA Connect blog to read and share BCA news, announcements, and individual articles from Wheel of Dharma: |
| For the old-school, Sunday paper experience, you can now read this month’s issue of the Wheel of Dharma online in newsprint format and access the rest of our digital archives. |
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Impermanence is a Part of Life: Speaker Panel and Workshop
Sunday, March 17 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Jodo Shinshu Center, Berkeley & Virtual Zoom option
The Impermanence is a part of life workshop will feature panelists who can provide guidance and insight into how you and your family can take big and small steps to preparing for the end of life of our loved ones. This event is free and in person at the Berkley Buddhist Temple and will be virtually livestreamed at the link below. |
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Foundations of Buddhist Chaplaincy: A Japan US Dialogue
March 27-29
Institute of Buddhist Studies
2401 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
For registration, please visit the link below.This event is co-sponsored by the Institute of Buddhist Studies. the Center for Japanese Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, the Numata Foundation, and the Buddhist Ministry Working Group |
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Meeting the Moment:
A discussion on interfaith work in addressing and resisting genocide
Saturday, March 30 | 1:00-2:30 PM
Hybrid at Berkeley Buddhist Temple
We invite you to join us for an interfaith conversation featuring leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Christian communities. The speakers are Rev. Michael Yoshii, Rev. Harry Bridge, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, and Dr. Jess Ghannam moderated by Rev. CJ Dunford. Registration encouraged for in person participation and required for virtual livestream link. |
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Psychology of Shinjin
May 11 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST
Jodo Shinshu Center, Berkeley & Virtual Zoom option
The Psychology of Shinjin is a is doctrinal, theraputic and practical way Shinjin affects our daily lives. This CBE-sponsored lecture will feature special guests: Rev Kiyonobu Kuwahara, Rev Dr Carmela Javellana, Rev Dr Kenji Akahoshi. Registration is available for in person and Zoom attendance |
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Yoga, Buddhism, and a Healthy Lifestyle
Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26
Jodo Shinshu Center, Berkeley
Yoga does not only involve being flexible and doing poses alone! Join us as we explore the relationship of Yoga and Buddhism, participants may be of any age or physical condition. It will be a weekend of fun, relaxation, friendships and stimulating discussions along with gourmet vegetarian food, massages and other events. This event is sponsored by the BCA’s Center for Buddhist Education. |
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BCA Youth Events:
BYR VII Youth Retreat
June 23, 2024 – June 29, 2024
Jodo Shinshu Center
Open to high school age youths and first time participants only. Participants will spend a week learning from BCA ministers and instructors, learn Onaijin etiquette and chanting, and meet other youths from around the nation! For more information and registration details, click below. |
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Support Buddhism in America through annual programs that educate, connect, and enrich our community:
- Expand technology and digital media to guide new seekers to Shin Buddhist communities
- Connect members to innovative virtual programming
- Highlight the inspirational messages of our ministers.
Make an online offering today at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/dana-program. |
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
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Join us for Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto’s Retirement Celebration
Saturday June 15 | 11:00 AM
The Institute of Buddhist Studies will be honoring Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto, President of The Institute of Buddhist Studies, for his life work and service to both IBS and BCA on the occasion of his retirement. To join us for this special event, please register below. |
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Check out the IBS website for any new events!
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Digital Dharma Continues to Grow
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Find our list of temples with live-streaming and recorded videos here.
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BCA YouTube Channel
Bishop’s Messages from Rev. Marvin Harada can be found on the BCA YouTube channel. New dharma content from services, events, and activities is added regularly. |
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Start your day with Rev. Yuki Sugahara’s morning services
Rev. Sugahara posts daily morning services and shares his joy of playing music and performing Chinese Martial Arts on his YouTube Channel. On his channel, he enjoys creating videos that capture the ordinary lives of Jodo Shinshu Priests. |
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| Virtual meetings, dharma discussions, meditation and other activities
Check local temple e-mails and newsletters to find virtual sessions that keep sanghas connected.
Please send any digital dharma resource links to bcaconnect@bcahq.org. |
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Our Recommended Reads for January
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The Making of American Buddhism
by Scott A. Mitchell
As of 2010, there were approximately 3-4 million Buddhists in the United States, and that figure is expected to grow significantly. Beyond the numbers, the influence of Buddhism can be felt throughout the culture, with many more people practicing meditation, for example, than claiming Buddhist identity. A century ago, this would have been unthinkable. So how did Buddhism come to claim such a significant place in the American cultural landscape? |
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Dharma is Everywhere: Reflections Shared at the California State Assembly
by Reverends Bob and Patti Oshita
In 2016, Reverends Robert (Bob) and Patricia (Patti) Oshita were asked to be chaplains for the California State Assembly. They were the first Buddhists (and first husband and wife team) to serve the Assembly. Their two-term chaplaincy ended in December 2020. Dharma is Everywhere is an inspiring collection of their mindful and heartwarming messages to the California State Assembly. |
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BCA Website
