BCA Website

The Buddhist Church of Oakland is a member of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA).   The Buddhist Churches of America and affiliated churches, temples, and organizations offer a number of different programs and events each month. Please visit the BCA website for more information (BCA Website).



Archive: 2020  2021  2022 

5/24/2023 – Race, Place and Religious Labor – A Book Launch Event.

A conversation between Dr. Scott Mitchell and Chenxing Han to celebrate the launch of “The Making of American Buddhism”… (More Information)


5/4/2023 CBE Updated – Center for Buddhist Education


4/13/2023 – IBS Spring Updates

Spring at IBS
– Upcoming Events

We’re very excited to share that Dr. Paula Arai and two IBS students, Amanda Kairys and Letesa Isler, will be participating in the GTU conference on Women and Religion on Friday, April 28th. More information here.

Join Dr. Scott Mitchell and Chenxing Han for a thought provoking conversation on race, place and religious labor to celebrate the launch of Dr. Mitchell’s book The Making of American Buddhism. This event will take place on May 24 at 1pm PST on zoom. More information here.

Dr. Nancy Lin will be participating in an interfaith conference on the nature of Joy on April 26th. There will be a number of presentations from the GTU community speaking from their different traditions and disciplines on the place of joy in religious thought and practice. More information here.

Dr. Richard Payne will be giving a free lecture, “Buddhist Economics and the Economics of Buddhism” on Tuesday, April 18th at 5pm, at the Humanities and Social Change Center, Robertson Gym 1000A. The lecture will be followed by a conversation with Fabio Rambelli, author of Buddhism Under Capitalism. More information here.

Lastly, Rev. Dr. Matsumoto continues his online seminar on the meaning of Shinjin. The latest lecture will be on Saturday, May 6th from 11am-1pm. Register here.


4/7/2023 – BCO Connect – Newsletter from the Buddhist Churches of America


2/28/2023 – BYR 6: BCA Summer Youth Retreat

June 25 – July 1, 2023 at the Jodo Shinshu Center

Flyer Link

We are hosting the 6th annual BCA Youth Retreat (BYR) from June 25 – July 1, 2023 at the Jodo Shinshu Center.
Please be sure to share this event with your high school age youth groups at your temple.

 


3/10/2023 – BCA Connect – Newsletter from The Buddhist Churches of America

March 2023
Greetings from BCA Connect! Stay connected to the dharma and each other:
  • 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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
Bishop’s Message
The Benefit of Living a Life of Self-Introspection
This month, I would like to continue on the BCA theme for this year, “The benefits of following the Shin Buddhist path,” by focusing on the benefit of a life of self-introspection.
The great Zen Master Dogen wrote, “To study Buddhism is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be awakened to all things.” Dogen is saying that the focus of Buddhism is self-introspection and self-reflection. That is what Buddhism is. You don’t necessarily need books or texts. All you need to study Buddhism is a life of self-introspection.
Read the full message here
Wheel of Dharma
50+ Years in the Dance Circle: Sahomi Tachibana
by Dr. Wynn Kiyama
Sahomi Tachibana enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional dancer and teacher in New York City and Portland, Oregon — performing on Broadway and Radio City Music Hall, founding two branches of the Tachibana School of Dance, and teaching Bon Odori for more than 60 years.
Living in a Round Earth
By Rev. Etsuko Mikame
When four of us went to a restaurant, we had to choose between a square table or a round table. Which would you choose?
We chose a square table. I know that a round table looks cute and reminds me of a trendy café, but we cannot put as many plates and cups on it. I think that a square table is more functional than a round table.
There is a difference, not only in the functional aspects between the two shapes of the table, but the different shapes might affect how we behave when we sit.
When we sit at the square table at a café or restaurant, we easily know “the borderline” between us and others.
Internee Tells Her Family’s Internment Story With ‘Topaz Collages’
By Ralph Honda
The stories of more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry who were detained in concentration camps for three years during World War II are recorded on various platforms.
Narratives are told through documentaries, motion pictures, stage plays, articles and storytelling.
For Jeanie Kashima, the first internee born at the Topaz Relocation Center in central Utah, her memories are captured with a combination of art collages and photos through images of her family.
SACBC Holds ‘Forever Young’ Dance to Rock in 2023
by SACBC Event Committee
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church (SACBC) held its first social event in a few years to begin 2023 with a dance and a bang — and everyone had so, so much fun.
The “Forever Young Reunion Dance,” held Jan. 14, included friends from several Bay Area temples — Oakland, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and San Jose — as well as many friends from SACBC.
There was food, music, friends, dancing and some special guest DJs spinning the tunes. We welcomed DJ Nino Yello (Todd Ninokata from Kreations From Above), Rystylz (Ryan Fukui from KZSU’s Art of the Breaks), DJ Taka (Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji) and DJ Yamix (Kyle Yamasaki) with guest bassist, Rev. Harry Bridge (Buddhist Church of Oakland), who performed a jam session with DJ Taka.
Visit the BCA Connect blog to read and share BCA news, announcements, and individual articles from Wheel of Dharma:
Visit Wheel of Dharma online to read this month’s issue in newsprint format and access the digital archives:
Buddhist Events
The Benefits of a Life of Gratitude: Benefits of Shin Buddhism
March 11, 2023, 11:00am – 1:00pm PST
Rev. Dr. Akahoshi served as the resident minister of the Buddhist Temple of San Diego for 8 years and recently retired. He received a master’s degree from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto and a Masters of Buddhist study from the Institute of Buddhist Studies of Berkeley, CA. He originated (1998) and continues to conduct annual Shin Buddhist Retreats in California, Washington, and Hawaii.
Shinjin
March 18, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00pm PST
Rev Dr. David Matsumoto is the president of the Institute of Buddhist Studies. He will continue his series about the meaning of Shinjin. This is part 3 of his 4 part online series. Parts 1 & 2 are on the CBE Youtube Channel if you wish to view them.
What Is Obon?
March 25, 2023, 11:00 am PST
The Bon Odori Taiko subcommittee, with TaikoVentures – a new Taiko Community organization – is proud to present a live webinar with Rev. Masao Kodani and Nobuko Miyamoto discussing Obon. In this discussion, we will explore topics around how Obon festivals, music, dance, and authenticity developed in the US and how it continues to evolve.
For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
Donations to CBE are gratefully accepted here.
Contact cbe@bcahq.org or 510-809-1460 for more information.
Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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.
Institute of Buddhist Studies
Dr. Lilu Chen Joins IBS as Field Education Director
By Rev. Gesshin Greenwood
The Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce that Dr. Lilu Chen has joined our academic staff and will be serving as our new Field Education Director. In this position, Dr. Chen will develop relationships with field education sites, and support students in our Master of Divinity Program as they fulfill their field education requirements.
IBS Events
Learn more about these events on the IBS Website.
The 2023 Taitetsu Unno Memorial Lecture
4:00pm – 6:00pm PST
The Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announced the Taitetsu Unno Memorial lecture, to be delivered by Dr. Ruben Habito, and held on Friday March 31, from 4-6pm, both in person at the Jodo Shinshu Center and virtually.
IBS Job Opening: Senior Accountant
Responsibilities for this full-time, hybrid/remote position include:
  • Performing month-end close and preparing monthly account reconciliations and journal entries.
  • Reviewing and preparing endowment-related schedules. Reviewing investment statements, investment manager summaries, and preparing monthly reconciliation of endowment schedules.
  • Preparing and processing monthly payroll.
  • Assisting in the preparation of financial reports and analysis including monthly, quarterly, year-end reporting (W-2s and 1099s) and other outside reporting.
Qualifications include B.A. degree in accounting and 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in accounting.
Young Buddhist Editorial
EcoDharma – Earth Day Open Call for Submissions
DUE: April 7th
The Social Justice Committee is excited to announce an open call for submissions centered on EcoDharma and the ways that we all practice environmentalism in our daily lives.
With Earth day coming up in April, we’re looking to showcase your creativity in considering environmentalism and sustainability! What does EcoDharma mean to you?
Submissions can come in any form and length – poems, articles, paintings, videos ~ anything you feel called to!
Questions? Email us at youngbuddhisteditorial@gmail.com
Interested in joining YBE? Fill out our Welcome Form!
The Young Buddhist Editorial is expanding and looking for new people to join. We welcome all types of expertise, interests, and capacities!
Email youngbuddhisteditorial@gmail.com for more information.
YBE is a space for young Buddhists to express themselves and build solidarity with other young persons, advocates, and allies across the country. To learn more about YBE, visit their website and Facebook page.
Digital Dharma Continues to Grow
Find our list of temples with live-streaming and recorded videos by clicking here.
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.
Reading Shinran with Rev. Yuki Sugahara
Rev. Sugahara continues to explore the Shin Buddhist teachings of Shinran with Notes on the Inscriptions on Sacred Scrolls. Rev. Sugahara previously read Tannisho and Shinran’s three major poetry collections. View the playlists on Oregon Buddhist Temple’s YouTube.
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.
BCA Online Bookstore
The BCA Bookstore has resumed operations. Please visit their newly refreshed website here.
Suggested Reading
American Sutra: A story of faith and freedom in the second world war.
The mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II is not only a tale of injustice; it is a moving story of faith. In this pathbreaking account, Duncan Ryūken Williams reveals how, even as they were stripped of their homes and imprisoned in camps, Japanese American Buddhists launched one of the most inspiring defenses of religious freedom in our nation’s history, insisting that they could be both Buddhist and American.
The Shin Buddhist Service Book is available as a PDF on Google Drive. Please note when downloading that it is a very large file.
Jodo Shinshu: A Guide is available as a PDF on the BCA website. This abridged edition provides an overview of Buddhism, Shinran Shonin, and the Jodo Shinshu teaching.

3/6/2023 – CBE E-News – Center for Buddhist Education

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO

Please encourage your high school age YBA members to attend this fun and educational workshop event!

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO
Save the date for a very interesting video presentation about Buddhist Holidays. No registration necessary. Just log onto the CBE Youtube Channel and watch the video on 5/13/23 @ 11am (PT)
CBE YouTube Channel
SAVE THE DATE!!! The BCA Youth Retreat (BYR) will be in person at the Jodo Shinshu Center on 6/25/23 – 7/1/23. Space is limited to be sure to sign up early to get your spot in this amazing program. Check out the short video promo below!
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO
WATCH THE VIDEO PROMO

DONATIONS TO CBE ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED

SUPPORT CBE HERE
QUESTIONS: cbe@bcahq.org

2/14/2023 – BCA National Council Meeting – Public Events

The Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) will be holding the National Council Meeting. These events/meetings will be attended by the designated leaders of Temples/Churches in the BCA. 

A few of these events/meetings will be “Open to All” to attend.  We encourage BCO Sangha members to attend these “Open” meetings. They will be held presented via Zoom Meetings.

February 18, 2023

February 23, 2023

February 26, 2023

These are online events open to the public. We encourage BCO Sangha members  to participate.


3/12/2023 – 800|850 Joint Service

850th Anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s Birth
800th Anniversary of the Establishment of Jodo Shinshu Teachings
March 12, 2023 – 10am at Palo Alto Buddhist Temple

Flyer

The Buddhist Churches of America, Bay District will be conducting the Joint Services of the 850th Anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s Birth & the 800th Anniversary of the Establishment of Jodo Shinshu Teachings on March 12, 2023 at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple from 10 AM.

The BCA Bishop, Rev. Marvin Harada will be the officiant and in attendance will be all the Bay District Ministers from the nine Bay District Temples.  While we are encouraging in-person attendance, the service will also be streamed via Zoom.  After the service, we will break into smaller groups for Dharma sharing, activities for the Dharma School students and the Jr. Young Buddhist Adult groups.  A bento lunch will be available following the sessions in the gym.  Bento lunch must be pre-ordered through your local temple.  Please check with your local temple for more details.

Donations will be gratefully accepted online at bca.kindful.com or by check payable to BCAEF (with BD 850/800 in the memo).  Proceeds will go the BCA Dharma Forward Campaign.  Donations can be sent to the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple at 2751 Louis Road, Palo Alto, CA. 94303 prior to the service or collected that day. 

For more information about the service contact Rev. Dean Koyama at dkoyama@comcast.net

*** BCO/Oakland  Members who would like to  attend, please contact the Church Office by Thursday February 23th to RSVP and to Order Lunch ***

  • RSVP requested. Space is limited at Palo Alto Buddhist Temple. 
  • Lunch option is Chickent/Salmon or Vegitarian or Child bento lunch. BCO will be covering the lunch cost. Lunch orders due by Thursday February 23rd to the BCO Office (Contact us).

 


1/13/2023 CBE E-News

Calling all BCA Performers! Please share your talent for the 3rd annual BCA JAMS Virtual Talent Show. We are looking for singers, musicians, dancers, magicians & anything else entertaining. Click the link below for more info and to register your video. Thank you in advance for making another great show.
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO
The annual BCA Temple Leaders Workshop is back IN-PERSON. It’s a wonderful event full of networking, meeting new folks, and sharing great information to help leaders at their temples. Please make sure you temple is represented!
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO
REGISTRATION & INFO
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO

DONATIONS TO CBE ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED

SUPPORT CBE HERE
QUESTIONS: cbe@bcahq.org

Archive: 2020 2021  2022

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