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9/13/2023 posted – BCA Connect Newsletter – September 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 YouTubechannelto view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
Less Me, More We
I recently returned from a week in Japan to receive confirmation from our Gomonshu of our Hongwanji for becoming Bishop. This ceremony was postponed for three years because of the pandemic. But since the Hawaii Kyodan recently elected a new Bishop, Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani, we were both invited to receive our confirmation together.
The ceremony was very meaningful and there were lots of dinners and meetings with various Hongwanji and Ryukoku University dignitaries during our stay. We met with Dr. Takashi Irisawa, the president of Ryukoku University, and were given a tour of some of their facilities.
I was very impressed with some of the signage on campus. I am not sure if it is the theme for the university, but throughout the campus, there were various short phrases, one of which was, “Less me, more we.” I thought this was a beautiful, very Buddhistic phrase. So simple, but so well put. “Less me, more we.”
Read the full message here
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Why Is Buddhism Growing in America?
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by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka
We might understand the rapid growth of American Buddhism by borrowing the concept of supply and demand from economics.
“Demand” refers to those factors that “pulled” or “welcomed” Buddhism. Several stand out: First, Americans value religion to a much greater degree than do people in most other developed countries. Religion tends to be seen as a “good thing,” providing a spiritual and ethical foundation for living. This is especially apparent in the raising of children.
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That Other Shore and This Shore
By Rev. Hosho Imada
During the season when Ohigan takes place, each temple plans its Ohigan service.
Ohigan is the day when the sun rises due east and sets due west during the spring and fall equinoxes. Amida Buddha’s Pure Land is said to be a place located in the west, so people envision the Pure Land by watching the sunset in the west during the Ohigan season.
Knowing that there is a world where we can meet our Dharma friends again is the greatest joy for Nembutsu followers. Knowing the destination of our lives can change the way we spend it.
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BCA Launches Relief Efforts to Aid Maui
By Jon Kawamoto
The Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and its Social Welfare Committee have launched Maui relief efforts in full support of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (HHMH) in response to the deadly wildfires that decimated the town of Lahaina.
Donations can be made online through: https://bca.kindful.com/, or by check payable to: BCA Endowment Foundation (Please note on memo line: Maui Relief). Mail checks to: BCA Endowment Foundation, 2140 Durant Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704. The BCA and HHMH are affiliated organizations and are a part of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist organizations based at the Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan.
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BCA Bishop Rev. Harada Officially Confirmed by Gomonshu
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by Buddhist Churches of America
Rev. Marvin Harada of the Buddhist Churches of America was officially confirmed as Bishop of the BCA on July 28.
The Shinju Shiki ceremony was conducted by His Eminence Monshu Kojun Ohtani of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha. The solemn ceremony was held in the historic Shiro Shoin (White Chambers) of the Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan.
Rev. Harada joined newly elected Bishop Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii in the ceremony.
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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:
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BCA 3rd Annual Virtual Art Exhibit
Sept 17, 2023
The Buddhist Churches of America is hosting its third annual VIRTUAL ART EXHIBIT which will premier on SEPTEMBER 17, 2023. The exhibit is open to BCA sangha members of ALL ages. We want to create a space to share artwork from the hundreds of talented Sangha members that are a part of our BCA community.
The Virtual Exhibit will be hosted on www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org. Please submit a digital image that captures your art creation. Only 1 submission per google form, please complete a separate form if you wish to submit additional art pieces. All submissions will be subject to approval by the BCA ART Committee to be a part of the exhibit. Thank you for sharing your art.
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Buddhist Philosophy
Dates listed below
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Hybrid – Online Zoom meeting; live @
390 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, California 94941, United States
Upon registering here, you will receive an email with the Zoom invitation link, however, you are welcome to join us in-person on the temple grounds at the time of the event.
Event schedule: 60-minute hybrid sessions; 1pm (local Pacific time) after Sunday Service
- Rev. CJ Dunford – understanding the concept of ‘self’ in Buddhism – September 24
- Catherine Shaw – Buddhist ethics, practice, identity, and worldviews – October 29
- Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara – how Buddhist teachings transform our lives – November 12
- All presenters – wrap-up and review session – December 10
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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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.
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
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Dr. Scott Mitchell Launches Book “The Making of American Buddhism”
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By Rev. Gesshin Greenwood
On May 24, 2023, Dr. Scott Mitchell, Chenxing Han, and Rev. Harry Bridge met online to discuss the release of his newest book, The Making of American Buddhism in a book launch entitled “Race, Place, and Religious Labor.” Below is a recording of the event and the Q&A that followed.
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Learn more about these events on the IBS Website.
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9/1/2023 – His Light Shines Infinitely – Nichiren & Shinran Public Lecture
Saturday, September 23, 2023 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
8/10/2023 – BCA Connect Newsleter
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 YouTubechannelto view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
Golf and Buddhism
One of my favorite recreations is to play golf.
I am not a good golfer by any means. I am more of a “hacker,” which means I struggle to break a 100 for a score. Still, I really enjoy it and even if I play terribly, usually in a round, there are a few good shots that I might make or a long putt maybe occasionally, which makes the whole round fun despite the score. There is also the camaraderie with the people you golf with, whether they are close friends or often people that you are meeting for the first time.
Read the full message here
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In a First for BCA, AI Generates Dharma Message at MVBT
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by Jon Kawamoto
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a recent Dharma talk at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple (MVBT) became the first in the BCA to be generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
ChatGPT, which stands for Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, was the AI chatbot used for the June 1 message. ChatGPT, developed by San Francisco-based OpenAI and launched on Nov. 30, 2022, enables users to refine a conversation to a desired length, format, style, detail, and language.
BCA Vice President John Arima, a Minister’s Assistant at Mountain View, worked with MVBT Resident Minister Rev. Yushi Mukojima on the AI Dharma talk on June 1.
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Explaining ‘Bonno,’ or Blind Passions
By Rev. Kory Quon
Light speed ahead! Do you feel that we are doing more things in person and that everything is going even more quickly than it did before? I do! It has been great to see so many of you in person.
I find that there is not enough time to actually catch up with people, especially when trying to say hello to everyone. Do you feel the same way?
I forget that the greatest gift is the intertwining of our life’s journey for even an instant, but I always find myself in the trap of wanting more. Our tradition considers this as a type of “bonno,” or blind passions.
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Elyse Fujii of Stockton Is 2023 Nitta Scholarship Recipient
By Darlene Bagshaw
The BCA’s Federation of Dharma School Teachers’ League (FDSTL) has awarded the 2023 Fred and Helen Nitta Scholarship to Ms. Elyse Fujii from the Buddhist Church of Stockton.
Ms. Elyse Fujii has spent her life as a part of the Sangha of the Buddhist Church of Stockton. After learning about the Gardena Buddhist Church’s Ichi-Mi efforts addressing LGBTQ+ issues in the BCA from Rev. Candice Shibata, Elyse became interested in the encompassing compassion and inclusion of the Buddhist teachings.
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Rev. Gary Jaskula Describes Closeted Past, Finding Shin Buddhism
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by Jon Kawamoto
There’s no questioning Rev. Gary Jaskula’s devotion to Shin Buddhism — judging by the amount of time and expense he literally spends as a Minister’s Assistant every Sunday at the New York Buddhist Church (NYBC).
On Sunday mornings, Rev. Jaskula boards the train from Albany, New York, where he lives, to take the two-and-a-half-hour ride into New York.
“It costs $60 train fare one way. How many of us would spend $120 to go to our local temple every Sunday?” Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada said. “I have to think about it myself. But that’s the kind of dedication we have from members on the East Coast.” (FYI: NYBC has reimbursed Rev. Jaskula for his train fares since former Resident Minister Rev. Earl Ikeda retired in September 2021.)
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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:
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Diversity in Amida’s Vow
August 20, 2023
9:30am – 4:30pm
Sharing stories and conversations with our LGBTQ+ Sangha friends to foster more inclusivity in our temples.
West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple
2003 Corinth Ave, LA, CA 90025
(In-Person Only)
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Engaging With the Compassion of Amida Buddha’s Vow – “A Profound Silence” Screening & Workshop
August 26, 2023
9:00am – 2:30pm
An in-person event that will feature a screening of “A Profound Silence”
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BCA 3rd Annual Virtual Art Exhibit
Sept 17, 2023
The Buddhist Churches of America is hosting its third annual VIRTUAL ART EXHIBIT which will premier on SEPTEMBER 17, 2023. The exhibit is open to BCA sangha members of ALL ages. We want to create a space to share artwork from the hundreds of talented Sangha members that are a part of our BCA community.
The Virtual Exhibit will be hosted on www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org. Please submit a digital image that captures your art creation. Only 1 submission per google form, please complete a separate form if you wish to submit additional art pieces. All submissions will be subject to approval by the BCA ART Committee to be a part of the exhibit. Thank you for sharing your art.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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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.
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
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Dr. Scott Mitchell Launches Book “The Making of American Buddhism”
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7/28/23 – BCA Connect
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 YouTubechannelto view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
The Past, Present, and Future of the BCA
The other day, I had the privilege of giving a lecture for the Ho Center for Buddhist Studies at Stanford University. They asked me to speak on the topic of the past, present, and future of the BCA. I very much enjoyed speaking there and we had a wonderful question-and-answer session after my lecture.
I shared some of our early history of our BCA, how it started in 1899 when two ministers from Japan were sent by the Gomonshu at that time, Myonyo Shonin. In our early years, many churches and temples were established in major cities, like Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, Fresno, and Seattle.
Read the full message here
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Rev. Maribeth Smith Addresses LGBTQ+ Rejection, Acceptance
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by Jon Kawamoto
The second of three segments of the BCA’s National Council Meeting Town Hall on “The Benefits of Following the Shin Buddhist Path” dealt with the benefits of a teaching that embraces all and forsakes none from the perspective of two Minister’s Assistants from the LGBTQ+ community.
For this topic, BCA Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada asked Rev. Maribeth “Smitty” Smith of the Buddhist Temple of San Diego, and Rev. Gary Jaskula of the New York Buddhist Church and the Albany Buddhist Sangha to share their thoughts.
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Commemoration, Consideration, and Commitment
By Rev. Candice Shibata
Like many of you, I had the opportunity and privilege to attend the 850th and 800th joint commemorative service to celebrate the birthday of Shinran Shonin and the establishment of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism at Nishi Hongwanji in May.
In addition, we attended the World Buddhist Women’s Convention, toured the Kyushu area of Japan, ventured over to Okinawa, and concluded our tour in Tokyo before returning home. I joined the festivities as a member of the Northern California Buddhist Women’s Association tour group and was so fortunate to travel with a wonderful group of members from Stockton, Cortez, Sacramento, Florin, and their family members.
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Grateful for Life’s Path, Guided by the Nembutsu
By Karen Akahoshi
Minasama, konnichiwa. Watashi no namae wa Akahoshi, Nobuko desu. Dozo yoroshiku. Boa tarde. Prazer con ñeserlos. Aloha! Aloha kako. And lastly, hello, everyone. That is the extent of my foreign language skills!
I am Karen Akahoshi and I am truly honored and humbled to represent more than 2,250 Buddhist women of the Buddhist Churches of America.
As I look back over nearly 80 years of my life, I am grateful and humbled by how my life has been guided by the Nembutsu. The path to this realization and gratitude was not straight nor an easy one. But rather, it took many twists and turns and up and down many trails that were unexpected.
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What Are the Three Kinds of Jewels?
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by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka
I chose ”Jewels” as the title of the book because in Buddhism jewels are used as a metaphor for something of immense spiritual preciousness.
A person is considered to have become a Buddhist when they accept as the basic foundation of their life the “three jewels,” referring to the Buddha (the fully awakened person), the Dharma (the Buddhist teachings), and the Sangha (the community of fellow Buddhists). ( https://tricycle.org/magazine/the-three-gems/) For Buddhists of all schools, the three jewels are the object of ultimate reliance and respect. This imagery of jewels also can help explain how these divergent schools can live in harmony.
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Wes Mukoyama Brings Buddhist Perspective to Life of Activism
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by Dennis Akizuki
Wes Mukoyama’s life of activism has ranged from counseling jail inmates as a Buddhist chaplain to serving as the executive director of a senior center, heading the Peace Corps in the Solomon Islands to being a social worker for 40 years.
The 80-year-old Mukoyama brings a Buddhist perspective to his activism, gained from meditation techniques learned from famed teacher Rev. Gyomay Kubose to Jodo Shinshu study class sessions over the past 25 years.
“I do think that a lot of people speak against the social ills of society. That is my modus operandi after I retired and my whole life,’’ Mukoyama said.
When he brings that up with ministers, he said he’s assured that activism is reflected in Shin Buddhist teachings.
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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:
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The Benefits of a Life of Gratitude: Benefits of Shin Buddhism Part 2
July 15, 2023
11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Guest Speakers: Rev. Kenji Akahoshi, Jean-Paul deGuzman, Teresa Shimogawa, & Sydney Shiroyama.
Rev. Akahoshi will give a brief review of part 1 then each of the other speakers will talk on how Shin Buddhism has benefited their lives.
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Women Liberating Buddhism
August 5, 2023
9:00am – 3:00pm
Paula Arai (Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies, Harvard University) authored The Little Book of Zen Healing (2023), Painting Enlightenment (2019), Bringing Zen Home (2011), and Women Living Zen (1999). She is the Eshinni & Kakushinni Professor of Women and Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies.
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Engaging With the Compassion of Amida Buddha’s Vow – “A Profound Silence” Screening & Workshop
August 26, 2023
9:00am – 2:30pm
An in-person event that will feature a screening of “A Profound Silence”
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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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.
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7 /27/23 – CBE E-News
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Join us for a very special in-person session at the Jodo Shinshu Center with Dr. Paula Arai. She will talk about the women who have influenced the Buddhist teachings and their impact on Shin Buddhism.
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CBE has partnered with West LA Buddhist Temple to host a very special in-person session about diversity in our Buddhist communities. Come watch the film “A Profound Silence” followed by some great discussion and workshops with our LGBTQ+ sangha friends. Lunch will be served!
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Please participate in the 3rd Annual BCA Virtual Art Exhibit. This has become a wonderful annual tradition of sharing the art from our amazing BCA Sangha members. Please click the reg link below to be a part of the exhibit. Applications are due by 8/31/23.
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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
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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
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.
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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
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50+ Years in the Dance Circle: Sahomi Tachibana
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SACBC Holds ‘Forever Young’ Dance to Rock in 2023
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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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.
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
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Dr. Lilu Chen Joins IBS as Field Education Director
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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.
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Learn more about these events on the IBS Website.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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!
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.
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Digital Dharma Continues to Grow
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Find our list of temples with live-streaming and recorded videos by clicking 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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Reading Shinran with Rev. Yuki Sugahara
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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.
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The BCA Bookstore has resumed operations. Please visit their newly refreshed website here.
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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.
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3/6/2023 – CBE E-News – Center for Buddhist Education
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Please encourage your high school age YBA members to attend this fun and educational workshop event!
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| 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) |
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| 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! |
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DONATIONS TO CBE ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED
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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. |
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| 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! |
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DONATIONS TO CBE ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED
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10/26/2022 CBE E-News
| Please join us for a special gathering of the Northwest District Ministers who will be teaching us about all the things we’ve always wanted to know about Sunday services. We will cover topics ranging from: rituals, chanting and the history of how some of our traditions came to be. Don’t miss this great chance to join these wonderful teachers! |
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| Our In-Person BYR (BCA Youth Retreat) Events are back at the Jodo Shinshu Center. We recently held our BYR Summer program in-person and it was a great success! So please join our BYR Fall Session this 11/26/22. Open to all participants in High School and College. Click the link below for more information and to register. Register SOON… Space is LIMITED!!! |
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Check out some recent CBE Uploads
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| Please check out Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra, as she shares an interesting discussion about the history of influential women in Jodo Shinshu on the CBE Youtube Channel. |
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10/22/2022 What Should I know about Sunday Service
Center of Buddhist Education Presentation
10/15/2022 – BCA Connection – October 2022
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 individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTubechannelto view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
The Meaning and Importance of ‘Nyo-Ze-Ga-Mon’
Our Buddhist sutras start with four Chinese characters that are pronounced, “Nyo-Ze-Ga-Mon,” which have been translated as, “Thus have I heard.”
They are the words of one of the Buddha’s disciples, usually Ananda, who was relating to the Buddha’s followers what he remembered Shakyamuni Buddha to have stated on that particular occasion. The fourth character, “Mon,” means “to listen,” or “to hear.” This is a most important part of Buddhism, but especially in our Shin Buddhist tradition, it becomes even more central. Our tradition is one of listening, of hearing. Ananda is relating the teachings, the truth of the Dharma that he not only heard, but what hit his heart.
Read the full message here
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Cultivating Grassroots Growth Through Storytelling
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by Nicole, Stephanie, and Megan Doi
Some of our earliest memories are of our Sundays in Stockton. When we were little, church was a place where we made beaded nenjus, learned how to dance Obon odoris, constructed our own Obutsudans and made lifelong friends.
The beauty of Buddhism, for us, is that its teachings are omnipresent; they are intrinsically a part of us no matter how far we are from church or how long it’s been since the last service we attended. We carry the lessons and teachings of the Buddha-Dharma with us.
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Gardena’s Ichi-Mi Seeks Donations for LBGTQ+ Video Project
The Gardena Buddhist Church’s Ichi-Mi organization is seeking donations in the next two months to create a video highlighting LGBTQ+ people and supporters from a variety of Shin Buddhist communities.
Ichi-Mi is currently fundraising to cover production costs and is hoping to raise enough funds in the next month in order to qualify for a matching grant program.
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JSIO Announces Japan Tour in 2023
The Jodo Shinshu International Office (JSIO) is offering a historic tour of Japan in May 2023 to coincide with the 850th anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s birth and the 800th anniversary of the founding of Jodo Shinshu.
The tour, which is open to JSIO participants and graduates as well as Sangha members in the BCA, Hawaii, Canada and elsewhere, will be for 10 days from May 9-18. It will include a visit to the Hongwanji Temple in Kyoto, as well as other sites of historical significance in Shinran Shonin’s life. The deadline to register is Oct. 31.
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Obon Festival Tradition Begins — in Humboldt
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by Dennis Akizuki
It had the familiar sights and sounds of an Obon: the booming of taiko, the smell of cooking food and the joyful dancing to Bon classics like “Tanko Bushi” and “Obon no Uta.”
But the origin of the inaugural Humboldt Obon wasn’t from a Buddhist temple. Instead, the Aug. 14 festival that attracted a crowd of up to 800 people in downtown Arcata blossomed from a new Asian American Pacific Islander community, with an assist from San Jose Taiko.
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BCA & Hawaii Team Up on Food Waste, Sustainability Project
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by Darlene Bagshaw
Over a year ago, the BCA Social Welfare Committee and the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Committee on Social Concerns embarked on an inaugural joint project.
The committees decided Earth Day, April 22, would be an excellent time to discuss our impact, both as individuals and temples, on our ever-changing environment. Three wonderful speakers, with a passion for preservation of our natural resources, shared their talents and experiences.
Koichi Sayano, BCA Social Welfare Committee, presented points of interest with regards to food waste and sustainability. Mindy Jaffe, owner of the Waikiki Worm Company, shared her success with island communities repurposing food waste. Ron Hamakawa of the BCA Seattle Betsuin shared their efforts surrounding conservation during the annual Obon Odori as well as other aspects of temple life.
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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:
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BCA Administrative Assistant
Buddhist Churches of America has an immediate opening for an Administrative Assistant with the option to work at either the national headquarters office at 1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, or at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, CA.
This full-time nonexempt position reports to the Director of Operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, administrative support for the Director of Operations, preparations for national meetings, light accounting support, and receptionist duties such as handling incoming phone calls and emails to the national headquarters / forwarding to the appropriate staff person and processing the daily mail.
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Buddhist Education Events
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Finding the Antidote to Ignorance: The Third of the Three Poisons
October 29, 2022, 11:00am – 1:00pm PST
The last of the three poisons is discussed by Rev. Blayne Higa and Chenxing Han.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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- Expands technology and digital media to guide new seekers to Shin Buddhist communities
- Connects members to innovative virtual programming
- Highlights the inspirational messages of our ministers.
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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!
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.
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
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Receiving and Giving: Buddhist Women Past, Present, and Future
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8/17/2022 Women In Jodo Shinshu
8/17/2022 – Finding The Antidote To Ignorance
Saturday, October 29, 2022
8/17/2022 Buddhist Bike Pilgrimage
Warm Greetings from the Board Members of DharmaWheels Foundation, a Northern California organization that combines a love of cycling with a love of Buddhism. For twenty years we have organized a two-day Buddhist Bike Pilgrimage that visits Dharma Centers and Monasteries. After some interruptions due to Covid, we offer our traditional route from Spirit Rock to Abhayagiri via other Buddhist places of interest on September 24th & 25th.
We hope that there may be some interest from your Sangha to join us. We encourage you to spread awareness of the event by including the attached flyer and links in any publications or emails that you send to your Sangha.
More details about the DharmaWheels and the pilgrimage.
- The Pilgrimage is entirely free with expenses paid through Dana gifts of food, time, and money. All excess gift money is donated to the centers we visit.
- It is optional to ride both days. We have riders at different levels of ability, and many ride one day and volunteer the other. We welcome volunteers for both days.
We offer training rides and community building so that those less familiar with such a Pilgrimage can acclimatize to the journey.
8/16/2022 BCA Virtual Art Exhibit
Calling all BCA Artists,
Please consider sharing your artwork for the 2nd Annual BCA Virtual Art Exhibition. Last year showcased some amazing art submissions from our BCA Sangha members. Please share this email with all of your temple members & leaders, and encourage them to submit their artwork to share in this year’s BCA Virtual Art Exhibit. Submission are due by August 31, 2022.
8/11/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – 2022
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 individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTubechannelto view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
Changing our Perspective
I was recently introduced to a most amazing video about the Dalai Lama and Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the anti-apartheid and human rights activist of South Africa.
This video showed the friendship of the two of them, and featured some wonderful conversations and dialogue. Their friendship was both humorous and touching. They playfully kidded and joked with each other like little kids.
One of the highlights of the video to me was when Tutu asked a question to the Dalai Lama, saying, to paraphrase, “You had to escape from your country and your country was taken over. Monasteries were destroyed and many people were killed by the Chinese military. Why are you not morose?”
Read the full message here
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Hybrid SD Buddhist Conference Draws Over 230
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Rick Oishi
The hybrid 2022 Southern District Buddhist Conference, hosted June 25 by Orange County Buddhist Church, drew more than 230 participants and marked a memorable and joyous return to the temple.
What’s significant about the event is that about 150 individuals gathered in person in the OCBC Hondo to hear former Bishop Rev. Kodo Umezu. The conference began with a Bishop memorial service recognizing the past 14 Bishops (Kantoku/Socho) of the BCA.
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BTSD Resumes Cemetery Visits to Imperial Valley
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Ralph Honda
Remembering the lives of individuals — whether known or unknown — through memorial services is part of a dedicated practice in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition.
The Buddhist Temple of San Diego members traveled to the Imperial Valley to conduct cemetery services May 28 after a two-year interruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Located in the southwest region of the United States, the valley is productive in agriculture and has a storied history of Japanese and Buddhist influences.
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Dharma Forward Campaign Developing Pathways for Future
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Michiko Inanaga
In addition to the original purpose of funding the BCA and the IBS, the Dharma Forward Campaign created the additional benefit of allowing BCA leadership to focus and prioritize certain initiatives to fund and advance the organization.
The 2019 National Council Meeting authorized the Dharma Forward Campaign and initially designated the first $1 million dollars raised to address vital needs at the BCA. Beyond this initial designation, BCA and IBS would fund priority items to advance their missions. BCA leadership chose to create an allocation system and leaders.
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Dharma Forward Donations Making a Difference
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Steven Terusaki
Your Dharma Forward donations are making a difference for BCA and IBS.
Dharma Forward began as a resolution to fulfill a million dollar need. The 2019 National Council Meeting Resolution was dedicated to five initiatives with a contingency amount. Four of these initiatives were facilities-related items with the fifth being the required annual JSC loan payment for 2020.
Through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers and staff the BCA is happy to provide the following updates to the resolution.
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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:
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BCA Administrative Assistant
Buddhist Churches of America has an immediate opening for an Administrative Assistant with the option to work at either the national headquarters office at 1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, or at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, CA.
This full-time nonexempt position reports to the Director of Operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, administrative support for the Director of Operations, preparations for national meetings, light accounting support, and receptionist duties such as handling incoming phone calls and emails to the national headquarters / forwarding to the appropriate staff person and processing the daily mail.
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Buddhist Education Events
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BCA Virtual Obon Dance
August 14, 2022, 2:00pm PST
Join the BCA in celebrating Obon 2022. Click the link below to join.
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Women in Jodo Shinshu
August 20, 2022, 11:00am
We invite everyone to appreciate the way that Shin Women lived everyday life by hearing and reciting the Nembutsu. Shinran’s teaching called the culmination of Mahayana Buddhism awakens everyone’s Buddha-nature. His wife, Eshinnni, demonstrated women’s spiritual liberation, and their daughter Kakushinni established the foundation of Hongwanji. Lady Kujo Takeko is the founder of BWA with her sister-in-law Kazuko. Women are vital in the development of Jodo Shinshu and Hongwanji.
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Teaching Essentials
August 27, 2022, 2:00pm-4:00pm PST
A seminar hosted by the FDSTL helping Dharma School teachers with curriculum, teaching styles, and more.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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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! This event is free and non-binding.
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,
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7/11/2022 – BCA Virtual Obon Dance – August 14th @ 2pm
- Presented on YouTube – Sunday August 14th @ 2pm (Link)
6/17/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – June 2022
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 individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTubechannelto view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
Tragedy in Buddhism
Week after week, we can’t seem to escape another tragic mass shooting.
In a short span of 10 days or so, we had the shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, the shooting at a church in south Orange County, California, and then the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in which 19 children and two teachers were gunned down.
How does a family endure such a tragedy of losing your child or your mother or wife in such a terrible shooting? How does one resolve the grief, the sorrow, of such a loss of an innocent person, doing nothing more than being a student or a teacher in a public school?
Read the full message here
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New Fresno Betsuin Hondo Dedicated
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Gordon Misaki
As soon as you drive into the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple grounds, you can’t miss the new Hondo — and it will leave you breathless.
The stunning, striking new Hondo is an ultramodern blend of the old — with the traditional Onaijin from the original temple on Kern Street — and the new, with subtle influences of iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Celebrate Obon with New Bon Odori ‘Kangie’
Wynn Kiyama
Artist and activist Nobuko Miyamoto has created the new bon odori, “Kangie” (“Gathering of Joy”), for use at temple Obon festivals.
Commissioned by the BCA Music Committee, the audio tracks were recorded this spring with a phenomenal roster of musicians.
The audio recording is downloadable and accompanied by a dance instruction video on the BCA website.
Read the full article hereFind the recording/video here
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2022 FDSTL Conference Held Online
Kenneth Koyama, Darlene Bagshaw and Kerry Wong
The Northern California Dharma School Teachers League hosted the 2022 FDSTL Conference on April 23.
The theme, “Cheers to Finding a New Norm,” represents a new optimism that we can return to the pre-pandemic state, realizing our future path has taken a new course to include added safety measures, changes in social behaviors and a newfound presence on the internet.
Read the full article here
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San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Celebrates Centennial
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John Mullins
On April 16, San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (SFVHBT) celebrated its 100th anniversary. Originally scheduled for October 2021, pandemic conditions delayed the event as well as the retirement luncheon for Rev. Patricia Usuki.
Both occasions were combined into a joyful gathering of 200 members, guests, and ministers from throughout Southern California and Nevada.
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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:
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BCA Administrative Assistant
Buddhist Churches of America has an immediate opening for an Administrative Assistant with the option to work at either the national headquarters office at 1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, or at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, CA.
This full-time nonexempt position reports to the Director of Operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, administrative support for the Director of Operations, preparations for national meetings, light accounting support, and receptionist duties such as handling incoming phone calls and emails to the national headquarters / forwarding to the appropriate staff person and processing the daily mail.
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Buddhist Education Events
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インドで親鸞聖人のみ教えを味わう
June 18, 2022, 11:00am PT
Reverend Ryuta Furumoto graduated Ryukoku University in 1998. He also has Hongwanji Gonshiki from Hiroshima Bukkyo Gakuin, and Hongwanji Dendo-in. He has served as a resident minister at Hilo Betsuin in Hawaii, and Arizona, San Mateo, and currently serves at the Senshin Buddhist Temple. He is also the Wheel of Dharma Japanese language editor.
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Tacoma Buddhist Temple presents: June Seminar with Chenxing Han
June 25, 2022, 2:00pm – 4:00pm (PST)
Discussing her book Be the Refuge and the role of young Asian-Americans in Buddhism.
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Finding the Antidote to Anger, The Second of The Three Poisons
July 16 2022, 11:00am – 1:00pm PST
Session 2 for Finding the Antidote To Anger, Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji dives into the Second of The Three Poisons.
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From Shakyamuni to Shinran
July 23, 2022, 11:00am PT
Reverend Kuwahara will talk about the Shakyamuni Buddha, who is the historical Buddha born in India over 2500 years ago. And how the Buddhist teachings evolved to Shinran Shonin who is the founder of our Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. He will also touch on the major influences of Shinran’s teachings who are known as the 7 patriarchs.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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6/1/2022 – BCA Update Number 861 for June 1, 2022,
5/19/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – May 2022
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 individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTube channel to view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
Save Animals to Be Human
Jon Kawamoto, the editor of the Wheel of Dharma, recently shared with me an amazing article and video from the Washington Post about a woman in Ukraine, who in the midst of the war there, returned to save the animals from her animal shelter.
Asya Serpinska is from the town of Hostomel, Ukraine, and was formerly a math professor. Upon retirement, she established an animal shelter that quickly grew to have hundreds of cats and dogs. With the attack of Ukraine, she was forced to initially flee, but then returned to rescue her animals at the shelter. Her surrounding area was bombarded and she said it felt like an earthquake.
Read the full message here
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Town Hall Presents Variety of Ways to Grow a Sangha
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Jon Kawamoto
Andrea Chapman is a professional YouTuber – and president of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple – and videos on her sewing and crafts channel Sewspire have received more than an astounding 600,000 views.
Chapman shared her success in building a YouTube following, and spoke at a BCA Town Hall on March 5 about how to use digital tools such as a website, YouTube channel and social media to attract and build a Sangha. The Town Hall was titled “Messaging and Membership” and kicked off the workshops at the National Council Meeting.
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Permission to Grieve
Rev. Candice Shibata
As we know, impermanence is one of the major tenets in Buddhism. Even children who attend Dharma School learn about impermanence through Dharma messages, class assignments, and as we speak about the symbolism of the flowers on the altar.
They may experience this painful lesson when a best friend moves away or when a beloved pet has passed. However, we may not fully experience the pain and suffering of impermanence until a loved one has died.
Read the full article here
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Keeping faith during troubled times
Saya Abney
One of the core tenets of Buddhism that temple sermons have focused on recently is impermanence. The messages have felt particularly timely — change, loss and death have often seemed like the only constants during the unprecedented challenges the world has been facing for the last few years.
I learned that my grandfather had passed away on the last day before winter break. Granddaddy was my rock, a steady comforting presence who would always greet me with a big hug and a bigger grin.
Read the full article here
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An Amazing First Month into New Role
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Terri Omori
The first month into my new role has been amazing! I have had the opportunity to participate in special temple events, meetings and webinars. I would like to acknowledge all who made it possible including the following.
The Stockton BWA observed their Dana Day service on March 27. Each year, the women gather to reflect on this important part of the Six Paramitas, selfless giving. They also welcome and recognize new members to their organization.
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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:
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BCA Administrative Assistant
Buddhist Churches of America has an immediate opening for an Administrative Assistant with the option to work at either the national headquarters office at 1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, or at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, CA.
This full-time nonexempt position reports to the Director of Operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, administrative support for the Director of Operations, preparations for national meetings, light accounting support, and receptionist duties such as handling incoming phone calls and emails to the national headquarters / forwarding to the appropriate staff person and processing the daily mail.
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Buddhist Education Events
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Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection
May 14, 2022, 9:00am – 11:00am MST
Naikan Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection. Presented by the Longmont Buddhist Temple.
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Finding the Antidote to Anger
May 14, 2022, 11:00am – 1:00pm PST
A presentation by Dr. Larry Ward. The presentation will focus on Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames.
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Jodo Shinshu At the Movies Part 2
June 11 2022, 11:00am PST
Session 2 of Jodo Shinshu At The Movies hosted by Reverend Jay Shinseki.
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Tacoma Buddhist Temple presents: June Seminar with Chenxing Han
June 25, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm (PST)
Discussing her book Be the Refuge and the role of young Asian-Americans in Buddhism.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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4/19/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – April 2022
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 individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTube channel to view dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Messages
Bishop Harada recently shared his reflection on the situation in Ukraine.
Read the full message here
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NCM Town Hall Held on ‘Messaging and Membership’
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Jon Kawamoto
In a clear sign of its importance, the National Council Meeting devoted a lengthy — and well-received — Town Hall on “Messaging and Membership” to address the BCA’s decreasing membership and to offer positive ways to grow a Sangha.
The 90-minute Town Hall, held March 5, kicked off the NCM’s series of workshops and was attended by 180 people from throughout the BCA, and also Hawaii and Canada. This year’s NCM, titled “Strength in Sangha,” was held from March 4-5 and March 11-13, and hosted by the Central California District.
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We Are All Interdependent, Interconnected – and Caregivers
Rev. Ron Miyamura
On Oct. 29, 2021, President Biden declared “National Family Caregivers Month” for the month of November. I am sure this did not make the national headlines and most of us are not aware of this announcement.
Certainly, because of COVID-19, many people became caregivers to someone who got the virus. Fortunately, only a small percentage became sick enough to be in the hospital, but many who had mild cases had to be cared for at home and family members became caregivers.
Read the full article here
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Embracing Two Opposing Things as One
Rev. Nariaki Hayashi
History tells that when Shakyamuni Buddha, at the age of 80, was on a journey of propagation with his disciple Ananda, Shakyamuni taught the Dharma to a blacksmith named Chunda.
Greatly inspired, Chunda invited them to a feast as an offering. However, Chunda’s meal was unsuitable, given Shakyamuni’s health.
Read the full article here
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BCA Social Welfare to Donate to Ukraine
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Celeste Sterrett
The BCA’s Social Welfare Committee and the Executive Committee have moved quickly to approve significant donations to two international organizations aiding Ukraine.
UNICEF and Global Giving, Inc. each received $20,000 from the Social Welfare Fund.
All of us have been moved by the disaster that is happening in Eastern Europe. The stirring messages by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada and Rev. Harry Bridge that appear on the BCA website and in this month’s issue of the Wheel of Dharma express our compassionate concern for all affected by this war.
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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:
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Buddhist Education Events
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BCA Jr YBA Summit Event
April 16, 2022, 2:00pm PST
Jr. YBA leaders will discuss the challenges they have faces over the past 2 years. And together will develop new ways to engage and grow our organizations.
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Our Independent Lives: Food Waste and Sustainability
April 16, 2022, 1:00pm (PST)
Co-ponsored project by the BCA and Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Two speakers will address different aspects of food waste reduction with an emphasis on what we can do in our homes, temples, and organizations. Followed by a
Q&A.
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Take Refuge in Amida, The Music of Purity
April 17 and 24 2022, 1:00pm-2:00pm PST
The groundbreaking Buddhist taiko group Kinnara Taiko will present a series of 1 hour webinars which include instructional videos.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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My BYR Experience
Kyle Nishimura
Tacoma Buddhist Temple
Two years ago, I attended the first BCA Summer Youth Retreat at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California: the Buddhist Youth Retreat (BYR). Going into the program, I was super nervous and unsure about how everything would turn out; by the end of the week, I had found an amazing group of people that I truly trust, respect, and care for.
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.
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Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that now, more than ever, we must focus on technology and digital media to guide new seekers to Shin Buddhist communities, connect members to innovative virtual programming, and highlight the inspirational messages of our ministers.
Please consider a recurring donation to the Dana Program so we may expand these initiatives in the future.
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3/17/2023 – CBE News – Center for Buddhist Education
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BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA
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3/11/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – March 2022
- BCA Connected is the monthly newsletter from the Buddhist Churches of America
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Greetings from BCA Connect! Stay connected to the dharma and each other:
- NEW! – Visit the BCA Connect blog to read and share BCA news, announcements, and individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTubechannelto view the most recent Bishop’s Message and other dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Messages
Reflections of the Invasion of Ukraine
It has been disturbing to see the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. To see a country without any provocation be invaded by another country is appalling.
When we look back at the history of the world and of civilization, isn’t this a recurring theme, like a broken record? Conquerors, dynasties, kingdoms, war after war, battle after battle. Where does it end?
Read the full message here
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A Vision for the Future
Bishop Marvin Harada
I would like to borrow a wonderful metaphor that Rev. Akio Miyaji, whom I served with for a number of years, used often in his memorial service sermons.
Rev. Miyaji used to talk about the importance of our rearview mirror when we drive in our cars. Rev. Miyaji used this metaphor to illustrate the importance of seeing our past, where we have been, and paying respect and gratitude for those who lived before us.
When we drive, we can’t just look in our rear view either, or else we will crash into something. We have to look at what is right in front of us. That is our present. We have to look further down the road ahead of us. That is our vision. To me, vision must also have aspiration.
Read the full message here
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Fresno Buddhist Temple’s new Hondo casts a striking glow at night. This nearly completed building will open for Dharma services soon. (Photo: Greg Tsudama)
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Terri Omori Breaks New Ground
as First Woman BCA President
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Jon Kawamoto
Terri Omori, a lifelong Shin Buddhist with deep ties to the San Diego and Vista temples, will become the first woman BCA President — a major milestone in the Buddhist organization’s 123-year history.
The formal appointment will be made March 13, after the Eitaikyo Service at the BCA’s National Council Meeting.
“I’m very humbled and honored to be given this opportunity,” she said. “When I said yes, it was out of gratitude. It was just the result of the deeper appreciation that I had growing up, and of all the years that I have been able to have the Dharma as part of my life. And, it was also recognizing all those who have come before me.”
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‘Seemore’ — and Listen More
Rev. Ryuta Furumoto
At Senshin, I see several animals. I like animals, so I feel a sense of peacefulness whenever I see them.
Temple members bring their dogs, and one dog barks at everyone without any discrimination (it can represent Amida Buddha’s non-discriminating mind). Stray cats or the neighborhood cats take a walk and nap in the courtyard. Also, I enjoy watching a squirrel.
The squirrel living on the Senshin grounds is named “Seemore.” The spelling is not “Seymour.”
Read the full article here
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Buddhist Values and Leadership
Rev. Dr. David Ryoe Matsumoto
in conversation with Dr. Leroy Morishita
Dr. Leroy Morishita has guided the Institute of Buddhist Studies as the Chair of its Board of Trustees since January 2021, following a distinguished career of leadership in higher education.
Leroy was born in Fresno and raised on a family farm in Del Rey, California. He flourished during a 29-year career at San Francisco State, and recently retired as President of California State University, East Bay, where he served from 2011-2020.
Read the full article here
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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:
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BCA National Council Meeting & Service
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Friday, March 11, 2022 – All Day!
Panda Express Fundraiser for BCA Dharma Forward & IBS
Online Orders from your nearest Panda Express.
28% of sales will benefit the BCA Dharma Forward campaign.
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Eitaikyo Service – 10:00 AM PDT
Guest Speaker: Rev. Kenji Akahoshi – BCA Minister Emeritus
Eitaikyo Service open to conference attendees and the general BCA membership.
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Buddhist Education Events
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Shinshu At The Movies:
Trapped in a Cycle
March 19, 2022, 11:00am PST
Rev. Turner is currently serving as one of the resident ministers at the Orange County Buddhist Church
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Essentials of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
March 26, 2022, 11am – 1pm (PST)
A discussion hosted by Reverend Dr. Takashi Miyaji.
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Take Refuge in Amida, The Music of Purity
April 2 2022, 11:00am PST
Reverend Yuki Sugahara hosts this Japanese Language Seminar.
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Universal Inclusivity in Japanese Pure Land Buddhism: LGBTQ+ and Jodo Shinshu
April 5, 2022, 4:30 pm
A discussion about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and LGBTQ+, hosted by the Cleveland Buddhist Temple. If attending in person make sure to register before.
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For All CBE Events:
Registration required to receive Zoom link. All times listed are Pacific time.
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3/1/2022 – Women In Buddhism Seminar
- Tuesday – April 26, 2022 – Zoom Online Program
- Presented by Kappa, West Kauai & Lihue Hongwanjis – Hawaii
- Program Flyer (Link)
- Registration Required (Link)
2/24/2022 – Schedule – BCA Center for Buddhist Education
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BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA
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PLEASE SHARE THESE UPCOMING EVENTS…
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DONATIONS TO CBE ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED HERE
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3/5/2022 – BCA Town Hall Meeting & Eitaikyo Service
2/15/2022 – BCA Jr YBA Summit – April 2022
” Jr. YBA leaders will discuss the challenges they have had to overcome over the past 2 years. And together will develop new ways to
engage and grow our organization.” – Koichi Mizushima, CBE Youth Coordinator.
- April 16, 2022 – 2pm – More Information (Flyer)
2/11/2022 – BCA Connect Newletter – February 2022
Greetings from BCA Connect! Stay connected to the dharma and each other:
- NEW! – Visit the BCA Connect blog to read and share BCA news, announcements, and individual articles from Wheel of Dharma.
- Go to the BCA YouTube channel to view the most recent Bishop’s Message and other dharma content from throughout BCA.
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Bishop’s Message
In Memory of the Venerable Buddhist Master Thich Nhat
On Jan. 22, 2022, the Venerable Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, passed away in Vietnam. Besides the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh has to be considered as the most significant propagator of Buddhism during our lifetimes.
He wrote 100 books on Buddhism. Over the years of my ministry, I have used his books countless times for study classes, adult discussions, and as a source for my own Dharma talks. His books are so beautifully written, easy to understand yet profoundly deep, and relatable to anyone.
Today, I would like to pay my deep respects to this wonderful teacher of the Dharma.
Read the full message here
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Shakyamuni Buddha’s
Parting Words of Wisdom
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Rev. Henry Toryo Adams
February is the month when we observe our annual Nirvana Day memorial service marking Shakyamuni Buddha’s passing from this world of suffering approximately 2,500 years ago at Kuśinagara in Northern India.
The Buddhist sutras teach us that when Shakyamuni Buddha departed from this world of suffering, he entered the state of final peace that is called parinirvana.
Shortly before realizing parinirvana, Shakyamuni laid out a set of guiding principles for those who would continue their study of the Buddha-Dharma after he departed from this world:
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