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2022 BCA Archive Posts


10/26/2022 CBE E-News


Coming Soon…

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!
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO
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!!!
REGISTRATION & MORE INFO

Check out some recent CBE Uploads

CBE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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.

 


10/22/2022 What Should I know about Sunday Service

Center of Buddhist Education Presentation


10/15/2022 – BCA Connection – October 2022

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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
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
Wheel of Dharma
Cultivating Grassroots Growth Through Storytelling
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.
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.
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.
Obon Festival Tradition Begins — in Humboldt
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.
BCA & Hawaii Team Up on Food Waste, Sustainability Project
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.
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:
Job Listing
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.
Buddhist Education Events
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.
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
  • 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.
Make an online offering today at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/dana-program.
Young Buddhist Editorial
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.comfor 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.
Institute of Buddhist Studies
Receiving and Giving: Buddhist Women Past, Present, and Future

[Message clipped]  View entire message


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

August 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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
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
Wheel of Dharma
Hybrid SD Buddhist Conference Draws Over 230
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.
BTSD Resumes Cemetery Visits to Imperial Valley
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.
Dharma Forward Campaign Developing Pathways for Future
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.
Dharma Forward Donations Making a Difference
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.
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:
Job Listing
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.
Buddhist Education Events
BCA Virtual Obon Dance
August 14, 2022, 2:00pm PST
Join the BCA in celebrating Obon 2022. Click the link below to join.
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.
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.
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.
Young Buddhist Editorial
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.
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,

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

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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
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
Wheel of Dharma
New Fresno Betsuin Hondo Dedicated
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.
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 here
Find the recording/video here
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
San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Celebrates Centennial
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.
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:
Job Listing
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.
Buddhist Education Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Young Buddhist Editorial

6/1/2022 –  BCA Update Number 861 for June 1, 2022,


5/19/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – May 2022

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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bcaconnect.
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
Wheel of Dharma
Town Hall Presents Variety of Ways to Grow a Sangha
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.
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
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
An Amazing First Month into New Role
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.
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:
Job Listing
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.
Buddhist Education Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Young Buddhist Editorial

4/19/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – April 2022 

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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bcaconnect.
Bishop’s Messages
Bishop Harada recently shared his reflection on the situation in Ukraine.
Read the full message here
Wheel of Dharma
NCM Town Hall Held on ‘Messaging and Membership’
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.
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
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
BCA Social Welfare to Donate to Ukraine
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.
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 Education Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
Young Buddhist Editorial
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.
Dana Program for
Buddhist Education
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.
Make an online offering today at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/donate.

 

 


3/17/2023 – CBE News – Center for Buddhist Education

BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA

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THIS WEEK…

INFO & REG

COMING SOON

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3/11/2022 – BCA Connect Newsletter – March 2022

  • BCA Connected is the monthly newsletter from the Buddhist Churches of America

 

March 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 YouTubechannelto view the most recent Bishop’s Message and other dharma content from throughout BCA.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
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
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
Watch other YouTube messages from Rev. Marvin Harada.
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)
Wheel of Dharma
Terri Omori Breaks New Ground
as First Woman BCA President
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.”
‘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
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
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:
BCA National Council Meeting & Service
Friday, March 11, 2022 – All Day!
Panda Express Fundraiser for BCA Dharma Forward & IBS
Online Orders from your nearest Panda Express.
Click here for the flyer – Use fundraiser code: 906058
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.
Buddhist Education Events
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
Essentials of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
March 26, 2022, 11am – 1pm (PST)
A discussion hosted by Reverend Dr. Takashi Miyaji.
Take Refuge in Amida, The Music of Purity
April 2 2022, 11:00am PST
Reverend Yuki Sugahara hosts this Japanese Language Seminar.
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.
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.

 


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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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

 

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.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
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
Watch other YouTube messages from Rev. Marvin Harada.
Wheel of Dharma
Shakyamuni Buddha’s
Parting Words of Wisdom
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:
Choosing Your Dana
Michiko Inanaga
At the BCA Endowment Foundation, a common question is: Should I give to the Dana Program or Dharma Forward campaign?
Typically, the question tries to address whether there is a difference and what is the best way to show my support of the Buddha-Dharma.
The BCA is a community of thousands of Dharma followers, learners, leaders, and members. This national Sangha creates a space for learning and engagement with each other to develop purposeful and meaningful lives with interconnection. Both these programs serve to financially support the BCA in these goals.
Read the full article here
True Teachers of the Way
Rev. David Ryoe Matsumoto
On Feb. 26, I will have the honor of being able to speak about Rev. Haruyoshi Kusada, Rev. Takamaro Shigaraki, and Rev. Jitsuen Kakehashi, three teachers who have influenced the spiritual lives of countless Jōdo Shinshū followers for many years.
Through innumerable causes and conditions, I was also able to meet and learn from these wonderful teachers. I am grateful to the Center for Buddhist Education (CBE) SOFA Series for allowing me to reflect on these three revered teachers and consider how rare it is to meet a true teacher of the Way.
Sounds of Taiko Drew Her to Vista
DeeDee Just
How did a nice Jewish girl from Chicago end up in a place like the Vista Buddhist Temple? I was the proverbial seeker and investigated and tried a number of religious and spiritual practices, unable to find anything that truly touched my heart.
Then, at a time when I had stopped searching, I experienced the sound of the taiko drum. I was immediately mesmerized. The sound, the vibrations and reverberations reached me emotionally and physically. I wanted to experience that again.
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 Education Events
Buddhism Beyond Gratitude
February 18, 2022, 7:00pm – 8:30 pm (PST)
Our Impermanence & Namo Amidabustu?
Presented by Rev. Candice Shibata (Stockton Buddhist Temple)
March 4, 2022, 7:00pm – 8:30pm (PST)
Our Karma & Namo Amidabustsu
Rev. Patti Usuki (San Fernando Valley Buddhist Temple)
Uen No Chishiki:
“My Revered Dharma Teachers”
February 26, 2022, 11am – 1pm (PST)
Reflections by Rev. Dr. David Ryoe Matsumoto, president of IBS.
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
CBE News
                              
More useful links:
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.
Young Buddhist Editorial
Tidying Up
By Marisa Wong | She/Her/Hers
Mountain View Buddhist Temple
I am a pretty messy person. If you enter my room at any given time, you’ll likely find piles of random things scattered about, or if I know people will be over, I shove them into random nooks and crannies. I really try to be neat, but it’s so hard to find a place for every little thing I own and it feels like I’m endlessly putting away things. Last month, I graduated from Seattle University and had to move all of my stuff from Seattle back to Davis. I had accumulated so many things in the past four years since moving to Seattle that it was really difficult to pack everything. I did, however, go through everything there and I gave quite a bit of clothes and other things to friends, local mutual aid groups, and Goodwill. After cleaning out old papers, tests, and clothes I hadn’t worn since freshman year, I still had a lot of boxes and they barely fit in the car we rented to drive home. It was so stressful and the entire move I kept thinking that I just wanted to get rid of everything so I wouldn’t have to deal with moving.

1/20/2022 – CBE E-News: January Sessions

  • Center for Buddhist Education – January 2022
CBE E-News:January 2022
CBE SOFA Series: (Seminars Online For All)
There is still time to sign up for these upcoming sessions!
Subscribe to the CBE YouTube Channel
For more past videos and classes:
Thank you for your generous donations to support CBE.
Donations are received by the BCA Endowment Foundation
to benefit CBE programs.
Online donations may be made at this link.
Checks are also welcome,
made payable to “BCA Endowment Foundation”
with a check memo: “CBE.”
Mail to BCA Endowment Foundation:
1710 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA 94109

1/19/2022 – BCA Update Number 859 January 19, 2022

PDF Document (Edited Link)


1/12/2022 – BCA Connect Newletter – January 2022

January 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 YouTubechannelto view the most recent Bishop’s Message and other dharma content from throughout BCA.
Encourage members and friends to sign-up at buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/bca-connect.
Bishop’s Message
New Year’s Greeting
May I extend a warm Happy New Year to all of you. Our BCA theme for 2022 is the same as our campaign theme — “Moving the Dharma Forward.”
Our metaphor for the campaign is the monarch butterfly, whose annual migration from Mexico to the northern United States and Canada and back, takes four generations of butterflies to complete. Each generation of butterflies does its part to perpetuate its species and to make that annual migration to the north and back.
I think this is a most fitting metaphor for our campaign, as we have worked hard to keep moving forward amongst the challenges of our time.
Read the full message here
Watch other YouTube messages from Rev. Marvin Harada.
Wheel of Dharma
New Year’s Greeting from Gomonshu Kojun Ohtani
Happy New Year, everyone! At the beginning of this New Year, I would like to extend my best regards to you all.
Over these past couple of years, we have had to adjust our lives in accordance with the scale of the spread of COVID-19. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to those who fell victim to the disease and express my sympathies to those who are undergoing treatment. I would also like to express my respect and sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and frontline medical professionals who have been engaging in the treatment of infected people, as well as all essential workers who have made it possible for us to continue with our lives.
Read the full article here
No Need for Proof
Rev. John Iwohara
Chapter 2 of the “Tannisho” can be described as a description of faith, especially within our uncertainties.
One uncertainty is, “Does saying the Nembutsu actually work?” Although asked badly because it assumes that my saying the Nembutsu is what makes it “work,” Shinran Shonin answers this uncertainty by expressing it as well:
“I am entirely ignorant as to whether the Nembutsu is really the cause of Birth in the Pure Land, or whether it is the karma which will cause me to fall into hell.”
Hearing the Call of the Nembutsu
Julie Robertson
There’s something about the age of 35, right? Siddhartha Gautama became enlightened at the age of 35, after years of seeking without truly finding. I can’t claim enlightenment, but I am at least gratefully able to recognize pivotal moments and chew on slippery ideas until I finally understand them — and this, I think, is the essence of Jodo Shinshu practice.
When I was 35, I traveled solo to Cambodia to run a half marathon through Angkor Wat.
Making a Difference
Virginia Nishita
Nov. 27, 2021 at 4:39 a.m. was a moment that changed Kevin Nishita’s life, and our family would never be the same again. This is the date and time my husband Kevin lost his life.
On Nov. 24, he was shot while protecting a Bay Area TV news crew from a person who wanted to steal the news crew’s camera equipment. He succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
On Nov. 30, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, read a tribute to Kevin’s bravery while protecting others into the Congressional Record.
He lived his life according to the Nembutsu teachings.
Kevin was born, raised and received his primary education in Yuba City, California. His parents, Dan and Mary Nishita, were involved in the farming industry. Kevin grew up with the Buddhist teachings in a family of a brother and four sisters.
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 Education Events
Reflections on the life and work of Rev. Gyomay Kubose
January 22, 2022, 11am- 1pm PST
Speaker: Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada.
Buddhism Beyond Gratitude
January 22, 2022, 10:30am – 12 pm (PST)
What is Namo AmidaButsu?
Presented by Rev. Ko’e Umezu (West LA Buddhist Temple)
February 5, 2022, 7:00pm – 8:30pm (PST)
Our Interconnectedness & Namo Amindabutsu
Rev. Nariaki Hayashi Ekoji of Virginia
BCA Tech Squad Workshop
January 29, 2022, 11am – 1pm (PST)
How to better understand online resources at your disposal. With guest speakers Andrea Chapman of Ekoji Buddhist Temple and Rick Kawamura of Palo Alto Buddhist Temple.
Finding the Antidote to Greed, The First of Three Poisions
February 9, 2022, 11:00am – 1 pm PST
Finding the Antidote to Greed,
the first of the Three Poisons
Addressing drug and alcohol addiction & introducing a Dharma Recovery Program
The first in a series of in-depth lectures and interactive discussions on the three poisons: Greed, Anger & Ignorance
CBE News
Enjoy recent SOFA lectures including “The Three Poisons,” by Rev. Marvin Harada, BCA Bishop
                              
More useful links:
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.

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