1. When are weekly services held?
On Sundays except as noted below for Buddhist Observances and Monthly Memorial Services, at 10:30am, a brief service is held usually followed by Dharma School for children and teens and Dharma Discussion for Adults. The Dharma Discussions are a great way to "toe in" to buddhism in an informal environment.
2. When are the dates of Buddhist Observances and Monthly Memorial Services(Shotsuki)?
In addition to hearing the Dharma talk, Monthly Memorial Services are an opportunity for each of us to honour our parents, relatives and freinds who have passed on before us. We usually celebrate on the anniversary month of someone's passing. If they were buddhist, they will have a buddhist name and the family will bring this to place on the stand before the service (and collect after offering incense at the end of the service). For those non-buddhist being honoured, we can bring a memorial item and place that on the stand in the same way.
Buddhist Observances are special anniversary dates observed by Jodo Shinshu followers. Oftentimes, these as well as Monthly Memorials are followed by a meal served by temple toban (volunteers).
January 10th
10:00 AM Dharma School - Hoonko
10:30 AM Hoonko / Shotsuki
[Guest: Rev. Grant Ikuta]
February 14th
10:30 AM Nirvana Day / Shotsuki and
New Year’s Lunch
March 14th
10:30 AM Spring Higan/Dana/Shotsuki
[Guest: Bishop Orai Fujikawa]
Thank You Lunch for Socho and
Mrs. Fujikawa
April 9th
10:30 AM Gotan-e / Shotsuki
May 13th
10:30 AM Parents’ Day / Shotsuki
June 11th
10:00 AM Dharma School - Hanamatsuri
10:30 AM Hanamatsuri /Hatsumairi /Keiroukai
[Guest: Rev. Dennis Fujimoto]
July 11th
2:00 PM Hatsubon / Obon / Shotsuki
[Guest: Rev. Masumi Kikuchi]
August 8th
10:30 AM Shotsuki
September 12th
10:30 AM Fall Higan / Shotsuki
October 3rd
10:30 AM Jodo Shinshu Day / Shotsuki
November 14th
10:30 AM Eitaikyo / Eshinni / Shotsuki
December 12th
10:30 AM Bodhi Day / Shotsuki
3. How can I help at the Temple?
The temple has a Toban system of volunteering where all members and friends join one of 7 informal Toban groups. Each Toban takes its 2 month turn in rotation being responsible for all the Shotsuki (Monthly Memorial) and Buddhist Observance meals as well as assisting during any funerals/memorials that occur during their 2 month turn. You don't have to belong to a Toban to help out. We need lots of help on Manju Making days, Spring and Fall Bazaar and during the Powell Street Festival.
Your financial support is always welcome. People can use the donation envelopes provided at each weekly or monthly service and will be provided tax receipts as appropriate.
4. What makes Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples different?
In North America, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples offer excellent access to English speaking reverends (sensei), scholar works, dharma activities and community. Periodically, we bring in lecturers from all over North America, Hawaii and Japan to share the dharma.
Jodo Shinshu is very practical as we evolve through our lives. It shows its depth when you need it and it is never in the way when you think you don't.
