Study Classes and Seminars

Dharma talks and discussion about Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Teachings, History, and and Contemporary Issues

Sangha Workshop: Sharing Our Favorite Dharma Writings

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Wednesday, December 10

This session will continue last month’s discussion of ways to contribute to Dharma Services by reading aloud to the Sangha in lieu of delivering a formal talk. Participants are encouraged to bring a passage from a favorite book to share!

  • Writings of contemporary Dharma teachers
  • Traditional Buddhist stories
  • Non-Buddhist literature that conveys Buddhist insights

Schedule
6:15 p.m. Shoya Raisan Chanting (click here for chanting text)
7:00 p.m. Sangha Workshop: Dharma Speaking

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

Sangha Workshop: Chanting and Ringing the Kansho Bell

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Wednesday, December 3

7:00 p.m.

All are welcome to join us as we go more in-depth in our study of the Buddhist chanting and ritual. For this month’s practical Sangha workshop, we will continue our practical review of the basic guidelines for tolling the kansho bell and leading chanting at Sunday Services. All are welcome to join!

  • Timing for ring the various bells
  • Sitting posture and etiquette for handling sutra books
  • Tips for chanting with a clear, full voice

*HEARING PROTECTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR RINGING KANSHO*

Schedule
6:15 p.m. Shoya Raisan Chanting (click here for chanting text)
7:00 p.m. Sangha Workshop: Chanting and Ringing the Kansho Bell

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

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Sangha Workshop: Open Discussion of Dharma Reflection Topics

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Wednesday, November 19

7:00 p.m.

This session will continue last month’s lively discussion of potential topics for Dharma sharing by the Sangha. Participants are encouraged to bring something to share!

  • Your favorite gatha Buddhist song
  • Buddhist poetry
  • Buddhist visual art

Schedule
6:15 p.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
7:00 p.m. Sangha Workshop: Dharma Speaking

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

Sangha Workshop: Sanbujo Chanting and Ringing the Kansho Bell

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Wednesday, November 5

7:00 p.m.

All are welcome to join us as we go more in-depth in our study of the Buddhist chanting and ritual. For this month’s practical Sangha workshop, Rev. Adams will provide instruction on chanting Sanbujo “Reverent Invocation of the Three Buddhas.” Sanbujo is representative of the melodic type of chanting called shōmyō that is often used for special occasions, like major services, Shotsuki Hoyo Memorials and funerals. We will also continue to practice ringing the kansho bell.

  • Basic principles of shōmyō chanting
  • Setting the pitch and tempo for Sanbujo
  • Timing for ringing the Kansho

*HEARING PROTECTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR RINGING KANSHO*

Schedule
6:15 p.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
7:00 p.m. Sangha Workshop: Sanbujo Chanting and Ringing the Kansho Bell

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

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Sangha Workshop: Dharma Reflections, Readings, and Other Ways to Contribute

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Wednesday, October 15

7:00 p.m.

This session will explore various approaches one might take when providing a Dharma Reflection at Sunday Service. Participants are encouraged to bring something to share!

  • Telling a personal story related to Buddhism
  • Reading aloud from a favorite Buddhist Book
  • Sharing an audio or video clip of a Dharma Speaker or other relevant content

Schedule
6:15 p.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
7:00 p.m. Sangha Workshop: Dharma Speaking

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

Sangha Workshop: Dharma Speaking (September 10)

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Wednesday, September 10

7:00 p.m.

This session will provide an introduction to Dharma speaking for any Sangha member who would like to share a personal reflection at a service in the coming year. While the practice of delivering a formal Dharma Talk as a minister requires extensive study and training, all members are welcome to share personal reflections about how the Buddha’s teachings have guided them in their daily life.

  • Choosing a topic to speak about
  • Basic structure for organizing a Buddhist reflection
  • How to talk about personal experiences from a Buddhist perspective

Schedule
6:15 p.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
7:00 p.m. Sangha Workshop: Dharma Speaking

Handout

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

Sangha Workshop: Ringing the Kansho Bell and Leading Chanting

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Wednesday, September 3

7:00 p.m.

All are welcome to join us for an introduction to ringing the Kansho bell to welcome Sangha members for service and how to lead chanting in the Hondo Buddha Hall.

  • Learn the timing and proper technique for ringing the bells
  • Basic guidelines for sutra chanting, including posture and how to hold the service book
  • Lead chanting for a variety of Sangha services and activities

Hearing protection is highly recommended.

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

Jodo Shinshu Basics: Incense

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These notes are from a series of Buddhist Education sessions about how the everyday practices of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism can support mindfulness and insight for newcomers and lifelong Sangha members alike.

  • What is the meaning and significance of offering incense?
  • What are the different types of incense that we use?
  • Do I need to be Buddhist to offer incense at a service?

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

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Jodo Shinshu Basics: Onenju/Ojuzu Mindfulness Beads

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These notes are from a series of Buddhist Education sessions about how the everyday practices of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism can support mindfulness and insight for newcomers and lifelong Sangha members alike.

  • When should I carry onenju?
  • How should I use onenju?
  • Is there any significance to the number of beads?

For announcements about upcoming Buddhist Education programs like this CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”

Handout

To join us online via Zoom CLICK HERE to sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars.”