Study Classes and Seminars

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

Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 19)

Posted on

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

This month’s session will continue to explore the teachings of the Pure Land Master Vasubandhu, whose treatise on the Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable guides us to embrace the at times difficult work of helping others while keeping a playful heart.

And when he reaches that lotus-held world,
He immediately realizes the body of suchness or dharma-nature.
Then sporting in the forests of blind passions, he manifests transcendent powers;
Entering the garden of birth-and-death, he assumes various forms to guide others.

Continue reading “Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 19)”

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How I Prepared for the BCA Ministry

Posted on

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Click here to read more about Rev. Koyama

Rev. Tadao Koyama

Resident Minister

Tacoma Buddhist Temple

Rev. Koyama will share reflections on his studies in Kyoto at the Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin Buddhist Seminary and the Hongwanji Ritual Training Department.  As the only BCA Kaikyoshi Minister to receive his first temple assignment during the pandemic, he also has unique insights to share on this extraordinary period in the lives of our Sanghas.

We welcome you to join us via Zoom Meeting from the comfort and safety of your own home on Wednesday, May 4 for this Dharma session.

To join us for this online Dharma Session, CLICK HERE and sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars”. To protect the privacy of online participants and encourage free and open discussion, this session will not be recorded.

Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 18)

Posted on

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

This month’s session will continue to explore the teachings of the Pure Land Master Vasubandhu, whose treatise on the Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable has guided many through the generations to take refuge in the Amida Buddha’s compassionate vow.

He discloses the mind that is single so that all beings be saved
By Amida’s directing of virtue through the power of the Primal Vow.
When a person turns and enters the great treasure ocean of virtue,
Necessarily he joins Amida’s assembly;

Continue reading “Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 18)”

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Why We Listen to the Dharma

Posted on

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji

Resident Minister

Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church

H.E. Kosho Ohtani Professor of Shin Buddhist Studies

Institute of Buddhist Studies

Rev. Dr. Miyaji will share his insights on the meaning and importance of hearing the Dharma in the Jodo Shinshu tradition, along with considerations of listening to Dharma Talks online versus live in person.

We welcome you to join us via Zoom Meeting from the comfort and safety of your own home on Wednesday, March 6 for this Dharma session.

To join us for this online Dharma Session, CLICK HERE and sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars”. To protect the privacy of online participants and encourage free and open discussion, this session will not be recorded.

Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Ritual

Posted on

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Rev. Ko’e

Umezu

Assistant Minister

West Los Angeles

Buddhist Temple

Rev. Ko’e Umezu will share her insights on the meaning and
importance of Buddhist ritual in the Jodo Shinshu tradition. This session will also include a conversation about ritual practice as part of virtual services during
these pandemic times.

We welcome you to join us via Zoom Meeting from the comfort and safety of your own home on Wednesday, March 2 for this Dharma session.

To join us for this online Dharma Session, CLICK HERE and sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars”. To protect the privacy of online participants and encourage free and open discussion, this session will not be recorded.

Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 17)

Posted on

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

This month’s session will explore the teachings of the Pure Land Master Vasubandhu, whose treatise on the Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable has guided many through the generations to take refuge in the Amida Buddha’s compassionate vow.

Bodhisattva Vasubandhu, composing a treatise, declares
That he takes refuge in the Tathagata of unhindered light,
And that relying on the sutras, he will reveal the true and real virtues,
And make widely known the great Vow by which we leap crosswise beyond birth-and-death.

Continue reading “Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 17)”

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Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 16)

Posted on

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

This month’s session will continue to explore the teachings of the Pure Land Master Nagarjuna, who clarifies that mindfulness of Amida Buddha is the path swiftly realize the settled mind.

He teaches that the moment one thinks on Amida’s Primal Vow,
One is naturally brought to enter the stage of the definitely settled;
Solely saying the Tathagata’s Name constantly,
One should respond with gratitude to the universal Vow of great compassion.

Continue reading “Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 16)”

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Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 15)

Posted on

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

This month’s session will continue to explore the teachings of the Pure Land Master Nagarjuna, which open our minds to the easy path of entrusting in Amida Buddha.

Proclaiming the unexcelled Mahayana teaching,
He would attain the stage of joy and be born in the land of happiness.
Nagarjuna clarifies the hardship on the overland path of difficult practice,
And leads us to entrust to the pleasure on the waterway of easy practice.

Continue reading “Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 15)”

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Reflections on Living in the Nembutsu

Posted on

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

7:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Seigen

Yamaoka

Bishop Emeritus

Buddhist Churches of America

We welcome you to join us for an evening of conversation and Dharma sharing with a lifelong teacher who has inspired generations of seekers on the path of the Nembutsu.

We welcome you to join us via Zoom Meeting from the comfort and safety of your own home on Wednesday, December 1 for this Dharma session.

To join us for this online Dharma Session, CLICK HERE and sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars”. To protect the privacy of online participants and encourage free and open discussion, this session will not be recorded.

Featured image above: Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka is shown with other Buddhist Study Center members in the 1950s. In front, from left, are: Rev Keisho Motoyama, Rev. Dr. William Masuda, Mr. Matsuo, Mr. Noboru Hanyu, and Rev. Hakushi Futaba. In back, from left, are: Rev. Dr. Yamaoka, Rev. Dr. Leslie Kawamura, Rev. Kanmo Imamura, Bishop Rev. Enryo Shigefuji, Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno, and Mr. Albert Kosakura. Not shown is member Rev. John Doami. (Courtesy of Berkeley Buddhist Temple)