SERVICES
Our weekly services are held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and run for about 1 hour. After service we have Dharma school classes for children and teens ages 2 - 18. These classes run for about 45 minutes and include age appropriate religious instruction and fun activities.
During this time we have a Dharma Exchange for the adults to discuss Buddhist topics of interest in a guided, informal forum.
For those who wish more in-depth study, we have a Buddhist Study class which meets on most Mondays at 2:15 p.m. and Fridays at 7:45p.m. These sessions run for one hour and cover various topics in Buddhist philosophy, history and spirituality. Check our on-line calendar for the latest class schedule.
Over the course of a year, we celebrate 11 special services. The following chart briefly outlines these services. The general public is welcome to attend all special services.
Shusho-ENew Year's Day Service |
Shosho-ye, or the New Year's Day service, allows us to gather and reflect upon the previous year and look forward to a better life in the new year. |
Ho-OnkoShinran Shonin's Memorial Day
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This service takes place on the Sunday closest to January 16, the day Shinran Shonin passed away. We express our appreciation for his efforts in making it possible for us to hear and receive the Dharma. |
Nehan-ENirvana Day
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On February 15, Sakyamuni Buddha passed into Pari-nirvana. The Nehan-e service allows us to pay tribute to his insight and noble teachings. |
O-Higan-ESpring and Autumn Equinox (March & September) |
O-higan means The Other Shore (of Enlightenment). It is a service of reflection and thanksgiving to our ancestors. |
HanamatsuriBirthday of Sakyamuni BuddhaApril 8 |
The birth of Sakyamuni Buddha is celebrated on the Sunday closest to April 8. The historical Buddha was born in the flower garden of Lumbini in modern-day Nepal approximately 2500 years ago. A hanamido (flower altar) decorated with beautiful flowers. A statue of the infant Buddha is placed in the center and those who wish pour sweet tea over the statue. |
Rikyokaishu-EAnniversary of the Founding of Jodo Shinshu |
This day commemorates the day, April 15, 1224, that Shinran Shonin finished the first draft of his most important work the book of Teaching, Practice, Faith and Attainment or Kyogyoshinsho. Jodo Shinshu Buddhists normally regard this day as the founding day of our denomination. |
Gotan-EBirthday of Shinran Shonin |
The birth of the Founder of Jodo Shinshu is commemorated annually on the closest Sunday to May 21. Shinran Shonin was born in Hino, Japan, a few miles southeast of Kyoto on May 21, 1173. A dedication ceremony (Hatsumairi) recognizing infants/children and new members is held on this day. |
O-BonAncestor Rememberance |
The O-Bon-e service is a Memorial Day for those who have departed before us and is traditionally observed on either July 15 or August 15. OBT observes Obon on the last Sunday of July. It is an occasion for us to remember our ancestors and to thank them for their deeds. Our annual Obonfest is held the first Saturday of August. |
Jodo-EBodhi Day |
Bodhi Day is December 8, the day we commemorate the historical Buddha's Enlightenment. This is the day Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment and became the Buddha, the Awakened One. Therefore this day signifies the dawn of humanity's universal emancipation from suffering and ignorance. |
Joya-EYear End service
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This service is held on New Years Eve when the old year is coming to an end and to express our thanksgiving for Amida Buddha's guidance throughout the past year. |
