Services

Each Sunday, beginning at 9:30 AM, a Family Service is held for all ages to attend.

Following the service, the Dharma School (Sunday School) classes are held for students to learn more about the Dharma.

On the first and third Sunday of each month following the Family Service, Adult Dharma Sessions are held.  These sessions are informal and anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism is welcome to attend.

Weekly services are held in Japanese at 11:30 AM, with the exception of major services, which begin at 1:30 PM.  

Special Services

Special services, held to recognize or commemorate significant events for Buddhists, often feature guest ministers from other churches.  The dates are normally on the Sunday closest to the actual date.  Please call the temple office for date and time.

January 1 - New Year's Day (Shusho-e)

In the Buddhist tradition each moment is a new beginning.  The calendar year is an attempt to measure time that is infinite.  However, New Year's Day is celebrated to renew our resolution to live with Nembutsu gratitude.

February 15 - Nirvana Day (Nehan-e)

The passing of the historical Sakyamuni Buddha into Nirvana is observed.

March/September - Higan

Higan, meaning Other Shore, is a service conducted in the spring and fall, on or about the vernal and autumnal equinox.  the practice of the Six Paramita is emphasized on these occasions.

April 8 - Buddha's Birthday (Hanamatsuri)

This service is held to commemorate the birth of Prince Siddhartha, who later became the historical Sakyamuni Buddha.

May 21 - Shinran Shonin's Birthday (Gotan-e)

The birthday of our founder, Shinran Shonin, is commemorated.  Our church conducts a musical service with nine-year-old boys and girls participating in the chigo procession.

July - Obon

A Buddhist Memorial Service during which those who have died in the past year are especially memorialized.  Also, a bon dance is held to express joy of enlightenment assured by Amida Buddha.

October - Perpetual Memorial Service (Eitaikyo)

This service is held in memory of church members who have passed away.

November - Shinran Shonin Memorial Service (Hoonko)

Hoonko, meaning a gathering to repay the debt of gratitude, is a service in memory of our founder Shinran Shonin.

December 8 - Bodhi Day (Jodo-e)

On this day, 566 BC, Siddhartha Gautama, as he meditated under the Bodhi Tree, attained Enlightenment and became the Sakyamuni Buddha.

December 31 - New Year's Eve Service (Joya-e)

This service is held to express gratitude for the countless blessings received throughout the year.

Greeters' Program  Assignments

Fall 2008

During the Dharma School session, the following Betsuin Board members will warmly welcome visitors to Dharma Service on Sundays:                                                                                                

September 7               Roy Imura                   Diane Muranaka               Shirley Sekeres

September 14             Eddie Imai                  Roger Ito                         Diane Shimosaka

September 21             Steve Kawano            Brian Okamoto                 Sheryl Kajioka

September 28             Gordon Nitta               Bob Tanaka                     Mark Umeda

October 5                   Mary Ann Miyao          Ted Yoshimura                 Robbie Midzuno

October 12                  Frank Hirota                Shigeko Tanaka               Marc Ely

October 19                  Mark Amioka              Richard Kai                      Kelvin Mark

October 26                  Don Honda                 Ken Koyama                    Denis Ishisaka

November 2                Valerie Fong               Allan Hoshida                  Keith Kato

November 9                Don Honda                 John Fujimoto                  Ken Furukawa

November 16              Roy Imura                   Diane Muranaka               Shirley Sekeres

November 23              Eddie Imai                  Roger Ito                         Diane Shimosaka

November 30              Steve Kawano            Brian Okamoto                 Sheryl Kajioka

December 7                Gordon Nitta               Bob Tanaka                     Mark Umeda

December 14              Mary Ann Miyao          Ted Yoshimura                 Robbie Midzuno

December 21              No Service

December 28              No Service