Ring in the new year with a New Year’s Day service. Continue reading “New Year’s Day Service”
After Covid, what’ll happen to temples?
By Rev. Ken Yamada
An interesting discussion occurred recently about what’s happening at Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temples post-Covid. In-person services are returning, yet life definitely isn’t back to normal. Continue reading “After Covid, what’ll happen to temples?”
Watch: Hoonko Service in Kyoto
Now you can watch live this year’s Hōonkō services broadcast from Higashi Honganji’s mother temple in Kyoto, Japan. See below for the schedule of services and speakers honoring Shinran Shonin, founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, beginning November 20th for one week. Continue reading “Watch: Hoonko Service in Kyoto”
Watch: New Abbot Succession Ceremony
A succession ceremony for new Abbot Chōyū Õtani will be held today at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Watch this historic event live at this link, or later on the Shinshu Ōtani-ha (Higashi Honganji) Youtube channel.
Conducting a Memorial—Online
By Rev. Patti Nakai
I’d like to describe my first experience conducting an online memorial service.
During this time of pandemic and social distancing, I’m writing about this so people know their temples and ministers will do what they can to ensure a proper service for loved ones who pass away or have important memorial date services. Continue reading “Conducting a Memorial—Online”
April 8: the Buddha’s Birthday
Today, April 8, is when we commemorate the Buddha’s birth. Typically we hold a special service called Hanamatsuri on this day, or a Sunday closest to this date. It’s usually our most festive service of the year. Unfortunately because of the Covid-19 pandemic, services have been cancelled or limited to online participation only. Continue reading “April 8: the Buddha’s Birthday”