Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
Here’s a presentation about how Honganji initially started as one temple that eventually split into two denominations, Higashi and Nishi, and how that split led to different interpretations of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Continue reading “History and Thought of Higashi & Nishi Honganji”
Berkeley Obon 2018
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A crowd of people wearing Japanese clothing recently formed a circle on a Berkeley, California, street and began dancing, following the Buddhist observance “Obon.” Even more unusual, this was a gathering of two different Jodo Shinshu Buddhist groups—Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji.
For more than 30 years, the two Berkeley temples have held a joint Bon dance, each alternating as host. This tradition is ironic considering their histories rooted in conflict that resulted in their split—twice. Continue reading “Berkeley’s Unique Obon”