Lectures

The Centennial Lecture Series

We are the fortunate recipients of 100 years of dedication, sacrifice, and the efforts of generations of Jodo Shinshu practitioners. As a result, the San Jose Betsuin continues to be a center of inspiration for the practice of jodo Shinshu. The Centennial Lecture Series focuses on the core purpose of our Temple. The wisdom and compassion that guided our predecessors is available to us. Come listen to the understanding and experience of four distinguished speakers who will share their thoughts on the past, present, and future of Jodo Shinshu in our Sangha. Attending the four Saturday afternoon sessions will aid us in our effort to live Shin Buddhism.

February (completed)

March 23, 2002

- Dr. Richard Payne (Dean, Institute of Buddhist Studies)

April 13, 2002

- Dr. Reverend Ryo Imamura (Professor, Evergreen College, WA)

May 11, 2002

- Dr. Reverend Seigen Yamaoka (Oakland Buddhist Temple)

Each lecture is on a Saturday afternoon.

Back to Top

History Talks

Centenial History Lecture Series

The Centennial History Lecture Series on the last 100 years of the Japanese American Community in the Silicon Valley Area will continue on the first Monday of every month through July 2002.

The first session, held in February, was attended by over 100 people listening to stories about the beginning of the impact of the Issei on the Santa Clara Valley region. The session was moderated by Jimi Yamaichi who is the driving force behind the entire series. The speakers at the first session were Wiichi Sakauye and Esau Shimizu.

All lectures are held at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.

First Monday of each month (February through July 2002)

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Lecture 2 (March 4, 2002)

Speakers: Steve Fugita and Aki Yoneda

Topics

* Alien Land Laws

* Establishment of Various Farming Communities

* Picture brides

* Churches (Methodist and Buddhist)

* Sports

* Discrimination

* Japanese Language School

Lecture 3 (April 1, 2002)

Topics:

* Pre-War (WWII)

* Coming out of the Great Depression

* Education

* Establishing roots in the San Jose area

* Outbreak of WWII

Lecture 4 (May 6, 2002)

Topics:

* Executive Order 9066 and Internment

* Assembly Centers

* Relocation Centers

* Survival

Lecture 5 (June 3, 2002)

Topics:

* Post-war

* Returning to San Jose

* The hostels - church and community

* Work opportunities

Lecture 6 (July 1, 2002)

Topics:

* What is the future of the Nikkei (Japanese American)?

Back to Top

Services

Two special services will be held during the Centennial weekend (September 14 and 15, 2002). On Saturday morning, a Memorial Service will be conducted to honor all who have come before us to make the Temple what it is today. On Sunday morning, a Centennial Service will be held to honor our first 100 years and launch our second 100 years.

Back to Top

Family Fun Event

Planning is underway for an event open to all Temple members. This event will be focused on fun for the entire family. More details later.

Back to Top

Banquet

On the evening of Sunday September 15, 2002, a formal banquet will be held as a culmination of our celebration. There will be entertainment and special guests. More details later.

Back to Top

Bowling Tournament

As part of our fundraising effort for the Centennial, a fun bowling event is being planned. To be held at Fourth Street Bowl in the spring of 2002, details will become available shortly.

Back to Top

Golf Tournament

Another fun event to raise money is planned for the late summer of 2002. We will host a golf tournament that should be fun for golfers of all levels. More details wil be provided in a few weeks.

Back to Top