San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

HISTORY OF THE SAN JOSE BUDDHIST CHURCH BETSUIN

ART KUMADA AND MICHAEL JONES

The following text is excerpted from our Centennial Book

Welcome to the eightfold noble path as taken by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin in its first 100 years and into the future

The journey along our path is broken into three sections. The first section, Filling the Void, looks at the efforts of the Issei to bring the Dharma to their new home in America. The second section, Broadening the Path, shows the integration of the Buddhist Church into its surrounding community. The final section, The Future: Oneness, stresses the hope that we can continue to welcome members of the broader community and that we can increase our ability to provide the comfort of the Three Treasures (The Buddha, The Dharma, and The Sangha) to a growing membership on an ever-broadening path.

FILLING THE VOID

In the late 1800's, the Issei were in a strange land, but were determined to live life as they had been taught by their parents and by their Jodo-Shinshu sensei.

They understood that right livelihood meant earning their living in such a way as to entail no evil consequences. They were primarily farmers. More difficult was keeping right views - keeping themselves free of prejudice, superstition and delusion and to the true future. They needed the Dharma to follow the right view, so they brought it to America. Especially difficult in this land where they were treated as low class servants was the path of right thought turning away from the evils of this world and directing their minds toward righteousness.

In the late 1800's the Issei's made their way to California and to the San Jose area. Here, they began their life in America as laborers. They worked hard and were not well accepted by the local people. This was a lonely life, void of most of what they had left in Japan. With no family, no familiar foods and dry goods, and no religious leaders, life was difficult. Still, they knew that they had made the right decision to come to America. Now it was time to bring from Japan what could make them feel at home in their new country.

So, they began to send for their wives, or for their families to provide a bride. They imported traditional foods and other items. And they wrote to the Nishi-Hongwanji in Kyoto and asked for ministers to teach the Dharma in America. A movement to start a Buddhist group in San Jose was Initiated under the leadership of Kuwada, Kumakichi Nakamura,' Fukuichi Okida, and others around 1900. With this, then, the process of filling the void was begun. And, in 1902, the San Jose Hongwanji Buddhist Church was established to bring a community together and to spread the Dharma in this little piece of America.

On December 11, 1906, a Mr. J. Maruyama paid Attorney B. Grant Taylor to examine title to the middle 1/3 of Lot 194, Block 19, of White's addition to the City of San Jose and paid the County Recorder $1.00 for the release of Mortgage, Montgomery and Rea to Brickenridge and $1.00 for a Deed, Brickenridge to Maruyama This property was recorded as 630 North Fifth Street, where our current Annex building stands today, and where the Independent Buddhist Mission of San Jose stood, built In 1913. [Documents In Archive file.) This property was the home of Mrs. G. Brickenridge who, with her husband David BrIckenridge, purchased said property on February 28, 1888. T. S. Montgomery and James W. Rea were the mortgage holders of this property. The first church at this address was known as the San Jose Hongwanji Buddhist Church.

Reverend Gyoow Sasaki, second resident minister, arrived In San Jose In 1907 to assist Reverend Honen Takahashi. This Hongwanji Church experienced some turbulent days In 1906, and a falling out between the two ministers occurred. To this day, the reason for this division Is not clearly known. Reverend Honen Takahashi and some of the members seceded from the Hongwanji and formed their own Independent Buddhist Mission at 630 North Fifth Street. Where Reverend Sasaki held his Hongwanji services Is unclear. It had to be a Howakai held at various members' homes on a rotation basis.

On August 30, 1911 [original Deed of Trust dated August 31, 1911, on file in Archives.), Reverend Gyoow Sasaki, a single man, purchased 523 North Sixth Street from Antonia M. and Walter Trinkler for $200.00 with a down payment of a $10.00 American gold coin. The Deed of Trust held by the Trinklers with "a promissory note of even date herewith, for the sum of Two Hundred (200) dollars, in sixty days, with Interest at the rate and times therein specified; also the payment of such additional sums not exceeding in the aggregate sum of $500.00."

Reverend Gyoow Sasaki already had a loan lined up from The Yokohama Specie Bank, Limited, in San Francisco on July 22, 1911, at 7% interest before he purchased the North Sixth Street property. On September 8, 1911, Reverend Sasaki went to City Hall and obtained a building permit from G. W. Darling, Building Inspector, for "remodeling 523 North Sixth Street for Mission for himself." He paid a fee of $4.00. [Receipt #83 dated 9 8 11 In Archives file.] On December 31, 1911, Reverend Sasaki obtained another loan for $500.00 from the Yokohama Specie Bank of San Francisco. The funds from these loans must have been used for the remodeling or the building of a new Church on this property. Both these loans were paid off on February 23, 1912. [Receipts In our Archives file.]

There is nothing in our Archives pertaining to the construction of a church at 523 North Sixth Street. We know from our pictorial collections that a beautiful Japanese styled church was built by Shinzaburo Nishiura and his brother G. Nishiura, as well as the 630 North Fifth Street Independent Buddhist Mission in 1913, and the current Hondo at 640 North Fifth Street in 1936 1937.

A permit obtained in 1913 from the City of San Jose to construct a new church on North Fifth Street can be found in our archives. This new building was the familiar two story church with a bell tower and a stairway leading up to the second floor chapel from the front side of the building. Our early history dates this church as erected in 1908, but that Is Incorrect. The previous building standing here was sold for $40.00, either dismantled and moved, or demolished. [Receipt in Archives file.] After the fire of 1925, the bell tower was removed, and the new stairway to the Chapel went straight up from the sidewalk.

Now to 630 North Fifth Street. A Uniform Contract, signed by Shinzaburo Nishiura, Contractors, and the Independent Buddhist Mission on June 3, 1913, was signed by K. Taketa, Architect and Chairman of the Building Committee; T. Kawakami, Representative of Mission Members; S. Sakamoto, Cashier; and C. Mayeda, Cashier. Contract price. Was $2,910.00. Work was to commence from June 3, 1913, and finished and completed on or before August 20, 1913. The actual completion date was around February 26, 1914, and additional labor and materials rose $360.60 more

From the founding of the Temple in 1902 through the end of World War II is the period that we have identified as the years of "Filling the Void". Over the next few pages, you will get a glimpse of some of the major events that occurred during these years, and contributed to the building of our Temple and Sangha.

1902 The first Buddhist organization was officially recognized on August 28, 1902, as a branch of San Francisco Buddhist Church with their ministers traveling'to San Jose. They conducted regular monthly services and meetings at a home on 630 North Fifth Street. 1906 Reverend Honen Takahashi came to San Jose from Japan in 1906 as the first resident minister of the San Jose Hongwanji Buddhist Church. Reverend Gyoow Sasaki arrived from Japan in 1907 to assist Reverend Takahashi.

1907 Japanese School begins.

Japanese School

Japanese school began in 1907. Mrs. Takahashi was the instructor of the children of transient workers who were housed in a dormitory, close to the Japanese school, which was located in a building where our annex is now located.

In 1911, there were Japanese school classes sponsored by the church in the area of Berryessa and Gish Roads. In the mid 1930's, classes were also held in Los Gatos.

After the war, Japanese School resumed September 1948. Classes were divided into week e dya clases, held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, an hour after public school. Saturday classes commenced in the morning for three hours. Instructors were Rev. Nagatani, Tom Taketa, Kazuma Yanaga, Morey Asanuma. Enrollment for the week-day classes was 28 and Saturday classes, 37 students.

In 1963 Rev Murakami and Rev Tokunaga offered an adult evening class on Mondays. Rev Y Kusada, Rev Tanjo and Mr. Nagasaki taught the Saturday class for children.

A program put on by the Hapanese school begain in 1966, with readings, recitations, songs. This is still carried on each year by the Japanese school children, as a culmination of their year's schooling.

(The text above is an excerpt from the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin 75th Anniversary Book)

1908 This Hongwanji Church experienced some turbulent days in 1908, and a falling out between the two ministers occurred. To this day, the reason for this division is not clearly known and will never be known. Reverend Honen Takahashi and some of the members seceded from the Hongwanji and formed their own Independent Buddhist Mission at the same site, 630 North Fifth Street. Reverend Gyoow Sasaki held his Hongwanji services as a Howakai at various members' homes on a rotation basis.

1911 On August 31, 1911, Reverend Sasaki purchased the Trinkler property at 523 North Sixth Street to build his Hongwanji Church. Shinzaburo Nishiura and his brother constructed a beautiful Japanese styled church at this site.

1913 Reverend Honen Takahashi obtained a building permit to erect his Independent Buddhist Mission at 630 North Fifth Street. He sold the existing house on the property for $40 and with Shinzaburo Nishiura as contractor built a two story temple at this site.

1915 Reverend Gyoow Sasaki, with his bride of two years, relinquished legal title to 523 North Sixth Street to the Buddhist Mission of San Jose Inc and left San Jose. Reverend Honen Takahashi also left the Independent Buddhist Church Mission of San Jose Inc in 1915.

1917 Reverend Manjo Ichimura (1917 1924) comes to San Jose as the fourth resident minister and stays until 1924. The two Buddhist Churches re unite and became known as the Buddhist Church of San Jose, headquartered at 30 North Fifth Street. The Hongwanji Church building on North Sixth Street was converted into a Japanese language school. During the term of Reverend Manjo Ichimura, a Sunday School program was established.

As the Temple became more established and a regular membership or Sangha became active, new services were offered by the Temple and its members. The Issei continued to fill the void of being separated from their homeland by starting a Japanese language school to insure that the children would learn the ancestral tongue and a Sunday School to give the children a moral center and an understanding of the Dharma. Both programs continue today, 85 years later.

Sunday School

In 1917, the first Buddhist Sunday School was founded in America. Seven years later, in 1924, the San Jose Sunday School was formed. Recently, the Hondo was remodeled and the Sunday School became the Dharma School.

In 1936, Under Rev. C Aso, Sunday Schol covered the areas of San Jose, Milikin Corner, Mountain View, Berryessa, Alviso, Trimble Roa and San Martin. Services were hled on Saturdays, after Japanese language school There were 120 students and 11 teachers.

1959 Buses purchased to transport students from outlying areas to main temple. Students attending classes at private homes merged with the San Jose students. The bus service was discontinued in 1960.

1966, once a month family service initiated in March. Students worshiped with their families on the first Sunday of the month.

1968, Peak enrollment of 580 students, 58 teachers.

1924 Reverend Ganyu Watanabe (1924 1930) served as the head minister from 1924 1925, and organized the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) on April 18, 1925, with the assistance of Yaichi Yamakawa.

1927 On September 25, 1927, the Twenty Fifth (25th) Anniversary of the founding of the Buddhist Church of San Jose was observed. To commemorate the event, the purchase of the property north of the Church and the construction of the YMBA gymnasium was proposed.

1930 A gymnasium was built adjacent to the Church, thus began the glory days of the Zebra basketball teams.

1930 A fifteen member YMBA marching band was organized through the efforts of Francis Higuchi.

1932 Reverend Tokujo Tsumura starts Senshin Kai composed of Japanese speaking men.

1932 1934 The Fujin Kai becomes a dominant force with Mrs Tsumura's leadership.

1937 A new Hondo is built and completed at a cost of roughly $33,000. Parsonage for the head minister built north of the Hondo.

1940 Official dedication of the Hondo was held in November when all the Buddhist articles and shrines for the O-Naijin donated by Valley residents finally arrives from Japan.

1941 W A R !!!

1942 Inescapable evacuation removes the last of the Nikkei on May 21, 1942. The Church properties were left in the custody of Attorney Ben Peckham of San Jose, a friend.

BROADENING THE PATH

The post-war era brought significant challenges to those trying to keep on the Eightfold Path. After the mistreatment and humiliation of WWII, the Nikkei of the San Jose Buddhist Church had to work hard and work together to live their lives by and teach their children right conduct - to see that their deeds were peaceful, benevolent, compassionate, and pure and to live the Teaching of the Buddha daily. In America, where free speech is a right, care was needed to insure right speech, refraining from pointless and harmful talk and speaking kindly and courteously to all. As the baby boom of the 50's and 60's came about, and the economy surged, the increasingly materialistic society made it challenging to focus on right effort - directing efforts incessantly to the overcoming of ignorance and selfish desires.

After World War II, everything changed. Those who were interned during the war lost almost everything. Some of the lucky ones had Caucasian friends who held property and other belongings for them until they returned. But most had to start all over again.

There was help from many in the community as the internees returned home. Churches, civic groups and individuals provided temporary lodging, clothing, food and other support. The San Jose Buddhist Church Annex became a way station for many who were returning but had not yet found a place to stay.

After the war, the Temple continued to grow and it continued as a meeting place for family, church, and community events. Though there was still considerable resentment of the Japanese-Americans by the local population, the Temple became more and more part of the surrounding community. To some extent, the Temple was a place of refuge from the residual resentment of the war, but that was changing as people from outside of the Nikkei community began to come to Temple events.

Another major change in the local area began. The Santa Clara Valley, with San Jose as its center, was transforming. Once the fruit and flower paradise of an agricultural economy, the electronics industry began to transform the valley into an economic super-power that could never have been imagined. So The Valley of the Heart's Delight was reborn as Silicon Valley. Soon to propel California into becoming the 7th largest economy on the planet, the valley became increasingly less friendly to the farmers and their land-sprawling, water-guzzling farms. The land and water were needed for the new industry and the thousands of people who would come to make their fortune in this changing area.

The world had changed for the Nikkei forever. Never again wanting to be considered foreigners, the Nikkei named children with non-Japanese names, and the Japanese language was not taught to many of the youngsters. The Nikkei began to blend in with their surroundings. Non-Japanese, now curious about these people so mistreated during the war years, began to take an interest in the people, their culture - and their religions. Caucasians and other non-Japanese began to come into the community and to visit the churches. Eventually, inter-racial courtships turned into inter-racial marriages. Non-Japanese began attending Buddhist services at the San Jose Buddhist Church.

Over the years, society became more tolerant of mixed marriages. In the 1960's a fascination with eastern religions began in the U.S. as a whole. As Japan became more of a world economic power, interest in the Japanese culture began to increase throughout the United States, and even more intensely in the Silicon Valley. More and more non-Japanese began to come into the community and into the temple. Some visited while others stayed.

Though still largely made up of people of Japanese ancestry, the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin reflects an ever-broadening Sangha. The path is becoming more diverse, more interesting, broader�..broader than you think.

The years of post-WWII 1945 through 2001 are identified here as the "Broadening the Path" years. During this time, there was a true dichotomy of events taking place. While the community rallied together to support each other during their resettlement, and while they continued to live in a community that was not ready to trust them, more and more non-Nikkei began to take an interest in the community, the Temple, and Buddhism. Some welcomed the interest by the outsiders, while others were suspicious. But, over time, people not of Japanese descent became involved with the Temple, brought their children to Dharma School, participated in the various Temple organizations, and even were voted onto the Board of Directors. All of this was taking place during a time when the young adults in the Temple began to lose interest in both the Temple and the community. As the economy changed from agrarian to industrial, family units were no longer central to the working adults. There were other opportunities, often in other communities. College education became a priority, frequently taking the students outside of the immediate community. So while their was new interest from outside the Nikkei community, the Nikkei families that had built the Temple through the previous two generations were beginning to splinter.

1945 THE RETURN. The old Church building and gymnasium were used as a hostel for returning evacuees, sponsored by the San Jose Council for Civic Unity and the JACL.

1946 The Hondo opened for regular religious services and church activities. The beginning of the expansion period begins with Harunosuke Higuchi as the first post war chairman of the Board. Twenty five (25) members of the Board of Directors consisted of Issei leaders.

1946 Birth of the Young Buddhist Association (YBA). The first reactivated San Jose YBA in 1946 was headed by Eddie Yamaoka and then by Tom Taketa. Hideo Nakamura was their advisor.

1948 Fall of 1948 the North San Jose YBA was born with Noboru Ando as its first President.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Buddhist Women's Association

The San Jose Buddhist Church Fujinkai was first organized in 1908. A detailed history is not available as all records were destroyed before the members were relocated to various internment camps.

In March 1948, upon the return of many members from these camps, the present Fujinkai was reorganized with 152 members.

From 1949 to the present year 2002, the membership has continued to grow. Over the years, the senior ladies have contributed generously towards various church projects, undertaking many fund raising drives in order to help reach their goals.

Starting in 1961, the members participated in several World Buddhist Women's Conferences, Coast District Buddhist Women's Conferences, BCA BWA's Federation Conferences, and continues to participate in these, and other bay area conferences today.

The objectives of this organization are:

1. To promote and cultivate appreciation of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teachings 2. To propagate the Buddha Dharma in association with the Buddhist Women's Association 3. To participate in social welfare services in gratitude for the Amida Buddha's compassion 4. To promote the betterment of our family, community, and church

Examples of a few of their activities includes: 1. Annual participation in the Obon Bazaar 2. Annual visitation to the Colma Cemetery 3. Annual memorial service for deceased members 4. Omimae, visitation with gifts to patients 5. Omigaki of the Betsuin altar 6. Fujinkai representative attends monthly Betsuin Board Meeting 7. Monthly services 8. Keiro Kai dinner to honor members over age 75 9. General meeting and End of the Year Party 10. Annual fundraiser with Bota-Mochi, and Chirashi sales 11. Assisting with church related food preparation as requested by the ministerial staff

In 1973, Reverend and Mrs. Ejitsu Hojo wrote nad composed the "San Jose Fujinkai No Uta". This song, which is the San Jose Buddhist Women's Association song, proclaims that the women who live in the Dharma, even faced with the hardship of daily challenges, are steadfast.

The Fujikai and its members have encountered many difficult times in the past. The pre-World War II depression era, relocation during World War II, and the post-war years of uncertainty. That they have overcome these hardships is an eloquent testimony to their deep faith in the Way of Nembutsu. It is with an unbounded sense of humility that we reflect upon the footsteps of those who have preceded us. (1)

Credits to the "history of the San Jose Buddhist Women's Association" information that is stored in the church archives.

1948 September 28, 1948, a group of young Buddhists of Campbell, Cupertino, and Santa Clara organized the, West San Jose YBA and elected Nobuo Fukuda as President.

1949 The Fiftieth (50th) Anniversary of the Buddhist Church of San Jose Inc was held in November, and a pictorial history book was published.

1949 With the support of the Isseis, the South San Jose YBA was formed with membership from those residing in Edenvale and all areas south of San Martin. George Sato was its first President.

1950 The English Department Coordinating Council was organized in 1950 to coordinate the activities of all the English speaking groups. Gilroy Sunday School was started in October with over one hundred (100) students and twelve (12) to fifteen (15) teachers.

1950 Church choir organized by the English Department.

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Choir

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Choir's mission is to spread the Dharma through music. The choir has a collection of about 100 gathas (Buddhist songs) which have been arranged for choral use.

The San Jose Betsuin Choir began in 1950, organized by the church's English Department Coordinating Council. Dr. Chester Mason of the San Jose Unified School District was the first Director. Dr. Mason was followed by his brother, Austin, and later by Larry Hilhouse. The choir's first performance wa sin 1952 in the presence of Lord Abbot and Lady Ohtani fom the Nishi Hongwanji (our mother temple) in Kyoto, Japan, with subsequent performances primarily for Young Buddhist Association (YBA) conferences.

In 1959, Mrs. Yumiko Hojo assumed the choir's leadership. Mrs. Hojo, a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and former member of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Music Department, introduced Japanese traditional and contemporary music as well as composing and arranging gathas.

"An Evening of Music" recitals began in 1963 and continue for 14 years. Until 1969, the choir performed annually at the Western Young Buddhist League (WYBL) choir festivals. Special concerts have been given in the local community and at other Buddhist temples in Monterey, Sebastopol, San Mateo, Stockton, Oxnard, Orange County, Lost Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Idaho-Orego, Salt Lake City and Hawaii.

The choir also sang for the BCA's 75th Anniversary and the 5th World Buddhist Women's Conference. In 1976, Mrs. Hojo retired; however the choir continued to sing for special services under the direction of Dr. Nancy Hikoyeda. Mrs. Yumiko Aoki became the choir director during 1993-1997. After that time, Dr. Hikoyeda again resumed as director.

The choir performs at special services: Ho-onko, Hana Matsuri and Obon. The choir sang for the San Jose Betsuin's 85th and 90th anniversary celebrations, the National Fujinkai Conference and the BCA 100th anniversary event.

On the choir's 10th anniversary, Bishop Kenryu Tsuji presented the choir with a certificate for "outstanding contribution to American Buddhism by developing interest in and appreciation for creative Buddhist music, not only in your own Sangha but also throughout the BCA."

Gilroy Buddhist Sangha

In 1950 the Kiyoshi Hirasaki family donated their family home to the Gilory Japanese Community. The home was converted into a community ahll where Howakai, Dharma School and JACL activities were held.

The Dharma School enrollment was over 100 students at the inception of the program. Fifteem students were enrolled in 1977, when these photographs were taken. Morgan Hill Buddhist Dharma School welcomed the few remaining students into their fold in the 1980's.

Howakai holds monthly meetings since their program began in the early 1950's. Meetings are held on a Sunday morning, usually the first Sunday of the month.

The treasure of the Gilroy Buddhist Community is our beautiful obutsudan. It was constructed by brothers, Gentaro and Shizaburo Nishiura while they were incarcerated at Heart Mountain Relocation Camp during WWII. After the war it was to donated to Rev. Chikara Aso, who was the resident minister of San Jose Buddhist Church. Rev. Aso gave the obutsudan to the Gilroy Buddhist Church.

1951 Mr Kyoshiro Tokunaga came to San Jose to serve as Executive Secretary from Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles. This was the beginning of the changing of the guard.

1953 With the leadership of Mr. Kats Tokunaga and Mr. Yoneo Bepp, the Nisei Buddhist Society (NBS) was formed in the Fall of 1953, with the merger of the Sonen Kai and the Junior Fujin Kai. Tad Tomita was elected first President.

1954 Monthly news publication called the "English Department News," later called "The Dharma," was initiated with Phil Matsumura as editor.

1954 Three lots directly across the street from the Church complex purchased for $24,000 for hostel and social hall.

1955 Construction began for a hostel (eventually the Sunday School classroom) with $23,000 cash cost to accommodate aged returning evacuees.

1955 First English speaking minister, Reverend Kenryo Kumata, comes to San Jose.

1956 Sunday School building completed, and adjoining parking lot is paved.

1956 Mountain View Buddhists break ground for their own church and Sunday School classrooms.

1957 The Mike Maruyama Memorial Library started. The first Bazaar Committee created and the Obon Festival, as we know it today, started.

The annual Obon festival is a pivotal event for the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. While similarities will be found throughout the Nishi-Hongwanji temples around the world, there are some differences in how and when the events take place. San Jose's annual event happens on the second weekend in July and is held on both Saturday and Sunday. The bazaar and obon-odori (dancing) are held on the same weekend. The annual Obon Service, also known as the Hotsubon, Urabon-E, or more traditionally Kangi-E, is generally held on the Sunday following the Obon festival.

The San Jose festival features food, games, entertainment, and odori (traditional dance). The odori is the highlight of the event and is held on both nights of the event. Rehearsals are held in the weeks prior to the Obon so that anyone interested in dancing may learn the dances ahead of time. However, all are encouraged to participate, even if they have not attended rehearsals. Many of the women and girls where the traditional kimono or yukata, while most of the men and boys wear Hapi coats. Again, even without the more traditional dress, anyone may participate. This is one of the most colorful events in all of San Jose throughout the year. There are usually several hundred dancers who participate in the Obon-odori. San Jose is fortunate to have the Chidori Band to provide the music for the dancing and for the pre-dancing entertainment. The Chidori Band also performs for other obon's and events throughout the area.

1958 Annual mass installation of Church and affiliated organization officers began on January 18th.

1958 The Annex building, built on the site of the old Church building, that included a regulation size gymnasium, classrooms, storage space, multi purpose room, and kitchen completed at a cost of $190,000, was dedicated in November.

1959 The Sunday School bus system started and eventually increased to a fleet of three buses to accommodate the increasing Sunday School students.

1959 A Japanese garden was constructed at the Church with the supervision of Mr Shigeru Uenaka of Cupertino Nursery.

1959 Reverend Kyoshiro Tokunaga returns as minister in October after completing his studies at Stanford and Kyoto as our twentieth (20th) reverend. He left our Church as Executive Secretary in 1956 to go to the ministry.

1960 The beautiful statue of St. Shinran which stands in front of the Hondo today was donated by Seichi Hirose. Mr. Hirose had the statue made especially for San Jose Buddhist Church.

1961 With the completion of the construction of Mountain View branch church at a cost of $52,000, it became an independent Buddhist Church of BCA.

1964 A second story design by Richard Tanaka, Architect, was added to the existing hostel at a cost of about $100,000. The new two story building contains a small eighty capacity Chapel, classrooms, and living quarters. It was renamed the Little Chapel Building.

1965 Church membership dues raised to $25 from the previous $21 and $15 for a spouse, for a total of $40.

1965 Junior Choir formed

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Dharma School Jr. Choir Brief Biography

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin's Dharma School Jr. Choir was organized in 1965 by Mrs. Yumiko Hojo. Since then, the choir has been lead by Mrs. Miyo Suzuki ('72-'74, '87-'94), Mrs. Mrs. Misaye Abiko ('75-'83), Mrs. Nancy Hikoyeda ('83-'86), and Mrs. Elaine Jones ('94-present).

Besides the choir's annual recital held in the spring, performances during the year include major services at the Betsuin, and special opportunities, such as the JACL National Convention (1996), Dharma School Teacher's Conference (1998), Gomonshu Visitation (1999), Council of Churches Inter-faith Service on November 11, 2001 (a memorial service for the victims and their families of September 11, 2001), San Jose Taiko's Rhythm Spirit 2002 concert (April 2002), and the San Jose Betsuin's Centennial Celebration (September 14-15, 2002). In celebration of our Betsuin's Centennial, this past year's recital premiered a Buddhist musical, "Dorothy in Dharmaland: The Journey Home", written by choir parent Dennis Akizuki, and featured several talented choir members in featured roles. The 2001-2002 choir consisted of 46 members, aged 8 - 18.

Throughout the years, the choir has performed at several temples, including Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Oakland, Orange County, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Honolulu, Koloa, Lihue, Lahaina and Kahului, Hawaii.

1966 Status of Betsuin bestowed San Jose Buddhist Church by Hongwanji in Kyoto Japan. Reverend Ejitsu Hojo becomes our first Rinban.

1966 Construction of new office south of the Hondo and back of the Japanese garden began in commemoration of Betsuin status.

Volunteer Recognition Program

The Betsuin Board of Directors initiated the Volunteer Recognition Award Program in 1966 to acknowledge the selfless, dedicated volunteers who contribute within each Betsuin-affiliated organization. Realizing that the entire Betsuin benefits from the activities of all volunteers, the Board decided to make this attempt to acknowledge our gratitude to these hard-working individuals who are nominated by the affiliated organizations. HoOnko service was chosen as the appropriate service in which to honor the volunteers since this is where officers for all affiliated organizations are sworn in.

This program is based on a model set up by the Junior League of San Jose to honor volunteers from throughout Santa Clara County. Jeanne Nakano submitted Sally Idemoto and James Ichikawa as the San Jose Buddhist Church's nominees for the annual Junior League Volunteer Recognition in 1996. Jeanne Nakano and Terry Oshidari then set up a model to submit to the Board of Directors to start a Betsuin volunteer recognition program. The Betsuin program often acts as the source for our every other year nominees to the Junior League of San Jose program. Thus, the two programs are intertwined. The Junior League holds an annual luncheon where the recipients are honored. When the Betsuin has had recipients (1996, 1998, 2000, 2002), there have always been two tables reserved by members who wish to attend.

1967 Pledge system for membership adopted at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.

1967 The ground breaking service for the Morgan Hill Buddhist Sunday School was held on January 29th at the building site on Murphy Avenue, Morgan Hill. Officiating at the service was Rinban Hojo, Reverend T Murakami and Chairman, Mas Minami.

1968 Under sponsorship of the Youth Department, annual scholarships to five outstanding graduating Buddhist high school seniors initiated. Scholarships were awarded to Steven Jio, Norman Ishikawa, Karen Shimane, Robin Obata, and Susan Fukagawa

1969 The Board of Directors increased to sixty (60) members. For the first time in the history of the Board, three women were elected: Mrs Miyoko Taketa, Mrs Chiyoye Uchida, and Mrs Ada Uyeda.

1969 June, 1969, Roy Iwamoto of the Youth Department was instrumental in the formation of the first Boy Scout Troop #611 RAM. This was the beginning of an active scouting program with the subsequent organization of other Scout troops.

The Start of San Jose Betsuin Cub Scout Pack 611

In 1968 Mrs. Helen Santo was looking for activities that sone Mark could participate in. Troop 611 had been formed at the San Jose Betsuin with Tosh Tsukamoto and George Hanada as Scoutmasters but there was no group for the younger boys. Mrs. Santo attended a presentation for the Cub Scout group that met at Grant school. After hearing the presentation, Helen Santo, husband, Earl Santo and Ricki Miyahara thought that it would be a good idea to have a Betsuin sponsored Cub Scout group. Ricki Miyahara agreed to be the first Den Leader. With the support of Roy Iwamoto, Youth Director the San Jose Betsuin, Cub Scout Pack 611 was formed in September, 1969.

At the first meeting with the Santa Clara Scout council, Earl Santo arrived a few minutes after the meeting started. As Mr. Santo entered the room, one of the group said, "Oh, there's your Cubmaster" and that is how Earl Santo became the first Pack 611 Cubmaster.

Bob Ellington was the Scout Leader at Grant School and active at the Santa Clara Scout Council. Bob was very helpful in getting Pack 611 started. Bob Ellington is a familiar face at the Pack 611 Blue & Gold Dinners ad an active participant in the San Jose Bon Odori.

The first Pack 611 consisted of one den of nine boys. The boys met in the multi-purpose room. The major activities were the Blue & Gold dinner and Pinewood Derby. In the early days, Pack 611 borrowed the race track from Backrodt School. The Backrodt School track was made by Mr. Sakaguchi, who was a carpenter. The current Pinewood Derby track was made by Jimi Yamaichi.

In the summer, there were monthly activities. Fishing at Coyote Lake (Horio Farms) was a favorite annual event.

One of the memorable Cub Scout Pack 611 field trips was a tour of the USS Enterprise in 1975. The USS Enterprise was the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. The USS Enterprise is 1123 feet long and 257 feet wide and creates quite an impression.

In the early days, there was no Pack 611 Obon booth, no Nikkei Matsuri and no Tiger Cubs. Like today, the moms were usually the Den Leaders during the Cubs first two years and the dads were the Den Leaders for the last two years of Cub Scouting.

The Cemetery clean-up community service started around 1972.

The rolling of newspapers for the florists was started by Roy Iwamoto who worked for Northern California Fertilizer. Mr. Iwamoto knew the growers and florists and made the arrangements for the growers to donate flowers for cemetery clean-up.

Earl and Helen Santo are very pleased that Cub Scout Pack 611 is still going strong and how large Pack 611 is. They both remembered that the Cubs parents were very supportive and could always be counted on to help, provide transportation or chaperone.

Metta Religious Emblem for Buddhist Cub Scouts

The Metta Emblem is designed to help Cub Scouts of the Buddhist faith to deepen teir faith and to further their knowledge and practice of the Buddhist religion.

The word "Metta" is a Buddhist term meaning loving kindness and goodwill. This word was selected as the name for the Cub Scout religious emblem with the hope of nurturing boys who will relate to all animate and inanimate things with loving kindness and goodwill in their hearts.

This program provides an opportunity for those participating in the program to relate closely with their parents and ministers on the subject of their faith.

The METTA Medal

The Metta Medal consists of a pendant representing the Buddhist Wheel of Dharma attached to a bar with the word "Metta". The Wheel of Dharma is the accepted symbol of Buddhist and Buddhism.

1972 Seventieth (70th) Anniversary of San Jose Betsuin was held on November 19th with the dedication of a pair of large bronze lanterns donated by the Takeo Yuki family.

1972 Major project commemorating the Seventieth (70th) Anniversary, the Betsuin took leadership in the proposed construction of a 140 unit, low cost senior citizen apartment complex (Fuji Towers). Ten members and officers chosen to serve as the Board of Directors for the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Housing Inc are:

Henry Yamate, President Yoshio Ando Yasuto Kato, Vice President I K Ishimatsu Phil Matsumura, Secretary John Kobashi Bill Matsumoto, Treasurer Katsumi Tokunaga Jimi Yamaichi George Yamaoka

1973 Reverend Kenneth O'Neill became our first Caucasian Buddhist minister to join the ministerial staff.

1973 The Magoichi Yoshioka Trust Fund of $10,000 was set up and donated to the San Jose Betsuin by sons Harry, Thomas, and Eddie in memory of their father.

1975 Ground breaking ceremony for the elderly housing project later to be known as Fuji Towers held at the site on the southeast corner of Fifth and Taylor Streets on April 6th at 1:30pm. Carl Swenson Company, Contractor.

1977 Seventy Fifth (75th) Anniversary of the founding of San Jose Betsuin held on October 7th through 9th. "Kansha" published as commemorative gift to Sangha members on January 1, 1978.

1978 San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin named as a historical building by the Santa Clara Historical Heritage Commission.

1981 Rinban Kyoshiro Tokunaga retired on December 31, 1981, after twenty two (22) years of devoted service to the San Jose Betsuln. A retirement dinner honoring him was held at the Hyatt House Mediterranean Center on December 8th.

1982 On May 1st Reverend Junjo Tsumura joined the San Jose Betsuin as our new Rinban. Since becoming a BCA minister in 1952, Reverend Tsumura had served at Sacramento Betsuin, Watsonville Temple, and San Mateo Temple, to the present. He will be returning to the site of his youth of 1932 when his father, Reverend Tokujo Tsumura, was resident minister here.

1983 Seismic upgrading repairs on the tile roof closed the Hondo for the first time since the Japanese American evacuation from January 24th to April 1st. Interior supports were strengthened and proper bracing installed.

1983 Board of Directors approved hiring Ronald Y Nakasone as third minister. Dr Nakasone holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies/Philosophy, and will commence his duties upon ordination by Nishi Hongwanji Headquarters.

1983 In September Bishop Seigen Yamaoka announced the transfer of Reverend Jim Yanagihara to San Jose Betsuin. Reverend Yanagihara will be coming from Watsonville Buddhist Temple.

1985 In July Bishop Seigen Yamaoka assigned Reverend Sensho Inouye to San Jose Betsuin as Rinban.

1985 Mrs Yumi Hojo retired as Director of the SJBCB Senior Choir. She served as the Director for twenty six (26) years.

1986 Lotus Pre-School begins operation.

1986 September 6, 1986, Reverend Gerald Sakamoto arrives with his wife, Kathy, and daughters, Elanor and Sarah, to San Jose Betsuin from White River Buddhist Temple in Auburn Washington.

1987 Reverend Jerry Hirano, a native of Salt Lake City Utah, joins the San Jose Betsuin as our third minister in October.

1991 Appreciation banquet for Phil Matsumura held at the San Jose Hyatt House on March 29, 1991, with the theme "Thank you, Phil, for fifty (50) years."

1992 January 23, 1992: Mr Yoshio Ando passed away at the age of ninety-three (93). He was the pillar of our Church, one of our members of long standing. Most generous benefactor to our Church since before 1913. A true humanitarian.

1992 Betsuin celebrates Ninetieth (90th) Anniversary with affiliated organizations and local clubs to show case their various programs with displays and demonstrations.

1992 With the conclusion of the Ninetieth (90th) Anniversary, several continuing projects were initiated for the future: 1. Construction of a new office building on the site of the old parsonage. 2. Create a video cassette tape history of our Temple. 3. Continue the open house program as a means of introducing the affiliated organizations to our members. 4. Offering tours of our Hondo during public events. 5. Prepare a photographic directory of our Temple members.

1992 New Media Center located in the class room building across 5th Street from the Hondo dedicated.

1994 Dedication Ceremony was held for the new Office Building on May 22, culminating over four years of effort in its planning and construction.

1994 Sangha Support Committee established

Sangha Support Committee

The Sangha Support Committee provides support services to the Betsuin's sangha. The services include: a cart with pamphlets and brochures on health, fitness, transportation (bus schedules), and resource directories located in the Betsuin office; request for transportation to and from the church for Betsuin activities; educational and health informational forums; get well and special occasion wishes from the Betsuin, and visition, upon request (Kokoro-kai)

Established - January 1994

Forums (partial listing) Preventive Self Defense Funeral Protocal Tai Chi New Year's Food Line Dancing Culltivate your Green Thumb College Education; Are you Financially prepared? Kimono Dressing Breast Cancer

1994 Tom Onishi reported that escrow closed on the purchase of the Kurasaki property on North Fourth Street. Sale price $225,000 with $50,000 down. Carry-back of $175,000 with the final payment completed in June 1998.

1996 At the May 2 Board meeting, it was announced that Reverend Masanori Ohata (1996-Present)of the Stockton Buddhist Temple was assigned by Bishop Hakubun Watanabe to be San Jose Betsuin's new Rinban as of July 1.

1997 The Ichikawa family donated $30,000 to the San Jose Betsuin on October 31, 1997, in honor and memory of the late Jim Ichikawa. Because Jimmy left so many pieces of his skilled craftmanship behind at our Temple, you will always see him at our Betsuin.

1998 On May 14, 1998, The Betsuin purchased a fourth lot on North Fourth Street (642 North Fourth Street) for $255,000. This move squares off the Fourth Street properties to match the Betsuin's "across the street" Fifth Street holdings.

1998 At the conclusion of the Bodhi Day Service on December 6, Reverend Sakamoto dedicated the Reverend Kenryo Kumata plaque of the Archives Committee in commemoration of the Fortieth (40th) Anniversary of the completion of the Annex Building. This bronze plaque is mounted at the main entrance to the gym. The inscription on the plaque reads:

"We are extremely grateful for the generous support given our project and I am sure the funds will not have been spent in vain. If the Annex can even help one boy or one girl to the realization of the faith in Nembutsu, the effort will have been well repaid. With the concerted action of all the members of the Church, innumerable persons will one day find true refuge, spiritually and physically, from the generosity and sacrifices of those who made possible this Annex." Reverend Kenryo Kumata Minister, San Jose Buddhist Church, 1955-1959

1999 Ben Sanematsu was a friend of the San Jose Betsuin. In memory of his wife, Kimie, he donated $30,000 to the Betsuin Scholarship Program, the interest to be used annually for a deserving college student. Ben Sanematsu passed away on January 11, 1999. His brother, Henry, of Orange, California, added $5,000 to the endowment. The Kimie Yanagawa Sanematsu Memorial Scholarship has been renamed the Ben and Kimie Sanematsu Memorial Scholarship.

1999 San Jose Betsuin Archives Committee was responsible for assembling and mounting some fifty-four (54) 4'X8' panels of the BCA Churches and Temples for the BCA Centennial Conference in San Francisco. San Jose Betsuin Sangha members, ABA, the Boy and Girl Scouts all helped. Co-chairs were Sumi Tanabe and Jimi Yamaichi with members Bob Idemoto and Art Kumada.

1999 On Saturday, March 20, the San Jose Betsuin welcomed His Eminence Koshin Ohtani, the Gomonshu, and his entourage from Kyoto, Japan.That evening San Jose Betsuin hosted an elegant welcome affair at the Tech Museum of Innovation. More than seven hundred (700) attendees gathered to honor and pay their respects to Gomonshu-sama.

The next morning the Kikyoshiki Confirmation Ceremony was performed by His Eminence Koshin Ohtani in the Hondo. Some one hundred (100) Sangha members received their Homyo with their Buddhist name imprinted.

2000 The Second Coast District Nembutsu Family Convention was held at the Westin Santa Clara Hotel during the weekend of October 13-15, 2000. This multi-generation convention brought together Reverends Tetsuo Unno, Haruyuki Kusada, and David Matsumoto with Dharma messages along with talks from the Coast District ministers. Well coordinated were the workshop activities such as taiko, flute, YBA, and Dharma School. 4'X8' display panels were also on exhibit.

2001 Our beloved Reverend Ejitsu Hojo passed away Thursday, January 18th, at the age of eighty-nine. He became a Buddha, leaving behind his loving wife, Yumiko, his son Tetsu, daughter-in-law Gail, and cherished granddaughter Samantha. Reverend Hojo served San Jose Buddhist Church from 1959, retiring on December 31, 1976. When San Jose Buddhist Church became a Betsuin in 1966, he became our first Rinban.

2001 Additional niches on both ends of the current niche have been added in the Nokotsudo, according to Bob Idemoto. These additions will nearly double the capacity of urns.

Marvin Arii, Greg Aso, George Hanada, Mas Horiuchi, Shig Otani, Bob Terasaki, and Toby Yamamoto were responsible for the carpentry work needed to position the new niches. Mr and Mrs Ray Matsumoto funded the expense and materials needed for this project.

2001 Retired Reverend Kyoshiro Tokunaga passed away on June 27th, five months after Rinban Hojo. He was the beloved husband of the late Tamae Marietta Tokunaga, father of Tetsu and Ken Tokunaga and Naomi Sims, grandfather of Tommy Tokunaga.

Rinban Tokunaga was our twentieth resident minister and served our Betsuin the longest from 1959 to 1981. He came to San Jose Buddhist Church as Executive Secretary in 1951 to transform this Church to an English speaking Sangha. Our biggest changes came with these two ministers.

2001 Instead of refurbishing the existing twenty-four pews at a cost of $26,000, the Onaijin Committee decided to install twenty-two new pews at a cost of $28,000. The replacement of new carpeting in the Hondo is estimated at $12,000. The twenty name tags removed from the old pews of 1937 will be preserved and mounted in memory of the Issei families who donated these pews some sixty-five years ago.

THE FUTURE: ONENESS

In today's American society, the Eightfold Path can easily get lost in the confusion of economic, worldwide terrorism, and a world of information overload and instant gratification. We must work that much harder to practice right mindfulness, ensuring that we cherish good and pure thoughts, for we know that all we say and do arise from our thoughts. In this time of so much to do and so many opportunities for distraction, we must take the time for right meditation, to concentrate our will on the Buddha, His life and His Teaching.

Beginning with our Centennial Year - 2002, we now launch into the "Future Years" of the Temple. We have selected a theme for our future. That theme is oneness. So simple, yet so complex, the word oneness can generate much discussion and much emotion. We are one people, regardless of heritage, nationality, age or gender. We are of one belief - a belief in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. And in the eyes of the Buddha, we are all sentient beings. Our differences make us interesting, not superior or inferior. Our similarities make us more united. Our broadening path makes us one.

Our Centennial Year In Review

2002 The Wednesday Night Dharma Talk continued into our Centennial year. Dr Kenji Akahoshi conducts these sessions to provide us an opportunity to interpret the wisdom of the Shin teachings to the multitude of daily situations that challenge us. So far, on the second Wednesday of each month, we have had the following speakers: Reverend Junjo Tsumura, Revered Dr Hoshu Matsubayashi, Reverend LaVern Sasaki, and Reverend Kodo Umezu.

2002 The Centennial Lecture Series were held on Saturday afternoons from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. The Dharma talks were held in the Board Room beginning on February 16th with Reverend Dr Nobuo Haneda, Dr Richard Payne on March 23rd, Reverend Dr Ryo Imamura on April 13th, and concluded with Reverend Dr Seigen Yamaoka on May 11th. This Centennial Lecture Series focused on the core purpose of the existence of our Temple.

2002 Centennial Historical Lecture Series began in February and continued each month of the first Monday night, concluding on July 1st. Moderated by Jimi Yamaichi, Issei impact to the Santa Clara County in the past one hundred years was discussed, the picture brides who came and disappointments when some of them first met their husbands-to-be.

The Alien Land Law, Discrimination suffered, the Great Depression, the establishment of various farming communities and Japantown. Discussed were the Buddhist and Methodist Churches, sports, Japanese Language Schools, pre-war years, Nisei early education, and the outbreak of World War II. The internment years in assembly centers, concentration camps, survival outside of camps, from 4-C to 1-A, the 100th, the 442nd, and MIS accomplishments. The return and the hostels, work opportunities such as strawberry share-cropping, flower growing, gardening and, finally, our future, where will we go from here.

2002 The Onaijin Restoration Project, which began in 1998, was completed in April 2002. It began with the restoring and upgrading of the Onaijin honoring the historic contributions of our Issei ancestors. Our goal was to restore the Onaijin to its original beauty, and to purchase additional pieces to make the Onaijin as complete as possible.

New bamboo curtains and a large tengai (heavenly canopy) were purchased and installed in 1999. The four ranma (inner transom carving), front makishoji (folding doors), the gaku (framed plaque), and many gold ornaments were restored in 2000. Two toro (hanging lantern), three butsutengai (canopy), and two pillar ornaments were installed in 2001. Six uchishiki (triangular altar cloth) have arrived and are stored away for major services.

New carpeting was installed in the gejin (seating area), and twenty-two new pews were purchased in September 2001. The seven ranma (transom carving) in front of the Onaijin were sent to Japan and restored. Several pieces of yoraku (hanging necklace-like ornaments) and another toro were ordered and installed in April 2002.

The Onajin Restoration Project was made possible with the generous devotion of and donations from the Sangha members at our estimated cost of about $238,480. This is the legacy our pioneer Isseis left us and we, in turn, would like to leave this Temple to our future generations.

Centennial Onaijin Restoration Project

The Centennial Onaijin Restoration Project Committee was formed from volunteers of the Betsuin Board of Directors in 1998. Rinban Ohata received permission from the Board to have an expert from Japan determine the condition of the Onaijin. Mr. Yoshihiro Ito a Buddhist Altar Master Artisan of Iwataya Co. LTD. arrived Dec. 7, 1998 and stayed 5 days to collect all the information to determine what was necessary to restore the Onaijin. The initial estimate was $300,000. The Committee first met in September 30, 1999, to establish our goal. The committee's goals was to restore the present contents of the Onaijin to last another fifty to one hundred years and to purchase additional articles to make the Onaijin as complete as we can make it and finish before the Centennial Celebration in September, 2002. All of the work was planned to not disturb any of the regular Dharma lessons, funerals and memorial services. On Mr. Ito's second visit, he removed many of the ornaments that required refurbishing (gold plating) and sent back to Japan. The four Ranma carvings and San Go Gaku were also shipped. The Ranma are large, flat carved pieces located in the transom area inside the Onaijin. The San Go Gaku or Gaku is the framed tablet expressing the main significance of this temple. The Gaku phrase means: To open the Dharma storehouse. The seven carvings in front of the Onaijin were shipped later and refurbished in Japan and returned. Several small tables that are in front of the ministers were replaced due to conditions beyond economic repair. One major article purchased was the center large Tengai. Tengai is the canopy suspended from the ceiling directly over the Raiban (set of two tables, a dais, and a stand). Three additional small Tengai, Makishoji (front folding shoji screen), and three new lanterns in the Gejin (seating) area were later purchased and installed. The San Jose Buddhist Women's Association donated a large amount toward the purchase of five pieces of Uchishiki (table cloths). The committee also committed to expand the scope of the restoration and include the Gejin (seating area) as part of the Centennial Project. With help from Morgan Hill Temple members, we were able to remove the old pews in about six hours. The entire carpet in the Hondo was replaced and twenty-two new pews installed. A plaque to commemorate the donors of the old pews and one for new pews were hung in back of the Hondo. A separate plaque was made to recognize all the major donors for the entire restoration project and placed in back of the Hondo. The final Centennial Onaijin Restoration Committee was comprised of Rinban Masanori Ohata (Project leader), Reverend Gerald Sakamoto (Assistant Leader), Greg Aso, Fran Imahara, Terrie Oshidari, Alvin Hironaga, Robert Yoshikawa, and Bob Terasaki (Chairman). Without the help of many volunteers such as Jeff Asai, Deborah Aso, Marlene Aso, George Hanada, Steve Ichinaga, Merv Little, Ed Morimoto, Judy Nakano, Bob Nakano, Brian Shiroyama, Buz Shiroyama, Marlene Terasaki, Jimmi Yamaichi, Derek Yano, Kris Yano, Steve Yano, Phyllis Yoshikawa, our work would have been much more difficult. Thanks to all.

2002 For the first time ever, the annual Junior Choir Recital is done in the format of a stage play. Written by Dennis Akizuki, the performance of Dorothy in Dharmaland was an overwhelming success. With musical collaboration from Director Elaine Jones, and the singing talents of young Addi McClure in the title role, the choir put on a beautiful show that was repeated by popular demand for the Dharma School.

2002 As of this year, the San Jose Betsuin Senior Choir has dropped "Senior" from its name, and will hereafter be known as the San Jose Betsuin Choir. The members feel their new name reflects who they really are, a group of individuals of all ages who enjoy Dharma music.

So, now is our opportunity. We started as a singular people - strangers in a strange land, unified by heritage. Non-white, non-Christians, in a white, Christian America. Now, the melting pot of America has worked its magic again. People of various backgrounds - ethnic, nationality, and religion - have joined with us to make up the Sangha. One Sangha, united by the belief in the Dharma - the teachings of the Buddha. Oneness again becomes our identity. But this time, it is a stronger identity because it contains the will of the many. In oneness, we walk the path together.

We walk the broader path��..

Closing Thoughts

As we bring our book, and our celebration of our first one hundred years to a close, we should take time to reflect on what and who brought us to this point. The heritage of the Jodo-Shinshu religion is clear. But, with that heritage firmly in mind and understood, the powers of impermanence and interdependence become pervasive. As part of the Buddhist Churches of America, living in a largely non-Buddhist society, it is up to us, the Sangha, to keep Jodo-Shinshu Buddhism alive in this country. This does not have to be done as a nation, but rather it can, and must be done one temple, one Sangha member at a time. Religious organizations of every faith clamor for members so that they can get the financial support they need to continue the organization and its mission. Those who lead us at the Temple must remember, however, that membership is a reward - it is the Sangha rewarding the leadership for providing what the Sangha wants and needs.

The Buddha guides us. The Dharma teaches us. The Sangha gives us strength. Truly, these are the Three Treasures.

History