| Not reported. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: The founder of Buddhism was Gautama, the Buddha, born in 566 B.C.E., son of a king in Kapilavastu, which is present day Nepal. The Shin sect of Buddhism gradually grew from the teachings of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262 C.E.) who had left the monastery, married, and preached Buddhism according to his own Buddhistic experience. The origins of BCA can be traced to the arrival on July 6, 1898 of Rev. Eryu Honda and Rev. Ejun Miyamoto in the United States on a goodwill visit. They came to view the living condition of Japanese immigrants and to explore the possibility of extending the teachings in the U.S. As a result of this visit, Rev. S. Sonoda and Rev. Kakuryo Nishijima were sent to the U.S. as the first official missionaries, arriving in San Francisco on September I, 1899. Temples were erected wherever Japanese immigrants had settled, to meet the needs of the Japanese population. Currently there are 60 independent temples and 40 branches in the Mainland U.S., and an independent sister organization, the Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, organized in the Hawaiian Islands. BASIC BELIEFS: Amida Buddha is the symbolic Buddha of infinite Light (Wisdom) and Life (Compassion). Buddhism is the way of developing the fullest potential in all human beings. Some forms of Buddhism are not based on the spirit of Wisdom and Compassion and their emphasis is on the historical Buddha. However, Jodo Shinshu presumes these other forms of Buddhism to be valid. The power of sacred universal salvation consummated by Amida is embodied in the sacred Name, Namo Arnida Butsu, which is easy to remember and recite. Amida Buddha communicates with us through his Name, which has three aspects. Its substance is the absolute power to save all sentient (aware) beings. Its form is two fold: it is Amida Buddha's voice calling to us and our vocal response to his call. Its meaning is the actualization of salvation and complete assurance of our Enlightenment. Wherever there is "Namo Amida Butsu" there is Amida Buddha, and wherever there is Amida Buddha there is "Namo Amida Butsu." From the voluminous Buddhist Tripitaka, Shinran Shonin selected three sutras that bring one directly to the heart of Amida Buddha. They are (1) The Large Sutra on the Eternal Life, in which Sakyamuni tells the Sangha about Amida Buddha; (2) the Meditation Sutra on the Eternal Buddha, showing the actual case of a woman who finds salvation through Amida Buddha; and (3) The Smaller Sutra on Amida Buddha, describing the beauty of the Pure Land and extolling the virtues of Amida Buddha. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: No specific set of ethical practices are set forth in Jodo Shinshu except for members to live a life of gratitude; gratitude is the way faith is expressed. Our life gives this faith the opportunity of expression. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: At the national headquarters, administrative duties are conducted by the Office of the Bishop, the Executive Secretary and Secretarial Staff. Churches and branches are divided geographically into eight districts Southern: essentially Arizona and Southern California; Central: essentially Central California (Fresno, Bakersfield); Coast: California coast, Mountain View/San Jose to Monterey; Bay: San Francisco Area (Palo Alto to Sebastopol); Northern California (Sacramento to Marysville); Northwest: Washington, Oregon, and Idaho; Mountain: the Rocky Mountain Area (Utah, Colorado, etc.); Eastern: from the Twin Cities (Minnesota) to New York. Each district is represented by a Minister Director selected by ministers of the respective districts, and by three district representatives selected by the District Council. Affiliated organizations are maintained by each temple/church to meet spiritual, social and educational needs of all age group members. Principal organizations: The Buddhist Women's Association, Adult Buddhist Association, Young Buddhist Association and Dharma School Teachers' Association, all organized into large leagues and federations. One representative from each league or federation represents each at the BCA Board of Director's meetings. The main educational center in the U.S. is: Institute of Buddhist Studies 1900 Addison, Berkeley Ca. 94704 Phone: (415) 849-2383 Lectures, pre-ministerial training, in service ministerial seminars, lay leader training and other educational programs are conducted by the Institute. WORSHIP: There are no specific worship requirements. Devout members recite the name, Namo Arnida Butsu, literally meaning "I place my faith in Amida Buddha" (see also "Basic Beliefs"). During worship it is desirable, but not absolutely necessary, to have a statue or scroll of Amida Buddha or Scroll of the Sacred Name, Namo Amida Butsu. It is also desirable to have a table for a scroll or statue, incense and incense burner, flower and flower vase, and candle and single candle stand. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: None. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: Individual or family preferences honored. A minister is not necessary, but, if available, will usually conduct a bedside service at death. MEDICAL TREATMENT: Individual or family preferences honored. OTHER: BCA essentially supports the Buddhistic non violent position, but individual preference is honored. With respect to recruiting new members, the BCA practices a policy that invites prospective adherents to investigate and decide for themselves. The Buddha had taught that we should respect all spiritual paths and that there exists a path of enlightenment for each being, including non Buddhist paths. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: The Teaching of Buddha Tokyo: Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, 1985. 343pp. Ueda, Yoshifumi, and Dennis Hi rota. Shin ran, an Introduction to His Thought. Kyoto: Hongwanji International Center, 1989. Unno, Taitetsu, trans. Tannisho, A Shin Buddhist Classic, Honolulu, HI: Buddhist Study Center Press, 1984. 73pp. Books are available for mail order purchase through the: BCA Buddhist Bookstore 1710 Octavia Street San Francisco, CA 94109 Phone: (415) 776-7877. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Department of Buddhist Education 1710 Octavia Street San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 776-5600 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| Buddhist Churches of America |
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| ADDRESS: 1710 Octavia Street San Francisco, California 94109 OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: BCA; Shin Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu Denomination. LEADERSHIP: Koshin Otani ("Patriarch"), Twenty fourth Descendant of Shinran Shonin, in Japan. NATIONAL LEADER: Rev. Seigen H. Yarnaoka, Presiding Bishop MEMBERSHIP: |
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