Month: December 2024

The San Mateo Buddhist Temple: A Spiritual and Cultural Pillar

The San Mateo Buddhist Temple (SMBT) is a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese American Buddhism in California. Established in 1910, it has provided spiritual guidance and a sense of community for over a century. Rooted in the Jodo Shinshu tradition, the temple offers a profound expression of Buddhist teachings that resonate with members of diverse backgrounds. This report delves into the temple’s founding, its historical evolution, teachings, community, and practices while also examining its financial sustainability and connections to the wider Buddhist and interfaith communities.

Historical Background and Founding

The story of SMBT begins with the determination and vision of Tetsuo Yamanouchi, an immigrant from Hiroshima, Japan. Yamanouchi, who had left a Zen Buddhist temple in Japan before ordination, immigrated to the United States in 1904, settling in San Mateo. He owned the Imperial Laundry on First Avenue in San Mateo and became a cornerstone of the small Japanese American community in the area. Recognizing the need for a local Buddhist community, Yamanouchi hosted the first service in his living room in 1910, formally establishing SMBT. At the time, the area was home to only 13 Japanese Americans, surrounded by open meadows.

The congregation grew quickly over the years, reflecting the spiritual and social needs of Japanese immigrants. Without a permanent meeting space, SMBT relocated frequently, holding services in locations such as the Japanese language school on Delaware Street, a rented storefront, and the Takahashi Market. These settings became informal sanctuaries, where congregants gathered for spiritual sustenance and to maintain cultural traditions.

During its early decades, SMBT and its members faced systemic racism and anti-Asian discrimination. Restrictive covenants in San Mateo County prevented Japanese Americans from owning property outside designated areas. Despite these challenges, the congregation persevered, fostering a strong sense of solidarity and resilience. Their efforts culminated in the early 1950s, when SMBT acquired its current home on South Claremont Street, symbolizing a significant milestone in its history.

The temple’s growth and resilience were further tested during World War II. Like many Japanese Americans, SMBT members were forcibly relocated to internment camps. During this period, services ceased, and the temple’s activities were temporarily suspended. However, after the war, members returned to San Mateo and worked tirelessly to rebuild their community. By 1951, SMBT had become an independent temple, and the construction of its social hall in 1952 provided a permanent home for its congregation. This marked the beginning of a new era of growth and community engagement.

Buddhist Tradition and Teachings

SMBT practices Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, also known as the True Pure Land Teaching. This tradition was founded by Shinran Shonin (1173–1263) in Japan and is one of the most widely practiced forms of Buddhism in the country. Jodo Shinshu emphasizes reliance on the compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha. Adherents believe in entrusting themselves to Amida Buddha’s vow to lead all beings to liberation, with the recitation of the nembutsu—”Namu Amida Butsu” (I take refuge in Amida Buddha)—serving as a central practice.

Unlike some Buddhist traditions that emphasize ascetic practices or meditative discipline, Jodo Shinshu is tailored to lay practitioners. It highlights the ordinary person’s ability to attain enlightenment through faith and gratitude, making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life. SMBT’s teachings stress humility, mindfulness, and interconnectedness, offering a path that is both deeply spiritual and profoundly practical.

The temple is part of the Nishi Hongwanji-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, and a member of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA). These affiliations connect SMBT to a global network of Jodo Shinshu communities, fostering collaboration and shared learning.

Jodo Shinshu also emphasizes the principle of gratitude, encouraging practitioners to recognize the support they receive from others and from the natural world. This teaching is reflected in the temple’s community-oriented approach, which places a strong emphasis on collective well-being and mutual respect.

Community and Demographics

SMBT’s congregation has evolved significantly over the years. Initially composed of Japanese immigrants and their descendants, the temple now attracts a more diverse membership that reflects the multicultural fabric of the San Mateo area. While specific membership numbers are not publicly available, the temple is known for its active participation in religious and community life.

The temple’s inclusivity is evident in its outreach to individuals from all backgrounds. Families, seniors, and young adults all find a welcoming space at SMBT, which offers programs tailored to their needs. Dharma school classes introduce children to Buddhist teachings, while youth groups and family events help bridge generational gaps. Older members, many of whom have been part of the temple for decades, serve as custodians of its history and traditions.

SMBT has also adapted to modern times by incorporating virtual services and events, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temple is committed to being accessible to members, regardless of circumstances.

Practices and Activities

SMBT offers a variety of religious services and cultural activities that sustain its vibrant community. Weekly services, such as the Sunday Dharma Service, provide a space for members to chant sutras, listen to sermons, and recite the nembutsu. These gatherings are followed by social hours, fostering connections and informal discussions.

In addition to weekly services, the temple observes significant ceremonies and events:

• Monthly Memorial Services (Shotsuki Hoyo): These services honor the memories of deceased loved ones, helping families reflect on life’s impermanence.
• Obon Festival: A highlight of the year, this traditional event honors ancestors with Bon Odori dances, food stalls, and cultural activities. It serves as both a spiritual practice and a community celebration.
• Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival): Celebrated in March, this festival blends Japanese customs with Buddhist teachings, emphasizing renewal and harmony.
• Annual Bazaar: The temple’s bazaar combines fundraising with community engagement, featuring food, crafts, games, and entertainment.

SMBT also hosts educational programs, including Dharma discussions, guest lectures, and meditation workshops. These initiatives provide members with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and explore its relevance to contemporary life.

Youth-focused events, such as cultural exchanges and summer retreats, help younger members connect with their heritage while exploring Buddhist teachings in a way that feels relevant to them.

Relationship with Other Communities

SMBT maintains strong connections with other Buddhist and interfaith communities. As a member of the Buddhist Churches of America, the temple collaborates with other Jodo Shinshu temples across the United States. These relationships are strengthened through regional and national conferences, where members exchange ideas and share experiences.

The temple also engages with local interfaith organizations, participating in dialogues, cultural exchanges, and joint service projects. By fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, SMBT exemplifies the Buddhist principle of interconnectedness and contributes to the broader goal of building a compassionate society.

This commitment to outreach has also extended to hosting events that educate the wider community about Buddhism and Japanese culture, from open-house days to collaborative cultural festivals with other religious groups.

Understanding of Buddhism

For SMBT members, Buddhism is not just a set of rituals but a practical guide to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. The teachings of Jodo Shinshu emphasize gratitude, humility, and mindfulness, encouraging practitioners to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings. The recitation of the nembutsu serves as a daily reminder of Amida Buddha’s compassion, inspiring members to lead lives of purpose and service.

This lay-oriented approach makes Jodo Shinshu particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, offering a path that integrates spiritual practice with everyday responsibilities.

Funding and Sustainability

SMBT sustains its operations through a combination of membership dues, donations, and fundraising events. Membership contributions provide a stable financial foundation, while events like the annual bazaar and Obon Festival generate additional income. These fundraisers not only support the temple’s activities but also strengthen community bonds.

Volunteerism plays a crucial role in SMBT’s sustainability. Members contribute their time and skills to organize events, maintain temple facilities, and support administrative functions. This collective effort embodies the Buddhist ideal of dana, or generosity, ensuring that SMBT remains a thriving spiritual and cultural hub.

Conclusion

The San Mateo Buddhist Temple is more than a place of worship—it is a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Japanese American Buddhist community. From its humble beginnings in Tetsuo Yamanouchi’s living room to its current role as a vibrant center for spiritual and cultural life, SMBT has navigated challenges and embraced opportunities with unwavering dedication. Through its teachings, practices, and community engagement, the temple continues to inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journeys. As SMBT looks to the future, it remains committed to preserving its traditions while welcoming new generations to the path of gratitude and interconnectedness.

Sources

• https://sanmateobuddhisttemple.org/
• https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/san-mateo-home-honors-the-history-of-japanese-american-family/article_94da9b74-14c1-11ef-87bd-ab4c45df95fc.html
• https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/deeply-rooted-in-san-mateo/article_4038b23e-884a-11ef-a121-7fcff3e7c396.html

By Owen Wooliever

By Libby Henrickson

Founder

Mountain Stream Meditation Center is an insight meditation center located in Nevada City, California. It was founded by John M. Travis, a meditation teacher who has been studying Buddhism since 1969. The center belongs to the Theravada Buddhist tradition of insight meditation. According to the site, this is “a simple practice that helps to calm, collect and concentrate the mind. It allows us to see into our conditioning and to become more present in any given moment”. A virtual tour of the center is available here.

John Travis began his studies of Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition, studying with the 16th Karmapa from the Kagyu lineage. The 16th Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, traveled in America and Europe from 1974 through 1981, spreading his teachings. He then studied with Lama Thubten Yeshe from the Mahayana tradition. Yeshe was born in Tibet and lived there until oppression by the Chinese government forced him to flee to India. Travis studied with him and Kalu Rinpoche from the Tibetan Tradition. 

He became ordained as a Hindu monk at the Ashram of Bihar School of Yoga under Swami Satyananda. The Ashram of Bihar School of Yoga was established in 1962 by Satyananda in Munger, Bihar, India. It is in the Satyananda style and is still open today, although the website has been shut down. In 1970, Travis studied in the Vipassana tradition with Anagarika Munindra (1915-2003), a Bengali Buddhist Master, and S.N. Goenka, an Indian teacher of Vipassana meditation and spiritual leader who spoke at the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and World Leaders in 2000. He studied under Baba Ram Das, a former Harvard psychologist, who let trailblazing studies in psychedelics along with Dr. Timothy Leary. He then studied under Maharaji Neem Karoli Baba, a Hindu guru who has taught, among others, Mark Zuckerburg.  

In 1979 he was ordained under the Taungpulu Sayadaw of the forest monk tradition, who started the Taungpulu Kaba-Aye Monastery in Boulder Creek, California after moving to the United States from Burma. In 1986 he started teaching meditation in Nevada City, California. He took the senior teacher training at Spirit Rock Meditation Center alongside Jack Kornfield (a leader in mindfulness in the U.S.) from 1989-1993, where he received Dharma transmission in the Vipassana tradition. Dharma transmission is a ritual that marks the passing of the lineage from teacher to student. It is sometimes compared to a “spiritual bloodline”. He has also studied with the Dalai Lama and studied in Asia for a total of ten years. 

In 1994, he co-founded Mountain Stream Meditation Center. He currently acts as their founding teacher, is a meditation counselor, and leads hakomi body-centered therapy (a form of psychotherapy that focuses on mindfulness and mind/body awareness) and alchemical hypnotherapy. His teachings focus on making insight meditation relatable and relevant to everyday life. He writes poetry, which is published on the Mountain Stream Meditation website, which focuses on the Dharma of vipassana meditation, especially the process of learning the Dharma. 

Here is an example of his poetry:

​​Frog Clarity

September 16, 2012

Was it the concert given by the frogs?
the Dharma talk that was louder,
than the chatter of my own mind.
Until the wild roar stopped.

A silence descended through the hall.
Stillness untroubled by breath of that forgotten place.
Your own voice refused to move your delinquent thought words.
Adjusting without movement the quiet fury of the stillness, almost forgotten.

Like the great Hunter you track that breath, enlivened and focused.
Respectfully balancing a bedazzled heart and this well-crafted discernment.
You who came to this place longing for child’s eyes that had grown accustomed to loss.
This river of aliveness floating on the minds inward attention.

Frogs came alive again but this time breathing life.
Some great stillness untouched by the sounds.
Breath, body, mind/heart placed on the pin point in time.
Everything lined up for a fraction of a moment.

Your mind knowing this emptiness;
Heart knowing this fullness.
All bargaining over; you have arrived.

He has also written a book called Taking the One Seat. It is about using Buddha’s teachings to become more present and reduce suffering in life. He has posted audio files which correspond to each of the chapters in the book, which can be found here.

Tradition

Mountain Stream Meditation Center teaches Vipassana, or insight meditation, which comes from the  Theravada branch of Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism claims its roots with the original teachings of the Buddha. “Thera” means elder, and “vada” means way, so Theravada is the “elder way”. Theravada is an orthodox form of Buddhism. The tradition claims that the Abhidharmas were taught to the Theras directly from Buddha himself. 

The Mountain Stream Meditation Center website defines insight meditation as “a simple form of Buddhist practice that helps to calm, collect and concentrate the mind. This practice originated with the Buddha over 2,550 years ago, and begins with focusing the attention on the breath”. Meditation is understood by the center as as a method to become more present and to “see into our conditioning”. It is also seen as a practice which can coexist with other spiritual practices and religions. Mountain Stream Meditation Center does not ordain practitioners; rather, anyone can come practice meditation there anytime they like. The center adapts Vipassana to fit with western culture, teaching ways to incorporate meditation practices into everyday life in order to cultivate mindfulness. 

Members / Demographic 

Membership is open to anyone, without discrimination, although there is little diversity in the board of directors and the meditation teachers. The center primarily serves residents in the area. Nevada County, CA, where the center is located, is also not very diverse, with only 16% of the population (total population of 102,241) being people of color. Virtual members are also welcomed. The center’s leadership is composed of the board of directors, which includes John Travis, the founding teacher, and the resident guiding teacher, Adam Stonebreaker. There is also a teacher’s council, composed of accomplished American meditation teachers and wellness professionals, an ethics and reconciliation council, and an administrative staff. 

Adam Stonebreaker was recently appointed the resident guiding teacher, to inherit the duties of John Travis. He has been studying Yoga and Meditation since 1999. According to the Mountain Stream website, “Adam’s approach is particularly influenced by the rich intersections between Buddhism and traditional Yoga practices, the Bodhisattva path, and engaging with the natural world”. He has studied under Tibetan and American buddhist teachers, and earned his master’s degree in mindfulness studies at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Practices

The center offers weekly meditations, Dharma talks, and retreats. Dharma talks are led by one of the meditation teachers or by a guest speaker, and there are usually a few of these per week. Retreats are offered in several lengths and happen every few months or on a yearly basis, depending on the length. Some retreats are held at nearby lodges or event locations, and some are held internationally. At the beginning of each retreat, participants recite the five precepts: no harm, no taking anything not given, being “wise and careful with speech”, refraining from sexual misconduct, and abstaining from intoxicants. The website describes retreats as “times of quiet to still the mind and to reflect on how the mind operates. This allows for the heart to open which deepens compassion”.

Additionally, anyone is welcome to come visit the center and make use of its meditation space and gardens. The center has a labyrinth which is used for walking meditations.

It also has a statue of Amitabha, a buddha, which came from Thailand.

In addition to spiritual events, the center hosts community building events such as potlucks, community work days, and committee meetings. The center also provides meals to the Hospitality House, a shelter for people who are homeless. 

Funding

The center is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that is funded by donations. There are major fundraising events each year. Attendees are recommended to donate what they can for the programs offered, including personal meetings with the meditation teachers and retreats. Scholarships, also funded by donations, are offered for retreats for people in need of them. 

Citations:

https://www.mtstream.org/

https://www.spiritrock.org/teachers/jack-kornfield

https://data.census.gov/profile/Nevada_County,_California?g=050XX00US06057

By: Knox Dendy

Ekoji Buddhist Sangha in Richmond is a space for a multitude of Buddhist practices, including Zen, Pure Land, and Vipassana or Insight meditation. Richmond has a small percentage of people who practice Buddhism, which is right around 3,000 people. Due to the small percentage of practicing Buddhists, spaces like Ekoji Buddhist Sangha often have to serve as a place for multiple forms of Buddhist practices and traditions. Ekoji Buddhist Sangha was founded in 1986 with the purpose of bringing a space to Richmond where Pure Land Buddhists could practice. As time went on, the founder, Reverend Kennryu Tsuji, started to offer these spaces to other Buddhist practices with the goal of spreading all forms of Buddhism throughout Richmond, serving for these people to practice.

The Founder of the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha, Reverend Kennryu Tsuji, started to practice Buddhism in 1941 at the University of Kyoto. During World War II, he was taken into an internment camp and as a prisoner. There, he taught elementary school and Buddhist practices to the children. After the war, he decided to resettle in Toronto, Canada, where he decided to eventually help build the Toronto Buddhist Church into one of the largest congregations in Canada. Due to this, in 1958, Tsuji moved to California to become the National Director of the Buddhist Churches of America. During this time, he played a huge role in expanding Pure Land Buddhism. After his tenure was over, he founded two large Ekoji Buddhist temples in Virginia with the aim of capturing all forms of Buddhism that he could accommodate.

In 1991, a Zen group started to practice, making them the first of many to join Reverend Tsuji in using the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha to try to spread Buddhism in Richmond more successfully. Eventually, it grew to the capacity of the space, having eight different practicing Buddhist groups. The eight Buddhist practices at the ekoji are Pure Land, Zen, Insight Meditation, Integral Meditation, Ligmincha, Palpung Shenpen Tharchin, Meditative Inquiry, and Nyama. Due to the number of groups that practice at the facility, the diversity of people who come in is completely different. Across the board, when emailing the IMCR, there are around 200 active members who actively practice at the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha; however, all together, by the end of the year, around 1000 people come to either visit or practice once. These communities build religious practices for people in Richmond who would not have had a place to practice their religion without the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha.
Additionally, Reverend Kennryu Tsuji’s goal to bring Buddhism to Richmond has been quite successful, despite the lack of facilities. Even though the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha has eight groups, I will only be focussing on one group, the Insight meditation group of Richmond, which uses Vipassana Meditation or Insight Meditation, which has been rooted in Buddhist tradition and sutras since the beginning of Buddha’s teachings. This group puts a special emphasis on the Sutras that help with insight meditations and reading dharma to further help people understand the nature of life.

The Insight Meditation Community of Richmond

The Insight Meditation Community of Richmond, or the IMCR, was founded in November of 1994 and started weekly meetings on March 3, 1995, to study the teachings of Buddha due to the fact that there was no real Insight Meditation group in Richmond. One specific person did not find the IMCR. It was established under the name “The Vipassana Group.” When I emailed the community, I found out that three of these individuals were practicing monks who wished to bring the Theravada Tradition to Richmond; however, only one ordained monk is used now. Primarily, they started by holding regular Dharma readings and meditation sessions once a week. However, as the community grew, they also grew, adding a meditation a week, and now they hold celebrations for high holidays in the Theravada tradition.
Due to the fact that so many groups use their facilities, they suggest that some members go to other societies to grow in their faith as a Buddhist. When I emailed asking about the group and how the IMCR works, one of the responses to the email was to practice at a retreat with the Bhavana Society in High View, WV. I thought that this was a bit strange at first because I was asking about seeing their facilities. They, however, only meet in the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha in Richmond twice a week. He went on to explain that the Bhavana Society has helped the IMCR with donations, retreats, and materials. When the Bhavana Society have large celebrations, around 10 of the members of the IMCR will travel to West Virginia. The person who emailed me also said that this was funded mostly by the Reverend Kennryu Tsuji fund and donations from members. Even though the IMCR has good relations with Buddhist temples in the United States, it does not often send people to international insight meditation retreats.

Additionally, he mentioned one of their teachers, Marjolein Janssen, that I should include in the project. Marjolein Janssen is an ordained Buddhist nun who left the US to practice in Eastern Europe and Myanmar. When Janssen was in Myanmar, she got ordained, and then she made it her lifelong mission to help bring Insight Meditation to the United States. Janssen leads most if not all of the Insight retreats that the IMCR holds because she is the best practiced on the Dharma in their group. The group meetings consist of the readings from the Dharma, followed by a discussion on what the Dharma actually meant, led by Janssen. After that, they meditate until the end of their session.
Due to the fact that Janssen was a Buddhist Nun studying Insight Meditation, the community of IMCR believes in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The primary teacher of the IMCR, Janssen, says on her website, “May the wisdom of the Dharma guide you through life’s challenges, supporting you to find peace and happiness.” This is where some of the traditional Buddhist traditions and the IMCR traditions differ because the IMCR don’t practice week long or even day long when meditating. The IMCR uses insight meditation as a guide for their life, while in the Theravada tradition, it would only be one step in one’s journey to Nirvana.

Times that the IMCR practice

These meditative sessions happen at the following times:

Tuesdays | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fridays | 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm
Second Saturday of the month | 5:30 am – 10:00 am

Vipassana meditation

Vipassana meditation, or Insight meditation, is one of the oldest practices of Buddhism. On the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha welcome page for Vipassana meditation, they quote Buddha, saying, “Doing no evil, undertaking the good, purifying one’s mind: this is the teaching of the Buddhas.” The focus of this quote is to show what Insight Meditation truly is. Inherently, Vipassana is a Theravada tradition that aims to understand the nature of reality by specifically focusing on mindfulness while trying to figure out the three kinds of suffering: impermanence, dissatisfaction with life, and the selfless nature of life. The Theravada tradition says that practicing insight meditation is done by first observing the center of attention with the natural breath; the second one is supposed to develop awareness in the body and mind by scanning the body for sensation. Finally, one is supposed to realize one’s thoughts, throwing out any judgment one has on others with the purpose of being set free.

Conclusion:

Although the IMCR, that meets at the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha in Richmond, community is built up of mostly converted Buddhist, they use Theravada tradition, the oldest branch of Buddhist, to practice meditation very diligently. The IMCR has built up an abide community of people who practice under the Theravada tradition actively representing a group across the United States of practicing white Converted Buddhists. This community in Richmond continues and will continue to grow throughout the area.

Sources:

SFGATE. (n.d.). Buddhist bishop Kenryu Tsuji. Retrieved December 1, 2024, from https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Buddhist-bishop-Kenryu-Tsuji-2813503

Ekoji Buddhist Temple. (n.d.). Ekoji history. Retrieved December 1, 2024, from https://www.ekoji.org/ekoji-history

Orion Philosophy. (n.d.). Vipassana meditation. Retrieved December 1, 2024, from https://orionphilosophy.com/vipassana-meditation

Insight Meditation Community of Richmond. (n.d.). About. Retrieved December 1, 2024, from https://imcrva.org/about/

By: Cindy Duong

The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center is based in Hazelwood, Missouri, a suburb on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 2008, the center was founded by its current “President Resident Monk” Venerable Tawalama Bodhiseeha Thero.  

The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center practices the Theravada Buddhist tradition (most referred as “Way of the Elders”). This practice is dominant in South Asian countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia). 

Founder’s Background 

 Venerable Tawalama Bodhiseeha Thero was born on August 29, 1969, in Galle District in Sri Lanka, to devout Buddhist parents. In 1983, he was ordained as a Samanera, as he prepared to be fully ordained as a Bhikkus. Then, in 1989, Venerable Tawalama Bodhiseeha Thero received Upasampada (became bhikkhu). After completing his secondary education at Viharamahadevi Monastic College and Indasara Senior Monastic College, Venerable Tawalama Bodhiseeha Thero received his bachelor’s degree in Buddhist studies and Pali from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, 1996. He would then earn his masters in Pali and Buddhist Studies at the same institution in 2002. For the Theravada Buddhist monk, Pali holds immense importance as it is the language in which the Buddha’s teachings are preserved in the Tipitaka. Many Buddhist meditation centers highlight the significance of Pali on their websites, emphasizing its role in deepening one’s understanding of the Dhamma and meditation practices. This is shown in Missouri’s Buddhist Meditation Center’s website as there are quotes in Pali from the Dhammapada. Then, in 2007, Venerable Tawalama Bodhiseeha Thero established The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center. 

Theravada Buddhism  

Theravada Buddhism or “The Way of the Elders” is the most dominant form of Buddhism that is practiced in South Asia. Additionally, it is regarded as the oldest and most authentic form of Buddhism, as its scriptures are rooted in Pali Canon with strict following of Buddha’s teachings on conduct, wisdom, and meditation. Drawing directly from Missouri’s Buddhist Meditation Center “The Theravada tradition is the oldest and most authentic version of the Buddha’s teachings now surviving. It preserves the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago.” Its basic teachings are the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path, with the goal of achieving Nirvana. Theravada emphasizes the ideal of the arhat, one who attains enlightenment through personal effort and dedication, contrasting with Mahayana bodhisattva. Theravada monks follow a strict monastic lifestyle, observing 227 rules and dedicating themselves to meditation and scripture study. Key practices like Vipassana (insight meditation) and Samatha (concentration meditation) help form mindfulness and the understanding of impermanence. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes attaining self-liberation through one’s own efforts. Meditation and concentration are vital elements of the way to enlightenment.  

Practices and Rituals

The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center is dedicated to creating a safe space for the Shanga (monastic and lay community) to come together, foster support and encouragement through spiritual practices. On its website, it still has events from 2021 and hasn’t been updated with the 2024 schedule. However, in 2021, the center was hosting meditation sessions every Saturday from 4- 5 PM. Monks from the center would lead the meditation session to help practitioners refine their meditation and mindfulness skills. Additionally, the center also has “Sunday Schools” for those in the community. These classes occur every Sunday from 2:30- 3:30 PM. These classes teach fundamental Theravada Buddhist principles (The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, Meditation, etc.), to children in the community. 

Ceremonial Gatherings Hosted by the Center:

Katina Ceremony:

The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center hosts a Katina ceremony (robe ceremony) annually. However, the most recent dated flyer on the website is from August of 2023. The ceremony is a significant event as it marks the end of Vassa (rainy season retreat), a period during which monks remain in their monasteries to meditate and study. The focus of this ceremony is to offer new robes to monks, to express gratitude for their devotion. Additionally, they are also given food and other donations. This act of kindness and generosity is believed to produce good merit for both the monastic and Lay community. The Katina ceremony plays a large role in strengthening the ties between Shanga, as lay people support monks through their spiritual path, while monks provide spiritual guidance through teachings and meditation. Additionally, the center will engage in collective religious practices such as chanting, meditation, and reflection. By promoting generosity and mutual support, the center strengthens the Theravada Buddhist community in St. Louis, Missouri.  

Vesak Full Moon Poya Day:  

The center hosts important Buddhist ceremonies and holidays like the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. This is significant in Theravada Buddhism as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Some activities include chanting early Buddhists texts, such as the Dhammapada, and engaging in group meditation to cultivate mindfulness and reflect on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Additionally, the center encourages Theravada practitioners to practice generosity with offerings to the monastic community and acts of charity to those in need. Furthermore, the center will include Dhamma discussions by monks, which offer guidance on Buddha’s path to Nirvana and commitment to his teachings. Hosting the Vesak is important as it fosters a sense of community and provides the opportunity for practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of Buddha’s teachings to embody in their everyday life.  

Sacred Buddha’s Relic Exposition:  

Since 2014, the Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center has been hosting an exposition of the Buddha’s relic ceremony for practitioners. The sacred relics were brought from Sri Lanka and housed in the Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center since August 29th, 2014. The exposition of Buddha’s relic holds spiritual significance to Buddhist practitioners, serving as a tangible connection to his teachings. Relics inspire faith, reflection, and dedication as it reminds the Shanga of Buddha’s path to enlightenment, while encouraging those to stay focused on their spiritual path. Furthermore, the relic ceremony provides an opportunity for Laypeople to generate good merit through offerings and acts of kindness. Therefore, the Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center, by hosting an event venerating relics, fosters a sense of community by bringing all Theravada practitioners together. 

Community Demographic and Financial Needs:  

The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center is primarily composed of community members of South Asian descent, which reflects the founders background in studying from monastic colleges in Sri Lanka and Dhama lessons being in Sinhalese (native language of Sri Lanka). However, the center welcomes all individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment for all. While demographic data is not available, the events and gatherings hosted by the Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center welcomes many Theravada practitioners for spiritual support. Although the center does not ask for financial donations regularly to support their center, they have asked practitioners to donate as they expand their building. The original building is a two-bedroom house, however as the community center expands, it is in need of a larger space in order to host events and activities. The center is seeking financial support to reach their goal of $900,000 to build a space for the Theravada Buddhist community.  

Relationship with Other Buddhist Communities:  

The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center refers to the Buddha as “Lord Buddha” as a way of showing respect for this enlightened spirit. The title “Lord” emphasizes his path to achieve full enlightenment and serves as a representation for practitioners to achieve Nirvana. Additionally, this title makes the Buddha more digestible to those from Western religious backgrounds as they can recognize him as a reverend figure in the Buddhist community. Furthermore, the use of “Sunday School”, which is more familiar to Western families, makes Buddhism teachings more accessible as it narrows the cultural gap. Therefore, allowing new practitioners to recognize and understand Buddhist teachings in a Western environment.  

Additionally, the Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center actively fosters community among other Buddhist temples and centers in the St. Louis area. In particular, the center has built a strong partnership with a local Buddhist Vietnamese temple. According to their Facebook, both communities have come together to participate in ceremonies, celebrate Buddhist holidays, and share teachings. Through these visits, it has provided cultural and spiritual exchanges, as they learn from each other’s practices. Furthermore, these exchanges are valuable as they represent diversity among the Buddhist community, while fostering a more welcoming community.  

References:  

• Resident Monk – Buddhist Meditation Center 

• *MonasteryFundForMBMC – Fundraiser by Tawalama Bodhiseeha on *spotfund 

• Theravada | Monasticism, Meditation & Philosophy | Britannica 

• Kathina, the Buddhist Robe Offering Ceremony 

• The Missouri Buddhist Meditation Center Facebook 

By Eric Fagan

Background

Located in the Southwest part of Cincinnati, Ohio,  the Cincinnati Zen Center is a Buddhist monastery that primarily focuses on Zen meditation and giving it to both consistent members, as well as offering classes to new people interested in Buddhism. Founded in 1994, the Cincinnati Zen Center is part of the greater Furnace Mountain Sangha which is a community taught by Teaching Zen Master Dae Gak. The center takes up a building on Vine street in Cincinnati and is mainly composed of an open meditation space for those to learn and practice their Zen meditation.

As for practice, the Cincinnati Zen Center has a large variety of options for people to engage in. For those who have been practicing for some time now, they offer weekly meditation sessions which serve as regularly scheduled meetings for those individuals who are active in the center’s events. Another key aspect to their temple is their introductory workshops that they offer. If an individual is looking to get into Zen meditation or simply wants to check it out, the Cincinnati Zen Center offers a class called Intro to Zen in which they teach a basic overview of their specific Zen practices. Individuals will come in for their 3 hour course and will be given guidance towards sitting and walking meditation. They are also given an interactive engagement into their traditions. When those individuals are ready to take on the next steps, they offer a series of retreats throughout the year to enhance their practice and experience an intense meditation session to gain a true understanding of their Zen teachings These retreats can either be day-long in person activities or they offer a virtual option for those who wish to practice from the comfort of their own home.

Teachings

As for the specific type of teachings, given the name, they follow typical Zen Buddhism practices while also trying to achieve a large and strong community of those practicing. Everything in house is taught by Myo Wol Soen-sa, also known as Mark Delmar Davis, who is a lay-practitioner that also works as a wellness coach and a musician. He gained Inka, or the ability to teach Zen Buddhism, in 2008 after studying with Zen Master Dae Gak since the center was founded in 1994. Despite being a father of 3 and an entrepreneur, Myo Wol Soen-sa is very dedicated to creating the best experience for all of those who decide to practice with him. One of the biggest teachings that the Cincinnati Zen Center focuses on is their meditation practices. Here they engage in 3 different types of “meditation” which includes seated meditation, walking meditation and then chanting. With their seated meditation practices, they tend to focus on making sure that everyone is focused on their breathing and their presence in the world. The seated meditation is typically accompanied by portions of walking meditation which is used to focus on being mindful while also being mobile. Lastly, they also include chanting different Buddhist texts such as the Heart Sutra. By chanting they are able to keep those practicing focused while also gaining a knowledge of the Buddhist teachings. 

Partnership

The Cincinnati Zen Center is an addition to the Furnace Mountain Sangha which is a Zen retreat center located in Clay City, Kentucky. Zen Master Dae Gak is the founding member of Furnace Mountain and gained his Inka in 1986 and his Dharma in 1994 by Zen Master Seung Sahn. On the Cincinnati Zen Center, he is listed as the Guiding teacher and while he doesn’t practice in house, those learning in Cincinnati can gain his teachings through their virtual sessions or by taking part in one of the many retreats that are hosted by Furnace Mountain Sangha throughout the year. These retreats include weekend retreats, week-long retreats, month-long retreats, beginner day and solo retreats. For the weekend retreat, it spans from 7 pm on Thursday to 1:30 pm on Sunday. They do recommend that for those taking part in this retreat that they have already established a personal meditation practice and/or have gone to one of their day long retreats before. They also offer a week-long retreat in the month of October throughout the October month-long retreat. People are encouraged to participate in either a 1 week or can extend it to as long as 4 weeks. Each of these retreats last from Saturday at 7 pm to the next Saturday at 11 am following their dharma talk. Like the weekend retreat, it is recommended that those who would like to attend have prior experience in Zen meditation. For the month-long retreat, they encourage everyone in the Sangha to participate in Heart-Kyol Che throughout the month of October. As described in their website, Kyol Che is a 90 day coming together period and they offer the October session to help support those who do partake in the full 90 days. Lastly, Furnace Mountain offers a completely solo retreat option where individuals can either be placed in a completely solo portion of the property or can do an accommodation in the monk’s cell which is closer to the meditation hall. Participates can choose to attend evening practice in the meditation hall and everyone who partakes must bring their own supply of food. As this is a desirable option for a lot of practitioners, it does require an application to be submitted and the facility is closed from December to March.

Since Furnace Mountain works closely with the Cincinnati Zen Center, the virtual sessions that those in Cincinnati can partake in is usually based out of Furnace Mountain. For their online options they offer daily morning practice, intro to zen meditation classes and day-long retreats. The daily morning practice occurs Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7:55 am and can be accessed through a zoom link. These sessions include 2 rounds of silent practice with a 5 minute period of walking in between. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, one of the teachers gives a brief dharma talk during the first round of meditation or zazen. Every other part of the meditation is silent practice and the website makes it clear that there is no chanting service included in this. They also offer an Intro to Zen meditation course online. Here they teach Zazen and other aspects of Zen meditation such as correct breathing, walking meditation and what individuals should do with their mind whilst engaging in meditation practice. These sessions are led by a Fountain Mountain teacher and the workshop suggests a $30 donation but individuals will not be turned away if they cannot afford to pay. These retreats are limited to just 20 participants at a time. For the day-long retreats, they last from 6 am to 8 pm and are typically scheduled on the last Saturday of each month. They are open to anyone who is interested, regardless of Zen experience and consist of a series of 2 hour practice blocks, each with a different teacher who is giving their own dharma talk.

Schedule

As for the Cincinnati Zen Center schedule, they offer in person meditation on Sundays at 8 am, Mondays at 7 pm, Wednesdays at 5:30 pm and Thursdays at 7 pm. They also offer their own virtual meditation session on Saturdays at 8:30 am. Their resident teacher also offers different events including intro workshops, Day-long retreats, weekend retreats, a Zen reading group and uniquely offers a Yoga for Meditators class. Myo Wol Soen-sa gives Dharma talks and offers Dokusan or individual meetings at regular sessions throughout the month. The Yoga for Meditators class is taught bimonthly on the first Tuesday and the 3rd Saturday of each month. This class lasts for 90 minutes and focuses on physical yoga aspects which can help an individual prepare for sitting practices and relieving any pain that may come as a result of meditation. The participants will learn how to use the props found in Zen centers and go through multiple poses which help work on the 3-planes of motion which includes the shoulders, hips and spine. This class is taught by Abbot Emeritus Annie Weisbrod who is a certified yoga and health coach and it is suggested that participants donate $15 per each of the classes taught. Also some days throughout the month are dedicated to different forms of practice. For example, during the first Sunday session of each month, participants engage in what is called a Precepts Discussion Group where people talk about Zen lineage. On the third Sunday of each month, participants will go through a Special Chanting Service which goes through the chants that aren’t performed during the regularly scheduled sessions.

Conclusion

One of the big pieces that I would like to shed light on is how much the Cincinnati Zen Center costs. Despite everything listed, there is no required cost for any of their services. They are a 501c non-profit organization and therefore rely on the donations from their participants to be sufficient. Therefore, they may list a recommended donation price, but nothing is required of its participants, especially for the intro to Zen classes that are offered. As a result of these intro classes, no defined number of practicioners is mentioned and instead they pride themselves on being a place where anyone can come practice. They also have no explicit ties to any organization in Asia and instead operate on a solely American led tradition with the only trace back to Asia coming from their traditions. Overall, the Cincinnati Zen Center is a great organization that truly does give the residents of Cincinnati a true experience of Zen Buddhism. 

---

Sources

https://www.cincinnatizencenter.org/index.html

https://www.furnacemountainzen.org/