Buddhist Temple of San Diego
Address: 2929 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102
Website: https://www.buddhisttemplesandiego.org/
Community Founding
The Buddhist Temple of San Diego (BTSD) was founded in 1926. The website does not name a specific founder. It was briefly abandoned due to WWII, as most of the constituency was Japanese American. However, children and grandchildren of the original members restored the temple after the war ended.
BTSD is affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu sect of the Pure Land School of Buddhism. The temple is a member of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and is affiliated with the Pasadena Buddhist Temple and the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan.
Constituency
The current supervising minister is Reverend Gregory Gibbs, of the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. The previous resident minister, Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi recently retired. There are currently three Ordained Minister’s Assistants serving this temple under Reverend Gibbs. They are Rev. Laverne Imori (Tokudo Ordination), Rev. Maribeth Smith (Tokudo Ordination), Rev. Noriko Kawai (Interfaith Chaplain).
The temple has a wide variety of age groups, based on the various associations and schools that it hosts, such as the Adult Buddhist Association (all adults), the Buddhist Women’s Association, The Dharma School (“young people”, age range unspecified), and the Junior Young Buddhist Association. According to an introduction by the board president, Luann Lee, at least some of the members are related to the founders of the Temple. These members are primarily Japanese Americans, but the rest of the Sangha is much more diverse.
Practices
The previous minister considered everyday life to be the spiritual journey, not just a part of it. The main practice of this sangha is the voicing of Namo Amida Butsu, also called Recitation (Nembutsu), which is considered to be an expression of gratitude for the assured awakening of practitioners of Shin Buddhism. Meditation and discussion of the Dharma are also listed as being important practices. In terms of awakening, members here apply the “rule of receiving rather than achieving”.
Events
They host video series and take part in podcasts about Buddhism.
Every fourth Sunday at 9 am, they host a program to introduce people to Buddhism, which they encourage students to attend. These teach temple etiquette as well as including an open Q&A session. There is also a Dharma school, which serves to educate young people during the Sunday services. Every Wednesday, the Temple holds a class called ‘Buddhism 1-2-3’, named for the three jewels, as well as the three activities that the Temple focuses on in its practice of Buddhism; chanting, meditation, and discussion of the Dharma.
The temple takes part in several non-Buddhist specific events as well, such as Memorial Day services, Pride Parades, and earth day.
How does this community represent Buddhism?
The temple is very welcoming to any who have a sincere desire to learn about Buddhism, whether they are considering becoming Buddhist or simply students. This is promised on their website and absolutely holds true in person. I visited once and the receptionist happily gave me a tour of the temple. She also supplied me with multiple pamphlets and even free books. There was no service in session at the time, but those members who I happened to see while I was there were all very friendly as well.
The website is also a wonderful resource for learning about the temple, its events, and its groups. It provides a brief introduction to Shin Buddhism, as well as what the core values of this particular temple are. Videos posted on the Temple website are in English and Japanese. There are also resources in Spanish about the Temple.
The Dana Group is an interest group whose members advise the Sangha on potential charitable projects that they ought to follow. They do this in order to practice Dana (giving), one of the Six Perfections. The Taiko group as well as other members of the Sangha attend San Diego’s pride parade, indicating that the welcoming attitude that I experienced here extends to the LGBT community as well.
Funding
The Buddhist Temple of San Diego is funded in a variety of ways, much of which includes donations directly to the temple and its organizations. The temple also hosts several fundraisers throughout the year. These often involve selling food that is prepared by the members of their Buddhist Women’s Association (also called the Fujinkai). The JR. Young Buddhist Association (YBA) also provides lunches and children’s games at the Temple’s annual bazaar. The website has a link to a donation page that includes various ways that anyone may donate to the Temple’s General Fund (which supports their various programs).
Anyone can donate directly to the temple via PayPal, checks, or a donation that is specifically designated for the year’s special services. Donations which will come back to the temple include amazon smile and a vehicle donation which can be made to Cars for a Cause in BTSD’s name. Participants of the Tai Chi group meetings are also encouraged to donate $5 for each session they attend.
Web page by: Rashelle Port