Karena Richmond – Fall ’23
Introduction
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, stands as a testament to resilience and cultural continuity. Founded in 1904 by Rev. Junjyo Izumida, a Japanese immigrant and dual-linguist, the temple has evolved over the years to become a vibrant hub of spirituality and community engagement. The historical roots, affiliations, relationships, demographic makeup, practices, and funding mechanisms of the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple community provides a comprehensive understanding of its intricate tapestry.
Founder and Historical Roots
Rev. Junjyo Izumida, with a vision of fostering a community that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, laid the foundation for the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple in 1904. Originally named “Rafu Bukkyokai,” meaning “Los Angeles Buddhist Mission,” the temple embodied an inclusive spirit from its inception. Izumida’s foresight set the tone for the temple’s enduring commitment to welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The early years of the temple were marked by the challenges brought about by World War II and the internment of Japanese-American citizens. Despite these adversities, the sangha persevered, maintaining connections with imprisoned members and safeguarding their possessions. The post-war era brought stability, with the temple serving as a haven for the unhoused. In 1976, the current Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple was officially dedicated, symbolizing a new chapter in its rich history.
Affiliation with Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple proudly adheres to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, specifically the “True” Pure Land Buddhism variant. Rooted in the teachings of Shinran Shonin, who lived from 1173 to 1262 in Japan, Jodo Shinshu Buddhism emphasizes the accessibility of the Buddhist path to everyone. It rejects strict practices and monastic rules, encouraging sincere living and self-reflection to attain a deep understanding of life. The temple’s interpretation aligns with Shinran’s belief that enlightenment can be achieved in one lifetime, regardless of one’s past actions.
The community’s website serves as a valuable resource, offering interpretations of Shinran Shonin’s teachings. It provides links to a diverse range of topics, including Buddhism, Shin Buddhism, The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and more. This comprehensive approach aims to enrich members’ understanding of Buddhism and its applications in daily life.
Relationships with Western and Asian Buddhist Communities
As a prominent institution within the Western Buddhist landscape, the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple maintains connections with various Buddhist communities. The temple serves as the United States headquarters for all temples under the Higashi Honganji umbrella. With locations in California, New York, and Hawaii, the community oversees ten active temples nationwide, all reporting to the Shinshū Ōtani-ha denomination in Japan.
Bishop Noriaki Ito, a central figure in the leadership, plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships both within the Higashi Honganji network and with other American sanghas. His multifaceted engagement extends beyond the temple, where he actively participates in community organizations such as the Los Angeles Buddhist Church Federation, Nikkei Interfaith Fellowship, and LAPD Clergy Forum. These affiliations showcase the temple’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
Constituency and Demographics
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple boasts a diverse and dynamic sangha, with services conducted in both Japanese and English. While exact membership numbers are challenging to ascertain, visual representations in photos and videos suggest a majority of Japanese-American members. The sangha reflects a broad spectrum of age groups, from children and teenagers to young adults, parents, and seniors.
Membership dues, set at $350 per family and $175 per individual per year, contribute to sustaining the temple’s activities. Additionally, the temple actively seeks donations through various channels, including checks, cash, and online platforms. Fundraising events, such as the annual Betsuin Golf Tournament, provide a fun-filled opportunity for members and volunteers to contribute to temple programs, activities, and maintenance.
The temple’s commitment to inclusivity is further exemplified by the Lumbini Child Development Center, a preschool catering to children aged 2.5-5. With five different classes for each age level, the center welcomes children from both within and outside the community, fostering an interdisciplinary and well-rounded education.
Various organizations within the sangha cater to different age groups, enhancing community engagement. These include the Dharma School for preschool and elementary students, Sangha Teens for middle school students, Junior Young Buddhist Association for high school students, Senior Young Buddhist Association for college students and young adults, Adult Buddhist Association for grown individuals, Fujinkai Women’s Group for women, and Los Angeles Otani Gakuen, a choral group singing in both English and Japanese.
The sangha publishes a monthly newsletter, “The Way” (“Michi” in Japanese), serving as a crucial source of information for monthly updates, news stories, and upcoming events. This publication plays a vital role in maintaining communication and cohesion within the community.
Practices and Events
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple conducts services every Sunday morning, offering a blend of Japanese and English to accommodate the diverse linguistic makeup of the sangha. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the temple adapted by live-streaming services, providing members with access to spiritual practices from the safety of their homes. This adaptation also provides valuable insights into the temple’s practices for those unable to attend in person.
The structure of the Sunday service involves an opening address, gāthā recitation (short sayings or verses focusing the mind on the present), sutra chanting, and a dharma talk. The dharma talk, delivered first in English and then in Japanese, imparts the theme for the week. The service often concludes with a group discussion, allowing the sangha to share perspectives and reflections on the dharma.
In addition to regular Sunday services, the temple hosts weddings, funerals, and memorial services. Traditional memorial services are performed on specific anniversaries of a person’s death date, including the 7th day, 49th day, 1st year, 3rd year, 7th year, 13th year, 17th year, 23rd year (or 25th year), 33rd year, and 50th year. The monthly Shotsuki service serves as a memorial to remember all individuals who passed away in a given month.
The temple calendar is marked by various events, offering opportunities for both spiritual and communal engagement. Special events and celebrations punctuate the yearly schedule, aligning with traditional Buddhist practices and cultural observances.
Understanding of Buddhism
Members of the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple community understand Buddhism through the lens of Jodo Shinshu, specifically the “True” Pure Land Buddhism variant. The teachings of Shinran Shonin form the core of their beliefs, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Buddhist path and the rejection of strict practices and monastic rules. The community’s interpretation aligns with Shinran’s vision that enlightenment is attainable in one lifetime through sincere living and self-reflection.
The temple’s commitment to education is evident through its extensive online resources. The website offers links to a variety of topics, including Buddhism as a whole, Shin Buddhism, The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and more. This multifaceted approach reflects the community’s dedication to providing members with a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist philosophy and its practical applications in daily life.
Funding Mechanisms
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple sustains its activities through a combination of membership dues, donations, and fundraising events. The structured membership dues, set at reasonable levels, contribute to the financial stability of the temple. Donations are actively sought through multiple channels, including traditional methods like checks and cash, as well as online platforms, accommodating diverse preferences.
Fundraising events, such as the annual Betsuin Golf Tournament, serve dual purposes. They not only provide financial support for various temple programs, activities, and maintenance but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose among members. The engagement of volunteers in these events highlights the collaborative spirit that underpins the temple’s financial sustainability.
Ending Thoughts
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple community stands as a vibrant and inclusive spiritual sanctuary in the diverse tapestry of Los Angeles. Shaped by its rich history, resilient leadership, and commitment to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the temple embodies the principles of inclusivity, education, and community engagement. The intricate connections with other Western and Asian Buddhist communities, diverse demographic makeup, multifaceted practices, and comprehensive understanding of Buddhism contribute to the community’s dynamic and evolving identity.
The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple is not merely a place of worship but a living testament to the enduring power of community and spirituality. As it continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, the temple remains steadfast in its mission to provide a haven for all seekers of wisdom, compassion, and interconnectedness.
Sources:
Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. “Photograph of Senior Young Buddhist Association:.” Facebook, 1 March 2021, https://scontent-iad3 1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.64359/155309009_3888290164569199_7164990042873803210_n.jpg_nc_cat=101&ccb=17&_nc_sid=810d5f&_nc_ohc=5brgCzEyPU0AX8KIocu&_nc_ht=scontentiad31.xx&oh=00_AfBY1jgL97g6g6rJDiShZTTceqaQ0UEcq9Wei5AreSVMYg&oe=65943782. Accessed 3 December 2023.
Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple 東本願寺ロサンゼルス別院, https://hhbt-la.org/. Accessed 3 December 2023.
Orange Coast College School Of Photography. “Photograph of the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Templ.” Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, December 2010, https://hhbt-la.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Higashi_Damian1.jpg. Accessed 3 December 2023.
