Events

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The Distinctiveness of Shin Buddhism: Humor, Nembutsu Meditation, Naturalness and Other Power During this gathering, we will look at the distinct and attractive qualities of the teachings and practices of this Buddhist tradition, one with 136 years of history in America and the largest number of adherents in Japan today. The teachings of most Buddhist traditions are monastic at its core, but Shin Buddhism has always been for the lay person. In this sense, it has long been able to address the daily challenges and the fundamental spiritual questions of life and death for those of us who are not monks and nuns. After identifying its core teachings of Shin Buddhism (symbolized by "naturalness" and "Other Power") through humor and examples from daily life, we will conclude with a session in "Nembutsu meditation" to help us embody the teachings in order to realize some “centeredness within turbulence,” “oneness despite fragmentation,” and “gratitude amidst temptations.”Evening lecture on Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. Donations will be gladly accepted at the door.  The Buddhist Temple of Marin is located at 390 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, one block north of Whole Foods.   For more information please call the temple at (415) 388-1173 or email us: info@buddhisttempleofmarin.org Instructor biography:

OBON CEREMONY Obon is the traditional Buddhist celebration honoring the departed spirits of one's ancestors. Rev. Ronald Kobata will lead the one-hour service will begin at 2:00 pm, followed by Obon Odori, a Japanese style of line dancing. Dancing will last about an hour. Afterward, we will share a Potluck meal together. Bring your favorite dish to share. All are welcome.
The temple is located at 390 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, just north of Whole Foods. For more information call the temple at (415) 388-1173 or send email to info@BuddhistTempleOfMarin.org.

Why Buddhism and Why Shin Buddhism in Contemporary America: Shinjin Awakening, Nembutsu “Meditation”, Amida Buddha, and Pure Land Buddhists now account for a little over one percent of the U.S. population or about 4 million. If you then add the "Nightstand Buddhists" and those who have been "strongly influenced by Buddhism in regards to spirituality," it would mean that 10% of the people in the U.S. have been impacted by Buddhism. This means that Buddhism has finally entered a Western country on a popular level for the first time in close to 2,600 years of Buddhist history. The seminar will focus on the doctrinal and spiritual qualities of Shin Buddhism with a focus on its controversial "practice" and the nature of Shinjin as well as the teachings of Amida Buddha and Pure Land, which confound both long-time Buddhists and those new to Buddhism. It will be shown that Shin Buddhism lies squarely within the greater Mahayana Buddhist tradition rooted in the Bodhisattva spirit of wisdom and compassion for all beings. Saturday, March 29th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm