World’s Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue in Japan Undergoes Annual Cleaning
Justin Whitaker
10 September 2024
The 120-meter-tall statue was built to honor Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
Japanese American Buddhist Reaches 110 Years Old
Sensei Alex Kakuyo
23 May 2024
After a difficult childhood, Yoshiko Miwa found refuge in the care of Rev. and Mrs. Issei Matsuura of the Buddhist Churches of America
Spring Grief: A Tribute to Gerry Loose
Ratnadevi
22 May 2024
Reflections on the fact and process of loss, and finding beauty in a world so torn by suffering
Matsukaze: Wind in the Pines
Joseph Houseal
13 April 2024
A self-reflective exploration of love and loss, grief and impermanence in Japanese Noh theater
Book Review: Hakuin’s Song of Zazen
Raymond Lam
14 March 2024
Zen teacher Yamada Mumon Rōshi’s series of essays on Hakuin’s poem receives a rich and faithful English translation
Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka, Former Bishop of BCA, has Died
Sensei Alex Kakuyo
16 January 2024
Former bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America is remembered for his contributions to Buddhist practice as well as his visionary work at the Institute of Buddhist Studies
Where/What/When is nirvāṇa?
Gereon Kopf
16 October 2023
Most people with even some tangential knowledge of Buddhism have heard about the concept of “nirvāṇa.” But what is its significance for the pilgrims after weeks of solitary hiking ready to rejoin the society?
Dōgyō ninin: The Shingon Version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Gereon Kopf
5 October 2023
Prof. Gereon Kopf continues his Shikoku pilgrimage in Japan, examining themes of awakening, loss, and connection
Historic Japanese Temple Allegedly Vandalized by Canadian Teen
Justin Whitaker
18 July 2023
Alleged vandalism has prompted greater diligence from Buddhist temple staff as global tourism rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic
The Ancient Noh Stages of Sado, the Isle of Exile
Joseph Houseal
13 May 2023
Exploring the modern stewardship of an ancient Japanese cultural legacy
Japanese Americans Commemorate Remembrance Day
Sensei Alex Kakuyo
28 February 2023
It took over 40 years for the US Congress to acknowledge the failings of the government and the harm caused to countless Japanese-American families
Ernest Fenollosa and the Order of the Rising Sun
Joseph Houseal
11 February 2023
Exploring the legacy and impact of an early Western student of Japanese culture and Buddhism