Ekoji Buddhist Temple
6500 Lake Haven Lane
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Phone: (703) 239-0500

Ekoji, Buddhist Temple of the Gift of Light: A Vision of the Future

We envision our temple as housing a warm and supportive sangha for the national capital area. The temple and its minister support the practice of Shin Buddhists throughout the area. The accessibility of our new Burke Road location near the Fairfax County Parkway makes this possible.

Activities for adults of all ages can build on the foundations of our study groups, taiko drum ensemble, and other activities that we support. The Dharma school offers Buddhist education for children and related social activities.

We envision our temple as the location for regional and national seminars on the development of Buddhism in America. The Ekoji temple recently hosted the 1998 Eastern Buddhist League Conference. As an Ekoji temple, historically supported by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai and other Shin Buddhist philanthropists, we have an obligation to act as a source of education and contemplation in Buddhism for people who are not necessarily regular members of our sangha.

Programs

The Ekoji Buddhist Temple of the greater Washington, D.C. area was founded in 1981 by the late industrialist and philanthropist Reverend Dr. Yehan Numata and the Reverend Kenryu T. Tsuji.

In Buddhism, it is said that there are more than 88,000 different paths to enlightenment. Amongst these paths, Ekoji shares the teaching of Shinran, a 12th Century Japanese Buddhist whose path is based on the Nembutsu Teaching of the Amida Buddha [the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light].

Master Shinran. Outcast by the older sects of Japanese Buddhism and the government as well, Shinran nonetheless continued to share his beliefs about the Amida Buddha [the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light] with the masses. For more than 50 years, Shinran shared the "Life of Nembutsu," claiming no followers and proclaiming that all people were "the children of Amida." The basis teaching of Amida Buddha is his Primal Vow which promises Universal Enlightenment for not only humans but for all living beings. The compassionate activity of Amida Buddha will never cease as long as beings are lost, forlorn, suffering, or wandering in a meaningless existence.

The Meaning of Life. While the ultimate objective of life for all Buddhists lies in the achievement of Buddhahood, life's immediate purpose is realized in the awakening of faith.

Ekoji Programs. Ekoji offers various programs and activities which will help one to walk the path of a Buddhist.

At this time, the regular schedule of religious activities is as follows:

Adult Service. Held weekly Sundays at 11:00 a.m, this service and the Dharma message is intended for adult followers.

Adult Dharma School. Held on a regular basis, these classes are open to anyone, of any background, who wants to learn more about Buddhism in general and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in particular. Classes are led by Ekoji's Director of Buddhist Education. Check the web page for class schedules.

Children's Service and Dharma School. Programs for children, youth and their parents are held every Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Meditation Classes. 'Sitting' [seiza] sessions are held on Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.

Weddings, Funerals, and other Services. Ekoji and the resident minister are available to conduct private and public religious observances. Please consult with the minister to set up a schedule and arrangements.

Temple Description. A 5-foot statue of the Buddha overlooks the seating for 150 Sangha members and friends. An overflow area provides additional seating for 50 people. A columbarium is also part of this structure.

Adjacent to the temple is an education center, which includes a library, classrooms, assembly room/social hall, recreation room, and a kitchen facility. Parking for more than 50 cars is available.

Temple Location and Transportation. Near the intersection of Route 7100 [Fairfax County Parkway] and Burke Lake Road.

Arrangements for transportation from the Springfield/Franconia metrorail station for Sunday services are available by calling the Temple at 703-239-0500 or by emailing information(AT)ekoji-dot-org.

Memorial Services. In the Japanese tradition, it is customary to observe certain years after a loved one's death as an opportunity to listen to the Teaching of the Buddha and remember the loved one.These years are: 1st, 3rd, 7th, 13th, 17th, 25th, 33rd, and 50th. The table below shows the years of death to be customarily memorialized during 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Other Activities of the Temple. Historically, the Buddhist Temple has been the center of community life. Thus, in addition to Buddhist services and classes, the temple is the site of various activities, such as martial arts, Japanese Taiko drumming, etc. Please check the temple schedule for further information.

Shin Buddhist Community. Shin Buddhism is recognized today as the largest of the traditional Japanese Buddhist Sects. The Hongwanji-ha denomination with which Ekoji is affiliated is a worldwide Buddhist fellowship with members of the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Here within the United States there are over 150 Shin Buddhist temples and fellowships.

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