Wisteria

Ekoji, Temple of the Gift of Light

Founded: 1981

Member: Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)

In Memoriam: Rev, Kenryu T. Tsuji

Our Benefactor: The late Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata, Founder, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK -Society for the Promotion of Buddhism)

2007 BCA Theme: World Peace Begins with Gassho

News Articles about Jodo Shinshu, Shinran, Amida Buddha, Buddhist Churches of America, Ekoji, and Shin Buddhism

from Google News

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism of the Nishi Hongwanji tradition in Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C.

Click here to find out how to freely download the late Rev, Kenryu T. Tsuji's book on the tenets of Buddhism and the Nembutsu teaching - The Heart of the Buddha-Dharma: Following the Jodo Shinshu Path. As advertised in Tricycle magazine.

A Most Cordial Welcome to All...

Ekoji will be a place where the differences of race, color or creed will disappear. Ekoji will be open to all who earnestly seek the Dharma. - Rev Kenryu Tsuji, 1981

Guests are always welcome, with or without prior arrangement, to attend any scheduled activity listed on this page unless noted otherwise.

Come as you are - Jodo Shinshu temples are informal. However, if you're curious about what you might expect, here's some information you might find helpful: Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple Etiquette

Note: Some of the entries on the Google calendar are not Ekoji-sponsored events, and are listed only as information of possible interest to the Ekoji community.

Website Last Updated on 5 May 2008
 
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Click on the image above and make a purchase, or buy a book from our Online Bookstore, and Ekoji receives a percentage of the purchase price - at no additional cost to you.

Highlights
Link to News Archive (page) More information

Posted 18 Apr: NAIKAN is a method of Self-Reflection 
NAIKAN can help us better understand ourselves, our relationships, and even
the fundamental nature of our existence  Learn how to practice NAIKAN with Mark LaWall  Saturday May 17, 2008, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm 
Lunch will be provided 

Posted 10 Apr: DharmaNet and Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai present this Video Series: The Buddhist Way of Life

Posted 3 Apr Ekoji Spring Seminar, Saturday, 10 May, with Dr. Gordon Bermant, 1 to 5 p.m. Open the event on the Google calendar for additional information.

The Nembutsu: Namu Amida Butsu (also Namo Amida Butsu)

Namu Amida Butsu: A poem by the late Rev Kenryu T. Tsuji

Myogo: An inscription in calligraphy of the Nembutsu (a 15.3 KB image)

The great practice is to say the Name of the Tathagata of unhindered light. This practice, comprehensively encompassing all practices, is perfect and most rapid in bringing them to fullness. For this reason, it is called "great practice." Saying the Name, then, breaks through all the ignorance of sentient beings and readily brings all their aspirations to fulfillment. Saying the Name is in itself mindfulness; mindfulness is nembutsu; nembutsu is Namu-amida-butsu. -  Shinran Shonin

Temple Information

Reverend Shojo Honda, Minister

LOCATION & MAILING ADDRESS

Ekoji Buddhist Temple

6500 Lake Haven Lane

Fairfax Station, VA 22039-1879

Google Map to Ekoji | General Directions

PHONE

703-239-0500

EMAIL LIST

If you'd like to be added to our email list to receive information and occasional special announcements, please send an email to information(AT)ekoji-dot-org

GENERAL

Mission and Programs

Profession of Faith as displayed in our Hondo

Scenes of our Temple

Garden of the Three Treasures

General Inquiries

Please first check Frequently Asked Questions about Ekoji and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (Last updated on 27 May 04)

Email inquiries may be sent to information(AT)ekoji-dot-org

Please note that at this time we do not have a full-time resident minister, so we are only able to address general interest questions.

Exploration of websites and books listed on this site may lead to answers or insights on deeper matters. You may specifically want to look into the message boards that are linked below.

Nen Daiko (Taiko Drums)

Nen Daiko Website

Please send email to taiko(AT)ekoji-dot-org

Routine Schedule


Monday

7 and 8 p.m.: Tai Chi with Kris Brinker

Thursday

7:30 p.m.: Temple Mini-Tour
Temple Mini-Tour: Drop by before the Meditation Group meets and a member of the Sangha will show you around and do his best to answer any questions you might have about Ekoji. If you'd like to stop by and visit for a longer period, please send an email to information(AT)ekoji-dot-org to make arrangements

7:30 p.m.: Optional Taiko Practice

8 p.m.: Meditation Group
Recommended book (can be purchased via this link): Sitting: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation by Diana St. Ruth

Sunday

Children's Dharma School: 10 a.m. Service, 11 a.m. Classes.

10 a.m.: Adult Dharma School

11 a.m.: Adult Service

12:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Taiko Practice

Annual Events

  • January: ShushoE (New Year's Day) / Ho-on Ko (Shinran Shonin Memorial Day)
  • March: Spring Ohigan
  • April: Hanamatsuri (Sakyamuni Buddha's Birthday)
  • May: Gotan E (Shinran Shonin's Birthday)
  • July: Obon
  • September: Fall Ohigan
  • December: Bodhi Day (Buddha's Enlightenment) / Joya (New Year's Eve)

More Information Link to News Archive

Posted 17 Apr: To help you find the best gas prices in your area: AAA Fuel Price Finder.

Online Forums: Discussion/Message Boards & Blogs/Podcasts

Provided for information only. Ekoji has no management responsibility or control of any kind over these resources. The quality and accuracy of discussions vary:

  • Pure Land Buddhist Forum on E-Sangha, Buddhist Forum

    The following are Pure Land Buddhist Blogs. The list was originally compiled by "mayutzu" on the Pure Land Buddhism forum of Beliefnet.com but more blogs have been added since:

    American Buddhist Study Center

    Buddhist Chaplain and Ekoji Alumnus, LT Jeanette Shin, CHC, USN

    The DharmaRealm podcast presents a series of discussions between the Rev. Harry Bridge of the Lodi Buddhist Church and Dr. Scott Mitchell of the Institute of Buddhist Studies on Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu: http://www.dharmarealm.com

    Other Resources

    		•

    Jodo Shinshu Buddhism Snapshot (5 Oct 2007)

    In Support of Pro-Democracy Efforts in Burma

    The disturbing reports of the violent crackdown being inflicted upon the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations led by Buddhist monks and nuns in Burma (Myanmar) lead us to draft this letter in support of their efforts to realize a truly harmonious society.

    The spiritual leaders of Burma seek to alleviate the suffering caused by the inequities and injustice of an oppressive military government. For decades, their peaceful actions on behalf of the exploited populace have met brutal suppression. The recent confrontations have included even harsher and more inhumane treatment of the monastic community and civilian population. They reveal a government that has lost the moral authority to lead.

    Reflecting on the Teachings of the Buddha for guidance, we cite his admonition that: “Of societies, there are three kinds. First, there are those that are organized on the basis of power, wealth or authority of leaders.

    “Second, there are those that are organized because of its convenience to the members, which will continue to exist as long as the members satisfy their conveniences and do not quarrel.

    “Third, there are those that are organized with some good teaching as its center and harmony as its very life.

    “Of course, the third and last of these is the only true society, for in it the members live in one spirit, from which unity of spirit and various kinds of virtue will arise. In such an organization there will prevail harmony, satisfaction and happiness.”

    This is the society that we all seek. The monks and nuns of Burma are attempting to lead their country in this direction.

    In a spirit of understanding the causes and conditions of suffering and a concern for alleviating them, we add our voices to the urgent call for humanitarian and diplomatic aid to be provided to the citizens of Burma, to help them bring about a peaceful, harmonious, and enduring society.

    Respectfully in gassho,

    Bishop Koshin Ogui, Socho
    Gordon Bermant, President

    Link to previous Snapshots

    Permanent Content

    On-going essay series, Living in the Dharma - Confusedly, from Ekoji's monthly newsletter, the Kalavinka. Updated 28 Aug 2005.

    Writings by Ekoji's Founding Minister and former Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America, the late Rev, Kenryu T. Tsuji

    A Brief Introduction to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

    A Brief Introduction to Buddhism

    The Life of Shinran Shonin (excerpted from A Brief Introduction to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism)

    Videos and Photos

    Photos by Seth Moherman (Note for dial-in users - this page contains about 1.3 MB in images)

    Viewing video requires Apple's free, cross-platform Quicktime

    Meaning of Nembutsu, Rev. Honda, 14 May 2006 (11 min, 33 sec)

    How to Oshoko (Burn Incense), Rev. Honda, 19 Feb 2006 (2 min, 46 sec)

    Available exclusively through Ekoji

    THE HEART OF THE BUDDHA-DHARMA
    Following the Jodo Shinshu Path
    Rev. Kenryu T. Tsuji's explanatory writings on the tenets of Buddhism and the Nembutsu teaching
    To find out how to purchase a copy, click here

    2007 Eastern Buddhist League Conference - 31 August to 2 September 2007

    Ekoji was featured on the PBS series, Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, in July 2003. Read the story and view the video here: Buddhist Obon Festival

    Introduction to the Buddha Dharma by Rev Jundo Gregory Gibbs. Reprinted by permission.

    Single PDF file (40K). Generously converted to a more compact size by Mr. Bob Matscherz

    To read PDF files, you need the free, cross-platform Adobe Acrobat Reader

    Sutra Chant Webpages

    Junirai (includes an MP3 audio file)

    Juseige (includes an MP3 audio file)

    Shoshinge (includes an MP3 audio file)

    Gassho to Amida is an English-language gatha for Dharma School students

    Pot Luck Recipes submitted by Ekoji members

    Send your favorites to information(AT)ekoji-dot-org

    Featured Links

    The Official Nishi Hongwanji English Language Website The Shin Buddhist path was founded by Shinran Shonin (1173-1262) during the Kamakura period, and in several centuries grew into one of the largest and most influential schools of Buddhism in Japan, a position it maintains today. The Hongwanji temple is the headquarters of the Hongwanji denomination of Shin Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha), and is known as Nishi (lit. "West") Hongwanji.

    The Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) is an incorporated religious organization of American Shin Buddhist affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Hongwanji denomination within the Continental United States.

    -- Campaign BCA - The 21st Century: On the threshold of a new century, the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) has reaffirmed and refined its core mission to promote the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, as well as to propagate the Jodo Shinshu teachings. BCA's vision for the future calls for Jodo Shinshu Buddhism to stand forward as a major religious tradition in the United States—to be recognized by the general public and embraced by a multi-ethnic Sangha.

    The Numata Center is the publisher of the Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) English Tripitaka Series which is going to make available in English all of the original teachings of the Buddha which are included in the Chinese Buddhist Tripitaka Canon. (NOTE: This page is graphically intensive and takes a long time to load)

    DharmaNet and Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai present this video series: The Buddhist Way of Life

    The Collected Works of Shinran The completion of the first stage of the online publication of 'The Collected Works of Shinran'. (Translated, with introductions, glossaries, and reading aids, by Dennis Hirota (Head Translator), Hisao Inagaki, Michio Tokunaga, and Ryushin Uryuzu).

    Youth Activities of the BCA: This site is for information on Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Youth activities of the Temples of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and their affilitated Youth organization.

    Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) Jodo Shinshu Seminary and Graduate School. Associated with the Graduate Theological Union since 1985.

    The Shin DharmaNet by Dr. Alfred Bloom. The purpose and mission of this website is to share information concerning Shin Buddhist tradition and Pure Land Buddhism as it is presently practiced and interpreted by Shin communities in the West and Japan.

    Amida Net by Dr. Hisao Inagaki. A compehensive website of Pure Land Buddhism

    Seattle Buddhist Temple an informative, BCA temple site that includes weekly Dharma talks in audio (Windows Media Player format).

    nembutsu.info an on-line journal of Shin Buddhism (formerly Mugeko). nembutsu.info seeks to convey the great breadth and depth, which the Pure Land teaching offers to those who are looking for an accessible spiritual path in the modern world.

    Worldwide Ekoji Temples: EKO-Haus of Japanese Culture, Dusseldorf, Germany

    New York Buddhist Church

    American Buddhist Study Center in New York City.

    Seabrook Buddhist Temple in New Jersey.

    Greater Springfield (Virginia) Online - Local community resources.

    Click for more links

    E-mail us: information(AT)ekoji-dot-org

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