Dharma Center Completion

Generations. Our Legacy.

Whether you took part in the building of the San Jose Betsuin, grew up within its community or are a newer member – we all share many of the same fond memories – dropping off our children at Lotus Preschool for the first time, attending Dharma School or Buddhism Study Class, participating in Scouting, preserving our heritage through cultural activities, staying involved through the many Betsuin organizations and enjoying the Obon Festival every year. However, our most significant memories are of the friendships we made and our ever-growing ‘family’…our Sangha.  

As our Sangha and the community continue to grow and change, the Betsuin must plan for these needs as well as for those of our future generations. The construction of the new Dharma Center is essential to the Betsuin and the evolving needs of the community. 

It is our turn. Our legacy.

This project is the culmination of 10 years of planning. Guiding this process was an assessment of where we began, who we are today and what improvements are needed for a strong tomorrow, while aligning our vision with our core Buddhist values. The new Dharma Center addresses the needs of our Betsuin as well as our broader community. 

DONATE TODAY – MATCHING CAMPAIGN

Recent News

Click images/titles below to read full articles.

Dharma Center Fundraising Kicks Off with a $2 Million Matching Pledge

The push to build a replacement for the Betsuin’s aging Education Building has received a big boost: a $2 million matching pledge supported by the Takeo and Miyoko Yuki family. All donations through the end of the year to the Dharma Center project will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $2 million, meaning potentially $4 million could be contributed to the project. The pledge comes as the Betsuin on Oct. 1 officially launched

Betsuin inspired by the past in planning new building project

Inspired by the past and looking to the future, the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is officially launching a new building project designed to serve the Sangha for many years to come. The goal of “Generations. Our Legacy” is to create the Dharma Center – a new home for Lotus Preschool, Dharma School, Japanese Language School, Scout troops, youth groups, and temple and community organizations. The Dharma Center will be nearly twice as large as

DONATE TODAY – MATCHING CAMPAIGN

How you can help

The estimated cost for the new Dharma Center project is approximately $15 million (which includes adjustments for inflation over the construction time). Even before the official fundraising campaign begins in October 2022, about half that amount has already been donated by generous Betsuin supporters.

“The first generation Issei built the church in the middle of the depression, 1937. We, the second and third generations, should leave something for the next generation.”   Ray Matsumoto – Betsuin senior advisor

The success of this project relies on the support of our entire Sangha and the broader community!

The official launch of our Dharma Center fundraising campaign is October 1, 2022 with a goal of raising the full $15 million by the end of 2023. We began with an exciting $2 Million Matching Campaign supported by the Takeo and Miyoko Yuki Family to hopefully raise the first $4 million in 2022 and is followed with fundraisers, both large and small, sponsored by the Betsuin and Temple organizations and including the involvement of community organizations. 

How you can help:

  • Consider the role that the Temple plays in your family’s life and include the Dharma Center in your giving considerations.
  • Take the opportunity to donate during our Matching Campaign effectively doubling your gift towards the completion of your new Dharma Center!
  • Get involved in our fundraising efforts – offer fundraising suggestions, participate in our Temple organizations’ fundraisers and encourage others to do the same. 
  • Help spread the word about this important project for the Betsuin as well as the entire Japantown community
DONATE TODAY – MATCHING CAMPAIGN

Highlights

  • Customized and upgraded facilities for Lotus Preschool

  • Multi-use classrooms to accommodate Betsuin and community activities

  • Library with room for a research center and essential education assets

  • Media and conference room for larger gatherings, community events, local programs, film showings and private parties

  • Multi-purpose room with attached kitchen (capacity of 120 people seated at tables, 257 in chairs or 360 standing)

  • ADA compliance

  • Essential safety and seismic compliance 

  • Environmentally friendly design that exceeds today’s requirements and will remain relevant for generations to come

  • Larger parking area

  • Workshop and storage for Betsuin facilities, events and maintenance

Project Notes

Project Managers – Michael Charney and Adam Sweeney

AEDIS (San Jose experienced firm, specializing in education design)

Excel Construction (San Jose experienced firm, helping with estimating and budgeting)

Dean Osaki (fundraising consultant)

New building size: 11,764 square feet, two stories (existing Education Building is 6,135 square feet)

Project cost: approximately $15 million (has been adjusted for building schedule and completion in late 2024)

Construction schedule: Tentatively scheduled to start in late 2023 after completing the city planning process, with completion expected in 2024.