San Jose Betsuin

Gotan-E Service/Infant Presentation/Kieshiki Service
2025-05-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Gotan-E Service/Infant Presentation/Kieshiki Ceremony
You are all welcomed to attend the Gotan-E service celebrating the birthday of our founder, Shinran Shonin.
If you would like to commemorate the birth of your infant, or if you would like to obtain a buddhist name and participate in the Kieshiki Ceremony, then please contact the Betsuin Office at sjbc@sjbetsuin.org.

Practical Shin Buddhism in Everyday Life
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:30 | San Jose Buddhist Church – Office – Board Room, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, 95131, United States
Have you thought about how Jodo Shinshu may help address the difficulties of our present life? Then look no further! Rev.Dr. Kenji Akahoshi will talk about how Jodo Shinshu can help in this series of seminars about how to apply Jodo Shinshu into our lives.
Dates & Times: May 7, 14, 21 2025 at 7:00 pm
Locations: In-person: San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Board Room (2nd Fl of Office building)
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89364107475?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 893 6410 7475
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Topics:
May 7 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
May 14 Introspection: Finding Our True Self
May 21 The Clarity of Being Awake

After Service Chat with Rev. Henry Adams
2025-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex – Multipurpose Room, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Chat with Rev. Henry Toryo Adams
After the Sunday service where he will be the guest speaker, come and meet Rev. Henry Adams who is currently the minister for the San Mateo Buddhist Church as well as the head of the BCA Ministerial Association. This will be in the Annex Multipurpose Room after the Adult Service at 10:10 am.
Rev. Henry Toryo Adams grew up in Buffalo, Minnesota. He discovered his interest in Buddhism during a one-year high school exchange program in Chennai, India. As an undergraduate student at St. Olaf College, he began his study of Buddhist scriptures and first considered pursuing the path to the ministry. After receiving an M.A. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Michigan, he moved to Miyazaki, Japan where he worked for the Miyazaki Prefectural Government. In 2007, Rev. Adams moved to Kyoto, Japan to pursue his ministerial studies at the Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin Buddhist Seminary. Upon graduating from the seminary, he began serving as a Minister in the Buddhist Churches of America in 2010.
Rev. Adams has been serving in his current capacity as the Resident Minister of the San Mateo Buddhist Temple since 2013. Prior to coming to San Mateo, he served the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, the Buddhist Church of Santa Barbara, the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple and the Guadalupe Buddhist Church. He also served as Supervising Minister for the Buddhist Church of San Francisco from September 2020 to May 2023.
From September 2018 to May 2019, he served as a Chaplain Intern at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

"Carving the Divine" - SJBCB Community Cinema
2025-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Carving the Divine, winner of 13 international awards and screened at 33 world-wide film festivals, will be shown at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annex on Saturday, May 3 as a benefit for the Dharma Center. An optional bento lunch will be available before the 1PM show.
The documentary, written, directed, and produced by Yujiro Seki, offers a rare look into a 1400-year-old Buddhist woodcarving tradition and the practitioners struggling to preserve its legacy in a rapidly changing Japan. However, the film delves beyond the crafting of the artform. It presents insight into universal themes while exploring the 1400-year family lineage of Busshi, the art of woodcarving of statues that is at the heart of Japanese Mahayana Buddhism.
Bishop Marvin Harada states, “Carving the Divine is more than a movie about amazing wood sculptors of Japan. To me, the movie is about the Master-Apprentice, or the Master- Disciple relationship.”
The film will relate to all cultural disciplines, such as ikebana, tea, and martial arts (judo, kendo, etc.), as the relationship between master and student are illuminated. The director states that anyone from any culture will enjoy this documentary as the themes are universal, yet personal. Grandmaster Saito’s goal is to leave nothing but great works behind. Follow the journey as he is supported by apprentices and by the entire guild to create breathtaking works of art.
A Q&A session (via Zoom) with Yujiro Seki will follow the documentary film. He spent many years single handedly planning, shooting and editing this feature length film and had the rare opportunity to follow a guild of Buddhist sculptors and was granted rare access into the life and rites of Buddhist priests.

Open Temple Day @Nikkei Matsuri
2025-04-27 12:00 - 17:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Open Temple Day @ Nikkei Matsuri
The main sanctuary of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin will be open during Nikkei Matsuri.
The temple is open for the general public to view. There always are docents who are more than willing to answer any questions that you might have.
Completely ok to take photos (and tag on social media with “#sjbetsuin). No food or drinks please. (We do have a small table at the front where you can put items).
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Annual Golf Tournament
2025-04-21 08:00 - 17:00 | The Villages Country Club, 5000 CRIBARI LANE, SAN JOSE, CA, United States
REGISTER TODAY

Meet & Greet Rev. Henry Adams
2025-04-13 16:00 - 17:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex – Multipurpose Room, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Meet & Greet with Rev. Henry Toryo Adams
This will be an opportunity for the members of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin to meet Rev. Henry Adams.
Rev. Henry Toryo Adams grew up in Buffalo, Minnesota. He discovered his interest in Buddhism during a one-year high school exchange program in Chennai, India. As an undergraduate student at St. Olaf College, he began his study of Buddhist scriptures and first considered pursuing the path to the ministry. After receiving an M.A. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Michigan, he moved to Miyazaki, Japan where he worked for the Miyazaki Prefectural Government. In 2007, Rev. Adams moved to Kyoto, Japan to pursue his ministerial studies at the Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin Buddhist Seminary. Upon graduating from the seminary, he began serving as a Minister in the Buddhist Churches of America in 2010.
Rev. Adams has been serving in his current capacity as the Resident Minister of the San Mateo Buddhist Temple since 2013. Prior to coming to San Mateo, he served the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, the Buddhist Church of Santa Barbara, the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple and the Guadalupe Buddhist Church. He also served as Supervising Minister for the Buddhist Church of San Francisco from September 2020 to May 2023.
From September 2018 to May 2019, he served as a Chaplain Intern at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

Hanamatsuri
2025-04-06 10:00 - 12:30 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Hanamatsuri Service of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin
Service in the San Jose Buddhist Church Annex.
Performance by the San Jose Buddhist Church Junior Choir and Daihyo Shoko by Organization representatives and all the Dharma School.
The service will be followed by a light luncheon provided by the Dharma School Parent Organization.

Soul Line Dancing
2025-04-05 10:30 - 13:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
The San Jose Buddhist Women’s Association
Invite you to attend our:
Soul Line Dancing
This is a beginner’s class for anyone wanting to learn “classic & basic” Soul Line Dances.
Soul Line Dancing is line dancing done to classic R&B, jazz, zydeco, & blues music.
Juanita Croft is the Soul Line Dancing instructor at Stanford University & an amazing teacher.
This is our current schedule for 2025:

April 5, 2025 (Saturday)
May 10, 2025 (Saturday, 10:00AM to 11:30AM)
June 8, 2025

from 11:30AM to 1:00PM in the SJBC Gym
(unless specified differently)
Wear comfortable clothing, shoes and bring water.
Donations accepted for the
San Jose Buddhist Women’s Association

Open Temple Day
2025-04-02 11:00 - 17:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Open Temple Day
The temple is open for the general public to view. There always are docents who are more than willing to answer any questions that you might have.
Completely ok to take photos (and tag on social media with “#sjbetsuin). No food or drinks please. (We do have a small table at the front where you can put items).
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Practical Shin Buddhism in Everyday Life Workshop
2025-03-16 11:30 - 13:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex – Multipurpose Room, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Sangha Support Committee Presents
Practical Shin Buddhism in Everyday Life
given by
Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi
– Shin Buddhism From A Contemporary View
– Shifting From Please to Thank You
– Revealing Benefits For A Joyful Guide to Life
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Multipurpose Room
Call the Betsuin Office for Reservations: (408) 293-9292
sjbc@sjbetsuin.org

Spring Ohigan
2025-03-16 10:00 - 11:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin will be celebrating the Spring Ohigan service.
The service will start at 10:10 am in the Hondo following the Dharma School service at 9:30.

Boy Scouts Dinner Fundraiser
2025-03-15 16:00 - 19:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Boy Scouts Troop 611 Presents
2025 Family Dinner

Support Japantown’s T611 Boy Scouts
Korean BBQ Style Dinner
Dessert and Raffle
Cost: $25

4 – 6 pm : Takeout
5 – 7 pm : Dine-in
To Purchase Your Meals, Go to: https://www.sjbetsuin.org/2025boyscoutfamilydinner/

"Living a Shin Life in a Period of Uncertainty and Fear" - Discussion with Rev. Michael Jones
2025-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | San Jose Buddhist Church – Office – Board Room, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, 95131, United States
Recent political events have left many people uncertain and worried about the future of the country, their families, or in some cases, their very existence.
This program is a second of the program that is intended to provide the opportunity to discuss concerns and fears in a safe environment. And we will talk about
how to use our Shin Buddhist teachings to work our way through the fears.
Note: To accommodate a safe environment for the discussion, a “safe space” agreement will be read and all attendees will be asked to abide by the rules in the agreement.
This will be a Hybrid Event to allow as many people to participate.

In Person
In Person – 640 N. 5th Street, San Jose, Office Building, 2nd Floor, Board Room, Parking available across the street. Please use the crossing lights and be careful.
Online
Via Zoom – Please contact the Betsuin Office via email for the Zoom link.

Cub Scout Pack 611 Panda Express Fundraiser
2025-03-10 08:00 - 21:00 | CA
⊕ When
Monday, March 10, 2025
Place your order for pickup or delivery on Monday, March 10!
⊕ Where
Available at Panda Express locations nationwide www.pandaexpress.com
⊕ Where
Online orders only
Apply code 9000158 in the Fundraiser Code box during online checkout at www.pandaexpress.com or via App

BWA Panda Express Fundraiser
2025-03-07 | CA
When: Friday, March 7, 2025 Place your order for pickup or delivery on Friday, March 7
Where: Available at Panda Express locations nationwide: www.pandaexpress.com
How: Online orders only Apply code 9000791 in the Fundraiser Code box during online checkout at www.pandaexpress.com or via App

28% of sales will be donated to the: SJ Buddhist Womens Association
We’re raising funds for activities.

Earth Day Service
2025-02-24 09:30 - 11:30 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
The San Jose EcoSangha group will assist with the Annual Earth Day celebration. After the 9:30 service, the Sangha is invited to visit the various displays.

One Sangha
2025-02-16 10:00 - 12:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin will once again hold an “One Sangha” Day with chili and rice lunch provided to all of the Sangha. After the regular adult service at 10:10 am, we will gather in the Betsuin Annex to enjoy a lunch of chili, rice, hot dogs, green salad and dessert.
All are welcome to attend the service, enjoy each other’s company and “talk story”. As Rinban Sakamoto wrote in his Dharma newsletter article last year, “Let’s all gather together at the temple as ‘One Sangha.'”
Date: February 16, 2025
Time: 10:10 am Service in the Hondo, 11:00 am Complementary Lunch in the Annex

Nirvana Day and One Sangha luncheon
2025-02-16 09:30 - 14:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States

BWA Chirashi & Bota Mochi
2025-02-15 13:00 - 14:30 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex – Multipurpose Room, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
BWA Chirashi and Bota Mochi are back again!!!!
BWA will be holding their beloved Chirashi and Bota Mochi fundraiser on Saturday, February 15, 2025
Limited presale tickets available from a BWA member or in the Betsuin church office.
Presale ends Sunday,February 9, 2025
$15 for Chirashi $8 for (3) Bota Mochi

Hito-Hata Screening
2025-02-02 14:30 - 17:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
SJBCB Community Cinema
proudly presents
Hito Hata: Raise the Banner
This landmark project is the first feature-length film made about Asian Pacific Americans by Asian Pacific
Americans. Produced by Visual Communications and co-directed by Duane Kubo and Robert Nakamura, the
film stars Mako and Pat Morita and features Hiroshi Kashiwagi.
Sunday February 2, 2025 – Doors Open – 2:00 pm, Movie – 2:30
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annex
The film looks back at the life of a man named Oda and other Japanese Americans through the decades as they face great challenges and joys living in the United States.
Duane Kubo grew up in San Jose and attended the Betsuin and Dharma School and participated in many other
activities offered by San Jose’s Japantown. He is one of the founders of Visual Communications and San Jose’s
J-Town Community TV. His Cruisin’ JTown was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2023. Duane has generously offered this film and a short documentary as a benefit for the Dharma Center.
Enjoy this special opportunity to see this milestone film and a Q&A with Duane.
General admission: $25 for 1, Family Pack: $85 for 4. Additional donations are welcomed!
Please use the link below for tickets.
Alternatively, you may send name(s) & a check made out to “SJBCB” to the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St., San Jose, CA 95112.
BUY TICKETS TODAY

San Jose Jr YBA Spaghetti Dinner
2025-02-01 16:30 - 18:45 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
When: Saturday, February 1st, 2025
Where: San Jose Buddhist Church Annex
Time:

Dine-In: 4:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Take-Out: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Tickets:

$12 pre-sale tickets using Google Form.
Please pay in advance by dropping off your payment at the Church Office or give your payment to any Jr. YBA advisor/member.
Cash or check. (Payable to the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Jr. YBA)
Sales end Friday, January 24th, 2025.

Boy Scouts Troop 611 E-waste
2025-01-25 09:00 - 15:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church – Education Building, 639 N 5th St,, San Jose, CA, 95112
Celebrate the new year by throwing out your unwanted electronic! Boy Scout Troop 611 is holding another e-waste collection event.
WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 9 am to 3 pm
WHERE: San jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Education Building Parking Lot. Please enter from 4th Street
624 North 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
WHAT: Drop off wire and cabling, desktop PCs, laptops, PDAs, servers, DLP/CRT/Plasma/LCD/LED monitors, televisions, printers, mice, keyboards, other computer accessories, copy and fax machines, all audio and video players, cell phones and accessories, electrical household appliances, and much more!
Many thanks to A&J Electronics for their help with this event!

Ho On Ko
2025-01-12 10:00 - 11:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Ho On Ko Service (Shinran Shonin Memorial Service) will be at the Hondo (main hall) of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin on January 12. 2025.
The guest speaker will be Rev. Nari Hayashi of the Tri-state/Denver Buddhist Temple.

OFFICE CLOSED
2025-01-02, 2025-01-01, 2024-12-25 | CA

New Year's Service (Shusho-E)
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:00 | San Jose Buddhist Church Annex, 632 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
New Year’s Service in the San Jose Betsuin Annex building.

Joya-E Service
2024-12-31 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Joya-E Service is an opportunity to reflect upon the passing year. This is the one opportunity for everyone in the congregation to ring in the new year by ringing the temple bell.
