LGBTQ+ affirmation in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition

A conversation between Kody Muncaster and Jeff Wilson, professor of Religious Studies and East Asian Studies. They discuss Dr. Wilson's journey into Buddhism and Buddhist Studies and his work as an ordained minister in the Jodo Shinshu tradition. Wilson highlights Jodo Shinshu's historical significance in North America, its long and important role in various forms of engaged Buddhism, and the transformative efforts of Jodo Shinshu temples in becoming LGBTQ+ inclusive. They also discuss practical steps Buddhist groups can adopt to improve inclusivity.  Jeff Wilson is a professor of Religious Studies and East Asian Studies at Renison University College (University of Waterloo). His research focuses on Buddhism in North America, Hawaii, and Japan. His first book, Mourning the Unborn Dead (Oxford 2009), examined the American uses of Japanese Buddhist post-abortion rituals. His second book, Dixie Dharma (North Carolina 2012), explored the role of regionalism in the life of a Buddhist temple in the South. His third book, Mindful America (Oxford 2014), charted the transformation of mindfulness from a Buddhist monastic practice to a omnipresent medical, psychological, and self-help technique. His fourth book, Selected Writings of D.T. Suzuki, Volume III: Comparative Religion (California 2016), examined the interfaith writings of one of the most important 20th century Japanese Buddhist scholars. He is also the author of pioneering research on the first documented clergy-led same-sex marriages in American history, including the world’s first Buddhist same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Progress Pride flag and Love Demands Permanent Ceasefire Now banner at the Buddhist Church of Oakland

#buddhism #buddhist #jodoshinshu #shinbuddhism #engagedbuddhism #pride #lgbtq #queer #palestine #peace

Since I spent too much money on mangas I'm also returning to unread books that have been on my shelf for some time now.

For example, I think I was a bit overenthusiastic after listening to a presentation by Rev. Patti Nakai and got the "Soga Ryojin Reader". I haven't read (nor understood for that matter) much. But I dusted off the book today and started rereading the essay "A Savior On Earth". Sure, there's still stuff that I don't understand or agree with. But this passage really spoke to me:

"[Dharmakara] deigned to be born directly in the heart-mind of us human beings. This calling voice directed at all sentient beings of the ten directions did not come from the high world of pure light, nor was it uttered objectively by one human person. This voice arose from the dark breast of suffering of each human being. That the Primal Vow of Dharmakara Bodhisattva is called the ark on the great ocean of samsara intimates that the calling voice arose from the depth of my soul, from right under my feet."

#ShinBuddhism #JodoShinshu #Pureland #AmidaBuddha #Dharmakara #BuddhistModernity
Wisdom for Caregivers

Drawing on Shin Buddhist teachings, Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra explores caregiving as a path of compassion and insight.

Lion’s Roar
Happy 2592nd birthday (according to #JodoShinshu tradition) to Sakyamuni #Buddha ☸️ 📿 😊 #Buddhism #ShinBuddhism #Religion #Spirituality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc7_VyVXDLs
Documentary - The Buddha - PBS Documentary (Narrated by Richard Gere)

YouTube

Yesterday the Homeless Project at Midwest Buddhist Temple delivered 190 sandwich bags to unhoused people around Chicago. The Women's Association made three mats from plastic bags to provide a softer area to sleep.

#buddhism #buddhist #jodoshinshu #shinbuddhism #engagedbuddhism #chicago #unhoused

'In July 1956, the renowned Bay Area poet, writer and playwright Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s play “Kisa Gotami,” was performed by the #Berkeley Young Buddhist Association Choir at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple — and featured a UC Berkeley student named @georgetakei.' 🚀 🌌 😁 #StarTrek #History #JodoShinshu #Buddhism #BCA https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/post/did-you-see-george-takei-in-kisa-gotami-at-berkeley
Did You See George Takei In ‘Kisa Gotami’ at Berkeley?

In July 1956, the renowned Bay Area poet, writer and playwright Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s play “Kisa Gotami,” was performed by the Berkeley YBA Choir at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple — and featured a UC Berkeley student named George Takei.Kashiwagi’s play was a retelling of the Buddhist Jataka tale, “The Parable of the Mustard Seed.” It was requested by Jane Imamura, who provided the music.The cast included Mary Tagumi, Janet Shohara, Richard Arakawa, Takako Shinoda, Thomas Okamura — and Takei. “The mo

BCA
#JodoShinshu travels: “His Holiness, the 14th #DalaiLama, is, without a doubt, the most recognizable #Buddhist in the world and he has been a tremendous spokesperson for all Buddhists. His global efforts in promoting kindness, peace, love, and mindfulness have helped to propel #Buddhism and Buddhist teachings to the forefront of modern #spirituality.” #Dharma #Tibet #TibetanBuddhism #ShinBuddhism #Dharamsala https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/post/on-a-memorable-trek-to-kindness-with-the-dalai-lama
On a Memorable Trek to Kindness With the Dalai Lama

I didn’t think I’d go.  But it was too good an opportunity to pass up, even if the timing was bad.  In late 2024, I learned about an amazing trip that yoga therapist and BCA Facilities Director Bob Matsueda was planning to Northern India in 2025.  I signed up to go on the India trip, committing myself to monthly Zoom orientation meetings to work out travel logistics and learn about India.From Oct. 21 to Nov. 11, 2025, Matsueda led our group of 23, mostly retired, mostly Sansei, many BCA temple a

BCA

Nov 6, 2025: Members of the Buddhist Church of San Francisco Engaged Buddhism group participated in the
San Francisco Faith in Action prayer vigil and procession for immigrants' rights and protection.

#buddhism #buddhist #jodoshinshu #shinbuddhism #engagedbuddhism #immigration #ice

May 4, 2025: The Buddhist Church of San Francisco choir and the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance Men's Chorus sang together for the temple's Gotan-e service, honouring the birth of Shinran Shonin. GAPA Men's Chorus first performed at the temple in 2016.

#buddhism #buddhist #jodoshinshu #shinbuddhism #queer #lgbtq