JODO SHINSHU CENTER
BUDDHIST CHURCHES OF AMERICA
MISSION STATEMENT
To Promote the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
as well as to Propagate the Jodo Shinshu Teachings
PURPOSE
The Center for Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Studies is an educational
development center dedicated to the continuing education and
professional development of Jodo Shinshu ministers; to the
education, study and awareness in the traditions of the Jodo
Shinshu Hongwanji-ha for lay leaders and members; and to the
development and maintenance of a close relationship with the
Institute of Buddhist Studies, Hongwanji-ha and Ryukoku
University by collaborating on projects of mutual benefit.
HISTORICAL REFLECTION
In 1899, the first Jodo Shinshu Ministers arrived in the United States
to minister to the emigrant Japanese community. They established the first
mission in San Francisco, California. From these early beginnings, the
Buddhist Churches of America was formed, and has developed into an
independent organization religiously affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu
Hongwanji-Ha in Kyoto, Japan.
In the 1950’s, BCA established a ministerial training center in
Berkeley, California, which eventually became known as the Institute of
Buddhist Studies. Today, IBS is the primary source for training Englishspeaking
ministers for temples in the U.S. The Institute is also an invaluable
resource for scholars interested in studying Shin Buddhism.
For over 20 years, the IBS made their home in two facilities in
Berkeley, one of which was located in a building on Addison Street in
Berkeley. The Institute was eventually forced to leave the Addison Street
facility when ADA and earthquake retrofitting costs became too prohibitive.
In February 2003, the BCA purchased the building located at the
southwest corner of Durant Avenue and Fulton street in Berkeley. This allows
the IBS to return to its roots and to continue to provide in-depth studies of Jodo
Shinshu, general Buddhism, and ministry training. This location is especially
valuable because of its proximity to the Graduate Theological Union and the
University of California at Berkeley, two institutions with which the IBS has
affiliation. This proximity allows for increased resources and opportunities for
study by all three organizations.
In 1930, the building was built by industrialist Charles Howard, owner
of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit, to use as a grand showroom for his Buick
franchise. The building later changed hands and housed the Maggini Chevrolet
dealership from the late 1960s until the 1980s. In the 1980’s, Baseball Hall of
Fame member Reggie Jackson purchased the building for his own car dealership
business.
For its rich history, as well as for its classic art deco design, the
building was designated a historic landmark by the City of Berkeley in 1983.
The facility includes teaching facilities, offices, a kodo, a bookstore, and
residences. The building will be a place for great learning, interaction for each
of us and a source for outreach to the greater community.
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
Buddhist Churches of America
1710 Octavia Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
James Usui, Project Chair
BCA
Mick Kubota
Joyce Iwasaki
Tom Onishi
Douglas Iwamato, Ex-Officio
Minister’s Assignment
Bishop Koshin Ogui, Ex Officio
Rev. Kodo Umezu, Ex-Officio
Rev. Gerald Kango Sakamoto
Rev. Marvin Kenji Harada
IBS
Dr. Richard Payne
Hiroji Kariya
Endowment
Steven Yamami
DESIGN TEAM
Architect: Hayashida Architects
Sady Hayashida, Principal in Collaboration with
Tak Eshima and Harry Okino
Project Managers: Duong Nguyen and Tze-Yan Szeto
Project Specialties Coordinator: Hideki Tanaka