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.