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SITEMAP
Alphabetical Sitemap
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Reverend Yukei Ashikaga
Reverend Patti Nakai
Ministers.php
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Board of Directors
Board-of-Directors.php
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American Jodo Shinshu/Rev. Gyomay M. Kubose (Rev. Haya Akegarasu/Rev. Manshi Kiyozawa).
Administratively Independent with lineage ties to Otani-ha (Higashi) Honganji
Established October 8, 1944 by Reverend Gyomay M. Kubose, new temple building dedicated May 21, 2006.
Temple-Facts.php
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BTC Membership
BTC-Membership.php
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Community Service
Community-Service.php
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Location
Location.php
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Weddings
Weddings.php
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Funerals
Funerals.php
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Memorials
Memorials.php
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# Asoka Society - a service organization providing active support for many Temple functions, 3rd Sat. each month.
Asoka-Society.php
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Monthly Discussion Group
(Join at any time)
Following the lead of BTC's founder, Rev. Gyomay M. Kubose, a discussion group has been re-established at BTC. We intend to follow Kubose-sensei's idea of developing an American Buddhism together with an understanding of "Everyday Suchness."
This discussion group, meeting the second Sunday of the month, after services at 12:30pm, will discuss the application of Buddhism to our everyday life.
For more information email Bill Bohlman or Shawn Lyte.
Discussion-Group.php
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Iaido.php
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# Shin Sangha: all-ages social & service organization
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Come For Fun!
"All work and no play..." etc. The Shin Sangha, together with Asoka, has FREE movie showings from time to time together with a potluck dinner and community service projects.
The public is invited.
For information contact shinsangha@budtempchi.org.
Shin-Sangha.php
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BUDDHIST EDUCATIONAL CENTER
at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, 1151 W. Leland, Chicago, IL 60640
Summer 2010 SCHEDULE
Brief Introduction to Buddhism – next series starting this fall
For those who would like a forum to start their exploration of Buddhism.
The 4-week course will cover the life of Buddha, his basic teachings, and an overview of
the Northern, Southern and Eastern Asian traditions. We will look at the Eastern tradition’s three major groups (Lotus Sutra, Zen and Pure Land) and Buddhism’s transmission to the West, particularly in the Chicago area.
To register or for more information, please e-mail Rev. Patti Nakai (see below).
Weekly discussion group – Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm
On hiatus during the summer months
New topic for September will be announced soon
(Prior Buddhism study not required.)
Monthly Sutra Study Class – 3rd or 4th Sunday (depending on schedule) 12:30pm
Next class scheduled for June 20 (meeting in July is tentative)
We are reading the Sutta Nipata’s chapter of 8-verse sutras, currently on the
sutra “On Aging” where Shakyamuni helps us to overcome our possessiveness by pointing out the impermanence of all things, including ourselves and our relationships with others. (Prior Buddhism study not required.)
Japanese Calligraphy with Rev. Ashikaga – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Learn shodo ("the way of writing") with a focus on passages from the
Buddhist sutras. Both beginners and those with previous shodo study
are welcome. Please contact Rev. Ashikaga at the temple for more details.
Meditation – continues through summer, Sundays 9:00-10:15am
(no meditation on June 27 because of the Summer Festival)
Japanese Folk Dance – Sessions 7:30pm July 30, August 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11
Bon Odori - Saturday August 14 at 7:30pm
Schedules are subject to change, so for current information please call the temple at
773-334-4661 or you can contact Rev. Patti Nakai by e-mail: rev.eshin.patti23@gmail.com
Education.php
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Japanese Calligraphy with Rev. Ashikaga
2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Learn shodo ("the way of writing") with a focus on passages from the Buddhist sutras. Both beginners and those with previous shodo study are welcome. Please contact Rev. Ashikaga at the temple office for schedule.
Calligraphy.php
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We cordially invite you to participate in our Children's Dharma School. (download info.)
If you have a young child or children whom you would like to introduce to the Teachings, please contact Dharma School parents for details.
All children welcome.
There is no charge for these classes, but occasional fees for craft projects of field trips may be assessed. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
As always, please let us know if you have any suggestions or if you'd like to lead a class. We look forward to seeing you!
Thanks.
Dave Leshuk
dharmaschool@budtempchi.org
Dharma-School.php
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Introduction to Buddhism
Classes are offered throughout the year
Next session meeting day & time to be determined.
Please visit the Education Center page for the most current information.
Basic concepts of Buddhism are covered with an overview of Buddhist history.
If interested, contact Reverend Patti Nakai / e-mail: rev.eshin.patti23@gmail.com
Introduction-to-Buddhism.php
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Japanese Language for Adults and Children age 6 and up
Buddhist Temple of Chicago offers Japanese Language School.
We have Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. It is a good opportunity to fulfill one of your new year's resolutions - speak Japanese!
* Beginning 1: 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
* Beginning 2: 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
* Beginning 3: 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
* Intermediate 1: 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
* Advanced: 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Tuition fee is $200 for 10 weeks ($180 for BTC Members)
No refunds will be given after the second week of class.
For more information, please call 773-334-4661.
Japanese-Language.php
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Zen: The Art of Being (Meditation Practice)
The Buddhist Temple of Chicago continues to offer meditation sessions twice a week (with a few cancellations due to special events). Sessions are open to all, especially beginners. (Free-will donations are appreciated.)
* Thursdays
7:00pm to 7:30pm - Introduction
7:30pm to 9:00pm - Practice/Service
* Sundays
8:30am to 9:00am - Introduction
9:00am to 10:30am- Practice/Service
ALL ARE WELCOME beginners and seasoned meditators.
Please join us!
For more information, please email meditation@budtempchi.org.
Meditation.php
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Monthly Sutra Study Class
3rd or 4th Sunday (depending on schedule) 12:30pm
Weekly Discussion Group
Wednesday evenings at 7pm
Please visit the Education Center page for the most current information.
Sutra-Study.php
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“Forgiveness” by Bill Bohlman
From May 2010 Bulletin
Is there a path to forgiveness in Buddhism? Recently, the marital infidelities of the golfer, Tiger Woods, became a topic of discussion. A TV commentator, Brit Hume, stated that Tiger should turn to Christianity because he could find forgiveness there. Mr. Hume stated that there was no path to forgiveness in Buddhism, the religion Tiger claimed to follow. This comment stirred much controversy. Perhaps, however, it is true.
As often happens, a concept that exists in a theistic religion, in this case Christianity, does not fit in a belief system that does not have a divine, creator being. The basic question here is what does “forgiveness” mean from Mr. Hume’s point of view? From whom are we seeking forgiveness?
In a theistic religion, one seeks forgiveness from their God. Since Buddhism does not have a deity, there is no divine being from whom to ask forgiveness. Shakyamuni Buddha was a human being. He has been dead for almost 2,500 years, no sense in asking forgiveness from him. Of course, we may also seek forgiveness from those whom we have offended. Our approach to forgiveness determines whether it is in keeping with the Buddhadharma teachings.
Forgiveness.php
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First Time Visitors
First-Time-Visitors.php
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Buddhist Symbols
Non-Buddhists often ask whether or not Buddhists worship images. The answer is that the true Buddhists know who and what the Buddha is. We do not worship an image nor pray to it expecting any worldly boons or sensual pleasures while we are living or a pleasurable state of existence such as heaven, after death. The images we pay homage to are only representations of one to whom we pay respect in gratitude because he, through his own efforts and wisdom, discovered the way to real peace and made it known to all beings. The offerings we make are but symbols of our reverence for the Buddha and are a means of concentrating our minds on the significance of the words we are reciting. Just as people love to see a portrait of one dear to them when separated by death or distance, so do we Buddhists love to have before us a representation of our teacher, because this representation enables us to think of his virtues, his love and compassion for all beings and the doctrine he taught.
1. The Image Of Buddha (Butsu in Japanese)
The Buddha statue or other depiction is a symbol in the same sense as the American flag. The American flag is a symbol of a country. It has 13 stripes and 50 stars, which represent the original 13 colonies and the 50 states. The 3 colors, red white, and blue, represent the spirit of courage, purity and loyalty. This flag stands for our country; therefore, we as citizens, respect and honor our flag. The Buddha image is a symbol of an ideal, the enlightened one. It represents perfect compassion and perfect wisdom.
The Buddha image is not an idol as many non-Buddhists think. While it is placed upon the altar, it also exists in our minds and hearts. Buddhists do not worship the image; In fact, the word “worship” as it is known in the West does not exist in Buddhism. The word “Buddha” means Enlightened One. Buddha was a man, a human being, just as you and I are, but he was enlightened; that is to say, he came to understand the truth about life and the world and he lived that truth.
Because the Buddha image is a symbol of our ideal, the images made in India are the ideal for Hindus; images in Thailand are the highest type for the Thais; similarly, images in Japan are the ideal for the Japanese. The Gandhara school of art (Graeco-Buddhist) developed a type of Buddha image that may be acceptable to Caucasians as Buddhism increases in the West. The expression, “beautiful as a Greek god,” suggests the acceptance of an ideal in this image.
The image is the creation of an artist representing the highest ideal of the perfect one. The Buddha image is not absolutely necessary for a Buddhist temple. Without the Buddha image we could still have temples. However, it is a point of focus. It is a reminder. We obtain inspiration by which we encourage ourselves to attain enlightenment.
There are many different statues of Buddhas as well as those of Gautama Buddha (pictured above), the historical Buddha. There are many statues of the ideal Buddha such as the Amitabha Buddha, Vairocana Buddha, Bhesajyaguru, and others. The Amitabha or Amida Buddha is the ideal Buddha that existed in the mind and heart of Gautama Buddha. Amitabha Buddha is the symbol of eternal life and boundless light or the symbol of compassion and wisdom. Amitabha was the living principle or essence of life of Gautama Buddha and in turn it is our own living principle and essence of life. The Vairocana Buddha is the symbol of the source of life, growth and activities just as the sun is the source of life, growth and all activities in our physical world.
There are many statues of the Bodhisattvas (Bosatsu in Japanese), the Buddha-to-be. The most popular and well-known Bodhisattva is the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Kannon in Japanese, Kwan Yin in Chinese, Kwan Se Um in Korean) which is the symbol of compassion and it is often translated as the “Goddess of Mercy” in the West.
The Thousand Hand Kannon is the symbol which shows that many hands are needed to help or save the people. Thus, Buddha images are religious and artistic expressions of Humanity’s ideal and adoration.
2. Flowers
Flowers are beautiful for decoration. However, flowers in Buddhist temples symbolize the teaching of transience. The Buddha taught that all things in this world are in constant change, and nothing is permanent. Flowers are beautiful in the morning but fade in the heat of the day. The flowers remind us of this constant change of things and life. We are faced with the facts of old age, sickness, and death, regardless of whether we desire them or not.
This is one of the meditations used in the offering of flowers:
These flowers I offer in memory of the Buddha, the Supremely Enlightened One. These flowers are now fair in form, glorious in color, sweet in scent. Yet all will soon have passed away, their fair form withered, the bright hues faded, their scent gone. It is even so with all conditioned things which are subject to change and suffering and are unreal. Realizing this, may we attain Nirvana, perfect peace, which is everlasting.
3. Incense
Incense is used in the same sense as in the offering of flowers. It is offered in memory of the Buddha, and is another form of meditation. It is a symbol which signifies the spirit of self purification and self-dedication. Incense has the potential of producing a sweet fragrance, but only when it burns does it diffuse this fragrance. As this incense burns, it is our joy to diffuse sweet fragrance: “I will dedicate my body for higher purposes, more than just for myself.”
A person who is always willing to go more than half way in helping others, who is friendly and amiable, such a person is always liked by others and such a person diffuses a sweet fragrance of personality as incense diffuses its fragrance.
Incense has different colors and different shapes. Some kinds of incense are powdered; others are in the form of sticks or cakes of various shapes. There are also different colors: purple, black, yellow, green, and brown. But regardless of the shape or color, when incense burns it transcends its individual shape and color and becomes one in the smoke. This symbolizes the transcending of individual selfishness or ego to become one with all others, to become one with the oneness of life.
4. Meditation And Beads
Then are no prayers in Buddhism. The words we recite are meditations and not prayers. We recite to ourselves the virtues of the Buddha and his Doctrine so that we may acquire such mental dispositions as are favorable to the attainment of similar qualities in our own minds, in however small a degree. According to Buddhism, the universe is governed by everlasting unchangeable laws of righteousness, not by any Supreme being who can hear and answer prayers. These laws are so perfect that no one, no god or man, can change them by praising them or by crying out against them.
Meditation beads (mala in Sanskrit and Pali and ojuzu in Japanese, pictured above) are a symbol of unity and harmony. The strand is composed of beads strung on a string, each bead representing an individual. However, the bead is not isolated and independent but is connected with all others to compose the whole strand. We individuals may seem independent, but we are not independent or isolated individuals. We are related to each other in the association of life which we call Buddha nature or Buddha thought. We are interrelated and inter-dependent, and one cannot exist without the others. Thus, meditation beads symbolize the unity of all beings and harmony among them.
5. Candlelight
Candlelight is a symbol of wisdom. In our physical world we see things through the medium of light. If we do not have sun or electric light, this world is so dark that we cannot see anything. In our spiritual and mental world the physical light cannot help us to see. We see only through wisdom. We stumble many times in daily living because we lack wisdom.
Wisdom is a light through which we understand the truth about life. Wisdom, which is very important in Buddhism, is differentiated from knowledge. Knowledge, or learning, is something acquired from external sources.
We can acquire knowledge through reading, listening to lectures, etc., but wisdom cannot be acquired externally: it must be created within one’s own life. Wisdom is obtained only through immediate and direct experience.
6. Gongs
Gongs are used in Buddhist Temples and homes for three purposes: to announce the time of a meeting; to mark different phases of services or tempos of chanting; and, as a symbol aiding in mediation--when a beautiful sound is heard, we listen to its resonance through to the soundless sound upon which depends the meditation.
7. Gassho
Gassho is the highest form of respect symbolizing unity. Gassho is performed by putting the palms of both hands together in front of your heart. One palm represents the subject, the other represents the object. The object may be the Buddha, teacher, mother, wife or husband, or whatever one chooses. It symbolizes the unity of oneself and the others.
In the Gassho, a carnal man and enlightened Buddha become one; the individual and the Buddha are transcended to oneness. Gassho is the highest expression of this unity in one. When this is expressed in words, it is “Namu-Amida-Butsu” “Namu” is to inspire honor and become one; “Amida” is eternal life and boundless light which is the essence of all beings.
Therefore, when one recites “Namu-Amida-Butsu” the one who recites becomes one with the Amida Buddha, transcending the petty selfishness of the individual.
Buddhist-Symbols.php
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Buddha
(the Teacher)
The historical Buddha (also referred to as Gautama Buddha or Shakyamuni Buddha, in reference to his family and clan names respectively) was born Siddhartha Gautama approximately 2550 years ago in what is now Nepal. "Buddha" was not his name but a description of his attainment. "Buddha" means one who is awake. Everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood. It is the condition of transcending selfishness and seeing life as it is, not as one wishes it to be, while retaining compassion for all beings.
The Buddha depicted above is called Amida Buddha (also Amitabha), and is regarded as an idealized depiction of Buddhahood to which all beings can aspire. "Amida" means "without measure" and is also translated as "unlimited wisdom and compassion." At our temple you will hear us recite the Nembutsu, "Namu Amida Butsu." It means, "I bow in gratitude to the unlimited wisdom and compassion of life as my enlightened teacher." This is not to say that we bow in worship of a statue or even of an historical figure, rather that the statues and other images are artistic representations of the beauty of life-as-teacher, in the case of images of Amida Buddha; and in memory of a great teacher, in the case of images of the historical Buddha. (See also: Buddhist Symbols)
Dharma Wheel
Dharma
(the Teachings)
"Dharma" has many translations in English. In Buddhism, "Dharma" can mean specifically the system elaborated by Gautama (a.k.a. Shakyamuni) Buddha for coming to terms with life, and also the teachings each being receives from living his/her own life. It can also mean truth or reality. Buddhism is a tricky word because there is no "ism" about it. There is no rigid dogma, only a set of guidelines which may or may not be useful to an individual for figuring life out as it is. The preferred name for what is called Buddhism in the West is Buddhadharma, i.e. "awakening to reality" or "teachings of enlightenment."
Gassho Sangha
(the Taught)
The Sangha, in the broadest terms, is the universal community of beings who consciously seek enlightenment, whether they define themselves as Buddhists or not. The term "Sangha" is used in the Theravadin tradition to mean only Buddhist monks and nuns, or -- in the Mahayana tradition -- all wisdom seekers who identify themselves as Buddhists, or -- colloquially -- congregations of Buddhist temples.
Aspiration & The Three Treasures
From the 40th Anniversary Edition of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago Service Book, 1984
Aspiration
With deepest reverence and compassion, we are here together in the spirit of Gautama, the Buddha, the Enlightened One. Life is One. We are One with the Buddha. We are One with the Teaching. We are One in the spirit of Universal Brotherhood. We resolve to be earnest followers of the Buddha and to dedicate our lives to the Way he has pointed out. Then, may we like him attain the noblest and most peaceful state of Nirvana.
The Three Treasures
Hard is it to be born into human life. Now we are living it. Difficult is it to hear the Teachings. Now we hear them. If we do not enlighten ourselves in the present life, no hope is there that we shall be freed from suffering and sorrow in the ocean of birth and death. Let us reverently take guidance from the Three Treasures of the Truth.
I go to the Buddha for guidance.
I shall become One with the Buddha. I resolve that I shall each day follow the Way of Life he laid down for us to walk and awaken to his supreme wisdom.
I go to the Dharma for guidance.
I shall become One with the Dharma. The gates of Dharma are manifold, I vow to enter them all. The goal of wisdom is ever beyond. I shall attain it.
I go to the Sangha for guidance.
I shall become One with the Sangha. In the spirit of Universal Brotherhood and as a member of the Sangha, I pledge myself to strive for the enlightenment of all beings.
Three-Treasures.php
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THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
1. The First Noble Truth is that all beings are subject to suffering. No one escapes; suffering is universal.
2. The Second Noble Truth is that the cause of suffering is Ignorance. And the ignorance of oneself is the greatest ignorance.
3. The Third Noble Truth is that Ignorance, the cause of suffering, can be overcome.
4. The Fourth Noble Truth is that the way to overcome Ignorance is the Eightfold Path.
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
The Buddha-Dharma is the realization within one’s deepest consciousness of the Oneness of all life. For the attainment of this purpose, Buddha showed us the Eightfold Path.
1. Right Views means to keep ourselves free from prejudice, superstition and delusion…and to see aright the true nature of life.
2. Right Thoughts means to turn away from the hypocrisies of this world and to direct our minds toward Truth and Positive Attitudes and Action.
3. Right Speech means to refrain from pointless and harmful talk…to speak kindly and courteously to all.
4. Right Conduct means to see that our deeds are peaceable, benevolent, compassionate and pure…and to live the teachings daily.
5. Right Livelihood means to earn our living in such a way as to entail no evil consequences. To seek that employment to which we can give our complete enthusiasm and devotion.
6. Right Effort means to direct our efforts continually to the overcoming of ignorance and craving desires.
7. Right Mindfulness means to cherish good and pure thoughts, for all that we say and do arises from our thoughts.
8. Right Meditation means to concentrate our will on the Buddha, his life and his Teachings.
From The Buddhist Temple of Chicago Service Book, October 2009
Noble-Eightfold-Path.php
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Buddhist Holiday Observances at BTC
The following list of Buddhist holidays is by no means exhaustive or indicative of the practices of other temples or streams of Buddhadharma. Highlighted items have links to more detailed information. Where links are on other sites, they will open up in a new window. Please visit this area often to see new writeups and essays by eloquent authors.
Ongoing Observances
Shotsuki Hoyo
(monthly memorial): first Sun. each month with some exceptions. Please contact the temple office at 773-334-4661 for each month's Shotsuki Hoyo date. As of April 10, allEnglish Language Sunday services, in cluding Shotsuki Hoyo will be conducted at a new place and time. As of April 10 all Japanese Language Shotosuki Hoyo services will be observed at 1:115pm in the Ministers' Residence building first floor, 4641 N. Racine
Ti Sarana
Formal investiture in the Sangha. While BTC and other Shin-oriented temples do not have monks or nuns, participation in Ti Sarana gives the participant a symbolic connection to the monastic life, that is, a life completely devoted to the Buddhadharma. Participants recite the Three Treasures, have their heads symbolically shaved (The razor is not honed; no hair is actually cut.), and receive a Dharma name.
Ti Sarana can be scheduled at the request of the individual or offered from time to time by the Temple to anyone interested in participating as a member of a group in this ceremony.
January
New Year’s Day - while technically not a Buddhist holiday, the occasion is used to renew commitment to live the Dharma in the new year and vow to renounce the 108 Bon-No (or 108 ways one can transgress against one’s fellow creatures).
February
Nirvana Day - Usually observed the second Sunday in February, is the date, according to Mahayana tradition, of Shakyamuni Buddha’s death and passing into Mahaparinirvana (complete extinction of ego-self and reuinification with the universe). Link to the Buddha’s last words.
March
Spring O-Higan
April
Hanamatsuri or Wesak - Usually the Sunday on or before April 8, the observance of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who would eventually become the historical Buddha. Please note April 3, 2005 Hanamatsuri will be the last official service at 1151 W. Leland. Refer to the sitemap for changes to our schedule an dlocations during demolition of the old temple and construction of the new one.
May
Hatsumairi or Parents’ Day--This is the first formal visit by a child to the Temple. The child and parents participate in a brief ceremony including the Three Treasures. Each child receives a certificate of Hatsumairi (First Presentation) and an o-juzu (meditation beads).
August
O-Bon
September
Fall O-Higan
November
Ho-on-ko
December
Bodhi Day
Religious-Observances.php
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Monthly Discussion Group
(Join at any time)
Following the lead of BTC's founder, Rev. Gyomay M. Kubose, a discussion group has been re-established at BTC. We intend to follow Kubose-sensei's idea of developing an American Buddhism together with an understanding of "Everyday Suchness."
This discussion group, meeting the second Sunday of the month, after services at 12:30pm, will discuss the application of Buddhism to our everyday life.
For more information email Bill Bohlman or Shawn Lyte.
Monthly-Discussion-Group.php
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Photos.php
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2009-Mochitsuki.html
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65th-Anniversary.php
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Obon Odori - August 15, 2009
* 2009 Mochitsuki
* 65th Anniversary
* 2009 Obon Odori
* 2009 Hatsu Mairi
* 2009 New Year's Day
* 2007 Natsu Matsuri
* 2007 Mochitsuki
2009-Obon-Odori.html
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* 2009 Mochitsuki
* 65th Anniversary
* 2009 Obon Odori
* 2009 Hatsu Mairi
* 2009 New Year's Day
* 2007 Natsu Matsuri
* 2007 Mochitsuki
2009-Hatsu-Mairi.php
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* 2009 Mochitsuki
* 65th Anniversary
* 2009 Obon Odori
* 2009 Hatsu Mairi
* 2009 New Year's Day
* 2007 Natsu Matsuri
* 2007 Mochitsuki
2009-New-Year's-Day.php
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* 2009 Mochitsuki
* 65th Anniversary
* 2009 Obon Odori
* 2009 Hatsu Mairi
* 2009 New Year's Day
* 2007 Natsu Matsuri
* 2007 Mochitsuki
2007-Natsu-Matsuri.php
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* 2009 Mochitsuki
* 65th Anniversary
* 2009 Obon Odori
* 2009 Hatsu Mairi
* 2009 New Year's Day
* 2007 Natsu Matsuri
* 2007 Mochitsuki
2007-Mochitsuki.php
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Links.php
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Contact-Us.php
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Privacy-Statement.php
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