A Temple’s Story Lyrically Told

[yuiyoshida]

New book chronicles 100 years of Berkeley Buddhist congregation.

Seventy-three people decided to form a Berkeley men’s Buddhist organization on May 10, 1911. The group met at people’s homes at first and later found accommodations at the Chitose Hotel in Berkeley. Members of the group pose in front of the Chitose Hotel in 1913. (Courtesy of Berkeley Buddhist Temple)


BERKELEY — In 1911, a group of 73 young Japanese immigrants formed a Berkeley men’s Buddhist organization, marking the beginning of the Berkeley Buddhist Temple.

From that modest beginning, the Berkeley Buddhist Temple has played a key role of furthering the teachings of the Buddha — both within the Buddhist Churches of America and in the larger American society.

Now, for the first time, the history of the temple’s first 100 years are detailed in a book of more than 110 pages titled “A Century of Gratitude and Joy, 1911-2011,” published by Imaging Hawaii and available for purchase.

“A lyrical remembrance of 100 years of life at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple,” said Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto, the temple’s current minister, in his review of the book. “Clearly the product of careful thought, love and artistry, this book is reflective of a religious community’s enduring spirit of gratitude and joy.”

More than a commemorative book, this centennial book tells the rich history of one of the influential temples in the BCA and its role with the Buddhist Study Center, the Institute for Buddhist Studies, and now, the Jodo Shinshu Center.

It details the Japanese American community’s resilience through racism in the early 20th century, which led in part to the creation of a dormitory at the temple, and through difficulties, including the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

http://www.rafu.com/2014/04/a-temples-story-lyrically-told/