Orange County Buddhist Church

06/14/2026

Join us for our June 14 hybrid service with Ministers' Assistant Janet Arima. In Buddhism, one of the truths is that nothing in this world is fixed, flawless, or permanent. We all change. We all make mistakes. We all fall short of the standards we place on ourselves. Suffering often begins when we believe we must be “perfect” in order to be worthy of belonging, of love, or peace. Waka T. Brown’s book "Perfect" beautifully reflects this struggle through a child’s eyes.

Join us for our in-person, hybrid service in the Hondo with Ministe...

06/05/2026

Join us for our June 7 Family Service, when MA Janis Hirohama asks why "It's Hard to Be Humble." When we spend our lives striving for success and taking pride in our accomplishments, we might view humility negatively – as a lack of self-esteem and an obstacle to achievement. But in Buddhism, humility is actually the key to a healthy view of ourselves and the world. When we have the strength to let ourselves be humble, we can lead a life of authenticity, resilience, and gratitude. Hybrid service -- in-person and livestreamed.

Minister Assistant Janis Hirohama will be discussing why it's hard ...

05/30/2026

"New karma into old bottles." At our May 30 hybrid Family Service, Rev. Jon Turner will talk about karma, one of the most popular Indian words in the English language. "Karma" is not a Buddhist teaching, but the Buddha, as was his habit, was able to reinterpret its meaning within a new Buddhist context -- as if pouring new wine into old bottles. Join us in person or by livestream at 10 a.m.

Rev. Jon Turner will be pouring new karma into old bottles. "Karma"...

05/21/2026

OCBC will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Sunday, May 24 and we will not have regular services that day. Our ministers will be making visitations at local cemeteries including Westminster Memorial Park, Fairhaven, and Forest Lawn Cypress on Monday -- please contact our office for locations and times.

05/14/2026

Join us at our Gōtan-e special service on Sunday, May 17, when we celebrate the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Shin Buddhism. Our English guest speaker is Rev. Jay Shinseki, and Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra will speak in Japanese. Hybrid service, in-person and livestream.

Rev. Jay Shinseki will be speaking in English and Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra in Japanese at our hybrid Gotane special service in the Hondo. This service celebra...

05/09/2026

At our hybrid Mother's Day service on May 10, Ministers Assistant Janet Anwyl will share how the values her mother lived by in her life influenced her own life and led her to the Buddhist path. "Thanks to you mom, (okagesama de) for your guidance." Please note that this service will start at 10:30am, rather than the usual 10am.

Ministers Assistant Janet Anwyl will be speaking at our hybrid Mother's Day service in the Hondo. The values her mother lived by in her life influenced Janet...

04/30/2026

At our May 3 hybrid Family Service, Rev. Dr. Wondra, inspired by the ancient Japanese court music of Gagaku, will reflect on how different sounds—some harmonious, some dissonant—create a greater whole. In our families, communities, and society, we may encounter people who feel “out of tune” with us. Through the wisdom of the Dharma, we are invited not to reject or blame, but to listen deeply and transform our perspective. Just as Gagaku embraces every note, we too can learn to live with differences, finding peace within ourselves and harmony with others.

Finding Harmony in a Dissonant World 2026.05.03

04/23/2026

Come to our very magical Family Service on April 26!! Combining traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic, and storytelling, Yasu Ishida will guide you to the enchanting land of Japan. Yasu has a MFA degree in Theatre for Young Audiences and has been performing all around the county. Rev. Marvin Harada and Freddie the Frog will also magically appear!

Buddhism: A Magical Story 2026.04.26

04/15/2026

Come to our Hanamatsuri Festival this weekend, April 18-19, from 1-7pm. Enjoy yummy food, including sushi, chicken teriyaki, somen, teri burgers, Spam musubi, and baked goods! Games for kids, cultural exhibits and performances, craft boutique, Buddhist bookstore and more. Free parking at Western High School with shuttle to the festival. See you soon!

04/10/2026

Rev. Ellen Hamada Crane will speak at our April 12 hybrid service, when our High School Dharma Class performs the skit, "River of Fire, River of Water," based on a famous parable written by Chinese Master Shan-tao. Rev. Crane will explain how this story, which had deep meaning for Shinran Shonin, the founder of our tradition, has important lessons for our Buddhist path.

Rev. Ellen Crane will be speaking at our hybrid service in the Hondo. Join us as the High School Dharma Class perform the skit, "River of Fire, River of Wate...