Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Nishi) 本派本願寺羅府別院 has been in LA since 1905.

🌕🐇 September Dharma MessageSeptember in Japan brings Tsukimi — the tradition of looking up at and appreciating the autum...
09/04/2026

🌕🐇 September Dharma Message

September in Japan brings Tsukimi — the tradition of looking up at and appreciating the autumn moon.

And when Japanese people look at the moon, many of us see… a rabbit. 🐇🌕

There is an old Buddhist story about a rabbit who, having nothing else to offer, gave his own body to help another.

What an incredible act of giving.

But when I hear this story, I have to admit…

I could never do that.

This past July, I joined the LABCC Summer Camp, where this year’s religious theme was the Six Paramitas. One of them is Dana — giving.

Together with the children, we learned about the Seven Kinds of Giving Without Wealth — simple gifts that anyone can offer without money or possessions.

A kind look.
A gentle word.
A helping hand.
A seat for someone.
And… a smile. 😊

And I realized:

Ah… maybe there is something I can give, too.

The rabbit gave himself.
I can give a smile.

Our acts may be small. But perhaps a small smile, a kind word, or simply being there for someone can become a precious gift.

And once again, a huge thank you to Ann Nakahira for creating this beautiful calligraphy for our September Dharma message. 🙏

By the way, maybe that rabbit looking up at the moon is actually me… I was born in the Year of the Rabbit. 🐇😂🌕

#無財の七施 #お寺の掲示板

🏮 Obon Service & Special Seminar with Rev. Kazunori TakahashiAbout a month ago, we had the great pleasure of welcoming R...
08/26/2026

🏮 Obon Service & Special Seminar with Rev. Kazunori Takahashi

About a month ago, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Rev. Kazunori Takahashi, Rimban of Hilo Betsuin, to Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple for our Obon Service.

Rev. Takahashi was originally scheduled to join us in person for our Hoonko Service last January. Unfortunately, due to the wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area, we had to change our plans at the last minute and welcome him online instead.

So this time, we were especially happy to finally welcome him to Nishi in person, together with his wife, Noriko, and their son, Hironori. Welcome to LA Nishi! 🙏

Following the Obon Service, Rev. Takahashi led a special seminar in our Wisteria Chapel. Drawing upon what he learned through a program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business last year, he invited us to consider how those insights might be applied to our temples, Sanghas, and the relationships we build within our communities.

What made the seminar especially meaningful was that it was never simply a one-way lecture.

Rev. Takahashi listened carefully to the voices and experiences of those actually serving in our temples and communities. Through conversation and participation, he encouraged us to think together about how we can build stronger organizations, healthier relationships, and more welcoming Sanghas.

It was wonderful to see everyone so actively engaged in the discussion.

And we have some good news! 🎥

Through Rev. Takahashi’s generosity, and with his hope that the seminar may be of benefit to the wider propagation of the Dharma, he has kindly given us permission to share the seminar publicly.

The video is now available on the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple YouTube channel.

If you were unable to attend—or if you would simply like to hear the seminar again—we warmly invite you to watch and share it with others.

Rev. Takahashi, thank you very much for sharing the Dharma with us, for challenging us to think about the future of our temples, and for making the long journey from Hilo with your family.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Nishi again!
Namo Amida Butsu. 🙏

🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸 Tsukiji Hongwanji × Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist TempleJoint Service & Special SeminarOn Sunday, September...
08/22/2026

🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸 Tsukiji Hongwanji × Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Joint Service & Special Seminar

On Sunday, September 6, we are honored to welcome ministers from Tsukiji Hongwanji 浄土真宗本願寺派　築地本願寺 in Tokyo for a special Joint Sunday Service and Seminar at Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.

Across the Pacific, Tokyo and Los Angeles come together through the Dharma. 🙏

Our day will begin with the Joint Service at 10:00 AM, where we will chant together and listen to Dharma messages from our guest ministers from Japan.

Following the service, we invite you to join us for a special seminar.

Although we may live and listen to the Dharma in different countries and communities, the Nembutsu brings us together. We are grateful for this precious opportunity to gather in one place and listen to the Buddha-Dharma together.

Please join us and bring your family and friends!

📅 Sunday, September 6
📍 Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

Please see the flyer for the complete schedule and seminar information.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Namo Amida Butsu. 🙏

🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸 築地本願寺 × ロサンゼルス別院　合同法要・特別セミナー

9月6日（日）、東京・築地本願寺より先生方をお迎えし、ロサンゼルス別院にて合同法要ならびに特別セミナーを開催いたします。

海を越えて、東京とロサンゼルスが仏法のご縁でつながる特別な一日です。🙏

午前10時からの合同法要では、築地本願寺よりお越しの先生方とともにお勤めをさせていただき、ご法話をいただきます。

また、法要後には特別セミナーも開催いたします。

日本とアメリカ、それぞれの場所でお念仏のみ教えを聞かせていただく私たちが、一つの場所に集い、ともに聞法させていただける尊いご縁です。

ぜひ、ご家族、ご友人お誘い合わせのうえお参りください。

📅 Sunday, September 6
📍 Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

詳しいスケジュール・セミナー内容についてはフライヤーをご覧ください。

皆さまのお参りを心よりお待ちしております。

南無阿弥陀仏 🙏

#浄土真宗本願寺派

🌊 Guest Speaker at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple 🙏On Sunday, August 9, I had the...
08/12/2026

🌊 Guest Speaker at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple 🙏

On Sunday, August 9, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple as a guest speaker for their Rennyo Memorial Service.

Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple is one of the temples served by Rev. Murakami, who previously served with us at Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. It was wonderful to see him again!

When I visited Monterey during my IMOP training, I learned at the local Japanese American museum that many Japanese immigrants to the Monterey area came from places such as Chiba and Wakayama. Many made their living through fishing and other work connected to the sea, including abalone fishing.

With that history in mind, for this Rennyo Memorial Service, I shared a Dharma message centered on Rennyo Shonin’s letter “Ryo Sunadori Sho” (On Hunters and Fishers).

Although I am still finding my way in giving Dharma talks in English, everyone listened so warmly, nodding and encouraging me throughout my message. I went there hoping to share the Dharma, but once again, I felt that I was the one being guided and nurtured through this precious encounter. 🙏

During the Dharma talk, I also had the opportunity to wear and introduce an abalone (abalone shell) nenju that I recently purchased at Kanbe Nenju Shop in Kyoto Kanbe Juze 数珠 US Account . It felt especially meaningful to share this connection to the ocean and to the history of the Japanese American community in Monterey while wearing it.

After the service, the members treated us to a wonderful meal at a beautiful restaurant in Monterey. Thank you so much for your warm hospitality!

This time, my family and our Boston Terrier, Pualea, who will soon turn four, joined me for the trip. 🐶🌊

And a special thank you to Rev. Murakami for welcoming all of us so warmly. Seeing the trust and affection that the members have for him reminded me once again what a wonderful senior minister and mentor he is.

Thank you to everyone at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple for this meaningful Dharma encounter.

Namo Amida Butsu🙏

#浄土真宗

“Even I, with my hatred, am embraced.”Do you have memories you wish you could forget?A painful past.Someone you still ca...
08/02/2026

“Even I, with my hatred, am embraced.”

Do you have memories you wish you could forget?

A painful past.
Someone you still cannot forgive.
A wound that still hurts whenever you remember it.

I do.

Like many people, I have often wished I could simply move on—to become a better person by pushing those feelings deep inside and pretending they no longer exist.

Buddhism teaches the path to Buddhahood.

Traditionally, we can speak of two paths.

One is the path of overcoming our blind passions through our own wisdom and practice.

The other is the path of entrusting ourselves to the compassionate working of the Buddha, who leads us to enlightenment.

Honen Shonin, the teacher of Shinran Shonin, experienced tragedy as a child when his father was killed before his eyes.

According to tradition, his father’s final words were:

“Do not seek revenge.”

Honen devoted himself completely to Buddhist study and practice on Mt. Hiei. His wisdom became so highly respected that he was known throughout Japan.

Yet even after years of learning and rigorous discipline, he realized something profound:

He could not free his own heart.

No amount of effort could completely remove anger, resentment, or sorrow.

Then he encountered the Vow of Amida Buddha.

It was not a teaching that said,

“Come only after you have overcome your hatred.”

Instead, it said,

“I embrace you just as you are.”

This realization moved Honen so deeply that he was brought to tears.

Shinran Shonin inherited this path and taught that Amida Buddha does not wait for us to become perfect before reaching out to us.

Amida embraces us as we are.

Even when I cannot let go of the past.

Even when I cannot forgive.

Even when I fail to become the kind person I wish to be.

The Dharma message on our bulletin board this month is:

“Even I, with my hatred, am embraced.
Namo Amida Butsu.”

This message does not celebrate hatred.

Rather, it reminds us that even someone like me—still struggling, still hurting, still imperfect—is never abandoned by Amida Buddha.

Perhaps true peace begins not when hatred disappears, but when we awaken to the boundless compassion that has always been embracing us. #お寺の掲示板

#お寺の掲示板

This month’s Dharma message is:“I’m home. Tadaima.Welcome home. Okaeri.Namo Amida Butsu.”This summer, I returned to Japa...
07/02/2026

This month’s Dharma message is:

“I’m home. Tadaima.
Welcome home. Okaeri.
Namo Amida Butsu.”

This summer, I returned to Japan for the first time since beginning my ministry in Los Angeles.

It had been almost a year since my last visit.

When I said, “I’m home,” I was welcomed by my family and friends.

It reminded me how precious it is to have people waiting for you and a place where you belong.

A few days later, I flew back to Los Angeles.

After arriving at LAX, I sent a message to my supervisor, Rimban William Briones, to let him know I had arrived safely.

His reply was simple:

“Welcome home!!”

Those two words touched my heart.

In that moment, I realized that Los Angeles had also become my home.

There were people waiting for me here.
There was a place where I belonged.

July is Obon season in America.

It is a time to remember those who have passed away, to reunite with family and friends, and to return to the temple.

Please come home to the Betsuin.

Here, you have a place to belong.
Here, someone is waiting to welcome you.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome home.”

Having a place to return to brings deep peace.

Anytime, anywhere,
Namo Amida Butsu.

#お寺の掲示板 #お盆

🏮✨ The flyer is here! ✨🏮Are you ready?Nishi Obon 2026 is coming!Join us for two exciting days of food, games, entertainm...
06/22/2026

🏮✨ The flyer is here! ✨🏮

Are you ready?

Nishi Obon 2026 is coming!

Join us for two exciting days of food, games, entertainment, fresh produce, and of course, Obon Odori under the summer sky.

📅 Saturday, July 11 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📅 Sunday, July 12 | 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🏮 Bon Odori starts at 6:30 PM
📍 Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
815 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA

Bring your family, bring your friends, and let’s celebrate summer together!

Save the date and stay tuned for more details.

The summer of Nishi begins. ☀️🏮

See you at Obon!

Namo Amida Butsu 🙏

SummerInLA

🏮✨ The flyer is here! ✨🏮Are you ready?Nishi Obon 2026 is coming!Join us for two exciting days of food, games, entertainm...
06/22/2026

🏮✨ The flyer is here! ✨🏮

Are you ready?

Nishi Obon 2026 is coming!

Join us for two exciting days of food, games, entertainment, fresh produce, and of course, Obon Odori under the summer sky.

📅 Saturday, July 12 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📅 Sunday, July 13 | 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🏮 Bon Odori starts at 6:30 PM
📍 Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
815 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA

Bring your family, bring your friends, and let’s celebrate summer together!

Save the date and stay tuned for more details.

The summer of Nishi begins. ☀️🏮

See you at Obon!

Namo Amida Butsu 🙏

SummerInLA

06/11/2026

Are You Ready? 🏮

The wait is over.

Nishi Obon 2026 is here.

The drums are calling.

The dancers are gathering.

The lanterns are glowing.

The summer of Nishi begins.

Let’s celebrate together.

See you at Obon! 🏮✨

Today, the children of Nishi Center celebrated their graduation.Congratulations, everyone! 🎓✨Sharing morning service wi...
06/05/2026

Today, the children of Nishi Center celebrated their graduation.

Congratulations, everyone! 🎓✨

Sharing morning service with you has been such a happy and meaningful time for me.
Every morning, you gave me so much energy and joy.
I will miss you all very much.

But as Ms. Susan said, Nishi is your home.
Please come back anytime. 🐸

And please remember this:
the Buddha, to whom you placed your hands together every morning,
is always with you, wherever you go.

And from Kame-chan:
step by step. 🐢

Congratulations on your graduation! 🙏

Address

815 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA
91030

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12136809130

Website

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