Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple

06/08/2026

Our next online Dharma discussion is coming up on Tuesday June 9 at 7:30pm (Mountain time). We will be discussing this blog post by Rev. Anne and considering ways in which working with others is an important kind of spiritual practice.
https://hometownbuddhism.blogspot.com/2026/04/learning-from-our-sanghabuddhist.html
Message us if you would like the Zoom link to join us.

Importance of Sangha and working together as a community even in our fundraising activities as a spiritual practice

06/03/2026

Time to mark your calendars for our 77th Obon Festival!

06/02/2026

June!!!

06/01/2026

A key aspect of Buddhist teachings (the "Dharma") is the importance of approaching difficult situations with an attitude of Wisdom and Compassion --while also recognizing that none of us is perfect! Trying to act wisely and compassionately often makes life a little less stressful ("Dramatic") for both ourselves and those around us. That's the meaning of our sign this week: "Less Drama, More Dharma."

05/28/2026

Come join us on Sunday May 31 for short Buddhist service and a relaxed conversation among friends (old and new) led by our assistant ministers. The last Sunday of each month we offer a short service in the main hall at 10:30 and then gather in our basement social hall for informal discussion and a chance to ask questions (and maybe enjoy tea and snacks). Photo: A few of Rev. Anne's animals hanging out together and demostrating the importance of making new friends with people who may not be exactly like us!

05/20/2026

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, we should remember that our lives today are only possible because of others. Memorial Day weekend is a time of self-reflection, gratitude for those who have made our lives possible, grieving the loss of human lives in war, and genuinely having fun, playing, and enjoying each precious day we are living right now! (If you think about it, it's actually a pretty complicated holiday!)
Our services this weekend will be
*Sunday May 24 at 10:30am at the temple; and
*Monday May 25 at 11:30am at Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario OR
And if you know what our sign means, share your thoughts in the comments section....

05/15/2026

On Sunday May 17 at 10:30am our temple will hold its annual Gotan-e Service. The service honors the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of our Jodo Shinshu lineage of Buddhism, who was born in May of the 1173. At this service we focus on the life and writings of Shinran Shonin.
Photo: Cover of an English language book published in 1961 sharing the biography of Shinran Shonin for children at Ameican temples. Remember that all of our temple materials were initially only available in Japanese and each act of translation for the English-speaking community was a large commitment and an act of compassion. This particular copy belonged to Mary Nakamura. Who remembers this book? Who remembers Mary?

05/08/2026

Reminder: Our Mothers Day service is coming up this Sunday, May 10 at 10:30am. We are happy to have Rev. Marvin Harada, Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of American join us to offer the Dharma message.
Photo: Rev. Anne attempting to sing karaoke with her mother at a family reunion 10 years ago. (The singing did not go well, but they had a good time. A reminder that not being perfect is perfectly OK!)

05/02/2026

On Sunday May 3 our service will be at 10:30am. This will be our monthly memorial ("shostuki") service to honor all those from our community who have died in the month of May in any previous year. Shotsuki service is a time to remember everything and everyone who supports us on our journey through life--including temple members and friends who have come before us. Our reading of the "Three Treasures" (shown here) is an example of how we see our own lives in a larger context of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Visitors and folks new to Buddhism are always welcome. We are family friendly, as well. Message us if you have questions.

04/30/2026