Welcome Back Rev. John Iwohara -- Sunday, Sept. 27
Join us to welcome back Rev. John Iwohara, resident minister at Gardena Buddhist Church, our special guest speaker, for two opportunities to hear the Dharma this Sunday. Many of you will remember Iwohara Sensei from his vist here May 2025 for our Gotan-E (Shinran Shonin day). Long-time members may also remember Rev. Iwohara when serving Vista Buddhist Temple some decades back.
Guest Speaker for Fall Ohigan Service
With our own Resident Minister, Rev. Sterling Davenport as officiant for the service, Rev. Iwohara will share messages with both our youth and our adults as we recognize the Buddhist connotations o the equinox, in which concepts like balance and peace help inspire us in our daily activities. Traditionally at this time we also turn to the Six Paramitas, or perfections.
Dharma Study Class at 12 Noon in Sangha Hall
"When the Dharma Takes Form: Understanding the Two Dharma Bodies 二種法身 (Ni Shu Hosshin)"
We are especially grateful to Rev. Iwohara for giving us this second chance to hear the Dharma. Interested Sangha members will meet at 12 noon in the Sangha Hall. Rev. Sterling will provide light refreshments and snacks for attendees. Rev. Iwohara's topic delves deep into the compassionate workings of the Dharma. This short class is free and open to the public.
About Rev. Iwohara
Rev. Iwohara grew up as a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist, and in his youth, he attended services, Dharma School, and Japanese School at the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Nishi Betsuin). At Nishi he played sports on the temple’s basketball and baseball teams, and was a member of the Jr YBA.
As an adult, he taught Dharma School at Nishi. Iwohara Sensei holds degrees from UCLA (BA, Psychology), Wilfrid Laurier University (MA, Social/Community Psychology), and Ryukoku University (MA & PhD, Shinshu Studies). After being ordained as a minister, Rev Iwohara has served BCA at the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple, Vista Buddhist Temple, Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple, Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, and currently as the Resident Minister of the Gardena Buddhist Church.