Welcome Rev. Melissa Opel, for Two Dharma Opportunities

BTSD Welcomes Rev. Melissa Opel for the weekend, allowing our Sangha to have two opportunities to hear the Dharma: a special lecture on Saturday, Nov. 7, and Dharma talks at our Eitaikyo (Perpetual Memorial) Service, on Sunday, Nov. 8.

SATURDAY SPECIAL DHARMA LECTURE

We will meet in the Sangha Hall at 3 p.m. for this great Dharma opportunity. In her informal address, Rev. Opel will explore our Buddhist teachings as they relate to everyday life. With the Dharma talk to last about 45 minutes, plus more time for Q&A, the session is expected to last an hour or so. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

SUNDAY EITAIKYO AND ALL LIFE FORMS MEMORIALS

Rev. Opel will deliver both Dharma talks, one for Dharma School students and one for adults. A separate posting will provide more detail about this service, which starts at 10 a.m. and meets in the Hondo (main hall) or our main building.

ABOUT REV. OPEL

Rev. Melissa Jōshin Opel is the Resident Minister at the historic Buddhist Church of San Francisco. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is completing her Master of Divinity at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, having received Tokudo Ordination in 2019 and Kyoshi Certification in 2022. After coming out as LGBTQ+ and leaving the faith of her upbringing — a background spanning Catholicism, interdenominational, and Evangelical Christianity — she found her spiritual home in Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism at the Spokane Buddhist Temple. Before entering full-time ministry, she worked in fields as varied as youth advocacy and wealth management. Drawing on this varied path, Rev. Opel brings a distinctive perspective to questions of faith, connection, and compassion.