BTSD Groups
Affiliated Organizations, Classes,
and Interest Groups
Affiliated Organizations
Affiliated organizations are organized groups of Temple members, and some Dharma friends, which have their own officers, organized around a set of purposes or goals for supporting the Temple.
ABA is open to all adult Temple Members and undertakes projects to support the Temple along with friendly social get-togethers. Historically ABA is famous in Temple lore for its tasty Chow Mein recipe (pan-fried noodles!), sold at fundraisers several times a year.
The BWA is organized to meet the needs of temple activities, from serving refreshments at meetings to raising funds for the temple through sales of prepared food. Monthly meetings include socializing and temple projects. You may still hear the BWA referred to by its Japanese name, Fujinkai.
The Dharma School consists of dedicated Temple members who serve as teachers for for various grades of young people for our Sunday services. The staff meets monthly throughout the school semester to organize classes, under the leadership of Dharma School Supervisor Lisa Umekubo.
The Junior Young Buddhist Association (Jr. YBA) includes Temple Youth in the X to Y grades. They support the Temple through fund raising by offering delectable lunches for the sangha and providing games for kids at our annual bazaar.
The Taiko group welcomes new members who are members of the Temple. Learn more here.
Buddhism Classes
Buddhism 1-2-3 is the Temple’s Wednesday night informal and open class. The 1-2-3 of the title relates to the three activities of chanting, meditation, and Dharma discussion, and celebrates the three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
During the pandemic sessions are currently available via Zoom sessions starting each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Click here for more information.
Buddhism 1-2-3
Currently on hiatus during the Pandemic.
Introduction to Buddhism /
Fourth Sunday
Interest Groups
The Dana Group includes Temple Members and Dharma Friends who advise the Sangha on potential charitable projects for the Sangha to follow. (Dana is Sanskrit for giving, and is known in our tradition as one of the Six Perfections or Six Paramitas of the Bodhisattva.)
The Eco Sangha consists of Temple Members and Dharma Friends helping to .....
Cultural Classes
The Temple’s music offerings are on hold during the pandemic. Hopefully the various instructors and offerings will return when we reopen. Instructors offer formal training in traditional Japanese arts. In most cases instructors are open to new students. Current offerings include
Koto
Traditional Japanese Music (Minyo)
Traditional Chanting of Poetry (Shigin)
Cultural classes are open to all at the discretion of the instructors. Please call or email the Temple for more information.
Gentle Exercise
Most Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Tai Chi group has been meeting at Morely Field just off Jacaranda Way until the Temple can once again provide the Annex Hall for them. Tai Chi is open to all, with a small, suggested donation of $5 for each session.