SAISHIN DOJO
June 16 – July 11, 2025
Each year, during the month of June and July, the Los Angeles Nishi Hongwanji Betsuin and Senshin Buddhist Temple will sponsor Saishin Dōjō (西心道場) Dharma School program, which started in 1987. “Dōjō –道場 ” is the ancient word for a Buddhist Temple, meaning a place where awakening is cultivated. “Sai – 西” means “nishi” or “west”, from Nishihongwanji ( 西本願寺 ) and “shin – 心 ” means kokoro or “mind/body”, from Senshin Temple – 洗心寺 hence Saishin Dōjō.
The program will consist of an all-day instruction program from 8:30am to 3:30pm with pick-up service until 6:00pm sharp. The program is an inter-connected one and requires that students participate from 8:30am ~3:30pm. Full participation by students is required for fullest effect of the various inter-related programs.
The program will include:
- Instruction in reading, math, writing, and language skills taught by California credentialed teachers who are also Dharma School teachers or involved in temple sanghas.
- Programs in Buddhist culture taught by qualified professionals.
Programs this year will include:
| Sitting and walking meditation | Japanese language vocabulary | Calligraphy |
| Exercise | Ceramics | Art |
| Japanese foods | Bon Odori dance | Bugaku ancient dance |
| Music | Flute | Student taiko |
| Temple etiquette | Tie-dye | hashi etiquette |
| Ikebana | Jūdo | etc. |
Each day will begin with students participating in the morning omairi service.
- A registered nurse is on staff.
- Children are not allowed to bring cell phones or electronic games, trading cards, or any kind of toys. Emphasis is on real social interaction
Classes are limited to those children of temple members who will be entering the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in the Fall of 2025
Enrollment is limited to 15 students per class