Dharma Study
Dharma Programs to study Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
Bukkyo Gakuin Study Class
Bukkyo means Buddhism and Gakuin means school or institute.
Senshin Buddhist Temple started as Senshin Gakuin, a Japanese Language school and Dharma School for children of the Japanese immigrants living in the Southwest LA area in 1928. In 1951, Senshin became an independent temple, and Senshin Gakuin continued as a Japanese language school until it closed in 1983. To remember the history of Senshin, we will rename Senshin Gakuin to Senshin Bukkyo Gakuin as adult classes to learn Buddhist teaching and Jodo Shinshu teaching
Chanting, Ritual, and Buddhist Etiquette in Jodo Shinshu
Rev. Ryuta Furumoto
Via Zoom
June 3 and 10
Time: 6:30pm to 7:15pm
To receive the zoom link please email senshintemple@gmail.com
Hoonko Class and Lecture
Once a year for a week, Senshin members gather for the Memorial of Shinran Shonin
Weekday sessions consist of a lecture or presentation by a Minister
January 14, 2026 via Zoom
6:30 – 7:15 pm
With Rev. Furumoto
January 15, 2026 In-person
10:00 am – 11:15 am
Chanting of Shoshinge, Nembutsu, and Wasan, followed by Dharma appreciation
January 16, 2026 In-person
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Dharma and Meal Appreciation
A sit-down talk with Rev. Mas Kodani. A shojin meal (vegetarian) will be served
Ohigan Seminars
Senshin has two annual religious Seminars: Spring O-higan and Fall O-higan. Higan means “other shore” and is an abbreviation of the Chinese translation of Paramita. Ohigan is traditionally observed during the Spring and Fall Equinoxes when Buddhists were called to gather before Amida to listen to the Teachings.
The Ohigan Seminars usually have a guest speaker, starting around 10:30 am and lasting until 12:00 pm. The session includes a lecture along with time for questions and answers.
Tentative schedule:
Spring Higan Seminar
Saturday March 14, 2026
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Guest speaker: Rev. Jon Turner, Minister of Orange County Buddhist Church
Fall Higan Seminar
Saturday September 27, 2027
11:00am – 12: 00 pm
Guest Speaker: Rev. Yuki Sugahara, Rimban of Buddhist Church of Sacramento
Nembutsu Retreat
Once a year, Senshin has a religious retreat to ‘getaway’ from their daily distractions, in order to focus on the Dharma and interconnectedness with each other.
The Retreat is usually held in February for a weekend in Thousand Oaks, CA. Past retreats were held in Desert Hot Springs. The weekend usually consists of a guest Minister who stays with the group for the weekend.
If you are interested in participating in any of the Dharma sessions listed above, please email senshintemple@gmail.com