Events

Bon Odori Dance Practice/Aerobic Exercise,
Sunday, March 14, 2010, following Service -

Please join us to get a headstart on Bon Odori Dance Practice, also a way to get in some aerobic exercise. The practice will be led by Pat Nicholson and we'll learn the dances for Obon 2010, so come out for our first session on March 14 after service in the social hall. We'll practice some old favorites and learn some new dances, as well. SO LET’S DANCE!

Higashi Craft Fair, Sunday, March 28, 2010, 10:00am - 3:00pm -

Calling all craft vendors! We will hold our first Spring Craft Fair at the Betsuin! We're looking for vendors who make and sell craft items.

If you'd like to be a part of our Craft Fair, please download a form, fill the form out, and deliver it with payment to the temple office by mail or in person.

The deadline for vendor applications is February 22, 2010.

Goenki - Shinran Shonin's 750th Anniversary, May 17-19, 2011 -

The 750th Anniversary for Shinran Shonin will take place in Kyoto, Japan in 2011. Preparations are underway, so please mark your calendars and make plans in advance on attending this historic event. Details will be posted on the Goenki page as information is gathered.

Obon Festival...Thank You!

The temple celebrated the 50th year anniversary of the Obon Festival on July 25-26, 2009 and we thank everyone for making it a smashing success! We appreciate the support of everyone in helping to keep the tradition alive!

We hope to see everyone again next year and please check the Obon page periodically for updates as we approach next year's festival.

Tannisho Study Class -

Please join us for our Tannisho study classes. The English class is held on the second and last Sunday of each month at 9:00 a.m.. The Japanese class is held on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m.. Both may be subject to change due to other temple activities, so please contact the temple for upcoming classes:

The Tannisho is a collection of the teachings of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. It's probably the most accurate interpretation of Shinran's thoughts and beliefs and has continued to be a highly regarded work in the religious community for several centuries. Compiled several decades after Shinran's death by one of his disciples, Yuien, the Tannisho is considered a literary classic on Buddhism.

Dharma School -

The Dharma School is for all children up to the 5th grade. We learn about Buddhism through stories, discussions, and arts-and-crafts projects. The schedule is listed below, so please come join us.

Taiko -

The taiko groups, TAIKOPROJECT, Bombu, and Kitsune, perform at many functions throughout the year, so please continue showing your support by attending their performances and enjoying the Japanese art of drumming that is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world. Please refer to the TAIKOPROJECT website for future performances.

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2010 Events

Listed below are various temple events held throughout the year.

1.	Higashi Golf Club & Other Golf News
	The Higashi Golf Club holds a golf tournament on a bi-monthly basis at the Whittier Narrows Golf Course in Rosemead. For golfers of all levels, come join us for a day of golf, socializing, and fun.
2.	Shusho-e(New Year's Day Service) - January 1, 2010
	The new year begins with a service in which we resolve to listening more intently to the Buddha's teaching throughout the year.
3.	Hanamatsuri Golf Tournament - March 26, 2010
	In celebration of the birth of the Buddha, the annual Hanamatsuri Golf Tournament is run by the Los Angeles Buddhist Church Federation and Los Angeles Buddhist Coordinating Council event to raise funds to support the LABCC Summer Camp program.
4.	Hanamatsuri Celebration - April 11, 2010
	In celebration of the birth of the Buddha, several events are held throughout the weekend. The historical date of observance is April 8.
5.	Spring Higan Seminar - April 25, 2010
	In observance of the spring equinox of seasonal change from winter to spring, we hold a seminar where we gather to celebrate our commitment to the teachings of the Buddha.
6.	Tanjo-e/Hatsumairi - May 16, 2010
	Tanjo-e is held In celebration of the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The Hatsumairi Ceremony is held in conjunction with Tanjo-e for infants and children up to 6 years of age to signify the foundation towards a healthy and spiritual life.
7.	OBON Festival - July 24-25, 2010
	OBON is a tradition to honor and express gratitude to the spirits of our ancestors, those before us who provided us with the gift of life. The Obon festival features food, games, entertainment, farmers market, flower market, tea ceremony demonstrations, and Bon Odori Dancing.
8.	Autumn Higan Seminar - September 19, 2010
	In observance of the fall equinox of seasonal change from summer to autumn, we hold a seminar where we gather to celebrate the teachings of the Buddha.
9.	Betsuin Golf Tournament - September 27, 2010
	The annual Betsuin Golf Tournament is held as a fundraiser to help support various temple programs and activities, along with maintenance of the temple. Golfers and volunteers alike are encouraged to come out and take part in a fun-filled day of golf, food, and raffle prizes.
10.	HO-ON-KO Gathering & Service - November 20-21, 2010
	A memorial in honor of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, when we gather to express gratitude and appreciation for his teachings.
11.	Temple Cleanup - December 19, 2010
	The annual Temple Cleanup is an event in preparation for a fresh start for the new year. Join us in a tradition to clean out the past and look forward to the future.
12.	Mochitsuki - December 27, 2010
	The traditional Japanese custom of making mochi is held near the end of the year to allow participants of all ages to take part and socialize in a community event.

Please refer to the calendar section or call/e-mail for more detailed information.