Fireside Chat Sessions with Twenty Guest Laypersons and Teachers

Rev. Dr. Ken Tanaka, Professor Emeritus, Musashino University and author of “Ocean - An Introduction to Jodo-Shinshu Buddhism in America”, is launching a new course on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. This 10-month series begins on October 4 and will meet on the first Sunday of most months from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The course is open to everyone interested in deepening their understanding of Buddhism.

Course Description: This online course is an intermediate-level introduction for those seeking a religious/spiritual understanding and appreciation of Shin (or Jodo Shinshu) Buddhism, the largest Buddhist school in Japan today, with a history of 136 years in North America. The course seeks to present the Shin teachings and practices in ways that remain true to Shinran but also go beyond the traditional understanding for those earnestly seeking a path for greater meaning and purpose in this life as well as beyond death. 

Each of the ten classes will focus on one chapter of the textbook, a draft of an upcoming book by Dr. Kenneth Tanaka entitled, Ocean Two: The Ten Phases of Shin Buddhism for the West and Beyond (tentative). Each class will feature two guest speakers (a lay person and a teacher) to have them share their thoughts in a dialogue with Dr. Tanaka and the course participants.

Course overview, details and registration information.

Once registered, participants will receive detailed information about the class, and an invitation to additional companion sessions to further enhance their learnings.