Vista Buddhist Temple: Promoting Jodo Shinshu for 80 years
Jeff Brownlee (thenorthcountyvoice.com)
The Vista Buddhist Temple (VBT) is an island of traditional Japanese culture and religion in North County (San Diego, California). In operation since the late 1920s, the Temple was started by Japanese-Americans who had been living in the Vista area, in some cases, since the turn of the last century.
Jeff Brownlee (thenorthcountyvoice.com)
The Vista Buddhist Temple (VBT) is an island of traditional Japanese culture and religion in North County (San Diego, California). In operation since the late 1920s, the Temple was started by Japanese-Americans who had been living in the Vista area, in some cases, since the turn of the last century.
Traditionally, many Japanese-Americans were involved in agriculture. And to this day their descendants represent some of the major growers in the area. While assimilating socially and economically like many immigrants, local Japanese-Americans desired to honor their origins, thus giving birth to VBT. Terri Omori, president of VBT’s board of directors, described the organization’s inception, “The congregation came together culturally and socially.”
Many Westerners are familiar with the Zen Buddhism of northern China and Japan. But this sect is only one variety of Japanese Buddhism. “Within Japanese Buddhism, there are different sects,” Omori explained. Congregants at VBT practice Jodo Shinsu Buddhism.
Whereas Zen emphasizes meditation and concentration, Jodo Shinsu has its focus in everyday life. “It is a way of life practiced by living it daily,” Omori added. Among many other dimensions, this daily practice involves attendance at temple functions, various rituals, service, study, and general self-discipline.
The Summer Obon Festival grew out of Jodo Shinsu’s spirituality. This observation is intended to honor ancestors who have passed on and acknowledge the influence they have had. “We express gratitude and appreciation for those who have passed on,” Omori said. More>>
Whereas Zen emphasizes meditation and concentration, Jodo Shinsu has its focus in everyday life. “It is a way of life practiced by living it daily,” Omori added. Among many other dimensions, this daily practice involves attendance at temple functions, various rituals, service, study, and general self-discipline.
The Summer Obon Festival grew out of Jodo Shinsu’s spirituality. This observation is intended to honor ancestors who have passed on and acknowledge the influence they have had. “We express gratitude and appreciation for those who have passed on,” Omori said. More>>
- The Vista Buddhist Temple: vbtemple.org 150 Cedar Road, Bldg. B, Vista, CA 92083 (760) 941-8800.
