Religion Practiced at the San Mateo Buddhist Temple

The San Mateo Buddhist Temple is one of 60 temples in the United States which is part of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA). These temples practice the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Religion) form of Buddhism.

Buddhism is divided into two schools. Theravada (the Way of the Elders) which is predominant in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The ideal life is to become an Arhart, one who devotes himself to Buddhist discipline. Monks play an important role.

The other school is Mahayana (Great Vehicle) which is predominant in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Tibet, Vietnam and the United States of America. The ideal life is the Bodhisattva. A person who, priest or layman, devotes himself to the salvation of all beings, even giving up his own salvation if necessary, for the salvation of others.

There are several groups under Mahayana. Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle), has more emphasis on monks (Dalai Lama is an example), Tendai, Shingon, Zen (meditative practice), Nichiren (Lotus sutra) and Jodo Shinshu to list a few.

Jodo Shinshu has 10 branches, the two most prominent are Nishi (west) Hongwanji-ha and Higashi (east) Otani-ha. The BCA belongs to the Nishi Hongwanji-ha, which has its headquarters in Kyoto, Japan.

The American Shin Buddhist practice emphasizes listening to the Dharma

(teachings). We are non-monastic. We rely on Amidabutsu with our whole heart. We believe that the assurance of our eternal life through salvation comes at the very moment we put our faith in him, and we call the name, Namu Amida Butsu, in happiness and thankfulness for his mercy.

At the San Mateo Buddhist Temple, listening to the Dharma can be done at our Sunday family services starting at 9:30 AM. All ages are welcome. Following Sunday service there is a Dharm School available for children of Temple members. During holidays, we have extended services. Adult English and Japanese lectures are held once a month; date and time varies. Once a month Memorial services are conducted. Annual events include a one-day Nembutsu seminar, Pet Memorial service, Year-end service, New Years service and other religious and social activities for both adults and children.

The public is welcome to any of the services. Please call the Temple at 650-342-2541 to verify the date and time of the upcoming services.