Kyoto, Japan- During the recent tokudo ordination session conducted in October, a total of thirteen candidates from Canada, Romania, and Buddhist Churches of America (U.S.A.) received their ordination.  Prior to the ordination session, the eleven candidates from BCA took part in the recently established tokudo seminar conducted at the Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC) in Berkeley, California. Established as part of the projects for the upcoming 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin, referred to as the Promotion for International Propagation, the seminar was conducted over three, four-day three-night sessions that began in April 2009.
As an independent program of the JSC, students in the tokudo seminar studied the history and teaching of Jodo Shinshu as well as the rituals and liturgy before joining with the Japanese candidates at the Nishiyama Betsuin in Kyoto. Further training and studies were conducted at Nishiyama Betsuin prior to the final tokudo ordination ceremony which was conducted at the Goeido (Founder’s Hall) at Hongwanji on October 15.
With a temple bazaar as his first introduction to the temple, Roy Mayhugh (Walnut Grove Buddhist Church) commented on how he was reassured by the Jodo Shinshu teaching knowing that Amida accepts and embraces him just the way he is. “When I go to the temple, I always feel welcomed and at home there, being nurtured by the members and ministers. I hope to be able to assist in the propagation of Jodo Shinshu in America.” Anne Spencer (Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple), who also recently received her tokudo ordination commented, “I’ve had interests in a variety of religions. However, it was (Jodo) Shinshu that fit me best. The temple became a place where I belonged. In assisting the temple minister, I hope to help in adding more energy to the temple.”