They Resume Their Roles With California Legislature
To register for BCA Minister Emeritus Rev. Bob and Rev. Patti Oshita’s Zoom series called “Sangha Without Borders,” send an email to: Betsuinprograms@buddhistchurch.org.
In an oral history, Rev. Bob and Rev. Patti Oshita share insights and untold stories of their 32 years of leadership at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and the future of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America. View the video here:
As BCA Minister Emeritus Rev. Bob and Rev. Patti Oshita walked down the familiar halls of the California State Capitol, they drew handshakes and hugs from lawmakers, staffers and peace officers welcoming them back as chaplains to the State Assembly.
“It was nice seeing some old faces, but lots of new ones, too. It felt like the first day of school,” said Rev. Patti Oshita after the Assembly’s opening session in January.
In 2016, the Oshitas made history as the first Buddhist chaplains and husband-and-wife ministerial team for the legislative body. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon invited the Oshitas, who were wrapping up 32 years of service at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. The new chaplains served for four years.
In 2024, when Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas asked the Oshitas to resume the chaplaincy, it was a complete surprise.
The Oshitas were enjoying their retirement when they accepted the invitation and were honored to return. The pair would not only share the Dharma with more people, many of whom knew little about Buddhism, but the speaker’s request also meant their work was valued.
“It is with deep respect and honor that we welcome the Oshitas once again to the California State Assembly,” Speaker Rivas said. “I look forward to their collective wisdom enlightening our work and guiding stronger connections as we conduct the business of the Legislature.”
In preparing their messages, the Oshitas were inspired by the Dalai Lama, whom they met during his visit to the State Capitol in 2016. They say he conveys the essence of the Dharma concisely and meaningfully.
“We feel excited about trying some new ways to share the Dharma to share that Buddhism is simply about understanding the human experience of living through inevitable changes and challenges of life,” Rev. Bob Oshita said.
At the beginning of each legislative session, Rev. Bob or Rev. Patti Oshita will offer a brief reflection, hoping those listening will pause and be more thoughtful and reflective.
In one of her recent reflections, Rev. Patti Oshita spoke about relationships, including marrying Rev. Bob Oshita.
“Although I still roll my eyes at him, his husband skills have shown some improvement over the last 40 years,” she said, as lawmakers chuckled. “We know that for a relationship to work, we have to be the best versions of ourselves …. Let’s always try to be the best versions of ourselves with everyone, but most especially with those whose lives give meaning to our own.”
In one of his reflections, Rev. Bob Oshita addressed the tragic plane crash disasters in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, still fresh in everyone’s memory.
“It is being investigated,” he said. “Responsibilities will be assessed, shared and taken. But right now, it still remains a time for grieving; a time for empathy and caring. In realizing again that life holds no guarantee of tomorrow … we know that we must hold close the people we love while we have them. Love them and thank them now; not tomorrow or the next time we see them. With wisdom eyes open, we know again not to take for granted the time we have to be together.”
The Oshitas try their best to be positive in their reflections, while cognizant that “what is happening in the world may often be divisive and combative,” said Rev. Bob Oshita, adding, “We hope to be a consistent element of encouragement; a ripple of sanity, caring, and sensibility in chaotic waters.”
In addition to their chaplaincy duties, the Oshitas have started “Sangha Without Borders,” their new monthly Zoom series. The series grew out of their book, “Dharma Is Everywhere: Reflections Shared at the California State Assembly,” from their first four years as Buddhist chaplains. The Oshitas share the back stories that inspired their remarks.
If you would like to participate, RSVP to betsuinprograms@buddhistchurch.org. (The book is available in the BCA bookstore, but is not required since the reflections are shared on Zoom.)