SWC Can Impact Local Community — and Lives Around the World

Donations by BCA Members Helps Support Programs in Chicago, Stockton, Watsonville, Noto Peninsula in Japan

FYI: To donate to the BCA’s Social Welfare Fund, go to: 

https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/social-welfare-fund

Contact donate@bcahq.org or 415-776-5600 x311 with any questions.

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As we continue to celebrate the BCA 125th anniversary with the theme of  “The Right Time is Now” — under the umbrella of our perpetual theme of a “Life of Gratitude” — we must step back and view not only our life, but all lives around the world.  

The BCA Social Welfare Committee works hard year-round to assist those deprived of life’s basic needs.  

The BCA Northwest District just completed hosting its annual convention, focusing on “Connections, Building for the Future.” 

Hosted by the White River Buddhist Temple, Rev. Cyndi Yasaki welcomed everyone with the words: “Our community centers are safe spaces for anybody to come and be themselves. To make sure we ensure these safe spaces continue for future generations, we have to act now!  Please help BCA, IBS (Institute of Buddhist Studies), the Northwest District and your own temple and community by doing what you can to create a positive, inclusive community!”  

Rev. Yasaki’s reference to our temples and our communities reflects the constant hope of the Social Welfare Committee that we all work not only for the comfort of our own lives, but seek to connect with our communities to build a better future for all living beings. 

Each year, we ask for your support to accomplish this community connection, not only to your local temple communities, but to communities around the globe.  

The Federation of Buddhist Women’s Association (FBWA) is set to meet in October for its conference “Ichi Go Ichi E … Each Precious Moment, a Precious Treasure.”  

This is also a wonderful reflection upon the efforts of the Social Welfare Committee. FBWA members have been integral in performing acts of Dana every month and helping their local communities. 

Our temple matching grant program can increase your community support efforts by doubling your funding up to $3,000. An example from this year is the support of two homeless shelters in two districts spanning the mainland United States.  

At the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT), Sangha members have interfaced with the Northside Housing and Supportive Services Project.  Retired MBT Minister Rev. Ron Miyamura wrote how this group “provides so many services to those who are homeless or in need of food and other services in the north side of Chicago.” 

More than 2,000 miles away, Rev. Candice Shibata, Resident Minister of the Buddhist Church of Stockton, learned about Family Promise, a new foundation focused on supporting homeless families with the goal of keeping the family unit together as they face insurmountable challenges. Rev. Shibata was so touched by Family Promise that she has joined its board and recruited sponsorship from a local Walmart pharmacy.

The Social Welfare Committee also sponsors Temple Direct Grants, which support a temple’s efforts to help a community entity in need.  

Year after year, the Watsonville Buddhist Temple works with the local Salvation Army branch to prepare and deliver meals to those who do not always have access to a hot meal.  

This ongoing effort exemplifies a life of gratitude. Watsonville Sangha members connect with the community to share their time, cooking talents, outreach and compassion. 

On a global level, the Noto Peninsula in Japan suffered a devastating earthquake on New Year’s Day. The 7.6-magnitude earthquake killed 260 people, injured 13,000 and destroyed 100,000 buildings northeast of Suzu on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture.

The Social Welfare Committee has launched a campaign to raise $25,000 to support the Hongwanji’s fundraising efforts to help repair this region and restore life’s basic needs to those who have been affected by this natural disaster.  

Each dollar you donate will be matched up to the $25,000 and sent to the Hongwanji in Kyoto in support of this effort. Our hope is to fully raise, if not exceed, the $25,000 and support the Noto region with at least $50,000.  

Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Resident Minister Rev. Dean Koyama recently gave a thoughtful presentation related to this Ohigan season.  

“Through the Compassion and Wisdom found in the Primal Vow of Amida, Sakyamuni teaches us that what is of most importance is how we treat each other,” he said. “Even though we may differ from others, it is still important to treat each other with respect and kindness. 

“We are all human beings who hurt the same way,” Rev. Koyama continued. “We all want to live in peace and prosperity. It is important to realize that just as we are, we are also being embraced within the kindness and compassion of others as well. The heart of the Primal Vow is Namo Amida Butsu. It is a reminder for us to realize that our lives are in reality filled with kindness and compassion and in turn, extend that wisdom, kindness and compassion to others as well.”

As we travel through our daily lives, staying on that middle path can make us so focused on our own individual path that seeing life is like wearing blinders. We only see where our next step is.  

Have you ever stopped to raise your head and look around at our beautiful surroundings — and all that is not so beautiful? If we are to truly live that life of gratitude, shouldn’t we be grateful for our steady and comfortable path and share what we can to improve the path of others?  

If “The Right Time Is Now,” as the theme of the BCA’s 125th anniversary states, why not start today?  If we have created a safe temple community, have we looked beyond our gates to connect with those in our community deprived of life’s basic needs? 

We hope you will continue, or perhaps start today, to support the endeavors of your BCA Social Welfare Committee. We are dedicated to seeking suffering in our communities and around the globe in an effort to help others experience kindness in their darkest hours.  

Every dollar you contribute is invested in efforts to alleviate suffering for a fellow human being.  We humbly ask for your support through donations and grant applications.  Namo Amida Butsu.