Buddhist Education at
Vista Buddhist Temple

Each year, Vista Buddhist Temple's (VBT's) Buddhist Education Committee (BEC) works hard to help bring the sangha quality content intended to deepen our understanding of Buddhism. The goal of the BEC is threefold: 1) to provide access to an array of Buddhist thinkers at different levels, 2) to provide educational opportunities in multiple formats, respecting different learning styles, and 3) to make studying the Dharma together as a sangha FUN!

Below are examples of the types of educational opportunities we offer through our BEC.

To receive information on our upcoming events, please be sure to join the temple's email list (see: bottom of this page).
Feel free to reach out to BEC Co-Chairs (Judy Nakatomi, Julie Robertson) with any questions in person before/after service - including in the event you would like to become a committee member to help us in our mission.

Classes and Seminars

We host in-person classes and seminars developed by VBT's Ministerial Assistants, as well as external speakers from around the country. We also offer group viewing of pre-recorded seminars with in-person discussion to engage more deeply with the content.

Film Screenings

Films featuring Buddhist themes may be hosted downstairs in our social hall. Jodo Shinshu and other Buddhist traditions may be represented.

Films may be in English or Japanese (with English subtitles).

Buddhist Book Club

We are in the process of rebooting our book club, post-COVID. Stay tuned for more information on format changes!

Festival Talks

Each year, VBT's Ministerial Assistants provide short Introduction to Buddhism talks during our two public festivals. We hope these talks help provide a basic orientation for anyone enjoying our festivals for the first time - and inspire further exploration of all that we offer.

Hanamatsuri Festival in April; Obon Festival in July.

August Dharma Offerings

Historically, VBT --like most BCA temples--did not hold regular dharma services during the month of August. This provided ministers an opportunity for a much needed summer break. During the COVID-era, however, VBT's Ministerial Assistants began developing an independent "August Dharma Offering" to the sangha so that we may still gather and listen to the dharma regularly.

August offerings remain subject to annual availability of our Ministerial Assistants. Format is "subject to change" each year.

Buddhist Community Gathering

Since 2019, VBT has hosted themed panel discussions featuring Buddhist thinkers from multiple traditions. Intent is to broaden and enrich perspectives on highly relevant social topics - and to foster relationships and understanding across traditions. This series started in-person, but has moved to an online format to allow for broader reach - of both speakers and attendees.

Annually. Typically Oct/Nov - online via Zoom.

Meditation Nights

Our "Mindfulness in Shin Buddhism" series features meditation, chanting and active listening. It is led by rotating members of the Ministerial Teams from VBT and Orange County Buddhist Church.

Weekly. Wednesday nights - online via Zoom.

Newsletter Column

Be on the lookout for the quarterly "Seeds of Insight" column in VBT's newsletter. Articles are written by members of the BEC on a rotating basis.

Carpooling to Regional Events

We help coordinate carpooling to Buddhist events across the Southern District (of the Buddhist Churches of America), ensuring our sangha has the opportunity to visit other temples and make new dharma friends.

Buddhist Education at Vista Buddhist Temple