Welcome to the International Buddhist Congregation website.
Established in 2001, the International Buddhist Congregation (IBC) of Rissho Kosei-kai aims to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha Dharma in English and various other languages, particularly to foreign residents of Japan. Our community, both online and in person, provides a welcoming space where individuals can support each other in cultivating and applying the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha in their daily lives.
- Information -
〇 Ikebana: An Aspect of Buddhist Culture - Mindfulness
In November, Japan celebrates Culture Day. For Buddhists, mindfulness is an essential aspect of culture, and that will be our ikebana arrangement's theme next month - being mindful when creating ikebana. See you on November 16th.
Please register here. (Google form)
Day: Saturday, November 16
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Room: #202 Fumon Media Center (see the map)
Cost: free of charge
Instructor: Elizabeth
Ikebana is an art of ancient Japanese flower arrangement. It is a meditative practice. By focusing on the careful placement of each stem and blossom, we cultivate mindfulness and a deep connection to nature. The simplicity and balance inherent in Ikebana arrangements reflect the beauty of living in the present moment. As one creates and contemplates these delicate floral compositions, stress and distractions fade away, leaving a sense of tranquility. Ikebana can nurture our inner calm and harmony.
- Activities -
〇 Special Events
◇ IBC Bon Gathering
11:00 am on Sunday, August 4th, 2024 @ Room 201, Fumon Media Center (FMC)
Program
- Sutra Recitation (English Kyoten)
- Dharma Talk: "Basic Buddhism and 'Obon' ~1024 Reasons to Thank Your Ancestors"
Dr. Dominick Scarangello, International Advisor of RK
- Grand Hoza
- Social Time (Refreshments)
- Bon Dance (in-door)
〇 Sangha Gathering
3 pm on the 1st Sunday of the month (in person/Zoom hybrid event at the Buddha Hall in the Fumon Media Center)
- Recitation of the selected portions of the Lotus Sutra
- Dharma talk on the monthly theme for Dharma practice
- Dharma circle discussion (learn, practice, and share the Dharma)
〇 Living the Lotus Seminar
7pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month(now online)
- Seminar on the Lotus Sutra
- Q & A
- Dharma circle discussion
〇 “Buddha’s Bookshelf” (Book club)
10am on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month (now online)
- The "Buddha's Bookshelf" is a book club reading group where participants
discuss contemporary books on Buddhism and share their unique perspectives in a warm and friendly environment, facilitated by Dr. Dominick Scarangello.
- We are currently reading Gene Reeves’ The Stories of the Lotus Sutra.
〇 IBC Sunday Afternoon Gathering
15:30 on the 3rd Sunday of the month (now online)
- Join us for sutra recitation and sitting meditation, followed by a short reflection and open dialogue in our Dharma circle discussion group.
〇 IBC Sunday Service
10am on the 4th Sunday of the month (now online) - Join us for recitation of the selected portions of the Lotus Sutra, followed by a Dharma talk and sharing in Dharma circle discussion groups in both Japanese and English.
〇 Dharma Circle discussion (discovering buddha-nature in oneself and others)
Held regularly (now online)
〇 "Let’s Study Japanese"
- The IBC Japanese language class is a person-to-person lesson via
Zoom for foreign residents of Japan. We offer beginner and
intermediate classes.
- The lesson schedule will be discussed between the instructor and
the student.
- The lessons are free of charge, except for the cost of the textbook.
- Please apply from ‘Contact’ on the left window.
〇 Ikebana: Cultivating Inner Peace and Harmony
Ikebana is an art of ancient Japanese flower arrangement. It is a meditative practice. By focusing on the careful placement of each stem and blossom, we cultivate mindfulness and a deep connection to nature. The simplicity and balance inherent in Ikebana arrangements reflect the beauty of living in the present moment. As one creates and contemplates these delicate floral compositions, stress and distractions fade away, leaving a sense of tranquility. Ikebana can nurture our inner calm and harmony.
Classes will start in October and will be held once a month.