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.

Message of Sympathy
for Noto Peninsula Earthquake and Torrential Rain

We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and torrential rain, as well as their families.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all foreign residents affected by the disaster.
We pray for your safety and for the swift recovery of the disaster-stricken areas.

Rev. Shoko Mizutani and all Sangha members
International Buddhist Congregation

- Information -

〇　Ikebana: How Can Buddhists Embrace the Spirit of Christmas?

生け花

Buddhists celebrate Christmas as a cultural rather than a religious event, but we can find meaning in its universal values of love, kindness, and generosity. Furthermore, the emphasis on family gatherings, giving, and community spirit during Christmas resonates with Buddhist values of interconnectedness and selflessness. Rather than viewing Christmas as a Christian observance, many Buddhists see it as an occasion for family reunions, charitable giving, and reflection on gratitude. Embracing this season's spirit, we engage in acts of compassion and togetherness, reflecting our Buddhist values during Christmas time.

Please register here (Google form)

Day: Sunday, December 8th
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Room: #201 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)

先祖供養を行う皆さん
盆踊り
法話
法話を聞く参加者

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)

Sangha Gathering

〇　Living the Lotus Seminar

7pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month(now online)

Living the Lotus Seminar

-　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.

“Buddha’s Bookshelf” (Book club)

〇　IBC Sunday Afternoon Gathering

15:30 on the 3rd Sunday of the month (now online)

IBC Sunday Afternoon Gathering

- 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

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)

Dharma Circle discussion

〇　"Let’s Study Japanese"

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

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.