Temple Board Confirms Schedule though Early May

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On Sunday, March 22, 2020, the Temple Board met by web conferencing to look at the uncertainties ahead. It is prudent for us to identify those events and gatherings which we will cancel to avoid contributing to exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Here are the specifics.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Following the recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the issuance of executive order by the state of California, N-33-20, “Stay at Home” non-essential travel, the Buddhist Temple of San Diego will remain closed and all activities suspended until further notice due to COVID-19. The temple’s Board of Directors and affiliated organizations complied with this directive during an emergency video meeting held on March 22.

Activities affected by the temple’s closure include:

  • Sunday family services (April 5, 19 and 26) and Hanamatsuri (April 12)

  • April and May Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly memorial) services typically held on the first Sunday.

  • Committee and organizational group meetings.

  • Temple/Community activities including Buddhism 1-2-3 (Wednesdays), Introduction to Buddhism (April 26), Taiko (Sundays and Wednesday), BINGO (April 18), Minyo (Wednesdays), Tai Chi (Thursdays), Japanese Coordinating Council (JCC) annual Keiro Kai luncheon (April 26). The Friday Villa Gardens (Kiku) lunch program [for which Temple members volunteer] has been canceled until further notice.

  • Furniture sale originally scheduled for May 2.

  • The Sangha is urged not to visit the temple as it is considered “non-essential” until further notice. Please contact the temple by phone (619) 239-0896 or email info@btsd.net if you have any questions or concerns. 

If the services of a minister are required, under extreme circumstances, please contact Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi at (408) 610-0022, Ralph Honda (619) 885-3788 or the temple. 

Families will be contacted for guidance with rescheduling memorial services originally scheduled for April and May.

When phoning the temple, in the event your call is not answered in person, please leave a message and your call will be returned at the earliest opportunity.

During this period of uncertainty, the temple will do its best to support the needs of the Sangha. Please refer to the temple’s website http://www.buddhisttemplesandiego.org/ for up-to-date information. If you do not have access to a computer and internet, please keep in close contact with family members and friends or call the temple for updates. Kenji Sensei has a couple of messages that can be viewed online. Please copy and paste either link in your browser to access Kenji Sensei’s messages: 

http://www.buddhisttemplesandiego.org/v-dharma

https://youtu.be/1Br1WQrtHbk

We apologize for any inconvenience but with the COVID-19 situation, changes must be made at this time. The board will continue to monitor and re-evaluate the situation when it reconvenes for its meeting in mid-April to determine future actions. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding during this very difficult and challenging time. Namu Amida Butsu.

In Gassho,

Board of Directors
Buddhist Temple of San Diego

BT SD