PHOTO FROM Refuge "Triple Gem" Ceremony, Sept. 28

Congratulations to All Our Participants in the Triple Gem Ceremony

Temple effort brings together existing, recent, and new members.

Pictured are most of the Recipients and families, in the ceremony conducted by Rev. Gregory Gibbs, Supervising Minister (center), joined by Certified Minister's Assistants, Arturo Rubio (far left) and Bill Teague (far right).

BTSD thanks our Supervising Minister, Rev. Gregory Jundo Gibbs, for conducting a Triple Gem Ceremony for interested parties on the afternoon of Saturday, September 28.

Some 20 attendees included refuge takers along with families and friends.

Thanks to Dharma Friend Carolyn Wood for taking the picture above.

Refuge Taking in Jodo Shinshu Tradition

In the United States, Shin Buddhists join in the three refuges of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as a recurring ritual in most Dharma services. But it is good to be reminded that this refuge taking is the formal beginning of one’s journey on the Buddhist path, and it is the formal requirement to become a member of our tradition. So some Buddhists find the ceremony a way to confirm their commitment to the Teachings and the Buddhist way of life.

Attracting New Members

Services in August and Buddhism 1-2-3 discussion classes in August and September were aimed at preparing interested Dharma Friends to consider taking this step. The process has resulted in new attendees in our Sangha, whom we welcome as Dharma Friends, some of whom have taken the step to support the Temple as a dues-paying members. So far we have added five new members as a result of this outreach, with several potential members who may be joining soon. In addition, some participants who have joined the Temple over the last three or four years joined in the ceremony.

- Article submitted by Bill Teague, CMA