Seattle Koyasan

Online only

11:00am PT Sat. Jan. 24, 2026

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Title: Ninsho, A Monk Called Too Compassionate

忍性　慈悲ガ過ギタリ

Ninsho is a Shingon Ritsu monk in Kamakura Period (1192 - 1333), who served the discriminated, especially leprosy patients who were abandoned from the entire society. His amazing bodhisattva life, even blamed to be “too compassionate” by his Dharma Master Eison, is carefully examined.

 忍性は鎌倉時代の真言律宗の僧で、被差別者おもに社会全体から見捨てられたハンセン病患者を助けることに邁進しました。師僧の叡尊からすらも「慈悲ガ過ギタリ」と難じられた、彼の驚異的な菩薩行を詳細に検証します。

Lecturer: Dr. Casey Collins (Shingon monk's name: Ekai)

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Casey Collins moved to Vancouver in 2005 to study Asian languages and cultures at the University of British Columbia. He lived in Tokyo from 2009 through 2012 while working for a Buddhist lay organization that later became the subject of his graduate research on Japanese new religions, completing his doctorate in May 2023. Casey's ongoing research interests include sacred narratives, material culture, Japanese esoteric Buddhism, and new religions. Starting in July, Casey will begin working at the Vancouver School of Theology as Director of Inter-Religious Studies and Professor of Asian Religions.

In-person only

4:40 PM Pacific to 5:40 PM weekly on Wednesdays

At Seattle Koyasan dojo.

Register

Pilates emphasizes attentive, intentional movement, a focus that parallels the Buddhist concepts of 調身・調息・調心: aligning the body, settling the breath, and steadying the mind.

Rooted in Pilates principles and supported by functional mat work, this all‑levels class builds core strength through body awareness, control, and mindful movement.

All class fees are donated 100% to Seattle Koyasan, offering a meaningful way to begin 2026 — strengthening your body while supporting the temple at the same time!

This is an in-person class held at the temple's dojo. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat; a limited number will be available to borrow.

Instructor: Ritsu Itoi

Ritsu is a Seattle‑based Pilates instructor integrating traditional movement training with contemplative practice. Her teaching highlights body awareness, functional strength, and the steadying presence of mindful attention.

2026 星祭 Hoshi Matsuri / Star Enshrining Prayer

The Hoshi Matsuri Prayer Service for the Year 2026 will be held on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15th at 12 PM (Noon), Pacific Time, at the Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple and online. 1518 S. Washington Street, Seattle, WA 98144.

Please look up your guiding star of this year in this chart, and apply for the special amulet (Ofuda). The amulet will be empowered through the ritual. Please complete the application by the end of SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th so we can prepare your own special amulets in time. Suggested Donation: $20 per Ofuda. 

Please email us at contact@seattlekoyasan.com or call us at 206-325-8811 if you have any questions!