Seattle Koyasan

Saturday April 11th - Online Only

Deity: Veruna / 水天

When it rains, turn into the rain. When it storms, turn into the storm. Being water, be omnipresent in every single life, and moisturize them.

雨が降れば雨に成り果てよ。嵐になれば嵐に成り果てよ。水となって一々の生命に遍在し、潤（うるお）せ。

Shingon （真言）literally means “True Words” that means mantra. The core practice of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism is to chant mantras. Kobo Daishi wrote, “Mantra is beyond your thoughts. If you appreciate and chant it,  the stubbornly stained ignorance can be removed” in Hannya Shingyo Hiken (the Secret Key to the Heart Sutra). 

Chanting mantra is a way to transform yourself to be someone like a Buddha, a Bodhisattva, or a Myoo in your heart. Why do we have so many deities in the pantheon of Shingon Vajrayana? Because one of them can be the corridor for you to be reunited with Dainichi Nyorai. Why don’t you go out on a journey to encounter your “spiritual best friend” in mandala🙏

Non-members: $30 Members: $27. Lotus/Vajra/Danapati members get further discount.

Please note: Members will enjoy free sessions provided in May, Aug and Nov.

Sunday April 12th - In-person and online

A Prince was born in a small kingdom in Kapilavastu this month in ancient India. He realized our sufferings are caused by our mental attachments, which are formed by our physical attachments. He proved that there is a way to be free from suffering, attaining enlightenment. Since then, his long journey has started to share the way, the Dharma, with people drowning in the ocean of suffering. 2500 years later in the city where Amazon and Costco were born, yet we can’t buy peace of mind. As a humble stream of the Dharma, Seattle Koyasan celebrates the Buddha’s Birthday.  🙏  

For in-person attendees, we will also be having a pot-luck lunch after the service. If you would like to volunteer and make them please email us. 

If you have any questions, please email: contact@seattlekoyasan.com or call (206) 325-8811.

We are delighted to invite you to Seattle Koyasan's first onsite retreat, a weekend program taking place from May 22 to May 24, 2026, at the Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple! This rare opportunity is hosted by our Head Priest Ven. Taijo Imanaka and his disciples. We'll also have a special guest, Ven. Ryozen Tateba, Abbot of Daishinotera Temple and a renowned Siddham and Goeika master from Japan joining members and supporters for activities including special workshops, shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) experiences, Dharma talks, guided meditations, daily services, and a traditional Goma Fire Ritual. Meals are provided, but participants are responsible for their own flights, accommodations and local transportation.

We recommend you reserve early, as spots are limited to 20 due to logistical limitations.

Fee: $200 Non-member 

In-person only

4:40 PM Pacific to 5:40 PM on 1st - 4th 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.

6 PM on Mondays

1 PM and 6 PM on Wednesdays

9 AM on Saturdays

Beginning Feb. 1, the following changes have taken effect for our meditation practices:

1. All participants are asked to have attended 10 Sunday Services prior to their first meditation session.

 2. Participation fee for non-members is $10 per session.

Annual members will continue to have access to meditations for free, or on a donation basis. Our Sunday Services will remain open and accessible to the public at no cost.

For details about the changes and the reason behind them, please read the related article on the Jan-Feb newsletter or by clicking the link below.

Saturday March 28th - Online Only

Mandala of the Human Heart: Introducing Kūkai's Himitsu Mandala Jūjūshinron

(秘密曼荼羅十住心論 )

Kōbō Daishi saw in his own time a world of pluralistic beliefs, experiences, and priorities, not unlike our world today. This month's academic webinar introduces his Himitsu Mandara Jūjūshinron 秘密曼荼羅十住心論 – "Hidden Mandala of Ten Mental Dwellings." Join us to explore Kōbō Daishi's holistic framework for approaching the diversity of life in ourselves and the world around us..

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.