Seattle Koyasan

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12 pm, Noon, Saturday June 6 Pacific Time

Online Only

Mantra: Sanmaya-kai

三昧耶戒真言

“Observing every sentient being in the universe, I find myself in each of them”. (Kobo Daishi: “Prologue of Sanmaya-kai”). Therefore, you stand up to be a bodhisattva. Also, Kobo Daishi says , “There are 100 physical diseases and 10,000 mental sufferings”. That’s why, you stand up to be a Vajra-sattva. The mantra pulls you up to be a Shingon gyoja（真言行者） from just being a sattva. 

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). 

During the webinar, the Head Priest, Ven. Taijo Imanaka, will explain the meaning of the mantras and personally transmit it to each of our practitioners in a respectful manner to our lineage continuing more than 1200 years.

Fee: $30 for non-members

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11 am, Saturday June 20 Pacific Time

Online Only

Kongōkai: Entering the Vajra World, Part 2

金剛界曼荼羅 Part 2

Join us as we journey into the two primary mandalas of Shingon: the Kongōkai (Vajra World) and Taizōkai (Womb World). This month we will begin a three-part study of the former. This mini-series will introduce the history and textual sources of the Kongōkai Mandala, its layout and structure, the figures it depicts, and the process of bodhisattva practice that it represents. Don't worry if you miss one part of the series — they are connected, but can stand alone too!

Instructor: Dr. Ekai Casey Collins

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Ekai Casey Collins moved to Vancouver in 2005 to study Asian languages and cultures at the University of British Columbia and completed his doctorate in May 2023. Ekai is one of Ven. Taijo’s disciples and works at the Vancouver School of Theology as Director of Inter-Religious Studies and Professor of Asian Religions.

Fee: $50 for non-members

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12 pm, Noon, Sunday June 14 Pacific Time

In-person and Online

     On Sunday June 14th, we will celebrate Kobo Daishi’s Birthday with Osuna-fumi, the Virtual 88 Temples Pilgrimage. Kobo Daishi founded all the 88 temples in Shikoku Island more than 1,200 years ago. It takes normally around 60 days to walk through the entire route. However, not everyone who wishes can do that for one reason or another - so Shingon temples across Japan occasionally have offered the Osuna-fumi as a virtual pilgrimage experience. We at Seattle Koyasan are happy to resume this tradition since the beginning of the pandemic. 

     "Osuna" means sand. "Fumi" means to step on it. Step by step, we walk on the sandbags filled with sands taken from each ground in the precincts of the 88 temples as if we are visiting them one by one, while sincerely chanting the mantra of the Main Buddha of each temple. Kobo Daishi always walks with you no matter how suffering your journey is. This is the spirit of “Dogyo Ninin/同行二人”, the motto of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which is written on your bamboo hat as a part of the attire. 

     “Mantra is miraculous. If you chant and feel it mindfully, it removes your spiritual darkness. A letter (out of mantra) contains thousands of significances. The enlightenment is to be embodied by your life. Mantra after mantra you approach to the Nirvana and step by step you leave for the Original Oneness. The Three Realms of attachments are the temporary lodges. Our bodhicitta is the true home”, said Kobo Daishi in “Hannya Shingyo Hiken”. Please experience this rare opportunity. Let us be resonant with Kobo Daishi through the “journey”.

6 PM on Mondays

1 PM and 6 PM on Wednesdays

9 AM on Saturdays

Click here for more info

Beginning on Feb. 1, 2026, 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 Ven. Taijo’s message by clicking the link above.

In-person only. Online classes are coming this summer!

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

At Seattle Koyasan Dojo

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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.