STATEMENT REGARDING SEATTLE BETSUIN ARSON
JANUARY 5, 2024

Dear Sangha Friends,

On New Years Eve, Seattle Betsuin was the victim of a terrible arson fire set in the garage under their Memorial Hall. While we are grateful that no one was hurt, they lost much of their archives and suffered extensive smoke damage throughout their building. Because of this tragedy, the Seattle Betsuin will be closed for an indeterminate amount of time.

White River, along with Tacoma Buddhist Temple, has been in close touch with Seattle Betsuin’s leadership in coordinating alternative plans and hosting prescheduled events. In the coming days, our Temple will need our full Sangha’s help as we will be busier than ever. We will continue to do whatever we can to assist Seattle Betsuin’s Sangha while they assess the damages and options. Please extend a friendly hand as we welcome our fellow travelers on the Dharma Path from Seattle Betsuin to our Temple during these challenging times.

Because of this incident, White River will now be hosting the Northwest District Join Ho’Onko service on January 13th and 14th at the Temple. Please expect larger than normal attendance and arrive early.

Finally, if you have the means, please consider making a donation toward the Seattle Betsuin Arson Restoration Fund.

Thank you again for your support.

Statement on Vandalism at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple & The Rise of AAPI Hate
March 11, 2021

As a Temple with historical roots in the Japanese American community, we are all too familiar with how prejudice, hate, and violence can have traumatic impacts on vulnerable communities. It has become clear that across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a rise in bigotry - from harassment to absurd conspiracy theories to physical abuse against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Recently, these acts of hate hit even closer to home when Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles experienced an act of vandalism that left two concrete lanterns torn from their platforms, a window broken, and two wooden lanterns burned. This event is especially unsettling because our temples are not only a place for worship, but also the center of our community for many of us. 

As an organization dedicated toward spreading the Dharma and compassion of Amida Buddha to find peace and understanding during these already challenging times, we stand in solidarity with our friends at the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. We are committed to working together to lend our voice in ensuring that hate has no place in our community. 

Statement on Black Lives Matter in This Moment of Racial Justice
August 2nd, 2020

Over the past several weeks, we have seen a groundswell movement for racial justice that has brought a moment of self-reflection upon our own Temple and how we can be a better Sangha. Often referenced, our motto “You Are Welcome Here”, is a commitment to welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life.

As a Temple that has faced racial prejudice and discrimination, we hold a unique responsibility to be allies for those who are suffering the same - a moral obligation to speak out. The Buddha Dharma teaches us the tenet of non-discrimination, that Aminda Buddha’s wisdom and compassion embraces all beings equally. Unfortunately, for too long, this equality has not existed in society and that is why we believe that Black lives matter. 

This moment is not lost upon us as we all have a role to play in educating ourselves, supporting our community, and providing a space for the Buddha Dharma. We can be better and must be better. As foolish beings, we do not have all the answers, but we are committed to examining our own biases, promoting diverse experiences, and fostering a more welcoming place for all people. We will continue to live the Eightfold Path to make our world a better place for all - seeking change on a societal, institutional, and individual level.

White river buddhist temple cancels in-person obon odori for first time in 50 years
July 21, 2020

For the first time in fifty years, White River Buddhist Temple will not be holding its annual in-person Bon Odori festival this year. While the Temple traditionally holds its annual Bon Odori festival on the third weekend in July, this year, the Temple will be virtually streaming it’s Bon Odori with a traditional Buddhist service followed by a short socially distanced performance by Temple dance instructors on the evening of August 9th. The event will be streamed on the Temple’s Youtube Page.

“For the first time in over fifty years, White River has cancelled its in-person Bon Odori festival. This decision does not come lightly, but the safety of our Temple members and community is of utmost importance,” says Kendall Kosai, Bon Odori Co-Chair. “We hope that the community will continue to support our Temple through the alternative methods we have provided this year.”

In addition, the Temple is also working to lessen the financial impact of cancelling its in-person festival by
providing new options for attendees to support the Temple. Members and the public are encouraged to dedicate a lantern in memory of a loved one (free but donations gladly accepted) or purchase a flower bouquet that can be picked up on the morning of August 8th. Orders are by pre-order only.

All information about this year’s Bon Odori can be found on our website at: www.wrbt.org/bonodori2020 .