Seattle Buddhist Church

This is a beautiful church: culturally, physically, socially and spiritually. I have attended services and dharma here on occasion and always been struck by the congregation’s warmth and casual air.
Seattle Buddhist Church practices Jodo Shinshu aka «Pure Land» aka «Shin» Buddhism. It is one of the most common branches of Buddhism in the US. Many people note that there are assimilation aspects to this branch: they have a bishop, they call their branches «churches» interchangeably with «temples», and introduced lessons to hymns. These things harken back directly to WWII and it speaks to Shin Buddhism’s place in the Japanese-​American story.
I find the members of Seattle Buddhist Church so friendly, and definitely «teaching by doing». You will not find proselytizing — you really have to ask around to get information about practices, services, classes. One of the best times to find out about Shin Buddhism is during Bön Odori, because the church is open and they have informational lectures at that time.
Speaking of Bön Odori — this is the site of Seattle’s annual festival to celebrate our ancestors and has been for over 75 years! You will find me dancing there every summer. Check the Seafair calendar for each year’s dates. Bön Odori is just one of the many cultural experiences the Seattle Church offers in addition to dharma, Japanese Language class, the bazaar, and cultural enrichment classes in conjunction with Nikkei Horizons Sr. Home (like hula, cooking, ikebana and crafts).
Within this church they offer Camp Fire, Boy Scouts, Taiko drumming, basketball, and the YBA — Young Buddhist’s Association. It ‘s a wonderful place for families! My children have always been very comfortable here even though we’re not regular attendees.
Whether visiting for cultural or spiritual reasons, you will feel welcome at Seattle Buddhist Church!