Tacoma Buddhist Temple

The first Japanese immigrants arrived in the Tacoma area around 1887 - 1888 to establish businesses as a result of the completion of the transcontinental Northern Pacific Railroad which changed Tacoma from a sawmill village into a boom town.

By 1899 there were about 400 Japanese immigrants in Washington State who worked for businesses, railroad companies and farmers. By 1910 the Japanese population increased to about 1,950 residents in the Tacoma-Pierce County areas and there were about sixty eight Japanese businesses that had become established in Tacoma.

The beginning of the Buddhist movement in Pierce County can be traced to the turn of the twentieth century. Many Buddhist families in the county gathered in different homes to hold occasional services as they were not able to travel several hours to attend the nearest Buddhist Church which was in Seattle. Therefore, in 1910, a respected leader and grocery store owner in Fife, Soroku Kuramoto, originated a plan to invite Rev. Hoshin Fujii of the Seattle Buddhist Church to conduct monthly services in the backroom of his general store. Thus, from 1910 to 1915 Rev. Fujii provided the spiritual guidance and shared the Buddha Dharma with many of the pioneers of the valley.

About The Tacoma Buddhist Temple
The Tacoma Buddhist Temple, also known as the Tacoma Buddhist Temple Buddhist Church of America, is a Buddhist temple located in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, which is one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan.

The Tacoma Buddhist Temple was established in 1915 by Japanese immigrants who settled in the Tacoma area. The temple's primary purpose is to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for the local Japanese American community. Over the years, it has become a place of worship, education, and community engagement.

The temple follows the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, which is a Pure Land tradition. Jodo Shinshu emphasizes the practice of reciting the Nembutsu, which is the name of the Buddha Amida, as a way to express gratitude and seek enlightenment. The main deity revered at the temple is Amida Buddha, who represents compassion and wisdom.

The physical structure of the Tacoma Buddhist Temple reflects a blend of Japanese and American architectural styles. The temple features a traditional Japanese-style main hall, called a hondo, where services and ceremonies are conducted. The hondo typically contains an altar with statues or images of Amida Buddha and other important Buddhist figures.

In addition to religious services and ceremonies, the Tacoma Buddhist Temple offers various activities and programs to engage its members and the wider community. These include meditation sessions, Dharma study classes, cultural events, and festivals that celebrate Japanese traditions, such as Obon, Hanamatsuri (Buddha's birthday), and New Year's celebrations.

The Tacoma Buddhist Temple also plays an active role in promoting social and community services. It has been involved in initiatives aimed at social justice, interfaith dialogue, and community outreach. The temple strives to foster a sense of inclusivity, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and promoting understanding and harmony.

Overall, the Tacoma Buddhist Temple serves as a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural hub for both its members and the local community. It provides a place for practicing Buddhism, learning about Japanese culture, and fostering connections among individuals seeking spiritual growth and community engagement.