The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Research conducted by affiliates at Kent State University led by Dr. David W. Odell-Scott and Dr. Surinder M. Bhardwaj in 1999.

Activities and Schedule

Meditation classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., on Thursday from 6:00-7:15 A.M. and Sunday at 10:00 A.M. Also on Sunday is a monthly Memorial Service at 10: 30 A.M.

The center's festival celebrations include the Buddha's Birthday on April 8th which attracts about 25 participants of American and Japanese American heritage. On December 8, Buddha's Enlightenment is observed, which also brings in about 25 participants of American and Japanese American decent. In May there is Vesaka Day celebration with 100 American, Vietnamese, Chinese and Tibetan participants. About 25 American and Japanese American participants come for New Years Eve. Spring/Fall Equinox has 25 American and Japanese American participants, while Shonin Shinran's Memorial Day has 15 Japanese American participants. The Biannual Animal Memorial Day draws a crowd of 30 participants.

Workshops include meditation, yoga, tai chi, and intensive 3-7 day meditations. A dharma class for children is being revived and publications include the Temple Bulletin and the Zen Shin Newsletter.

History

The beginnings of this temple are associated with Japanese-American Buddhists who re-settled in the area after being discharged from internment camps during 1943-1944. The Cleveland Young Buddhist Association was created in 1945.

Description of the Center

The center has a main floor temple with an altar, temple treasures, and book store. The center also has a basement, social hall, kitchen, restroom, library, and storage rooms. The old church section houses a residence and office for the minister or coordinator.