WELCOME!

The Reedley Buddhist Church was established in 1936 with the Rev. Rijun Katsueda becoming the first resident minister. After World War II and the relocation of the Japanese residents, the church was rebuilt in 1952-53 and the Rev. Gibun Kimura became the third minister. In 1961, the Sunday School classrooms, conference room, office, and restrooms were started and completed in 1962. A boyhood statue of Shinran Shonin was donated by Mr. Seichi Hirose of Japan and placed in the U-shaped garden. The entire project was completed and dedicated on April 15, 1967.

Rev. George Shibata, our retired resident minister, began his association with the Reedley Buddhist Church in 1975 and completed 37 years in December, 2011. Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto was appointed as resident minister in March, 2012, until December, 2013. From January, 2014 through July 2015, the church was under the supervision of the Fresno Betsuin. In August, 2015, Reedley had three ministers under a shared system of the seven temples of the Central California District Council of the Buddhist Churches of America: Rev. Kakei Nakagawa, Rev. Alan Sakamoto, and Rev. Matthew Hamasaki. The shared system is coordinated by the Central California Ministers' Association, the CCDC Ministerial Advisory Committee, and the staff of the Fresno Betsuin. In December, 2016, Rev. Alan Sakamoto retired from the BCA. Rev. Matthew Hamasaki left in January, 2018, to become the minister in Sacramento, Rev. Kaz Nakata was assigned to the Central California in August, 2019, and Rev. Mieko Majima was assigned to the Central California in February, 2024. At the present time, Rev. Majima is the supervising minister of the Reedley Buddhist Church.

The church renovated the conference room and added a new kitchen facility in 2004. They added a new wrought iron fence surrounding the property in 2006, updated the hondo in 2007, and completed a storage building next to the small kitchen in 2008. The social hall bathrooms received an update in 2010 and in 2011 the grounds between the hall and the Japanese School building were graded and decomposed granite was added. In October, 2017 the church grounds between the hall the Japanese School building were cemented, and in January, 2018, a solar panel system went into service to minimize the utility costs. During the Covid pandemic, safety measures were taken and an AED was installed in the conference room, touchless features were added to the restrooms, and PPE were added so the members could safely return to church.

The membership is approximately 100 members. The Buddhist Women's Association, the Reedley Dharma School, and the Jr. Young Buddhist Association remain active and support all activities sponsored by the church.

The Reedley Buddhist Church welcomes you to join us at any service and encourages new members to join our organization.

Upcoming Services & Activities

Reedley BWA Meeting - Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 10:00 AM

CCBWL Conference - Parlier - Sunday, March 9, 2025 - 8:30 AM

17th Annual Crab Feed & Silent Auction

Saturday, March 15, 2025 - 5:00 PM

Ohigan Service, March Shotsuki, & Family Dharma Service

Sunday, March 30, 2025 - 10:00 AM

Lunch will be served following the service.

ONLINE SERVICES:

There are services online each Sunday at 10:00 AM provided by the Fresno Bestsuin. Please follow the link: https://mobile.twitter.com/fresno_nishi You can also watch the service afterwards since they are recorded.

Websites for Dharma Talks has been moved to the our LINKS TO WEBSITES page.

The Reedley Buddhist Church Crab Feed & Silent Auction is back!

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Please contact a church board member or Joy Donaldson, Gary Sakata, or Vickie Nishida.

SILENT AUCTION DONORS NEEDED

We are looking for donors to our silent auction! If you own a business or have a new item to donate towards the auction, please let us know at: reedleybc@gmail.com

March Calendar

1 BCA National Council Meeting on Zoom all day

8 Church Grounds Clean up
PLEASE COME HELP! 8:00 AM

Reedley BWA Meeting (after clean up) 10:00 AM

9 CCBWL Conference in Parlier 8:30 AM

10 Reedley BC Crab Feed & Silent Auction 5:00 PM

11 Crab Feed Clean Up 9:00 AM

20 Reedley BC Board Meeting &
General Membership Meeting 7:00 PM

29 Conference Room Reserved - Tsuji Family all day

30 Ohigan Service, March Shotsuki, &
Family Dharma Service 10:00 AM

The 2025 Reedley Buddhist Church Cabinet and BWA Cabinet

Rev. Majima's Message
March, 2025 Newsletter Article

The Parable of the White Path and the Teachings of Ohigan

During the Ohigan season, many Buddhist temples share the parable of the "Two Rivers and the White Path" (Nigabyakudō). This story, originally taught by the Chinese master Shandao during the Tang Dynasty, symbolizes the Calling voice of Amida Buddha and the path leading beyond the world of delusion to the Pure Land. Let’s explore the meaning of this teaching in connection with the Ohigan observance.

The Parable of the Two Rivers and the White Path

A traveler walking through a vast wilderness suddenly finds himself pursued by robbers and wild beasts. Fleeing in fear, he comes across two great rivers that block his path. One is a river of raging fire (symbolizing the flames of worldly desires), and the other is a river of violent waves (representing greed and anger). Crossing either river seems impossible, and death appears inevitable.

Between these two perilous rivers, however, stretches a single narrow White Path. Although the fire and water threaten from both sides, the path offers a way to safety. Overwhelmed by fear, the traveler hesitates, unable to move forward.

At that moment, a voice calls from behind: "Do not hesitate—go forward!" This is the voice of Shakyamuni Buddha. At the same time, from the other side, a voice reassures him: "If you follow this path, you will surely find refuge." This is the compassionate call of Amida Buddha. Trusting in these words, the traveler gathers his courage, steps onto the White Path, and successfully reaches the Pure Land.

Ohigan and the White Path

Ohigan is a time to reflect on the journey from this shore of suffering and confusion (shigan) to the other shore of enlightenment (higan). In Jodo Shinshu, it is particularly regarded as a period to deeply appreciate the boundless compassion of Amida Buddha and the assurance of spiritual liberation.

The parable of the Two Rivers and the White Path perfectly illustrates the significance of Ohigan. In our daily lives, we are often swept away by worldly desires, anger, and confusion, much like the raging fire and water in the story. Obstacles and temptations abound, making it difficult to stay on the path to peace. Yet, even in the midst of such struggles, the great compassion and guidance of Amida Buddha provide a way forward—a path leading us to the Pure Land.

The Courage to Walk the White Path

The most crucial step taken by the traveler in the parable was to trust and move forward. By believing in the call of Amida Buddha, he was able to overcome his fears and reach the shore of awakening.

The Ohigan season is an opportunity for us to reflect on our own path in life and to listen closely to the teachings of the Buddha. No matter how many challenges we face, if we place our entrusting heart in the path to the Pure Land, we are always embraced by Amida Buddha’s infinite compassion, leading us beyond the world of suffering.

This Ohigan, let us take the message of the White Path to heart and reflect on the direction of our journey. With the compassionate vow of Amida Buddha as our guide, may we walk the path with courage and trust.

In gratitude,
Mieko Majima

Rev. Majima's Messsage for Students

The Story of the Two Rivers and the White Path

A long time ago, a traveler was walking through a big grassy field. Suddenly, scary wolves and robbers started chasing him! "Oh no! What should I do?" he thought as he ran as fast as he could. But then, he saw two big rivers in front of him.

One river was full of burning fire. "It's so hot! If I try to cross, I will get burned!" The other river had huge, rushing waves. "If I fall in, I will be swept away!"

The traveler was too scared to move. But then, he noticed a thin, white path between the fire and water. "Maybe I can walk on this path and be safe…?" But the fire and water were so close, and he was afraid to take even one step.

Just then, he heard a kind voice from behind him. "It's okay! Don't be afraid, just walk on this path." It sounded just like a father saying, "Trust me, you can do it!"

Then, he heard another voice from the other side of the river. "Come this way! You will be safe here." It sounded just like a mother saying, "I'm waiting for you, so don't worry!"

The traveler thought, "If my father and mother are watching over me, I will be okay!" So, he took a deep breath and stepped onto the white path. His heart was beating fast, but he walked carefully, one step at a time.

Finally, he made it to the other side! He smiled happily and said, "I was scared, but I’m so glad I trusted and kept going!"

Just like the traveler, you are never alone. Someone who loves you is always watching over you, so trust and keep going!

March 9 CCBWL Conference - Parlier

March 15 17th Annual Crab Feed & Silent Auction - 5:00
PM

April 6 Hanamatsuri Service & Luncheon

May 17 Reedley Obon Festival - Food Sales - 5:00 pm

May 18 Hatsubon Service - 10:00 AM

July 11 - 13 Camp Dharma at Camp Keola (Family Camp)

September 13 BWA Bingo Day - 12:00 noon

November 2 Reedley Food Bazaar - 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Future Activities and Dates for 2025

Reedley Buddhist Church

​WELCOME!