Ekoji Hosts Yoga and Buddhist Retreat

Editor’s note: The following article first appeared in the Ekoji Buddhist Temple’s Kalavinka newsletter in May. The Wheel of Dharma is reprinting the article with the permission of Donna R. Omata of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple.

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Ekoji Buddhist Temple hosted a yoga retreat on April 12 presented by BCA Facilities Manager Bob Matsueda, a certified yoga instructor, as part of a series of yoga retreats that he is leading throughout the BCA temples and churches.

The series is supported by the BCA’s Dharma Forward campaign, which provides grant funding for the programs. It is also supported by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada, the BCA and the BCA’s Center for Buddhist Education (CBE).

Matsueda, from the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, is an experienced yoga and wellness instructor and yoga therapist, certified by the Government of India. 

During the first part of the retreat, Matsueda explained that in the Western world, yoga is generally promoted as an exercise with intense poses. 

In contrast, Matsueda’s practice focuses on Buddhistic meditation and deep yogic breathing, along with gentle movements, which promote health and clearing the mind, by following the teachings of the ancient yoga 

master Patanjali, as recorded in his written yoga sutras. 

At any age, Matsueda said that yoga can help reduce stress, increase blood flow, improve brain health and reduce injury to help people remain active. People may not be able to control the world around them, but can regulate and control how to respond by staying centered and balanced through meditation and comfortable movement. 

During a break, a delicious vegetarian lunch was prepared and served in the Tsuji Center by thoughtful and generous Sangha members. After lunch, the group was introduced to Yoga Nidra, which is a deep relaxation and mediation practice accompanied with music. 

A hybrid virtual presentation was then provided by retired Rev. Bob Oshita and Rev. Patti Oshita from the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. They currently serve as chaplains for the California State Assembly.

They spoke about the roots of yoga, delving into its ancient origins by tracing its spiritual significance within Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and its broader Indian context. 

They explained that Shakyamuni Buddha utilized yoga practices on his path to enlightenment. This presentation discussed the core principles and philosophies of yoga.

After their presentation, Jimmy Major led an outdoor guided walking meditation in the Ekoji temple garden, informed by Major’s study of Zen meditation. Frank Swithers followed by extending an invitation to Ekoji’s weekly Thursday evening in-person silent meditation sessions.

The day concluded with an in-person and online sharing circle to discuss thoughts and reactions about the yoga retreat.

We are deeply grateful to the following people and organizations for collaborating on an amazing restorative yoga retreat: Bob Matsueda, instructor; Rev. Bob Oshita and Rev. Patti Oshita, presenters; Andrea Chapman, event coordinator; Anna Tecson, Hondo greeter; Tom Cray, technology; Mah Doroud, chef; Nori Nakamura, assistant; Gail Kondo, assistant; Kim Nguyen, soup chef; Jimmy Major, meditation leader; Frank Swithers, mediation leader; Erick Ishii, Minister’s Assistant; and Bob Shimokaji, Minister’s Assistant. 

For more information about Bob Matsueda, go to his website at: https://www.bobmatsueda.com 

A book written by Rev. Bob Oshita and Rev. Patti Oshita, “The Dharma is Everywhere” is at:  bit.ly/3Zfnupl