Tisarana Yoga: The New Frontier of Buddhist Yoga Practice

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a retreat at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley entitled “Yoga and Buddhism for Healthy Living.” 

The event introduced participants to an exciting new initiative within the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA), inspired by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada. Long recognized for his vision and dedication to bringing Shin Buddhism to a wider American audience, Rev. Harada continues to find creative and meaningful ways to share the Dharma with contemporary society. This latest endeavor is another example of his innovative leadership and commitment to making Buddhism accessible and relevant in modern life.

The Memorial Day retreat was part of a larger training program known as Tisarana Yoga, which began in February and has brought together eight dedicated participants from temples throughout the BCA. 

The program is being spearheaded by Bob Matsueda, Facilities Director of the BCA’s Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC) in Berkeley, California. 

In addition to his work at the JSC, Matsueda is an experienced yoga instructor and therapist who is among the relatively few individuals in the United States to hold certification through India's recognized yoga governing organizations. Upon completion of the program in July, participants will receive certification both as Tisarana Yoga instructors and through the Indian certification process as well.

As someone who has practiced yoga for more than 30 years, I have long appreciated the many ways yoga and Buddhism complement one another. 

Both traditions emerged from ancient Asian cultures and share a concern for alleviating suffering, cultivating awareness and developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Yet despite these common roots, many Americans encounter yoga primarily as a form of physical exercise, often disconnected from its spiritual dimensions.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the retreat was gaining a deeper appreciation for yoga’s spiritual depth and its relationship to Buddhist practice. While the retreat included several opportunities to practice yoga postures and breathing exercises, it also featured a rich lineup of lectures and discussions that explored the philosophical and spiritual foundations underlying both traditions.

The retreat began on Friday evening with a presentation by Linda Turner, who offered valuable insights into yoga and mindful living. On Saturday, Rev. Dr. Carmela Javellana Hirano delivered an engaging talk on mental health and wellness, highlighting the growing body of research that supports the benefits of mindfulness, movement, and spiritual practice in maintaining emotional balance and resilience.

Rev. Harada also spoke during the retreat, focusing on the Three Treasures — Buddha, Dharma and Sangha — and their relationship to yoga practice. His presentation helped participants understand how yoga can serve as a supportive path that encourages deeper engagement with the Buddhist teachings. 

Rather than viewing yoga and Buddhism as separate disciplines, Rev. Harada demonstrated how the principles of each can enrich and reinforce the other. 

OCBC Resident Minister Rev. Jon Turner’s engaging presentation also highlighted the historical roots that informs both Buddhism and Yoga. In addition, the online Buddhist education platform “Everyday Buddhist,” that we at OCBC work on with a team, is lending its perspective to the Tisarana program.

Another highlight was a presentation by health and nutrition expert Karen Owoc, whose work has been featured on Bay Area television programs and in numerous wellness publications. Her discussion emphasized the importance of nutrition, self-care and healthy lifestyle choices as part of a holistic approach to well-being. 

Complementing these themes were the delicious vegetarian meals thoughtfully planned and prepared by Alan Hirahara, whose efforts helped create a nurturing and welcoming environment throughout the weekend.

Reflecting on the retreat, I believe one of the most significant takeaways for the BCA is the recognition that yoga can serve as an important gateway for people seeking spiritual meaning. 

Yoga is already a widely practiced activity throughout the United States, attracting millions of participants from diverse backgrounds. Yet much of modern yoga has been stripped of its deeper spiritual and philosophical dimensions. 

The Tisarana Yoga certification program seeks to reconnect yoga with those deeper roots while highlighting the many values it shares with Buddhist teachings.

In this sense, Tisarana Yoga represents another Dharma gate through which people may encounter Shin Buddhism. Many individuals who might never walk through the doors of a Buddhist temple may nevertheless attend a yoga class. Through a thoughtfully developed program grounded in Buddhist values, participants can be introduced to concepts such as mindfulness, gratitude, interdependence, compassion and self-reflection. Such experiences may naturally inspire curiosity about the Dharma and encourage further exploration of Buddhist teachings.

For me personally, the retreat was equally meaningful. Although I have practiced yoga for decades, I found myself experiencing it at a much deeper and more spiritual level than before. The presentations and discussions helped me connect aspects of yoga practice to my own understanding of the Buddhadharma in new and meaningful ways. Rather than seeing yoga simply as a physical discipline, I came away with a renewed appreciation for its ability to support spiritual awareness, gratitude and mindful living.

Another rewarding aspect of the weekend was the opportunity to meet new people and strengthen existing friendships. I enjoyed getting to know participants whom I had not previously met, while also reconnecting with many longtime friends and fellow Dharma travelers. 

Retreats such as this create space for genuine human connection that can be difficult to find amid the busyness of everyday life. Whether during meals, lectures, yoga sessions or informal conversations, there were countless opportunities to learn from one another and share our experiences.

As I have grown older, I have come to value these relationships more and more. The friendships formed through our shared engagement with Buddhism have become some of the most meaningful aspects of my life. Gathering with others who share a common aspiration to live thoughtfully and compassionately reminds me of the importance of Sangha and the support we provide one another on our spiritual journeys.

As the retreat concluded, I felt deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the event possible. Programs of this quality require an extraordinary amount of planning, preparation and dedication. The staff of the BCA Center for Buddhist Education, the organizers, presenters, volunteers and countless others worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a meaningful and transformative experience for all who attended.

The Tisarana Yoga program represents more than a new educational offering. It reflects a bold and hopeful vision for the future — one that honors ancient traditions while finding fresh ways to share their wisdom with contemporary society. 

By bringing together the complementary paths of yoga and Shin Buddhism, the program offers a promising new opportunity for personal growth, spiritual development and outreach. 

I look forward to seeing how this initiative continues to grow and how it may help introduce future generations to the transformative teachings of the Buddha.