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...

I didn’t think I’d go. But it was too good an opportunity to pass up, even if the timing was bad. In late 2024, I learned about an amazing trip that yoga therapist and BCA Facilities Director Bob Matsueda was planning to Northern India in 2025. I signed up to go on the India trip, committing myself to monthly Zoom orientation meetings to work out travel logistics and learn about India. From Oct. 21 to Nov. 11, 2025, Matsueda led our group of 23, mostly retired, mostly Sansei, many BCA...

Monday, Aug. 6, 1945, 8:15 a.m. My 15-year-old sister, Yoneko, was already at school doing morning taiso exercises in the yard;...