Our Teachings

Twenty-five centuries ago in India, Siddhārtha Gautama searched for a way to transcend the human condition of duhkha, which means difficulty, frustration, or suffering. He awakened to the underlying marks of existence:

  • All things are impermanent

  • We are all interdependent

  • Difficulty (duhkha) arises from our denial of the above

Our Tradition

Shin Buddhism (also known as Jodo Shinshu or Pure Land Buddhism) is a Mahayana non-monastic, family-friendly path that all ages can participate in together. Shinran Shonin (1173-1263), the founder of our tradition, wanted to make Buddhism available to everyone. Instead of framing enlightenment as something that select people can work to attain, Shinran considered it something we all receive. Shin Buddhism arrived in North America in the late 19th century and was initially sustained by Japanese immigrant families.

Our Ministers

  • Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra

    FULL-TIME MINISTER

    Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra was born in Kyoto, Japan, and raised in a Shin Buddhist family. After meeting her husband, she came to the United States in 1981 and continued attending a Shin Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles. Rev. Dr. Wondra received her first ordination (Tokudo) in 2006 and second ordination (Kyoshi) in 2007 from the Jodoshinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto. In 2015 she received her Ph.D. in Shin Buddhist Studies from Ryukoku University Graduate School, Kyoto. Her dissertation was on “The Study of the History of Shin Buddhist Thought in America – In the Movement of Buddhist Modernism.”

  • Rev. Jon Turner

    FULL-TIME MINISTER

    Rev. Jon Turner and his family began attending OCBC in 1999. Two years later, he joined our Ministers’ Assistant Program. Rev. Turner received his M.A. in Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley, CA and Tokudo ordination in 2010, followed by Kyoshi ordination in 2012. In 2017, Rev. Turner retired from a 35-year career in computer programming and became a fully ordained Kaikyoshi minister at OCBC. He described his experience, "When I started, I studied and practiced Buddhism diligently. I also stepped in every pothole--making every mistake one can make in understanding Buddhism--, but I think this helped me become a better teacher.”

Certified Minister Assistants

  • Rev. Ellen Crane

    The Buddhist teachings have profoundly changed my life, and I love sharing the dharma.

  • Jim Pollard

    M.A., AUTHOR, ENGINEER

    Entering a Dharma gate can be the turning point, the moment when we begin to find meaning in all things.

  • Janis Hirohama

    M.A., RETIRED ATTORNEY

    I am grateful to be able to study and share this path of infinite wisdom and compassion with others.

  • Matthew Stolz

    M.A., COMEDIAN

    May all beings have happy minds.

  • Teresa Shimogawa

    M.A.

    Minister's Assistant at Orange County Buddhist Church. High School civics teacher, writer, and soccer mom. Became a practicing Buddhist after her husband unexpectedly passed away. Currently studying Shin Buddhism at the Institute of Buddhist Studies.

 

Governance

Orange County Buddhist Church (OCBC), located in Anaheim, California, is a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit religious corporation. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors (BOD) who elect from the BOD, several officers (e.g. President) to lead OCBC. The BOD also hires paid office staff who administer the day-to-day operations of OCBC.

 

Bryan Furumoto

President

On behalf of the Orange County Buddhist Church, I would like to welcome you to our temple. I’m Bryan Furumoto and I have the privilege and honor of serving as your temple president. I have been a part of OCBC from childhood, so the journey of my OCBC experience has been surrounded by friends, activities, events, organizations, and teachings. As I grew older, I realized the strength of our temple stems from the strength of its people. Regardless of the path that brings you to OCBC, I hope you will always feel as though you’ve returned home when you are here. Welcome to OCBC!

In Gassho,
Bryan Furumoto
OCBC President, 2024-25

Vice-Presidents

  • 1st VP, President-Elect: Margie Mio

  • 2nd VP, Religious Programs: Jim Pollard

  • 3rd VP, Maintenance: Jim Mitchell

  • 4th VP, Membership: Carol Sakamoto

  • 5th VP, Finance: Bobby Nishi

 

Temple Customs

 

Main Hall (Hondō - 本堂)

This is the main place where the Sangha (Buddhist Community) gathers to listen to the Dharma (Buddhist Teachings). The altar (Onaijin) houses the symbolic representation of Immeasurable Wisdom and Compassion (Amida Buddha).

 

Calling Bell (Kanshō - 喚鐘)

The Kansho, located behind the Onaijin, is struck at the beginning of a service calling the members of the Sangha to come listen to the Dharma. Reflecting on each sound of the bell helps us become ready to receive the teachings.

 

Recitation (Nembutsu - 念仏)

Nembutsu is our Buddhist life manifested verbally and is also an expression of gratitude for the Buddha, Dharma, and the Sangha. When we recite Namo Amida Butsu, it means we take refuge in Amida Buddha.

Altar (Onaijin - お内陣)

The altar area represents the Pure Land of Amida Buddha or nirvana. The central altar in a Shin temple represents Amida Buddha in the form of either a statue, a painting, or a scroll of Namo Amida Butsu written in Chinese characters.

Circle of Beads (Onenju - お念珠)

The onenju is a circle of beads reminding Buddhists of our blind passions. Putting our palms together is called Gassho. It is done with onenju encircling our hands, symbolizing Oneness, and gratitude.

 

Chanting (Dokkyō - 読経)

Chanting in Shin Buddhism means to praise the Buddha and also has meditative, ritual, and learning aspects. Being fully engaged in chanting enables us to focus on the present moment. This focus is helpful to receive the Dharma message. Chanting together also unifies the Sangha.

 

Songs or verse (Gāthā - 讃仏歌)

Early Gathas in the Shin Buddhist tradition were all in Japanese. In America, many songs were either translated or entirely new ones were composed. Singing, like chanting, brings the Sangha together.

 

Incense Offering (Oshōkō - お焼香)

An incense offering is made in front of the Onaijin. In Shin Buddhism, offering incense is an expression of both reverence and gratitude. It is not done for reasons of self-purification or to bring material benefits. Oshoko may be performed before, during, or at the end of service.

 

Before service begins

After being seated in the Hondo, it is customary to bow in Gassho and recite Namo Amida Butsu. It is a good opportunity to ready oneself to receive the Dharma message with quiet reflection, mindfulness, and meditation.

 
 

I am OCBC

In honor of OCBC’s 50th Anniversary in 2018, we created a documentary celebrating our origin.

 

Affiliations and Resources

  • Buddhist Churches Of America (BCA)

    BCA includes over 60 temples and fellowships throughout the United States and approximately 12,000 members. National Headquarters is based in San Francisco. We are affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha tradition, whose head temple is in Kyoto, Japan.

    Learn More about the BCA

  • EverydayBuddhist.org

    EVERYDAY BUDDHIST is an online school sharing authentic, contemporary Shin Buddhist teachings and practices for everyday life. We welcome both beginners and those with a beginner’s mind. Learn at your own pace on the Course Pathway—a coordinated curriculum of short video courses. Expand your learning with fresh, diverse perspectives offered through the Guest Speaker Series, Live Chats, and Weekly Blogs.

    Check out Everyday Buddhist

  • Vista Buddhist Temple

    Vista Buddhist Temple is a Shin Buddhist, non-monastic, family-friendly temple. Whether you are temple members, dharma friends, or seekers passing through on your journey, take a minute to see what we offer, and know that you have already arrived.

    Come as you are. Vista, California

    Visit Vista Buddhist Temple