Attend a Sunday Family Service
10:00 AM Sunday
We are committed to the inclusion of everyone regardless of age, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
Sunday Mindfulness Service
8:30 AM
Take a moment to sit, chant, listen, and bow. Sunday Mindfulness Service meets at 8:30 AM in our Kodo (our small temple). The minister or minister assistant will guide the group through sitting and standing meditation, followed by chanting (as sound meditation) and a Dharma message. Sunday Mindfulness Services are slightly longer than the Wednesday online format.
Sunday Family Service
10:00 AM
Join us for all Sunday mornings for Family Service. We chant, read from selected sayings, sing, and listen to a Dharma talk. Guests are welcome to all services. Family services are performed in English.
Wednesday Zoom Mindfulness Meditation
7:00 PM
An essential part of walking the Buddhist path is engaging in Buddhist practice. Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM, we host an online mindfulness service so you can practice meditation, chant, and listen to the Dharma wherever you are. Each online mindfulness service is led by a minister or minister assistant over Zoom. You can register below to access the Zoom link.
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.
Connection. Culture. Community.
Here’s a peek inside OCBC’s community. Throughout the various activities, events, and organizations, the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) are interlaced into much of what we do and how we live. The spirit of cooperation, understanding, and respect are major traits of those you will meet here.
FAQs
Where do I park?
The main entrance to the OCBC parking lot is off Dale Avenue. If the lot is full, you may also park in the surrounding neighborhood. Please be cognizant of some streets that require a permit. Please do not park in the junior high school parking lot across the temple.
Do kids attend service?
10 AM Sunday Service is for families. Generally, parents sit with their younger children in rows organized by grade level.
Parents with infants may sit in the pews or if they prefer, in the viewing room off the lobby.
Is there Sunday Dharma School for kids?
Sunday Dharma classes are back in-person most Sundays from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Please contact us at dharma.school@orangecountybuddhist.org for more information
What do I wear?
Come as you are. Jeans and t-shirts are as common as dresses and button-down shirts.
Visit Us
909 S Dale Ave
Anaheim, CA 92804-4096
Office Hours
Sunday 9am-1pm
Monday 9am-4pm
Tuesday Office closed
Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Phone
714-827-9590
Campus Map