Placer Buddhist Church

3192 Boyington RoadPenryn, CA. 95663(916) 652-6139

office@placerbuddhistchurch.org 

facebook.com/Placer-Buddhist-Church

Upcoming events: 

2023 PBC Food Bazaar - September 23-24

A Dharma Message by Rev. Matthew Hamasaki


October 2023


In October, we’re observing Eitaikyo. The name comes from a shortening of “Eitai-Dokkyo.” Eitai means perpetual and Dokkyo means reading the sutras. The purpose of the service is then to read the sutras in such a way that it will be done perpetually throughout time. It traces its origins more than 300 years ago and, although there isn’t an exact historical record for the reason why we perform it, other Buddhist sects began performing similar services and so it’s consistent with the time period. Centuries preceding that, there have been memorial services for family members on the anniversary of the day of the death, as well as monthly memorial services, and also yearly memorial services. Eventually, there were joint services done monthly and then early. Thus, the creation of a yearly memorial service which commemorates more than a single family’s loss.

 

Establishing the how, now we look to the reason why. In creating a service in which we not only recognize the rich history of any given temple, but one where we perpetually recite the sutras forever means giving the opportunity to listen to the Buddhist teaching after we have passed away. The only way we can encounter it is because of the past members and the only way the future will be able to encounter it is because of us. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the importance of connecting the past, present, and future generations together. One of the greatest heirlooms that we can continue passing down is the Dharma and by continually having this service, we promise to keep it going.

 


Gassho,

Rev. Matt


The Placer Buddhist Church is located at 3192 Boyington Road in Penryn California, County of Placer.  It is located at the scenic base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just off Interstate 80.  It is approximately half way between San Francisco and Reno, Nevada.

The Church was founded in 1902 in the small foothills town of Penryn.  The original church was near the center of town approximately 3 miles from its current location. The church moved to its current location in approximately 1963.  The church is well known in the community for the annual food bazaar which is always held on the 4th weekend of September.  The annual food bazaar started in 1964, just after the church moved to the new location.

The church supports many organizations such as the Placer Buddhist Women’s Association (PBWA), Young Buddhist Association (YBA), Sierra Bonsai Club, Dharma School, and Placer Ume Taiko Groups.  The church also holds various classes during the week including calligraphy, flower arranging, Tai Chi, Obon dancing and exercise classes.  See the church calendar for class times.