Spreading the teachings of Shin Buddhism, to enriching the lives of our temple members and the community.
The Watsonville Buddhist Temple is open and embraces everyone. Our vision is to share the truth of life found in the Dharma. Through the teaching of Amida Buddha, we become aware of all we have received in life.
Welcome
Welcome to the Watsonville Buddhist Temple website. We belong to the sect of Buddhism called Jodo Shinshu, also known as the True Pure Land Sect of Buddhism. We are affiliated with our head temple the Nishi Honganji in Kyoto Japan. We welcome you to be a part of our Sangha (fellowship of Buddhists) in our efforts to support and follow the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha
ABOUT WATSONVILLE BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Jodoshinshu Buddhism was brought to the Pajaro Valley in the late 1800s. The first temple was constructed in 1906 and the present-day temple was built in 1956. Jodoshinshu Buddhism helps us live a spiritually awakened life, by living a life of gratitude for Amida Buddha’s infinite wisdom and compassion. Our temple helps us all understand how we may appreciate the gift of life and all the wonders it provides for us. Our mission is to share the wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha's teachings and practice with our members and the community. Our temple is multicultural, family friendly and we welcome everyone regardless of age, ethnicity or gender to join our Sangha.
Learn More About Buddhism
Rev. Jay Shinseki
Resident Minister
Rev. Jay Hosei Shinseki has been a Jodoshinshu minister since 1981. He has served at the Seattle Buddhist Temple, White River Buddhist Temple in Auburn Washington, Salinas Buddhist Temple, Mountain View Buddhist Temple and Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple. He is currently serving the Watsonville Buddhist Temple.
Rev. Shinseki grew up in Mountain View, California where he attended the Mountain View Buddhist Temple. He is a graduate of the California State University, Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley and the Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin (Central School of Buddhism) in Kyoto Japan.
