"Images at War's End" Vietnamese Refugees Exhibit at Camp Pendleton

There's an article in today's Los Angeles Times on Vietnamese refugees who temporarily lived at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. This article mentions that Buddhist services were held during this time at the base. This exhibit is being held at the Camp Pendleton Ranch House from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM through Sept. 30th, 2010. This should be very interesting for anyone interested in Vietnamese-American history, and Buddhism in the U.S.

Happy Hanamatsuri!

April 8th is commemorated as the Buddha's Birthday in Japan, and also in Jodo Shinshu temples in the U.S. A small shrine, called a hanamido is usually set up in the temple and decorated with flowers and the image of the infant Sakyamuni. I haven't been able to find any flowers here at Camp Leatherneck, but a couple of Marines did come to the service last night! We had a good discussion about Dharma and sitting meditation. The Dharma continues to flourish in Japan and beyond.
Namo Amida Butsu

For Buddhist Servicemembers at Camp Leatherneck/Camp Bastion

There is an active Buddhist group meeting at the LSA-3 Chapel on Thursdays at 1800.

Hope to see you there!

Guidelines for Buddhist Chaplaincy in the U.S. Armed Forces

I have received several requests for information on how to become a chaplain of Buddhist faith for the U.S. Armed Forces. Here are the guidelines by the Buddhist Churches of America, which is currently the only endorser for Buddhist military chaplains:

Requirements for chaplaincy include (Endorsement must certify):

1. Ecclesiastical endorsement from your Buddhist faith group. This endorsement must come from your superior (ecclesiastical head of your organization) and must certify that you are an ordained member of the clergy in your denomination or faith group.
2. that you are qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually, and emotionally to serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces
3. that you are sensitive to religious pluralism and are able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members, and civilians who work for the military.
4. that you possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours
5. that you possess a master’s degree in divinity or a graduate degree in theological studies (in the related religion), which includes at least 72 hours.
6. that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
7. that you are able to receive a favorable background check
8. that you are able to pass a physical examination

These are the guidelines that BCA follows as set forth by the U.S. Department of Defense.

In addition to the above, a candidate must also be able to exhibit a favorable and positive working relationship with the Buddhist organization to which he/she belongs. The Buddhist organization must also be a legitimate and recognized organization here in the United States. Legitimacy and recognition must be substantiated through the submission of documentation such as the organization’s Bylaws and organization structure.

For additional guidance, contact the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) in Berkeley, California. The IBS has established a chaplaincy program as part of their curriculum (but a candidate does not have to be a graduate of this particular program).

Institute of Buddhist Studies
2140 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704-1589
Tel: (510) 809-1444
Website: www.shin-ibs.edu

Also, anyone can directly contact the Buddhist Churches of America National Headquarters: www.buddhistchurhcesofamerica.org

Consider chaplaincy!

Namu Amida Butsu

Forward to Afghanistan!

There will be few regular posts from me in this year since I am scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan shortly. I hope to be able to post at least several times, but I am not sure about connectivity to the Internet there (if there is any!) especially on blogging Web sites. I am looking forward to the experience and to providing Buddhist ministry to our servicemembers there (I have already had prior requests for materials from other units there). Afghanistan has had an ancient history of Buddhists traveling along the Silk Road, when it known as Bactria and Sogdia, and of course the famed statues of Bamiyan were once there. It should be quite an experience to be in a place that has had such an ancient history of Buddhism. Anyway, keep checking back here, in case I am able to post something!

Namu Amida Butsu

For Buddhist Servicemembers in the Scott AFB/Ft. Leonard Wood Areas

Mr. Scott Xian-Liao has offered to facilitate for lay services/discussion groups in your vicinity. His tradition is Mahayana (Ch'an). He may be reached at: manjushrihead@gmail.com.

Happy New Year!

Today is first year of the Lunar new year, which is celebrated by many Buddhists (and others!) worldwide. This year's Chinese zodiac animal is the tiger. May we all be possessed of courage and bravery as we encounter this challenges of the New Year, whether in life or on the battlefield.

Namo Amida Butsu