Weekly.

Religious service, Dharma School and Adult Study Class instruction are held on Sunday mornings from 10.00 a.m.
 
 

Monthly.

A Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo) is held at 11:30 a.m. every month in remembrance of those who have preceded us and through whose guidance we receive this opportunity to hear the Dharma.

New Year's Day Service (Shusho-E).

This day is dedicated to rediscovering and reaffirming our commitment to the "middle path" of Buddhism.
 

Ho-Onko (Shinran Shonin's Memorial Day).

Major Jodo Shin Buddhist service commemorating the passing of Shinran Shonin on January 16, 1263 C.E.
 

Nirvana Day.

On this day, February 15, Shakyamuni Buddha passed away at Kushinagara, India, in the year 483 B.C.E.
 

Spring Ohigan.

The first of two semi-annual Buddhist observances to commemorate the goal of enlightenment.  Held during the spring equinox in March.
 

Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival)

Major religious service and festival celebrating the birth of Shakyamuni  Buddha on April 8, 563 B.C.E. in Lumbini Garden in (present-day) Nepal.  To represent the sweet rain which fell from the sky, sweet tea is poured over a statuette of the baby Buddha placed in a beautiful flower shrine (Hanamido).  
 

Gotan-E.

May 21 commemorates the birth of Shinran Shonin, founder of Jodo Shin Buddhism, in the year 1173 C.E. in Japan.
 

Memorial Day Cemetery Services.

Community graveside services held at various local cemeteries in memory of and gratitude to departed loved ones.
 

Obon.

Major religious service and festival including Japanese folk dancing (Odori), as an occasion for rejoicing in the enlightenment offered by the Buddha.  Also includes a candlelight memorial for those who have passed away since the preceding Obon season (Hatsubon).

 

Fall Ohigan

This Buddhist observance, which coincides with the autumn equinox, is an opportunity to affirm and celebrate the teaching of the Buddha in our lives.
 

Bodhi Day

December 8 commemorates the attainment of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment in Bodhi-gaya, India at the age of 35.
 

Year End Service (Joya-E)

An evening service held on December 31 recalling the end of the year, as we traditionally ring the temple bell 108 times in reflection on our human imperfections.
 

Other Events

Matsuri (last weekend in February)

An annual festival held in the City of Phoenix at Heritage Square Park.  This festival is a celebration of Japanese heritage, culture, art and food.  Temple members volunteer as performers, and sell food as a fundraiser for the temple.

 

Mochitsuki (in December)

An annual fundraiser for the temple.  Temple members gather to make mochi, a sticky pounded-rice confection popular with Japanese and traditionally made for the coming New Year.  The mochi is then sold to members of the community and the public.