Brief History

The Arizona Buddhist Temple, which is an affiliate of the Buddhist Churches of America and Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan, was established in the mid 1930's through the dedication and sacrifice of Japanese American pioneers.  It has the distinction of being the oldest Buddhist temple in the state of Arizona.  The contributions of our elders marked a major extension of Jodo Shin Buddhism away from the coastal states.

With the outbreak of W.W.II, the temple was closed when the leaders and minister were interned.  In the postwar period, a large number of Japanese evacuees moved to the Phoenix area, and together with former residents, they began to revitalize the temple.

In March of 1957, the temple was accidentally destroyed by fire, and temporarily established in a barracks that had been brought to Phoenix from the Gila River Relocation Center.  The current Temple building was constructed in 1961.

Today, in accordance with the egalitarian teaching of the Buddha and Shinran Shonin, the Arizona Buddhist Temple is open to all people as a place to hear the Dharma together as one family.

The historical development of Mahayana Buddhism went from India, China, Korea and then to Japan, where Jodo Shin Buddhism was founded by Shinran Shonin (1173-1263 C.E.)

Shinran Shonin's main contribution was his emphasis on the practice of Buddhism for ordinary people in their daily lives. Until this time, Buddhism was limited to those who left their families to study and practice in isolated religious centers.

Shinran Shonin taught the way of Nembutsu as a way of enlightenment. The path of Nembutsu emphasizes entrusting of Amida Buddha's Great Vow of Wisdom.