Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)

BCA Homepage

BCA includes over 60 temples and fellowships throughout the United States and approximately 12,000 members. National Headquarters are based in San Francisco. We are affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha tradition, whose head temple is in Kyoto, Japan.

​In 2006, the BCA opened our flagship education and events facility in Berkeley, California. The Jodo Shinshu Center houses the Institute of Buddhist Studies, Center for Buddhist Education, and hosts national seminars and activities throughout the year.

BCA Temple Locator

Most locations remain closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, but may offer livestream services, videos, Zoom discussions, and other activities online.

Activities that may be available through your local temple or sangha include:

  • Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly Sunday Dharma Services

  • Dharma Schools for youths from pre-school through high school

  • Buddhist education classes, discussion groups, and social events for all ages

Select a region to find a Buddhist community near you or browse any temple’s digital offerings to learn more:

Center for Buddhist Education (CBE)

The Center for Buddhist Education (CBE) was established in 2005 by the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA). CBE’s mission is to promote and foster the Buddhist Churches of America’s educational and ministerial training mission and goals through the application of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha teachings. It is an educational arm of the BCA. Working under the guidance of the CBE Governing Board, BCA Office of the Bishop and in collaboration with BCA Districts and temples, CBE works to support, strengthen, and expand a vibrant ministry, minister’s assistant program, leadership training for a diverse, multi-generational Sangha, and educational outreach to the general public.

Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC)

The Jodo Shinshu Center opened in 2006 through the vision of our members to create a 21st century home for Buddhist education in America. JSC houses a growing campus of scholarship, education, outreach, and events that includes:

Jodo Shinshu International Office (JSIO)

Jodo Shinshu International Office is the further development of the Hongwanji Office, founded in 2006 by Hongwanji-ha and operated under Buddhist Churches of America. JSIO has now grown into its own religious non-profit organization. In addition to continuing programs run by the Hongwanji Office, JSIO will also initiate new programs with the support of the following organizations:

  • Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha

  • Buddhist Churches of America

  • Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

  • Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada

  • Federacao Budista Sul-Americana