Seattle Koyasan

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We are delighted to invite you to Seattle Koyasan's first onsite retreat, a weekend program taking place from May 22 to May 24, 2026, at the Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple! This rare opportunity is hosted by our Head Priest Ven. Taijo Imanaka and his disciples. We'll also have a special guest, Ven. Ryozen Tateba, Abbot of Daishinotera Temple and a renowned Siddham and Goeika master from Japan joining members and supporters for activities including special workshops, shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) experiences, Dharma talks, guided meditations, daily services, and a traditional Goma Fire Ritual. Meals are provided, but participants are responsible for their own flights, accommodations and local transportation.

We recommend you reserve early, as spots are limited to 20 due to logistical limitations.

Fee: $200 Non-member . Member discounts available

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12 pm, Noon, Saturday May 9

Online Only - MEMBERS ATTEND FREE

Mantra: 

Hotsu-bodaishin: Raise the Aspiration to Become a Buddha 

Sanmaya-kai: Commitment to Compassionate Action

Shingon （真言）literally means “True Words” that means mantra. The core practice of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism is to chant mantras. Kobo Daishi wrote, “Mantra is beyond your thoughts. If you appreciate and chant it, the stubbornly stained ignorance can be removed” in Hannya Shingyo Hiken (the Secret Key to the Heart Sutra). 

During the webinar, the Head Priest, Ven. Taijo Imanaka, will explain the meaning of the mantras and personally transmit it to each of our practitioners in a respectful manner to our lineage continuing more than 1200 years.

Fee: $30 for non-members

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11 am, Saturday May 30 Pacific Time

Kongōkai: Entering the Vajra World, Part 1

Join us as we journey into the two primary mandalas of Shingon: the Kongōkai (Vajra World) and Taizōkai (Womb World). This month we will begin a three-part study of the former. This mini-series will introduce the history and textual sources of the Kongōkai Mandala, its layout and structure, the figures it depicts, and the process of bodhisattva practice that it represents. Don't worry if you miss one part of the series — they are connected, but can stand alone too!

Instructor: Dr. Ekai Casey Collins

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Casey Collins moved to Vancouver in 2005 to study Asian languages and cultures at the University of British Columbia and completed his doctorate in May 2023. Casey's ongoing research interests include sacred narratives, material culture, Japanese esoteric Buddhism, and new religions. Casey works at the Vancouver School of Theology as Director of Inter-Religious Studies and Professor of Asian Religions.

Fee: $50 for non-members

6 PM on Mondays

1 PM and 6 PM on Wednesdays

9 AM on Saturdays

Click here for more info

Beginning on Feb. 1, 2026, the following changes have taken effect for our meditation practices:

1. All participants are asked to have attended 10 Sunday Services prior to their first meditation session.

 2. Participation fee for non-members is $10 per session.

Annual members will continue to have access to meditations for free, or on a donation basis. Our Sunday Services will remain open and accessible to the public at no cost.

For details about the changes and the reason behind them, please read Ven. Taijo’s message by clicking the link above.

In-person only

4:40 PM Pacific to 5:40 PM on 1st - 4th Wednesdays

At Seattle Koyasan Dojo

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Note: There are no classes on April 29, May 6 and 13.

Pilates emphasizes attentive, intentional movement, a focus that parallels the Buddhist concepts of 調身・調息・調心: aligning the body, settling the breath, and steadying the mind.

Rooted in Pilates principles and supported by functional mat work, this all‑levels class builds core strength through body awareness, control, and mindful movement.

All class fees are donated 100% to Seattle Koyasan, offering a meaningful way to begin 2026 — strengthening your body while supporting the temple at the same time!

This is an in-person class held at the temple's dojo. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat; a limited number will be available to borrow.

Instructor: Ritsu Itoi

Ritsu is a Seattle‑based Pilates instructor integrating traditional movement training with contemplative practice. Her teaching highlights body awareness, functional strength, and the steadying presence of mindful attention.