CA National Council Meeting
In February 2026, I was honored to represent the Mountain View Buddhist Temple at the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) National Council Meeting held in Renton, Washington, and hosted by the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple.
Joining me to represent MVBT was Craig Hamasaki (as the MVBT 1st Vice President and President Elect) and Rev. Mukojima, MVBT resident Minister. MVBT was also represented by Glenn Kitasoe, who is the BCA Ministers Affairs Committee Chair, and Kevin Arakaki, who is the BCA Controller. In addition, John Arima, while not able to attend in-person, is in line to become BCA Treasurer.
One of the messages by Bishop Reverend Harada is the 2026 BCA theme of “Realizing our Interconnectedness.” This is truly exemplified by this BCA National Council meeting that brings together ministers and Board Presidents and Delegates to engage in the organization’s meeting to discuss BCA reports, activities and changes, current and future. Discussions included membership concerns, organizational concerns and reflections on Buddhism in America.
Peace March by Buddhist Monks
If you missed the news item of the “Peace March by Buddhist Monks,” it is truly an inspiring story. A group of 24 Buddhist monks from the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, walked to Washington DC, approximately 2300 miles. Some chose to walk barefoot.
They began in October 2025 from Fort Worth, Texas, and arrived in February 2026 in Washington DC. Along the way, they gained many supporters, sometimes numbering in the thousands to support them and listen to their daily Dharma messages. They gained almost 5 million followers on Facebook and Instagram. Their intention was to promote peace, compassion and nonviolence.
Dharma Messages and Guidance from Many Places
Whether messages of peace come from Buddhist monks that have walked barefoot for 2300 miles or messages from our own BCA ministry, I am grateful for these Dharma messages and guidance.
In appreciation,
Julie Satake Ryu
2026 President of the MVBT Board of Directors