Appreciating the Women of Jodo Shinshu

Guest speaker, Reverend Yukiko Motoyoshi, spoke in appreciation of the Women of Jodo Shinshu and the countless members of the Buddhist Women’s Association. “Because of them, I am able to enjoy the Nembutsu.” (February 11, 2024)

While our temple was founded 125 years ago, our Jodo Shinshu tradition dates back over 800 years. Along with our founder Shinran Shonin, several women played crucial roles in making our school of Buddhism one of the most influential and inspiring.

On Sunday, February 11, the Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association (SBWA) observed a memorial service honoring four women of Jodo Shinshu: Lady Eshinni, Lady Kakushinni, Lady Takeko Kujo and Lady Yoshiko Ohtani. These four women deserve recognition for their outstanding contribution to the growth of Jodo Shinshu in Japan as well as in Sanghas around the world. 

Lady Eshinni, the wife of Shinran Shonin, provided her husband with both emotional and financial support so that he could spread the Dharma. Lady Kakushinni, the youngest daughter of Eshinni and Shinran Shonin, not only cared for her father during his final years, but also planted the seeds of organization that became the Hongwanji, our mother temple in Kyoto.

Lady Takeko Kujo, along with her sister-in-law Lady Kazuko Ohtani, founded the Buddhist Women’s Association in 1905. She was a poet and wrote the lyrics to the gatha, “Seiya.” Lady Yoshiko Ohtani, the spouse of the 23rd Monshu, Kosho Ohtani, was instrumental in unifying the Buddhist Women’s Associations throughout the world.

The Sacramento Buddhist Women's Association Choir, under the direction of Merv Maruyama and accompanied by pianist Myra Okasaki, performs the gatha, "Seiya." Lady Takeko Kujo, a poet and one of four notable women of Jodo Shinshu, wrote the lyrics.

The service was chaired by Sandy Kataoka Fong and officiated by Reverend Matt Hamasaki. Reverend Yukiko Motoyoshi, who retired from the Buddhist Church of Stockton in 2020, was the guest speaker. Reverend Motoyoshi recounted her experiences with devoted Buddhist women who generously gave of their time and talents as an expression of gratitude for the Dharma. 

The SBWA Choir sang the gatha “Seiya,” written by Lady Takeko Kujo. There was also a slide presentation as a tribute to our SBWA members. Those attending the service were happy to see each other, and it was a good opportunity for many to visit and catch up at the reception.

(From left to right): Virginia Uchida, Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association auditor; Myra Okasaki, choir pianist and creator of a video tribute to SBWA members; and Sandy Kataoka Fong, chair of the service, are among the volunteers who have made the SBWA a vital part of our temple.

How grateful we all are for the time, energy, and generosity of spirit the SBWA provides our temple!

By Merv Maruyama