We began 2025, the 30th anniversary of Tendai Buddhist Institute and 20th anniversary of the hondo, with a story of Tendai Buddhist Institute in the Shingi. This Shingi I would like to end the year in a similar vein. The anniversary observance last June included an address by Brenda Adams, supervisor of the Town of Canaan, where Tendai Buddhist Institute is located, and an address by Job Y. Jindo, Ph.D., Professor of Bible and Comparative Religion, Academy for Jewish Religion. Job leads our Makashikan weekly tutorial.
Following is Job’s address at the time of the anniversary observance.
Story of Tendai Buddhist Institute: Part V
On the Occasion of the 20th/30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Founding of the Tendai Buddhist Institute and the Rakkeishiki of the Jiunzan Tendai-ji Hondō June 14, 2025
By Job Y. Jindo, Ph.D.
Congratulations to Monshin-sensei, Tamami-san, the TBI sangha, and to Kaishin and Jimon. More than anyone, I believe that Dengyō Daishi—the Root Master of Japanese Buddhism and the founder of the Tendai tradition—would be most delighted by this day.
My own connection with TBI began through my book project on the Tendai monk Hagami Shōchō-sensei, one of the foremost Japanese Buddhist leaders of the twentieth century, who dedicated his life to fostering collaboration among religious leaders worldwide as a foundation for mutual understanding and lasting peace. More than forty years ago, when President Anwar Sadat of Egypt made peace with Israel, Hagami-sensei played a key role in supporting that historic initiative through his appeals for interreligious reconciliation.
Tendai Buddhism is a vast and intricate tradition—so much so that no sensible person would attempt to summarize it briefly. Yet, since I am clearly not a sensible person, I will try nonetheless. Allow me to share three beautiful qualities that I have come to recognize in TBI, as reflected through Hagami-sensei’s teachings.
First, TBI embodies an extraordinary spirit of inclusivity. It welcomes everyone — not only Tendai practitioners, but individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, myself included. Jews are welcomed as Jews, Christians as Christians, Muslims as Muslims, and Job as Job. This openness reflects Dengyō Daishi’s far-reaching vision, which transcends sectarian boundaries and embraces all beings. The ultimate aim of Tendai Buddhism is not the mastery of a single method or doctrine, but, as Hagami-sensei often expressed, the “redemption of all humanity.”
Second, TBI manifests a profound commitment to service, guided by the principle of rita — the practice of acting for the benefit of others. Its mission extends well beyond the Tendai community, reaching across religious and cultural lines to serve the broader public. It has become a cherished presence within the local neighborhood. In this way, the sangha of TBI truly embodies what I would call “Tendai beyond Tendai.”
Third, the sōryōs — the ordained priests of Tendai Buddhist Institute — are financially independent. In a society without a traditional parish system, this independence is deeply meaningful. It reflects the teaching that “Sustenance lies within dō-shin—the awakened heart that seeks the path—and not the other way around.” It reminds us that when one’s resolve is genuine, the path — and its sustenance — unfold from within.
I would also like to add a word about humor. As Head Priest Etai Yamada once observed, “The depth of one’s enlightenment is revealed in one’s sense of humor.” It is a gentle reminder to preserve joy and lightness, even amid the seriousness of spiritual practice.
In a world that so often forgets what truly matters, the teachings of Dengyō Daishi are needed more than ever. America — with its diversity and its aspiration to realize E pluribus unum—may well be the most fitting testing ground for addressing what Hagami-sensei called “the karma of mutual distrust that dwells in the human heart.”
May TBI continue to embody the wisdom, compassion, and courage that the world so urgently needs. I remain committed to supporting TBI in carrying forward the legacy of Dengyō Daishi and Hagami-sensei—so that each of us may illuminate a corner of life.
Thank you . . . Job
A final note. Each year our sangha joins with members of other faith communities, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and non-affiliated folks, for an interfaith Thanksgiving service. This year was no different. What a great sharing of each tradition’s wisdom with reflections, prayers, recitation and sharing of sacred verses, and song.
We do this because we know that while our faith traditions call us to worship differently, we are together people of faith who recognize our shared humanity is greater than our differences. Take the opportunity to experience and express muditā, empathetic joy, with a diversity of faith and practices this holiday season. Chag urim sameach (Happy Hanukkah Holiday), Merry Christmas, Heri za Kwanzaa (Happy Kwanza), and while we don’t a have greeting, may your Bodhi day be filled with loving kindness.
Gassho with love . . . Shumon and Monshin