Buddhist Temple of Chicago

Gazing at the six-sided structure of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, can you imagine it being built twice? The Buddhist Temple of Chicago stands here in Uptown, a testament to resilience and inclusion. It’s a unique building, modeled after the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto, Japan. This six-sided design gives it a distinct character. The Buddhist Temple of Chicago’s story starts in 1944. Founded by Reverend Gyomay M. Kubose and Japanese Americans released from internment camps, it was originally known as the Chicago Buddhist Church. Located then in Hyde Park on Chicago’s South Side, it provided a spiritual home for a community rebuilding their lives. Reverend Kubose was a remarkable figure. He was a pioneer in making Buddhist teachings accessible in English. He was also one of the first Jodo Shinshu ministers in the United States to incorporate Zen meditation. The Buddhist Temple of Chicago eventually relocated to Uptown in the mid-1950s. The current building, dedicated in 2006, represents a new chapter in its history. Although rooted in the Japanese Pure Land tradition, the Buddhist Temple of Chicago embraces diversity. Its members come from various backgrounds, including European, African, Asian, Latin, and Native American descent. It’s a place where anyone seeking to learn about the Dharma is welcome, regardless of their background or beliefs. The Buddhist Temple of Chicago even has members of other religions who find the Buddha’s teachings compatible with their own faith. Inside this serene space, services and classes are conducted in English. They offer meditation sessions, study classes on Buddhist texts like the Sutta Nipata and the Lotus Sutra, and a variety of cultural events throughout the year. The Buddhist Temple of Chicago serves as a vibrant hub for spiritual exploration and cultural exchange in the heart of Uptown.