Ekoji Buddhist Temple

We are a Shin Buddhist temple in Fairfax Station, VA, founded in 1981, with a diverse and family-friendly community offering services and education programs in English.We are a safe space in which you are welcome to explore your spiritual path. The atmosphere here is peaceful, friendly, and accepting. We are committed to the inclusion and affirmation of all people regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexuality, family dynamic, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.Please join us, either in person, or remotely online. Newcomers are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

About Us & Leadership

At Ekoji, we practice Shin Buddhism (Jōdo Shinshū in Japanese), a denomination of Buddhism that has a rich and vibrant history dating all the way back to the 1200's CE in Japan when it was founded by the former Tendai Buddhist monk, Shinran Shonen.Today, Shin Buddhism focuses on giving homage to Amida Buddha and bringing the Dharma, the teachings of the historical Gautama or Shakyamuni Buddha, to everyday people living everyday lives.To find out more about Shin Buddhism in America, visit HERE.To find out more about the core teachings of Buddhism, visit HERE.Ekoji is a member temple of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and we are grateful for the support of our benefactor BDK America.

Ekoji is lead by the following individuals:Minister

  • Reverend Kurt Rye: Virtual Minister

Assistant Ministers

  • Erick Ishii: Tokudo Minister, Certified Minister Assistant

  • Ken Nakamura: Certified Minister Assistant

  • Bob Shimokaji: Certified Minister Assistant

  • Rob Fike: Certified Minister Assistant

Lay Minister Assistants

  • Molly Kuramoto: Lay Leader

  • Ed Sams: Service Chair

Board of Directors

  • Andrea Chapman: President

  • Maya Horio: Treasurer

  • Michael Huff: Secretary

  • Jesse Barrick: Board Member

  • Jim Daniel: Board Member

  • Mahkameh Doroud: Board Member

  • Nick Karen: Board Member

  • Roger Scott: Board Member

Trustees

  • Kim Nguyen: Trustee

  • Ed Sams: Trustee

Temple Location & Services

Join us for our in-person service every Sunday at 11am Eastern.Dress is casual, yet conservative, and everyone is welcome to listen to the Dharma, learn the Nembutsu, chant, and sing gathas associated with our tradition of Shin Buddhism.If you are new, let us know! We'll help and answer any questions you might have.

Ekoji Buddhist Temple
6500 Lakehaven Lane
Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039

Google Maps

Join Us Remotely

Sunday Service - Sundays - 11am EasternJoin us online every Sunday for full service. Stay online after service for our Dharma Discussion. Scroll down to view our service outline, chants, and gathas.

Wednesday Night Study - Wednesdays - 7pm EasternDharma Breeze with Rev. Rye. Join us online each Wednesday night for meditation, Buddhist study session, and discussion.

Remote Resources: Info, Chants, Gathas

Ekoji Info & Service Order:

Chants:

Obon

Held on the Second Saturday of July every year!Obon is our annual summer Japanese cultural festival honoring the spirits of our ancestors and loved ones. We come together to eat, dance, and laugh as a community.Come for our Japanese “Bon” dancing, Nen Daiko taiko drum performance, and delicious foods, desserts, vendors, and children’s activities.Stay for the evening memorial ceremony where we fill our beautiful Japanese garden with hundreds of candles representing our departed loved ones. This moving tribute is a fitting way to end the day spent with friends, families and neighbors.All are welcome to join in our festivities! You do not need to be Japanese, a member of our temple, or even Buddhist. Come and celebrate with us!

Groups & Events

Ekoji Buddhist Temple hosts several groups and events. For the latest and most up to date information, please check our Google Calendar below.

Google Event Calendar

Temple Groups & Events

Young Buddhist Association (YBA)
- For members aged 18 to 30, we meet for fellowship, community, and public service.Sunday Morning Dharma School
- For members aged 4 through 17, we provide Buddhist education classes and a youth-focused service at the temple three Sundays per month at 9:30am. Contact ekojidharmaschool@gmail.com for the calendar and more information.Thursday Night Meditation
- Our Thursday meditation practice begins at 7:30 pm, in the Hondo (temple) building.
- Come 10 minutes prior if new for additional information.Buddhist Movie Discussion Group
- 3rd Sunday of the month, Online group watching and discussing movies as it relates to Buddhism.
- RSVP for the Zoom link here.Nen Daiko
- Ekoji's affiliate taiko drum performance group
- Nen Daiko.

Contact Us

You are welcome to send us any questions. We'll respond within a couple of business days.

Thank You

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Under Construction

This section is currently under construction.