BUTSUDAN 

In February, 2023, the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta and Nikkei Memory Capture Project held a one-day workshop exploring the butsudan or Buddhist family/home altar. In 3 sessions, the workshop explored aspects of the Butsudan and its value to those who possess one. An information session, led by Reverend Roland Ikuta, introduced the butsudan: its history and purpose, the rituals involved, and its upkeep. The second session offered families opportunities to create a ‘living memory’ audiovisual portfolio of their butsudan. The third session provided families with an opportunity to hold a “nyu-butsu shiki” or butsudan initiation ceremony. For an overview of the butsudan initiative, refer to this project film: Click here

The recording of the 1-hour information session can be accessed on the BTSA YouTube channel: HERE

If you are interested in owning a previously loved butsudan or any of the ritual objects that are placed in and around it, please contact Rev. Roland Ikuta at btsaboard@gmail.com or (403) 360-8800.