Temple Tours & School Visits

NOTE FROM MIDWEST BUDDHIST TEMPLE: Please contact the temple office (office@mbtchicago.org or 312 943 7801) for information about possible tours. Thank you.

Tour the temple

Temple tours are given to provide background information about Buddhism, in general, and about our Jodo Shinshu sect (Shin Buddhism), in particular. Tours also touch on the history and architecture of our temple, and allow for questions to be asked and answered.

The temple is wheelchair-accessible with an elevator that can also be used by those who may have trouble climbing stairs.

Please contact the temple office regarding tours office@mbtchicago.org or call 312.943.7801.

School tours

College Tour 300x200During the school year, high schools, colleges and universities often schedule tours of the temple to tie in with their World Religion, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology or Philosophy classes.

Teachers, if you are interested in bringing your students to the Midwest Buddhist Temple, please contact us. Let us know when you would like to visit and all efforts will be made to accommodate your school group.

We follow the teachings of Shinran Shonin, the eminent 12th century Japanese Buddhist priest and founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Shinran lived at a time when Japan was experiencing great social upheaval, with Japanese Buddhism undergoing a transformation from secluded monastic communities that served the privileged elite to a flourishing of socially engaged Buddhist teachings that offered paths to awakening for the common people.

Shinran taught that by listening to the words of the Buddha with an open heart, the path of our lives is realized by the wisdom and compassion of awakening. Jodo Shinshu has, at its core, the realization of the fulfilled life in the present rather than the yearning for a reward in the afterlife.

Every tour will emphasize the teaching of the Buddha as it relates to Buddhism in general, and the teachings of Shinran Shonin, as it relates to the life of the Buddha.

For more information

If you would like to arrange a tour or have any questions please contact us at  office@mbtchicago.org or call 312.943.7801.