Aki sensei Announces New Study Classes

Study Classes at MBT

MBT provides provides classes throughout the year on zoom. This allows everyone to participate from the comfort of their homes and from anywhere in the country.

Currently, Midwest Buddhist Temple offers online study classes three times a year during the months of January-February, May-June, and September-October. Topics vary and are open to anyone to join. No prior knowledge or temple affiliation required. All class sessions are free though offerings of dana (donations) are always appreciated.

For specific dates and times, please contact us at office@mbtchicago.org or call 312.943.7801. Following are upcoming sessions.

MBT Study Class (8 sessions)
When: Wednesdays, 7pm (9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28)
Where: Zoom
About: This is an informal discussion group about topics on general Buddhisms and our Jodo Shinshu tradition. We will focus on ways in which the Buddhist teaching and practice impacts our daily lives. Emphasis is on discussion/participation as we learn best through our interaction with each other sharing our life experiences.

No prior knowledge or commitment to attending all sessions required. Attendees can also submit questions via email or online form prior to each class.

Registration: https://forms.gle/ZojebgE7ZaEt8GxQ9

Jodo Shinshu for Bonbu People (8 sessions)
When: Thursdays, 7pm (9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29)
Where: Zoom
About: This is a lecture style class with a Q&A session for bonbu [ordinary, imperfect] beings. Each eight-week session will be on a certain topic or theme.

For the Sept-Oct 2026 sessions, Aki sensei will introduce the basics of Jodo Shinshu, including a brief history of the founding of the Hongwanji branch of Pure Land Buddhism by Venerable Shinran, the primary sutras and texts, important teachers and their contributions to our understanding of the Buddha-dharma, etc.

No prior knowledge or commitment to attending all sessions required.

Possible future topics/themes: The life of Shinran Shonin, the 7 great teachers of Jodo Shinshu, Shinran’s Letters, Rennyo’s Letters, Eshin-ni’s Letters, Women in Jodo Shinshu, Chanting and Rituals, “Practice” in Jodo Shinshu

Registration: https://forms.gle/7xDS4BkgzdmUHbLb7

New activities at MBT:

Bonbu Chats (in person Dharma discussions)
When: Starting in September, 2nd and 4th Sundays, after service 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Location announced at the end of service (usually hondo or meeting room)
About: Join Aki sensei for an informal discussion session after service. These discussion sessions are open to everyone to ask questions about anything related to Jodo Shinshu, the teachings, how to apply the teachings in our daily lives, etc.

Introduction to MBT and Family Dharma Service
When: Starting in September, 1st and 3rd Sundays 9:45am-10am
Where: Meet in the Hondo (main hall)
About: Join Aki sensei or one of our minister’s assistants to learn about Midwest Buddhist Temple and some basics of how family Dharma services are conducted, incense offering, our onaijin (altar) space, etc. Anyone can join and no pre-registration is necessary.