We are a group dedicated to supporting our temple’s LGBTQ+ community.

We are a gathering of community members and allies invested in learning about how our Buddhist principles, rooted in the Dharma, can spread messages of love and acceptance to all.

In Japanese, Niji means rainbow, the universal symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. As a Jodo Shinshu temple with roots in Japan and founded by Japanese Americans, we honor the Midwest Buddhist Temple’s history as the Niji (Rainbow) Dharma group.

In the Amida Sutra, it is written:

“The blue flowers emit a blue light; the yellow flowers emit a yellow light; the red flowers emit a red light; and the white flowers emit a white light. Each of the lotus flowers glows, weaving a harmonic scene while emitting a subtle fragrance. Shariputra, Pure Land is an ideal environment so that whatever one lays eyes upon will bring about awakening.”

Buddhism provides a wealth of inclusive teachings that lead us toward lives of non-discrimination, compassion and the understanding that each flower’s color and light, different from its neighbor, contributes to a brighter and more beautiful environment in which we can awaken with the joy of the Dharma.

“Come as you are” is the motto of the Midwest Buddhist Temple. We each come to the temple with our own experiences, perspectives and differences, and all are accepted as valid and integral to our congregation. This message tells us not only how we should treat others, but how we should offer grace and compassion to ourselves.

“Come as you are” does not mean accepting systemic inequities because “that is how it has always been” or “that’s the way it is.” It does not mean accepting inhumane treatment of others. In fact, “that’s the way it is” is not recognized in Buddhism, because everything is constantly changing. Nothing has an everlasting existence.

As Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we recite Namo Amida Butsu as an expression of our gratitude to Amida Buddha for awakening us to Boundless Wisdom unfolding as Compassion. We are meant to put that compassion into action and to apply it in our relationships with our fellow living beings and with ourselves.  Amida Buddha, as our ultimate reality, speaks to each of us personally, calling on us to break through our discriminating minds and offer gratitude for the countless causes and conditions that have led us to our current existence and coexistence.

Even though these teachings are foundational for MBT as a Buddhist temple, we are actively developing more tangible support for our LGBTQ+ members.  In 2023, the LGBTQ+ Fund was established by Rev. Todd Tsuchiya and the leaders of The Kono Fund.  In June of 2024, the Niji Dharma group held their first official meeting.

The Niji Dharma group meets regularly for Dharma discussions, event planning, and fellowship with the shared goal of developing and supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives rooted in our Buddhist principles.  Contact the MBT Office to learn more!

If you would like to make a donation, please visit the MBT donation page and include the memo “Niji Dharma” with your payment.  Donations have been used to send members to the Okaeri Conference in Los Angeles, to support Pride Month programs and materials, and to purchase sets of books for group discussion.