On November 2, 2023 Rev. Ron Miyamura retired after a 50 year ministerial career. MBT is grateful to have had Rev. Ron’s leadership for these many years and we will always honor him for his major role in the history of our temple.

Rev. Ron’s ministerial journey began in 1964 at University of California Davis and UC Berkeley, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in history. From there, he attended the Institute of Buddhist Studies, a pre-ministerial candidate school.

With his interest and passion growing, Rev. Ron went on to Ryukoku University in Kyoto, where he earned his master of arts in Shin Buddhism. Between the years of 1971–73, Rev. Ron completed his Tokudo and Kyoshi training and participated in the ceremonies. 

His tireless efforts finally brought him to Chicago where he was assigned to the Midwest Buddhist Temple on Aug. 1, 1973 as assistant minister to Rev. Gyodo Kono. That year Rev. Ron started MBT’s annual New Year’s Eve Service (ringing the Kansho bell 108 times) establishing a tradition that has lasted to this day. 

During his early years in Chicago, Rev. Ron met Elaine Ichikawa and in May 1975 they were married at MBT with the ceremony being officiated by Bishop Tsuji of the Buddhist Churches of America.

Over  Rev. Ron’s many years his influence and presence has been widely felt through his work with BCA Eastern District temples including the Twin Cities Buddhist Association (TCBA), Cleveland Buddhist Temple, New York Buddhist Church, Ekoji Buddhist Temple and Seabrook Buddhist Temple.

Rev. Todd Tsuchiya reflected on Rev. Ron’s influence at the Twin Cities Buddhist Association. “Our Sangha started in 1946 with the help of Rev. Gyodo Kono, the founding minister of MBT. We are grateful for the support of MBT, but without Rev. Ron, we would not be in existence today. He has always realized that we are a unique organization with unique needs and unique methods of practice. He brought the Minister’s Assistant Program (MAP) to us to increase access to the teachings and enhance our leadership team. This has enabled us to increase our service meetings and our membership. We have adapted and grown to keep up with changing needs, all thanks to Rev. Ron.”

Rev. Ron later encouraged TCBA to start a Buddhist taiko group, which led to the inception of Kogen Taiko. His encouragement and leadership led to the start of taiko groups at MBT, Seabrook and New York, as well.

Far away or right here in Chicago, Rev. Ron has made his mark. He has worked collaboratively with the Chicago Buddhist Ministers Group and the Catholic Buddhist Dialogue of Chicago. In 2015 he was asked by the BCA to be part of a delegation of Buddhist leaders to participate in a Catholic Buddhist Dialog held in Rome at the request of Pope Francis. The session was sponsored by the Pontifical Council on Inter-Religious Dialogue. Rev. Ron shared his thoughts about this remarkable session in an essay posted on our website in August 2015 – Different Faiths, Common Goals.

A career by definition is an individual’s chosen profession for which they train in order to undertake a life’s calling. Whether Rev. Ron was serving as a minister, a sensei of taiko, actively running Ginza as the chairman, or simply acting as a friend, one thing is clear. 

In all of the Sanghas he has been a part of, Rev. Ron has loyally dedicated himself to being there for his Sangha members. He has been there for the joys of marriage and other milestone celebrations. He has been by his Sangha’s side for the challenges of illnesses and the loss of loved ones.

An example of Rev. Ron’s dedication was exhibited during the Covid Pandemic when all public buildings and institutions were closed as whole populations quarantined at home. Every Sunday for nearly 18 months, Rev. Ron would sit alone in MBT’s Hondo and give a Dharma message from the Naijin streamed via the internet to Sangha members and others both near and far. While he could have given his talks from home, he felt people would appreciate the atmosphere of the Hondo and of course he was right. Many people signed on each Sunday to hear his comforting messages and to maintain a sense of connection.  

Rev Ron’s commitment has been very clear in his actions over the past 50 years proving that ministry is his true life’s calling. His “come as you are” all-inclusive mindset will surely continue for years to come.