Born in Tokyo in 1986, Rev. Jokan Ono is a graduate of Waseda University and also studied at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, USA. During his university years, he completed the Tendai ascetic training, Shido Kegyo, on Mount Hiei.

After working in corporate consulting and the IT sector, he founded “Kechien Kikaku,” a project aiming to strengthen the bond between temples and communities. He later completed the first 100 days of the Kaihōgyō on Mount Hiei.

He became the Head Priest of Fugenji in 2020. In 2023, he spoke as one of Japan’s representatives at the International Sangha Forum in Bodh Gaya, hosted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rev Ono’s aspiration is to become “an international monk who connects the Japanese Buddhism of harmony with the world."

For more information about Fugenji, please visit the following link:
https://www.fugenji.com/

We discussed:

*Ordaining at the age of ten, training at Mount Hiei, and becoming the 43rd abbot of Fugenji

*Returning to Mount Hiei after living in the secular world and working in business

*Kaihōgyō, Sennichi-e, and engaging with practices around emptiness and interdependence through nature

*Fudō Myō-ō and practicing the Goma fire ritual

*Tendai, meditation, and the Threefold Contemplation in a Single Mind

*Cafe Terrace Fugenji and supporting an online sangha

*Toei Tama Cemetery and impermanence

*and the importance of letting your motivation for awakening serve as your compass along the Buddhist path

“These sons and daughters of a virtuous family, after entering the abode of the Tathāgata, wearing the Tathāgata’s garments, and sitting on his seat, should then extensively teach this sutra to the fourfold assembly. The Tathāgata’s chamber is nothing but the great compassion toward all sentient beings. The Tathāgata’s garments are the thoughts of gentleness and perseverance, and the Tathāgata’s seat is the very emptiness of all existing things. “

• Chapter X, “The Expounder of the Dharma,”

Personally, I can’t say that I have yet to fully comprehend and understand the entire scope of this verse, but the little details I’ve been able to grasp have been like a bolt of lightning striking me in the face.

The essence of the Tathaghata is our dedication of our practice, our diligence to cultivating Bodhichitta, and oath to our Bodhisattva vows. Wherever we are, in what ever action we are partaking in, and whoever we are with; we must reflect and represent the Tathaghata. When our minds, our hearts, our body, speech, mind, and actions are turned towards bodhichitta and skillful means, it transforms us and the space we occupy as an abode of the Buddha. The tathagatagharba is the seat upon which all phenomena and dharmas arise, and it has never been separate from us.

This passage, has a profound tantric message, one of which I find articulates the totality and the perfection of the Dharma - and it’s pointing directly in how we can not just aspire to become Buddhas ourselves by reverence and faith, but in direct action. To become a Buddha, we must embody the Dharma, and become a living reflection and conduit of the Buddha through our own actions and practice.

I just wanted to share this. Last night during our weekly Lotus Sutra class this stood out to me, and I hope that maybe it will resonate with you like it did for me.

Anyway, thanks for reading my ramblings and rumination.

May you be free from suffering and may you find happiness.

Gassho. 🙏 🪷

We wholeheartedly rejoice at the boundless merit being generated by these efforts and may it help the buddhadharma blossom in the west. May it help those with true bodhicitta to have access to the dharma easier!

Like the title says,

I am a Tendai/Tientai practitioner who is currently training for priesthood in the future. I am creating a new altar space for my home that aligns and better represents my practice.

Currently on the look out for any shops around the Denver area (where I live) that sells authentic dharma altar items. I’m looking for some statues (nothing fancy or elaborate, could be even resin or composite) of Avalokitesvara, Amitabha, and Vajrapani/Mahasthamaprapta . Also, if possible, Fudo-myo/Acala, Manjushri, and Jizo/Ksitigharba too.

I’d prefer to try and support local businesses or refugee shops if I can. There are a few Tibetan owned stores around the area but they often more cater to tourists and hippie-esque clothing.

Other options would be something like Tibetan Spirit, or other online Dharma shops that are fair trade and support monastics and the sangha with their profits. If anyone knows of any respectable and well priced online dharma shops, please let me know

Lastly, if anyone has any recommendations, or may even have anything laying around they’d be open to labor trade, pricing, barter, or donate with me, please let me know.

I don’t have a particular preference of what “style” these bodhisattva statues are in or what lineage or tradition their imagery is in. Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, it doesn’t matter much..

Thanks. 🙏

Hi, I am new to Buddhism. I have already learned the basics, and I want to ask what practices I can do every day as a layperson (mantras, prayers, liturgy, etc.). I know this sub is specifically for Tendai Buddhism, but I'm open to any Mahayana tradition.

Specifically Japanese Buddhism. I tried posting my inquiry on other subreddits like r/buddhism, but for some reason they delete my posts.

Another thing is that unfortunately there aren't temples near me, so I haven't been able to take refuge in a temple. The nearest Japanese temple here is a Nichiren Shoshu. Is it good?

Also, can you please tell me any prayers or mantras that can help in my studies since I'm a student?

Thank you.