The Buddhist Temple of Salinas is in the Jodo Shinshu tradition and it is part of the mother temple of the Nishi Hongwanji in Japan. The Buddhist Temple is affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America headquartered in San Francisco.
Established in 1924 by Japanese immigrants, the Temple continues to serve as the Center for Buddhism in the Salinas Valley.
The need for Agricultural labor in the rich Salinas Valley was the stimulus for Asian immigration. Japanese immigrants came because the Alien Exclusion Act prohibited any further Chinese immigration. They came to live in Chinatown because there was nowhere else they could stay. They developed a thriving community and founded the Temple.
For the Temple’s 10th Anniversary, a Bonsho (Bell) was ordered from Japan. This was the first and largest bell imported from Japan at that time. The Bell Tower is featured in the picture above. The Bell and Bell Tower continue to be an Icon, Legacy, and source of pride for the Temple.
World War II and the incarceration of Japanese Americans created the need for Filipino field workers and another influx of Asian immigrants occurred. In spite of the war, a small group of dedicated members returned and restarted the Temple.
Another wave of Japanese migration occurred in the 1960s when immigrants from the Kagoshima area came to Salinas due to Post War conditions in Japan. They became successful flower growers and greatly enhanced the Temple membership.
Today, the Buddhist Temple of Salinas continues to serve all who are interested in Buddhism. We continue many Japanese Cultural and Religious Activities that harmonize with the Teachings of the Buddha.