Organizations
Buddhist Women's Association
The Parlier Buddhist Women's Association, formerly know as the Fujinkai, has been an integeral part of our church for many years and has a very large part the success of thechurch and Buddhism in America.
The BWA, open to adult women, is important for the vitality of temple sanghas, particularly in the preservation of Japanese and Japanese-American Buddhist traditions,and oral history.
The Parlier BWA is a part of the Central District regional chapter. In the United States, the umbrella organization of BWA chapters is the Federation of Buddhist Women's Associations (FBWA).
Yearly conferences are held, with the location and sponsorship rotating among the various BCA districts. A worldwide conference of BWA chapters is held every four years.
The BWA has monthly meetings and activities, both religious and social.
Contact us for more information.
Medaka No Gakko
Medaka no Gakko was established in 1980 by parents who were interested in having a summer school program that would teach children about their Japanese heritage and culture. Gakko has always relied on the participation of parents, grandparents and community members to work together to provide this experience for our children. Medaka no Gakko means “school of little fish.” It is named after a Japanese song whose lyrics ask “can you tell the difference between the teacher and the students?” The song answers, “no, because everyone’s having a good time.” Children who have completed kindergarten through seventh grade attend a two week program that runs from 8:30am to 11:30am at the Parlier Buddhist Church. Each day the students participate in Japanese language class, learn about Japanese customs, create projects that incorporate their family crest or mon, and learn about traditions such as obon, bonsai, and ikebana, listen to Japanese folk tales and enjoy delicious Japanese food for snack.
Registration for the summer session begins in November and closes at the beginning of December. The two week session is generally the second half of June.
For more information about Medaka no Gakko, please contact Kari Kozuki at kari@kozuki.com
Gakko Gives
Gakko Gives is a program for Medaka no Gakko students and alumni to support our community through volunteer opportunities. We believe that volunteering and giving back helps to strengthen our community, gives a sense of pride and identity and makes the world a better place. Gakko Gives has participated in events at the Shinzen Japanese Garden, provided activities and companionship to seniors at Vintage Gardens Assisted Living, and provided speakers and support to the Fresno Peace Coalition at their ceremonies commemorating the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
If your organization would like Gakko Gives to consider providing assistance and support to your community event, please reach out to Kara at kah1201@icloud.com.