Marvin Harada

Marvin Harada
Born12 September 1953 Edit this on Wikidata
Ontario Edit this on Wikidata
EducationMaster of Arts Edit this on Wikidata
Alma mater
OccupationPriest Edit this on Wikidata
Position heldBishop of the Buddhist Churches of America (2020–) Edit this on Wikidata
Rev. Marvin Harada reciting a text at the White House Vesak celebration in May 2021

Marvin Harada (born 12 September 1953) is a Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist minister within the Buddhist Churches of America, and serves as its bishop since 1 April 2020. As bishop of BCA, he also serves as the superintendent of Hongwanji-ha's North American district.[1]

On 25 May 2021, he served as the representative of the Mahayana tradition in a celebration of Gautama Buddha's birthday (Vesak) arranged by the White House.[2][3]

Biography

He was born in Ontario, Oregon. His grandparents, farmers from Hiroshima Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture, emigrated to the United States in early 20th century.[4]

He majored in religious studies at University of Oregon,[4] and received a Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies from Institute of Buddhist Studies. After acquiring these degrees, he moved to Japan to study at Ryukoku University and the Honganji-ha seminary Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin. He received a M.A. in Shin Buddhist Studies from Ryukoku University.[1]

Prior to becoming bishop, he served as a minister at Orange County Buddhist Church since 1986, and eventually became the head minister there. Alongside this, he has served as co-director of BCA Continuing Buddhist Education, and as supervising minister of Sacramento Betsuin and Vista Buddhist Temple.[1]

Bibliography

  • Harada, Marvin (2011). Discovering Buddhism in everyday life. Buddhist Education Center. ISBN 9780972139540. OCLC 809726884.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Rev. Harada Named Bishop of BCA". Rafu Shimpo. 2020-04-23. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
  2. ^ Sperry, Rod Meade. "US president Joe Biden, White House extend warm wishes to Buddhists worldwide in first-ever Vesak celebration". Lion's Roar. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
  3. ^ "First White House Buddhist lamp in history". Religion News Service. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
  4. ^ a b Palazuelos, Adrienne Bard de. "Meet a Teacher: Rev. Marvin Harada". Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Archived from the original on 5 Dec 2020. Retrieved 2021-07-07.