About Us & Frequently Asked Questions
The New York Buddhist Church welcomes you to join us in hearing, learning and practicing the Buddha-Dharma.
The New York Buddhist Church (founded 1938) is a temple of Jodoshinshu True Pure Land School Buddhism, whose head temple is Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. May the Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha, which embraces us just as we are, touch your heart so that you may be awakened to the world of Living With Nembutsu, guided by the teachings of Shinran Shonin.
Meet Our Ministers
Rev. Kurt Kyosei Rye was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but his early years were spent in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He moved to Washington state in high school and graduated with a B.A. in psychology from Evergreen State College in 1985. He began his career by working with the chronically mentally ill population in Seattle. He then moved to Japan and for four years, taught English in Tokyo, where he was exposed to Buddhism. He attended the English Buddhist Academy in Tokyo and had the opportunity to take several courses on Japanese Buddhism at Taisho University.
Upon his return to Seattle, he became an active member of the Seattle Betsuin under the guidance of Rev. Don Castro. During this period, he managed a housing program for homeless clients with mental illness to help them become stable and move on to more permanent housing.
In the fall of 2003, he received his Tokudo ordination and started attending the Institute for Buddhist Studies (IBS) in January of 2004. He graduated in the fall of 2007, received his Kyoshi certification in December 2007, and his Kaikyoshi certification in April 2009. He joined the Fresno Betsuin as an associate minister in April 2008. In January 2013, he transferred to the Ekoji Temple. In September 2015, he became the resident minister at the Placer Buddhist Church which he served until December 2018.
Rev. Rye joined the New York Buddhist Church in September of 2023. He is also the Supervising Minister for the Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Virginia, and the Seabrook Buddhist Temple in New Jersey.
Click here to watch a video about setting up a home altar (o-butsudan) from Rev. Rye
 Rev Isabelle, Rev Rye, Rev Gary, Rev Cheryl |
Minister's Assistants Rev Isabelle Shinjo Bernard Rev. Cheryl Joko Ikemiya Rev. Gary Shobo Jaskula Lay Leaders and Lay Assistants Nobuko Kodama |
I'm new to Buddhism - what is a good way to learn?
Attending a service or class is a good way to begin learning about Buddhism and provides an opportunity to ask questions of the minister and temple members. Please see our calendar for the date and time of services and classes. If you do not live near a temple, there are many books and websites that may be of help, and we've provided some suggestions here on our site.
Can anyone attend a service or class - even someone who is not a Buddhist?
Our services and classes are open to all regardless of religious background, experience, ethnicity, gender, etc. You are welcome to attend any of our services and classes or ongoing programs, but note that a small number of services and classes are conducted only in Japanese. Where relevant, language is indicated with service or class information on our calendar.
How should I dress for a service or class?
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for meditation classes. For Sunday services, most temple members dress up somewhat although there is no need to be too formal and casual dress clothes are appropriate.
Are there any specific customs or etiquette I should follow when attending?
Like any tradition, there are certain customs that are observed as a way of showing respect to the Buddhist teachings when visiting a Jodoshinshu Buddhist temple. For example, we bow when entering and leaving the Hondo (main temple hall). The best way to learn about these customs is to observe the behavior of others and to ask questions of the minister or temple members.
The New York Buddhist Church is located 331-332 Riverside Drive between West 105 Street and West 106 Street, on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The NYBC is easily accessible by car or by public transportation.
By Car: From the George Washington Bridge, Upstate New York, or Lower Manhattan, take Route 9A (Henry Hudson Parkway) and exit at the 95 Street or 96 Street exit. Drive north along Riverside Drive or West End Avenue ten blocks.
By Subway: Take the number One Train to the 103 Street station. Exit the station and walk two blocks north on Broadway to West 105 Street. Make a left and walk two blocks west to Riverside Drive.
By Bus: Take the M60 bus (which goes to and from La Guardia airport in Queens) west from 125th Street in Manhattan or from Queens. Exit the bus at the last stop at West 106 Street and Broadway. Walk west on West 106th Street to Riverside Drive and make a left.
