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
- ^ a b c "Rev. Harada Named Bishop of BCA". Rafu Shimpo. 2020-04-23. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "First White House Buddhist lamp in history". Religion News Service. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
- ^ 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.
