Practice in Action: MultiFaith Engagement

Written By Buddhist Temple of Toledo

by Rev. Winifred Shokai Martin

The Temple has been working with the MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio for well over a decade. These efforts have focused on getting to know people of other traditions in a very authentic and personal way, thus deepening our understanding of each other.

Two seated women performing a musical number with a guitar in front of a Buddhist Altar at a Buddhist Temple during a Pride event.

MultiFaith friends give a musical performance at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on the opening night MultiFaith Pride event of Toledo Pride 2022.

Programs range from formal presentations of teachings from our traditions, to musical events, picnics, and collaboration on various issues impacting our region. It's very much a hands-on, feet on the ground, working side by side relationship which speaks beautifully to the pragmatism of Zen. 

It was especially sweet to have members of the Council participate in the Inka Shomei, ordination ceremonies, and the Grand Opening of the temple last year and see how they fully engaged the Buddhist ritual – both in the zendo and in the great, noisy procession around the temple–and the party afterwards. I feel this work of collaboration and understanding on this experiential level is really vital in a world so full of opinions and divisiveness.

MultiFaith Council friends enjoy the tea ceremony during the Temple Grand Opening and Blessing in April 2022.

MultiFaith Council Summer Series
Thursday, June 8 at 6 PM

BTT regularly hosts and represents Buddhism at MFC events. Would you like to join in? There's an opportunity THIS Thursday, as well as many more to come. This week, we're hosting the MultiFaith Council Summer Series. We will be welcoming folks into our space to learn about Buddhism over dinner. This is a public event and everyone is welcome to attend.

We're also looking for bodhisattvas available to offer their time and energy to host, cook food, set and take down, and greet our guests. This will a fun way to practice outreach and connection with a religiously diverse group of folks committed to peace and harmony. And there will be dinner and snacks! Contact Kensei with your availability at kenseibtt@gmail.com.

Watch and listen as BTT Bodhisattvas perform at the MFC's Sacred Music Concert in November 2022:

Buddhist Temple of Toledo
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Reflections from the Previous Shuso