Perhaps not the best thing to think about during church, but I often find my mind wondering what the ministers of my church do when they aren’t at the weekly Sunday service. It is easy to forget that the people around you have lives of their own, but by writing this article, I hoped to learn more about how Reverend Etsuko Mikame, the minister at San Jose Buddhist Church Bestuin, spends her time.
What sparked your interest in becoming a Buddhist minister?
I was born and raised in a Jodo Shinshu temple that has been around for 360 years. However, when I was younger, I had no interest in Buddhism and never thought about becoming a Buddhist minister. After graduating from university and starting a job in my hometown, I struggled with relationships and found it difficult to enjoy life. During that time, my grandmother, who was also a minister living with my family, shared stories about someone who had been a minister abroad. Initially, I admired that lifestyle, thinking it would be an escape from reality. From there, I continued to learn and realized that you cannot escape from reality. However, the fact that I have been able to study the Buddha’s wisdom to correctly reassess the experience, along with the workings of the Buddha’s compassion that supports me, has become a significant source of strength in my life.
How long have you been working in this position?
I have been a minister for 12 years now, and I’ve been working at the San Jose Betsuin for 5 years.
What does a normal day look like?
On weekdays, I start the day with morning service for the children at Lotus Preschool at 10 AM. After that, I write talks and newsletters for the Sunday service, and I also handle any scheduled memorials or funerals. I assist another organization called JSIO, where I do translation work and help plan programs. Occasionally in the evenings, I participate in
meetings with various organizations.
What are some steps people can take to become a reverend?
The steps to become a Buddhist minister in Japan and the United States are indeed different. To become a minister of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, one must first have an affiliated temple and obtain approval from the head priest to belong to that temple. In Japan, if you have an affiliated temple, you can become a monk starting in middle school. To do so, you must participate in an ordination ceremony called “Tokudo.” This requires attending a preparatory course where you study sutras, teachings, and history, and pass an exam. Once you pass, you can participate in the session for ordination. Alternatively, studying at a
university or Buddhist seminary also qualifies you for ordination. The ordination session lasts 11 days at a training facility in Kyoto, where you practice sutras, and study teachings and history under strict instructors. On the final day, you participate in a special ceremony at the Hongwanji, the main temple.
What was the most difficult part of your journey to being a minister and how did you overcome it?
When I first started studying in Japan, I couldn’t fully digest the teachings or feel grateful for them. Even when I was delivering talks at the Buddhist seminary, I felt guilty for presenting the Buddha’s teachings in a way that seemed grateful, even though I didn’t genuinely feel that way. However, as I began to enjoy attending various temples and listening to the talks of different ministers, I gradually started to feel a sense of gratitude. Now, I wholeheartedly enjoy Buddhism. Since coming to America, I’ve been grappling with how to convey these teachings due to cultural and language differences. I often find myself being asked about Buddhism in general rather than just Jodo Shinshu, which makes me acutely aware of my lack of knowledge and language skills. This ongoing struggle can be quite challenging, but I am working to overcome it.
What is an interesting thing about your job that not many people know?
This is something I do exclusively at the San Jose temple, though; I always have the rice offered at the temple for lunch, so I don’t need to cook rice myself.
What is your favorite memory of your time as a reverend?
Choosing just one memory is difficult, but when I was in Japan, I enjoyed guiding aspiring ministers at a Buddhist seminary and witnessing their growth. That experience has become a significant foundation for me. Additionally, during Obon period in Japan, I would visit members’ homes for memorial services, and I found great joy in having conversations with them. Since coming here, I have enjoyed participating in community events like the Obon festival, and I also look forward to the Sunday services every week.
What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?
Before coming to America, my beloved grandmother passed away. I remember that she jokingly said she wanted me to officiate her funeral. At that time, I had already been appointed to the Buddhist Churches of America, but I had never officiated a funeral on my own. Through my grandmother’s funeral, I learned so much: the sorrow of losing a loved one, how to officiate a funeral service, and even insights about life itself. I believe this was the last and greatest lesson she taught me, one that she imparted with all her heart.
A piece of advice for others?
I can’t say anything grand, but I came to America because I believe it’s better to regret doing something than not doing it. If there’s something you want to try, I think you should go for it!