Rev. Yoshitaka Tamai devoted his ministry to the Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple, sharing the Jōdo Shinshū teachings and the Nembutsu way of life with his community for decades. When approached about supporting IBS in 1982, he replied without hesitation: “Tell me what I can do. I will do whatever I can to support you.” He passed away shortly after, but his spirit endured.
In 1986, the Tri-State Buddhist Temples established the Tamai Chair in his honor. Previous holders include Drs. Kenneth Tanaka and Lisa Grumbach. Dr. Scott Mitchell was appointed in 2015 and has held the chair since. A scholar of American Buddhist history and author of The Making of American Buddhism, Dr. Mitchell also serves as IBS President — teaching, writing, and leading the institution in the very spirit Rev. Tamai embodied.
To support the work of Dr. Mitchell and all of IBS, consider making a gift to professorial endowments through the BCA Endowment Foundation. Donate online here and click “IBS chairs” from the drop-down menu.
Thank you and gassho!
Support Buddhism in America
Donate online to make a one-time or recurring donation to the Eshinni Kakushinni Chair. Once at the BCAEF page, select “IBS Chairs” from the drop-down menu, and then “Tamai Chair.”
Alternately, mail in your gift with a check payable to
BCA Endowment Foundation
2140 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704