News and Events

“How do we meet each other? Black-Asian dialogue in Buddhist America” launches September 30, with new conversations each month through spring 2027 Berkeley, California — September 2, 2026 — Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad, Founding Director of the Initiative for Black Buddhist […]

Faculty, students, trustees and friends of the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) gathered May 21 at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California, to celebrate the graduating class of 2026. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Leroy Morishita, Chair of […]

The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad as Research Fellow, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Vesely-Flad is a nationally recognized scholar whose work stands at the intersection of Buddhist studies, Black […]

The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is excited to announce the reopening of the IBS Haste Street Dorm. The pandemic lockdown highlighted that the dormitory required major renovation and repair. The IBS Board of Trustees did not believe the IBS […]

It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Natalie Quli when she was appointed the Institute of Buddhist Studies’ Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies in fall 2025. “I see this Chair as a form of stewardship,” she said, “My […]

This year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion is taking place in Boston, MA, from November 21 to 25. And several members of the IBS faculty will be participating or giving presentations. If you’re planning to attend, here […]

Updates from our fundraiser to renovate the Haste Street Dorm- alumni from the chaplaincy program quickly pooled their resources to name a room after Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst. There’s still time to join our campaign and name a resident room […]

On Saturday, August 23rd, incoming students, faculty and staff convened at the Jodo Shinshu Center for Fall Orientation. The in person orientation was a chance for students and faculty to meet each other, and for students to mingle for the […]

As the current holder of the Noboru and Yaeko Hanyu Buddhist Chaplaincy Professorial Chair at the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS), Dr. Nancy Lin is carrying forward an important legacy of compassion and service. The Hanyu Chair was established in […]

In the early 1960s, the Buddhist Churches of America committed itself to the training and education of America-born ministers. It was decided that the BCA Study Center, then housed at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, would be chiefly responsible for these […]

The Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce that a new online Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.B.S) has been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Applicants are welcome to apply for Spring 2026 […]

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, students, faculty, trustees and friends of IBS gathered at the Jodo Shinshu Center to celebrate our graduating students Dr. Thomas Calobrisi delivered the commencement address. Faculty and staff also led a memorial service for Camille […]