News

 On Saturday, April 12th, IBS hosted a chaplaincy workshop featuring three speakers who offered diverse viewpoints on the topic of “Humble Healing: Narratives, Story, and Silence in Spiritual Care.” The hybrid event was well-attended in-person and on Zoom by students, […]

On Friday, April 21, to a packed crowd at U.C Berkeley, Zen priest and acclaimed author Ruth Ozeki delivered the 2025 Unno Memorial Lecture. Opening with an anecdote about scholar Taitetsu Unno, who Ozeki met at her time at Smith […]

Didn’t get the limited edition IBS sweatshirt the first time around? We’re pleased to announce we’re selling sweatshirts (and T-shirts!) for this year’s commencement. Proceeds from sales will go towards supporting our programs and areas of greatest need. Available here: […]

We’re pleased to announce that two members of our community, Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Payne and M.Div candidate Letesa Isler have articles published in the recent issue of The Berkeley Journal of Religion and Theology. Dr. Payne’s piece is adapted […]

The Taitetsu Unno Memorial Lectures are hosted annually by the Institute of Buddhist Studies and, this year, cosponsored by the Berkeley Center for the Study of Religion, and made possible through the generosity of the Unno Family. Rev. Dr. Taitetsu […]

Join us for our spring chaplaincy workshop at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley. Stories and the desire to tell them work in multiple ways within the spiritual care setting. We ask: How can chaplains facilitate healing through allowing others […]

I remember the first time I spoke at length with Dr. Paula Arai—it was at the retirement dinner for Dr. Richard Payne. By chance, she sat at my table, and after introductions and toasts, she began excitedly sharing a new […]

IBS is pleased to announce that Dr. Lilu Chen, our Field Education Director, has accepted an appointment to the Core Faculty, beginning February 1. In addition to her current responsibilities, she will be better able to support our students as […]

On November 16, 2024, in a day full of reflection, gratitude, and joy, the Institute of Buddhist Studies celebrated its 75th year and annual memorial service. The Kodo was adorned with flowers and offerings, and students led attendees in a […]

You asked for IBS swag and we listened! To celebrate our 75th anniversary, we’re pleased to announce these limited edition Institute of Buddhist Studies sweatshirts. All proceeds from these sweatshirts will be used to support IBS programs. You’re also welcome […]

  It’s safe to say that I’ve been around the Institute of Buddhist Studies for a while now. I first applied to the Master of Arts program in the late 1990s. I was fortunate to be able to study Japanese […]

The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji as the new Dean.  Rev. Dr. Miyaji has worked at IBS since 2020, teaching courses such as “Works of Shinran” and “Topics in […]

Please join us at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in San Diego on Friday November 22 for a roundtable discussion and reception to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Pacific World: Journal of the Institute of […]

Join us in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Buddhist Studies. For over seven decades, IBS has been a pioneering force in Buddhist education, shaping scholars, ministers, and leaders who have brought wisdom, compassion, and transformative action into […]

IBS is pleased to offer a Virtual Open House on Wednesday October 2nd from 5:30-6:30PT. Come learn about our stackable curriculum, degree and certificate programs, financial aid and more! IBS student Letesa Isler will speak about her experience with difference, […]

From March 27- March 29, 2024, chaplains and scholars from around the world gathered at IBS for Foundations of Buddhist Chaplaincy: A Japan-US Dialogue. The event was a moving and thought provoking three day discussion of chaplaincy, spiritual care, the […]

On Saturday, June 15th at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple, friends of the IBS and the BCA gathered to celebrate the career and retirement of Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto as President of the Institute of Buddhist Studies. The service began with reflections […]

On Friday, May 17, 2024, faculty, students, trustees, and friends of the Institute of Buddhist Studies gathered to celebrate the graduating class of 2024. Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst delivered the commencement address, focusing on how Buddhist principles intersect with academic […]

With generous support from the Unno family and in honor of Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno, the Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce the Taitetsu Unno Memorial lecture on Friday, April 12th at 4pm. In this talk, Sharon A. […]

This year will mark the Institute of Buddhist Studies’ 75th year. To celebrate, we have put together a website showcasing our rich history, the diversity of our students, and our plans for the 75th anniversary celebrations. We encourage you to […]