Seabrook Buddhist Temple

General information

TEMPLE HISTORY
This is how it all began....

Some 500 Japanese families comprising of over 2,500 persons had begun living and working at Seabrook Farms during 1944-1947 at the height of the relocation program. Charles F. Seabrook, founder of a huge vegetable processing industry located in the prime agricultural area of Southern New Jersey, through an agreement with the War Relocation Authority, had given his all-out assurance of a smooth and profitable resettlement and many Japanese Americans were attracted by his offer.

However, after a confinement of nearly three years in concentration camps, adjusting to yet another new environment was not easy for the Japanese Americans. Realizing the difficulty faced by these people who were laboring long hours both day and night, and their need for spiritual uplift, the Reverends Shosetsu Tsufura and Zaishin Mukushina, who had likewise relocated to Seabrook to work in the plant, began holding Sunday services which were open to all Buddhist sects. This was followed by the formation of a Buddhist Church in the winter of 1945 with Kaoru Kamikawa as church president.

TEMPLE SERVICE
Seabrook Buddhist Temple provides meditation services every Wed. evening from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. During the sessions we will introduce various ways to achieve a meditative state of mind. This includes, but is not limited to, breathing exercise, tolling of the bell, use of a singing bowl, guided imagery and chanting. We will also provide information on Shin Buddhism (Buddhism 101). This is open to the public and there is no fee. As always, any donation is appreciated to assist in maintaining this historical site. For further information, please contact Ed Jordan at 800-581-7883 or call the Temple office at the listed number.

Services are held every Sunday, except during the month of August, at 10:00 am. Visit our website, sbtnj.org, for special services/events/announcements.

MEDITATION GARDEN
Please contact the Temple by phone to request visitation. Meditation Garden is open on Obon Day to the public.