About the BSC

Buddhist Study Center sign and building exteriorThe Buddhist Study Center (BSC) was established in 1972 as a part of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (HHMH). HHMH is a statewide organization affiliated with the worldwide Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Buddhism) Hongwanji-ha.

Located next to the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, the BSC has a close working relationship with UH faculty in the Department of Religion.

The BSC also works with other educational institutions, religious groups, and community programs. The BSC serves as the Hawaii office of Ryukoku University, a major Shinshu Buddhist institution of Japan, and as the Hawaii branch office for the International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies.

Student Center

Students are welcome to use the BSC for studying, relaxing, counseling, socializing and other planned activities. The BSC assists in student networking, provides information about Hongwanji programs, and sponsors the BSC Fellowship Club for college students and young adults.

Religious Education Center

The BSC provides a broad range of religious education programs. These include BSC Summer Session, a weeklong seminar with guest scholar; the Dharma Light Program, series of classes on Buddhist topics; and outreach through its publications, get-togethers, interfaith projects and community education activities.

Resource Center

The BSC Press publishes writings on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in English, some of which have been used as college texts. We also publish a bi-monthly newsletter, Metta. The BSC does have a library, though it is currently closed to the public as we undertake a major inventory.