ABOUT US
For generations, we have been a place of learning, reflection, and community. Our temple is a welcoming Shin Buddhist community where the teachings of the Buddha inspire lives of gratitude, compassion, and connection. As part of the Buddhist Churches of America, we invite people of all backgrounds to learn, reflect, and grow together.
OUR VISION
Our mission is to nurture a temple that celebrates a warm sense of our rural community and works together towards understanding a path of gratitude, interdependence and meaning guided by Shinran Shonin’s teachings.
OUR PRACTICE
Our temple offers opportunities for talks, meditation, chanting, adult study, and community gatherings to deepen our understanding of Shin Buddhism and its profound teachings of gratitude, humility, and self-reflection.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our community is diverse, inclusive and supportive, coming together to celebrate and honor the teachings of the Buddha. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, understanding, and harmony within our community.
OUR MINISTER
REVEREND CANDICE SHIBATA
Rev. Candice Shibata grew up in Stockton and attended the Buddhist Church of Stockton as a youth and young adult. She began her collegiate studies at San Joaquin Delta College and later transferred to California State University, Sacramento, where she majored in psychology. After graduation, she was a case manager for children with special needs. In 2009, she obtained her first Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco. Following graduate school, she interned as a therapist at two elementary schools from 2009-2010.
In September 2012, she received Tokudo ordination in Kyoto and served as the minister’s assistant in Stockton. She graduated with a master’s degree in Buddhist studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies and Graduate Theological Union in May 2015. One month later, she returned to Japan to complete her Kyoshi certification.
In addition to Walnut Grove, Rev. Shibata’s ministerial assignments include the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, Buddhist Church of Florin, and the Buddhist Church of Stockton.
Reverend Candice Shibata
REVEREND SHIBATA KEYNOTE
Reverend Shibata delivers the Keynote Address to the Center for Buddhist Education's Women of BCA Seminar on September 28, 2024.
Runtime: 32 minutes