Temple/Garden Tours & School Visits
Tour the temple
Temple tours are given to provide background information about Buddhism, in general, and about our Jodo Shinshu sect (Shin Buddhism), in particular. Tours also touch on the history and architecture of our temple, and allow for questions to be asked and answered.
The temple is wheelchair-accessible with an elevator that can also be used by those who may have trouble climbing stairs.
Tours are given during office hours: 9 am–4:30 pm Mondays through Fridays. While appointments are not required, it is suggested you call before your visit because school tours, religious services and meetings take precedence.
Tour the garden
The new Legacy Garden is open to the public the first Sunday of each month—April through November. Private tours are given by appointment; to arrange a tour, please contact us at office@mbtchicago.org or call 312.943.7801.
School tours
During the school year, high schools, colleges and universities often schedule tours of the temple to tie in with their World Religion, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology or Philosophy classes.
Teachers, if you are interested in bringing your students to the Midwest Buddhist Temple, please contact us. Let us know when you would like to visit and all efforts will be made to accommodate your school group.
We follow the teachings of Shinran Shonin, the eminent 12th century Japanese Buddhist priest and founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Shinran lived at a time when Japan was experiencing great social upheaval, with Japanese Buddhism undergoing a transformation from secluded monastic communities that served the privileged elite to a flourishing of socially engaged Buddhist teachings that offered paths to awakening for the common people.
Shinran taught that by listening to the words of the Buddha with an open heart, the path of our lives is realized by the wisdom and compassion of awakening. Jodo Shinshu has, at its core, the realization of the fulfilled life in the present rather than the yearning for a reward in the afterlife.
Every tour will emphasize the teaching of the Buddha as it relates to Buddhism in general, and the teachings of Shinran Shonin, as it relates to the life of the Buddha.
For more information
If you would like to arrange a tour or have any questions please contact us at office@mbtchicago.org or call 312.943.7801.
