Membership Information

Membership in the Seattle Buddhist Church (Seattle Betsuin) is open to anyone in accord with the purposes of the temple. According to the temple constitution, these purposes are defined as follows:

“…to strengthen and propagate the Teachings of the Buddha as determined by Shinran Shonin and the Patriarchs before him, in an expression of gratitude for the Sacred Name and the Primal Vow of Tathagata Amitabha; to participate in the general welfare of the community.”

We encourage newcomers to become members of the Seattle Betsuin once they start attending services regularly and/or bringing their children to Dharma School.

Categories of Membership

There are three categories of membership:

  1. Regular Members are individuals contributing minimum basic dues (referred to as Ijikai dues) toward the temple maintenance/operations and shall have one vote at any General Membership meeting.
  2. Associate Members are individuals who are in accord with the purposes of the temple but are not paying dues or are paying $200 or less.
  3. Honorary Members are those members selected by the Board of Directors as the basis of meritorious or distinguished service to the temple and shall be permanent members of the Seattle Buddhist Church with full rights and privileges of regular members.

Membership “Ijikai” Dues

The minimum basic dues for temple maintenance/operations shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Currently, annual dues are set at $200 per member age 30 years old and younger, $400 per member ages 31-69 or $800 per couple. Children are considered associate members. The dues for age 70 and older are $350 per member.

How to Pay Your Dues

Please fill out the membership form and enclose your check made out to the Seattle Betsuin or Seattle Buddhist Church for $400. Write “Membership Dues” on your check. Dues may be paid annually, semi annually, or in monthly installments. The fiscal year of the temple runs from December 1st through November 30th. The deadline for paying dues for a given year is September 30th of that year.

Envelopes should be addressed to: Seattle Betsuin, 1427 S. Main Street, Seattle, WA 98144

You will receive a signed receipt for payment. Membership dues are tax-deductible. If you have any questions, please call the front office at (206) 329-0800 during the week or ask anyone at the temple when you attend Sunday services.