Membership Information
How to become a member of the Seattle Buddhist Temple (also known as the Seattle Buddhist Church, or the Seattle Betsuin)
Membership 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."
Newcomers are always welcome to become regular members of the Seattle Betsuin
Categories of Membership
There are three categories of membership as designated by the Seattle Betsuin By Laws (the temple's legal name is Seattle Buddhist Church). They are (1) Regular Member (2) Associate Member, and (3) Honorary Member.
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.
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.
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 from time to time. Currently, annual dues are set at $300 per member or $600 per couple. Children are considered associate members.
A new category of membership, for those age 70 and over, is being introduced in 2006. The dues for age 70 and older will be $250. If both spouses are at least 70, the couple's dues are $500.
How to Pay Your Dues
Please make your checks out to the Seattle Betsuin or Seattle Buddhist Church and mark it for Membership Dues. It may be paid annually, semi annually, or in monthly installments. The fiscal year of the Temple runs from Dec 1st through Nov 30th. The deadline for paying dues for a given year is Sept 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.