Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji Named New IBS Dean

The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji as the new Dean. 

Rev. Dr. Miyaji has worked at IBS since 2020, teaching courses such as “Works of Shinran” and “Topics in Shin Buddhist Thought.” He received his Tokudo and Kyoshi qualifications at the Honpa Hongwanji school in Kyoto, Japan, and is also the part-time minister at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church in Union City, California.

What’s unique about Rev. Dr. Miyaji is his kindness, friendliness and positive outlook. Whether teaching classes on Shin Buddhist thought, leading his Sangha or playing with his son, he brings a humble and good-natured presence that’s hard to overlook. This, combined with a rigorous academic background and training in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, made him the natural choice for Dean. 

“Rev. Dr. Miyaji brings a unique skill set to the role of IBS Dean,” IBS President Dr. Scott Mitchell said. “His ministerial experience and scholarly expertise will be an invaluable asset for our students. And I’m looking forward to working with him as we continue to shape and develop IBS’s educational programs.”

Rev. Dr. Miyaji looks forward to keeping IBS deeply connected to its Jodo Shinshu roots while also strengthening its connection with diverse Buddhist traditions.  

“IBS was initially started as a seminary school to raise the next generation of Jodo Shinshu ministers and Buddhist scholars,” he said. “I intend to uphold this vision, not forgetting that this school is, at its core, founded on the Jodo Shinshu teaching and its principles. That being said, this institution has grown to reflect the needs of a society exploring Buddhist values in many fields of study, venues of application, and occupations outside of the ministry. 

“This institution must seek to create new pathways that will help the Buddha-Dharma flourish in this country and throughout the world,” he continued. “We are in an exciting time concerning the history of American Buddhism during which the IBS will play a crucial role in its development and direction. I am happy to be a part of this new movement.”