Ekoji Buddhist Temple and the Eastern District Council are excited to announce the details of the Eastern Buddhist League Conference to be hosted the weekend of October 18 - 20, 2024 at Ekoji which is situated at 6500 Lakehaven Lane in Fairfax Station, Virginia. This will be a hybrid event to include a keynote speaker, afternoon workshop, Sangha building activities and plenty of inspirational conversation, delicious food and more so please see the schedule below!  

Late Registration is now open and will end October 18, 2024. Sign up here today!

Book mark this page and check back periodically for updates. We would also like to encourage you to join the EBL Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/152147578148566 

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made here if you are unable to attend and/or wish to support the EBL effort and help offset the costs associated with this event. Be sure to earmark your donation with the EBL radio button. 

The tentative schedule is as follows:

Friday, October 18th: in person only

• 7:00 PM: Fireside Chat with Eastern District Ministers (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 8:00 PM: Bodhi BINGO! (Ekoji Buddhist Temple) 

Saturday, October 19th: in person and livestream via Zoom 

• 8:00 AM: Walking Meditation in the Garden of the Three Treasures (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 8:00 AM: Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Young Buddhist Association (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 9:00 AM: Hybrid Opening Service led by Rev. Ron Miyamura (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 10:00 AM: Keynote Address by Dr. Scott Mitchell who will join us in person (Institute for Buddhist Studies) (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 12:00 PM: Lunch (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 1:00 PM: Gratitude Workshop with Rev. Kenji Akahoshi who will join us via Zoom (Retired BCA Minister) (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 2:45 PM: Nen Daiko Presentation by Maya Horio who will join us in person (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 3:45 PM: Break for shopping, dinner on your own, rest

• 7:00 PM: Book Discussion (Reserved Room at Fair Oaks Marriott)

Sunday, October 20th: in person and livestream via Zoom 

• 8:30 AM: Walking Meditation in the Garden of the Three Treasures (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 8:30 AM: Continental Breakfast sponsored by the Minister's Assistants (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 9:30 AM: Butsudan Making Activity & Dharma School Service (additional cost: $40) (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 11:00 AM: Sunday Service led by Rev. Patti Nakai (Buddhist Temple of Chicago) (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 12:00 PM: Dharma Discussion Group led by Andrea Chapman (Ekoji Buddhist Temple)

• 12:30 PM: Luncheon in the Sangha Hall 

  Transportation

  Major airports in this area include:

  Washington Dulles International Airport  (IAD) - closest to the temple and our recommendation 

  Raegan National Airport (DCA) - second closest airport 

  Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - further away and not recommended 

  Ekoji will try to arrange transportation with temple representatives for those of you who can fly into Washington Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 18. As well as regularly scheduled transportation from the hotel to the temple throughout the weekend. 

  Alternatively you can rent a car and help us shuttle guests back and forth, use a ride sharing app such as Uber or Lyft, or a taxi service. 

  Hotel

  A block of rooms at the Fair Oaks Marriott have been reserved at a discounted rate for this event through Sept. 15. Please reserve your room asap using this link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1712856328538&key=GRP&app=resvlink 

  Food

  Fair Oaks Mall is within walking distance of the Fair Oaks Marriott and has dozens of restaurants. 

  Your in person registration for EBL includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and lunch on Saturday to be served at Ekoji. A bag lunch will be provided for the optional Washington DC museum tour after service on Sunday.