Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond, Virginia, is a multi-denominational community of Buddhist and Buddhist-inspired groups. All groups are open to the public. Meditation instruction is also offered. Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond Founded in 1986, Ekoji Buddhist Sangha supports the teaching, practice, and study of Buddhism in the Greater Richmond area. We are a fellowship of the Buddhist Churches of America, an association founded over one hundred years ago. Ekoji Buddhist Sangha was founded by Reverend Kennryu Tsuji (1920-2004), a Japanese-American Pure Land priest.
Responding to a request from Pure Land Buddhists for a place to practice in Richmond, he solicited the generous help of Numata Center. A building was purchased and weekly services began in 1986. Soon, other Buddhist groups seeking a temple found their way to Ekoji. Rev. Tsuji offered the space for other forms of Buddhism to practice. In 1991, a Zen group was established at Ekoji. A Tibetan group and a Vipassana group soon followed. In 2005, the Meditative Inquiry group began meeting at Ekoji as well.