I'm interested in choral music in the Buddhist Churches of America, a Buddhist organization founded by Japanese-Americans around the turn of the last century.  The BCA belongs to the Pure Land school of Buddhism where the main figure of reverence is Amida Buddha, the Buddha of infinite light and life who vowed to save all sentient beings from suffering and delusion. 

The choral music at BCA temples is quite Westernized, with half of the gathas (hymns) in English and the other half in Japanese.  The gathas use harmony and are accompanied by piano or organ.  

I think the choirs of the BCA would benefit from better arrangements of existing gathas that are easier to access, as well as new compositions in a more contemporary style, and some procedures for recruiting and training their choirs would be helpful. 

Currently I am trying to build up the confidence to assert myself and offer to help out in these areas, and aspire to earn a Master's in Choral Music/Conducting.

I'd love to hear from anyone with questions, encouragement or advice.  Thank you.