Japanese culture is an important part of Hawai'i. According to the Byodo-In Temple website, the "Temple is located at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Byodo-In Temple in O'ahu is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan. The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty."
Ringing the bell upon entering the temple grounds is protocol for removing negativity and preparing the spirit. The sound mimics that of the om.
We started the morning with a tour from our guide, Mei, then spent the rest of the morning exploring the beautiful grounds...
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| The large reflecting pond in front of the temple is the shape of the Japanese character for "heart." |
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