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    Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple

    4.8 (63 reviews)

    Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple

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    Sonya E.

    About a year ago, I injured myself and was in crutches but still made it a point to visit this temple. Since my mobility was so limited, I didn't get to experience the temple grounds the same way my pre-injured self would have. I told myself that I would return when I could fully walk again, and that is exactly what I did today. This temple is absolutely gorgeous. I loved how serene it felt to walk each step through the staircases and throughout the temple -- there is a certain peace you can find here whether or not meditation is your goal. The fresh flowers, plants, and trees help you forget all of your worries and troubles. So easy to pause here -- and to soak in the amazing views of nature and to appreciate every angle of this property. There are beautiful Buddha statues that you can whisper a prayer to and the light winds make it feel like as if you're being heard. It's really magical. In the very back, there is a cemetery but not what one would envision with tombstones and alike. There are small Buddha statues that represent a loved one someone put to rest. This temple doesn't require a fee but does suggest to 'donate' $3 per per general admission. If possible, give more because this place offers more than tranquility -- one could find wonderful moments of reflection and gratefulness here. Locals and tourists: make a morning out of a visit here. It's too underrated, and way too epic to pass up. Enjoy.

    Mikey C.

    Ok, Five Stars, but seriously, I don't get this restaurant at all. Although it's a little difficult to find, when you do finally find the place, the natural beauty of the location seems reward enough for the effort. It's separated from the adjacent neighborhood by lush tropical vegetation in every imaginable shade of green. The restaurant itself was in very colorfully painted, Asian-style building with a tall pointy roof like some old place. Really breathtakingly beautiful building. The grounds around the restaurant are filled with Asian artworks. Now you know I'm not one to complain, but... There was no one to greet us when we arrived. We didn't have reservations and we just wanted to know how long it would be for a table. We waited five minutes at the entrance and then my wife noticed a box that said to put in $3 each. I thought it was weird to have a cover charge for lunch, but whatever, I'm travelling, so OK. We each put in our three dollars and waited. Nothing happened. We figured the hostess was on break or something so we just walked to the next big building to see if we could find a waiter and get a table. We saw a guy outside the building, I couldn't tell if he was a waiter or not. He nodded when he saw me. So I walked over where he was. I asked if he worked there. He nodded. He said he was a monk. Evidently the waiters here are called monks. That's a new one to me. I told him we were two for lunch. He looked at me for a moment and then he just walked away. Ok. I'm not sure what I was supposed to do. We waited to see if someone was going to show us to a table but no one ever came. Weird, right? I wish I could tell you about the food, but we never got to try any. My guess is it's probably pretty good. It was kind of confusing, but I loved my visit to this beautiful place. If your belly is empty, I highly recommend a good meal at an actual restaurant before visiting. The nourishment they provide here is of a different kine. Mikey C says: Philosophy is too much responsibility for me.

    Nadine C.

    A hidden adventure in Palolo Valley (Honolulu)... If you have time to explore and are interested in Asian culture, this Temple might be a great place for you to visit. I didn't know that there was a difference between Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Buddhists. It seems to me that the Korean architecture is more colorful. I did recognize Kwan Yin statue, a dragon-turtle figurine, incense holders, and Lotus buds. There was no one around to give us a tour or to ask for information. We just wandered and enjoyed the landscaping and architecture. We parked on the street even though there is Visitor Parking. It was our first time here and maybe we will return on a significant day or for a festival. Overall, it was a peaceful and beautiful experience!

    Main Entrance
    Michael C.

    I had NO idea this place existed...!!! I stumbled upon this place through Yelp while stalking...errr...browsing several of my fellow yelpers check - in's.. My fellow South Bay Elite: Ter L. pics and review caught my eye...Mahalo Ter! Sooo...weird. I never heard of this place! My ohana never heard of this place either...so we made it a point to check it out. Took a side trip and went with my cousin... One would really need to be looking for this temple or stumble upon it while looking for something else. Smack down in the middle of a neighborhood....very local. According to the website, the temple hosts a myriad amount of activities such as yoga, mediation, painting etc. Check it out: https://muryangsatemple.com/events/ The temple also has some interesting history... "The temple's name, Mu-Ryang-Sa, means "Broken Ridge Temple." You may have noticed on your drive up that the top ridge of the temple is broken. What appears as a flaw of the temple has both a story and a significant Buddhist teaching. The construction of the first temple building began in 1980, but during the temple's construction, it was discovered that the roof of the main hall exceeded City and County height limitations. As a result, the roof was lowered to its present height. In Buddha's teachings, he speaks of shattering our inner ridge-poles of ignorance, greed, and craving in our "house of illusion." The shattering of ignorance by wisdom results in the demolition of illusion and the attainment of liberation-or nirvana. As with the enlightenment of the Buddha, may the shattering of our own inner-roofs remind us of the structures of ignorance that can be let go to reach the true heights of our inner liberation." - Stolen from their website. Cool spot, definitely worth a visit, but I wouldn't go out of the way to come here...

    Entrance
    Ter L.

    Mu-Ryang-Sa is by far the most beautiful temple I had the pleasure of visiting while in Honolulu. My guy and I made the time to drive out and explore this place of worship primarily thanks to the amazing posts we found on Yelp. With that being said, believe me when I tell you that pictures do not do this place any justice. Parking wasn't an issue for us. We found plenty of available spots along the street - we left and returned to our rental without any issues. Granted, there was one gentleman who was giving us the stank eye but we ignored him and proceeded to the temple's entrance. Mu-Ryang-Sa is spacious, clean, and so so open!! You are surrounded by tropical plants, sky-high palm trees, and the warmth from the sun is absolutely invigorating. Beautiful statues leave you in awe while the peaceful environment releases you from life's stresses. 5/5 stars from my experience and visit. I enjoyed having the entire temple to ourselves. I was able to explore the grounds at my own pace and didn't have to wait around on other people in order to snag a good photo. I appreciated the donation requests weren't being forced upon visitors and the suggested rates are an absolute steal. This place deserves waaay more than the $3 general admission they are hoping for and we happily delivered. You won't be disappointed!!

    The view from the outside...
    Feb W.

    Not an hour drive from the city of Waikiki, you'll find a hidden gem lie on the place called Halelaau. Seems like a lot of tourists never found it coz compare to other temples we've been to this one is the less visited place. The place isn't that big but doesn't mean its bad at all. Palm trees grown and some colorful flowers are available ready to be capture by your lens. Include the infrastructure and details of each temple and you'll appreciate how they really plan to build this one. I love how they design the statues on it. It is literally a hidden gem coz they don't have their own parking space for the visitors but you can park nearby the neighborhood, just make sure to drive slow coz on the 2nd block it might be narrow. Always remember to give your best respect because this temple is in the middle of neighborhood and please remember on Leave-No-Trace-Policy on any place. No food stalls or gift shops inside, so if you're a kind of person who eats every minute (just like me sometimes) bring your own food with you and make sure to put your trash on the proper bin. And also, since it is located on the foot of the mountain, expect that any time it will rain. The last time we went there the rain pour thoroughly and we were stuck on the place as a result, waiting the rain to slow down. Better be prepared and bring your umbrella or poncho with you. Tuck them on your pants! $3.00 for admission but it is optional. And if you have the heart to help maintain the place, please 3 dollars won't make you poor. Cash only, just don't complicate it. Hehehe. A must visit place. Will not offer you that much but the jaw dropping scenery of the mountain will make you fall in love the place.

    Christal P.

    A peaceful respite only minutes from the city, Mu Ryang Sa is a gem worth visiting for both tourists and Hawaii residents. Even the rain and wind could not detract from the beauty of the temple and its gardens. This temple is built in the style of most Buddhist temples you will find in South Korea. I really felt as if I had been transported back to South Korea when I entered this temple. The only difference are the tropical plants! This temple is highly recommended for anyone seeking some peace and serenity, or is interested in East Asian Buddhism as a philosophy, religion, or simply to admire its architecture. The temple is located in a residential neighborhood. You will need to park your car along the street and walk up to the temple entrance.

    Happy New Years!
    Sage N.

    ! Happy New Years! We wanted to give thanks for all the blessings we have received for New Years, I was in search of a temple to visit, and as a Korean American, I was shocked I had no idea about Mu-Ryang-Sa Korean Buddhist temple in Hawaii, which means "broken ridge"! This place is one of Hawaii's hidden gems and is not as touristy as other popular temples. Information is a bit lacking online when it comes to the temple, it's almost like a secret to come and visit, luckily it seems nothing has changed and hours are open daily from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m, services are held Sunday morning starting at 10:00 a.m I believe, so please be courteous and quiet when you see a service happening. The designs and painting of the temple is so beautiful, it reminded me of the palace details I saw in Gyeongbokgung palace in Korea. You are also surrounded by beautiful, mountains which you can overlook as you walk up to one of the balcony's. Come and make a quiet visit and don't forget to light and incense and offer a donatIon, $3 is recommended.

    statues protecting the temple.
    Elise C.

    Beautiful temple tucked away (I mean REALLY tucked away) in a mountainside. There's. $5 donation ask before you get in. Beautiful gardens and statues of the Buddha and the 4 heavenly kings. There were live turtles in the ponds. Peaceful. If you need a spot to ground and get away from your hustle and bustle of vacation or whatever this is your place. People were quiet but friendly.

    Kim F.

    Read about this and decided to visit today. WOW! Impressed with the history, beauty, and serenity of this special place. Clearly we were in a place of worship. If you have time, you will enjoy this magnificent destination.

    E Y.

    Beautiful, calm temple. You don't have to pay a fee to enter but please make a donation to support. It looks like they also offer temple stays and sell their own doenjang (soybean paste) and soy sauce!

    Main Gate and chopped off roof. There's a story behind that.
    John G.

    A fortuitous mistake. Or was it really? Date: Sunday, October 9, 2016 Time: Approximately 1030 Hours On this day, our original plan was to lounge around the hotel until check-out time before transferring to another hotel just a few steps away. Instead of waiting, we decided to check-out earlier than planned and further explore Oahu before attending my cousin's after-wedding BBQ in Kaneohe later that afternoon. Wifey remembered a Buddhist Temple she saw on one of the brochures, but we Yelped this one instead by accident...and we couldn't be more happier. The temple is located in Palolo Valley, about a 15 minute drive from our hotel up a narrow street that reminded the Wifey of her hometown of Baguio City, Philippines. The temple and compound sits on top of a ridge that offers a magnificent view of Waikiki below. It's in a quiet neighborhood that was very peaceful and friendly. The main gate is on Halelaau Place and we found street parking just a few yards away. As soon as you enter the main gate, there are 4 giant statues on both sides (2 on each side) to greet you that are magnificent, colorful, elaborate and impressive. Each statue represent the Heavenly Kings as they sit on four directions: North, South, East and West. The Heavenly Kings guard to protect us from greed, lust, violence and pride. As you pass the main gate, take the steps up leading to the main lawn where the World Peace Pagoda is located in the center; It's an exact replica of a historical pagoda in South Korea from 57 BC to 935 AD. Also in the main lawn is the Great Hero Hall, Dharma Hall, the Hall of Memorial to the Departed, the Bell Tower, the Statue of Miruk Boddhisatava and the Goddess Statue. Since it was a Sunday, there was a service in session and we didn't want to be too intrusive. However, we were welcome and free to roam around as long as we did it respectfully and quietly. The temple welcomes all types of religions and backgrounds, and they also have meditation classes. For activities, they also have Korean Dance & Drum, Korean Language (reading and writing), Yoga, Painting and Korean Tea Ceremony. We didn't originally plan on being here, but somehow and someway, it felt like we were meant to be here. I'm not a religious person, but I am a spiritual person. I also converted to Buddhism about 20 years ago, and this place felt right at that moment. It was very tranquil, peaceful and beautiful. One can pray or meditate on their own or with a group as it just calls for it. Mu-Ryang-Sa is translated to mean "Broken Ridge Temple." It just so happens that the top ridge of the temple is broken, but nothing is at seems to appear as it is significant in Buddhist teaching. When the temple was under construction, it was discovered that the roof of the main hall exceeded City and County height limitations. Hence, the roof was lowered to conform to the rules and regulations. "In Buddha's teachings, we must shatter our inner ridge-poles of ignorance, greed, and craving in our "house of illusion." Accomplishing this wisdom results in the demolition of illusion and the attainment of liberation-or nirvana. As with the enlightenment of the Buddha, may the shattering of our own inner-roofs remind us of the structures of ignorance that can be let go to reach the true heights of our inner liberation." Note: I borrowed the last paragraphs in quotation marks straight from their website and I have a long way to go in obtaining inner liberation. It's a work in progress, but one that I take one step and one journey at a time.

    John F.

    So it's New Year's Eve and my friend who is visiting from China wants to burn incense at a Buddhist temple. After a fast Yelp search, I find this treasure! Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple is amazing. It's located way back on 10th Avenue and they have their own parking but there is ample street parking. We arrived around 1 p.m. and there was not a Seoul in sight. Get It? Soul ha ha! It was like a step into a tropical Korea. It was quiet, serene, and peaceful. You pass through the entry hall where there are two larger-than-life figure is on either side there is a suggested $3 donation box. And as you wander the grounds I couldn't get over just how beautiful everything was. Pictures were not permitted inside of the main hall but the grounds were meticulously kept. I can't believe I've never been here before but it's definitely a must repeat for anyone who is interested in seeing Asian temples. Really fantastic!

    Don't know if they were mad at me for taking this!

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    1 year ago

    Super peaceful place. Great place to escape the city. Take your lunch and a blanket to get some peace' in this beautiful garden

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    Such a beautiful temple. So peaceful. It's definitely something to see on oahu. Oh and don't forget to donate!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple

    What time do they open?

    9-5p daily. Parking lot inside or you can park on street too.

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple

    The Mu Ryang Sa Korean Buddhist temple is definitely hidden within the tranquility of the Palolo Valley.

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    Palolo Hongwanji - Temple

    Palolo Hongwanji

    4.3(4 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    While the shuttle from Sacred Hearts was a nice idea I hope you actually read this review and work…read moreon it. [HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY] While the idea of having off site parking and shuttling people is a nice idea but at the same time taking away the handicap parking that use to be at the temple is not. The parking formerly set aside for handicap parking was even empty. If you are handicap and plan to take the shuttle bring a chair. The drop off area for the shuttle is at the steps of the temple is great, don't change this. [SHUTTLE SERVICE] Learn from this year and get a 2nd shuttle. Actually saw a group of people who were in line get into an Uber and they were ahead of me. [TO THE TEMPLE, SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE SHUTTLE SERVICE] + Set up chairs for handicap / disabled people at the shuttle pick up area. + Get a 2nd shuttle. + If cost is a factor set up a donation box in the shuttle for it. [YELP] While this review may mainly focus on the bon dance event to me how a temple runs their event is a direct reflection of themselves.

    We went to the bon dance at Palolo Hongwanji last night and it was great. A few weeks ago we tried…read moreto go to the big Moilili bon dance but we couldn't find any parking. There was parking at UH but we would have to catch a shuttle and that wasn't gonna work. We just wanted to check it out and then leave when done. Anyways my daughter was pretty upset that we didn't get to bon dance so I looked up more dates that they were having bon dance. And I found one at Palolo Hongwanji. Works out perfect because my parents live in Palolo so we didn't have to worry about parking at all. They just dropped us off and picked us up. This bon dance was a welcome surprise. We went to the Moilili one a few years ago and it's too commercialized. There's food trucks and different vendors selling things. This bon dance helped me remember what it was like when I was a kid. We used to go to the bon dance in Pearl City. There weren't any food trucks and instead it was just Japanese culture all around. That's how it felt at the Palolo bon dance. From the moment you walk in, they're selling Japanese food, Japanese crafts, etc. It is a small bon dance but I enjoyed it because it didn't have all the fluff some other ones have. The food there was very cheap and quite affordable. We got three andagis for $1. And because it was so cheap we got to try a variety of items. My favorite was the garlic fried rice. My husband liked the yakisoba. We also had chili, Curry rice, yakitori sticks, and inari sushi. We didn't know any of the dances but I went out with my daughter to just have her try. All of us had a fun evening and we are glad that we came to this bon dance. We are already making plans to come again next year.

    Photos
    Palolo Hongwanji - Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance 2025

    Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance 2025

    Palolo Hongwanji - Inside the temple

    Inside the temple

    Palolo Hongwanji - Hall downstairs

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    Hall downstairs

    Mong Won Tan Temple - Entrance

    Mong Won Tan Temple

    5.0(7 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Reverend Cullen of the Mong Won Tan Temple in Palolo has been such a serene and trusting place for…read moreme and my family. Although we have only visited this temple on 2 separate occasions, we have found solace, relief and consolation during times of distress and sorrow. He has brought us emotional strength, easing our pain and anxiety. Also, he takes time to explain things in a simplistic way and gives meaning to life. Such a wonderful man and aura around him.

    Blessings on earth…read more.. In a humble Temple in Palolo Valley, there sits a great source of comfort and wisdom... My aunt on my mother's side used to see Reverend Tin Fook at the Mong Won Tan Temple. Tin Fook's English name is Cullen. He is a local boy who can speak Hawaiian, Cantonese, and English! I felt like my cousin on my father's side would be able to feel some connection and get some assistance and peace of mind, too... I brought her to Rev. Tin Fook and it was a successful meeting! There's free street parking in the front. The Temple appears to be a house in a quiet, residential neighborhood, surrounded by orchids, lehua tree, and blossoming puakenikeni! As you drive up Gardenia Street, the Temple is easy to spot because of the red doors. Hours of operation are 7am to 10am every day except Saturdays and Mondays when it's closed. We were afraid that there would be a long line of parishioners, waiting their turn with Tin Fook. We actually were the first to be seen! However, after a few minutes, The Reverend wanted a longer session with us, so he called in the next client, heard their concerns, and called us back in. After a while, another person came for advice, so we took a break, returned to "talk story", and finished out the Reverend's day (10am). Yes...he is very patient and empathetic. He uses common sense and gives practical guidance. I sure can see why he is so popular! If you're interested, just stop by and give it a try! Donations of fruit, flowers, monetary gifts, incense, etc. are welcomed! Note: the next jai (vegetarian Monk's food) fundraiser is on 7-21-19. Put your order in because it's just a small homemade batch made with lots of Aloha! It's just $10 a jar!

    Photos
    Mong Won Tan Temple - 12-29-22

    12-29-22

    Mong Won Tan Temple
    Mong Won Tan Temple - Upstairs room

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    Upstairs room

    Koganji Temple - Sunset Dancing

    Koganji Temple

    4.3(21 reviews)
    2.0 miManoa

    The Koganji Temple Bon Dance is a massive two day event held annually on Koganji Temple's 1.7 acre…read moreManoa property. The dance itself is held in the center of the property with food tents setup around the perimeter and the bake sale indoors in one of the nearby buildings. This event and location are huge. Kind of amazing that such a big property can hide so well in Manoa, must be the hiding in those Manoa rains. Koganji has so many food options! Hamburgers, corn, kimono dogs (andagi corndogs), kimono puppies, andagi in multiple forms, fried yakisoba, beef katsu donburi, spam musubi, the list of food goes on and on and on in addition to a large bake sale selling everything from cookies to jam. Sales are script base and prices are somewhat higher than other bon dances. My sister and I shared the fried yakisoba noodle, a hamburger, andagi, and katsu beef donburi. The noodles weren't anything special, but the burger was perfectly cooked with a crispy piece of fresh lettuce, which is a nice change for a bon dance burger. The andagi was crispy and tasty, but one wasn't exactly andagi shaped, but that's okay. (You should see some of the shapes that come out of Punahou's carnival malasada booth, aka NSFW, so these are excused). The Katsu beef donburi was surprisingly good. I went for it because I've never seen it at bon dance and to be honest, I'm getting bored with bon dance food. The fried and battered beef was tender and tasty, with pickled cabbage, corn and a seemingly vegetarian Japanese version of a Gau Gee. We spent about $20 with bottled water. Unlike other bon dances, lots of chairs and benches are provided, both indoors in the bake sale area and surrounding the bon dance itself. Unfortunately, many of them are wet, because, well it's Manoa. Suck it up buttercup, if you wanted dry, you would have gone to the Waialua Hongwanji Bon Dance. The number of dancers seemed fewer than other dances, but that might be due to the limited dancing area. I do enjoy how the lanterns are all sorts of colors, giving the dance an almost carnival like feel. Parking is a mess as there's virtually no parking on site, forcing people to brave the cold and unforgiving mean streets of Manoa for parking. Oh wait, I'm talking about Manoa, so replace all of those adjectives with "wet." Lots of people end up parking at the public Manoa Park and making the short walk over. My sister and I were amazed there were so many people with such bad parking. Maybe it's just lots of Manoa residents walking from home? Bring cash and a jacket/umbrella as its Manoa and it rains.

    WOW i've driven up…read moreand down oahu have many a time, and have never ever seen a japanese temple, so when is saw that there was an obon festival in manoa on oahu ave, i was a bit skeptical. then i saw the commercial on kiku - stunning... but was it just a picture of an obon elsewhere in japan? we met a sales person at pier one that day who was telling us that she really wanted to go to the obon festival in manoa tonight because they have the most beautiful lanterns there...really? now i'm really interested. so we drive down oahu avenue, and if not for the policemen standing on the street, and the pedestrians walking in, you would never now the temple was here because all you see from the street is a sign, and driveway. but as you walk down the driveway, you begin to see the most beautifully glowing lanterns down below you. what a surreal setting. a beautiful temple nestled in the slopey hill and the obon set up below. the gardens and ponds were beautiful. we totally want to go back to check it out in the daylight. so reminiscent of something you'd see in kyoto. if the beautiful lanterns aren't enough to persuade you to go, here's a few more: 1) teriyaki corn, freshly grilled on the hibachi 2) andagi 3) curry croquettes all, extremely delicous! it is extremely crowded, or at least it feels that way because the space is small, you do have to wait a while in lines to get your food, and the parking situation is bad, but it was totally worth it, and we're coming back next year. hey, you can always take uncle frank's limo (aka the bus) -the #5 bus stops right in front.

    Photos
    Koganji Temple - Kimono dog.  Turkey hot dog wrapped in andagi batter.

    Kimono dog. Turkey hot dog wrapped in andagi batter.

    Koganji Temple - Meat Katsu Donburi

    Meat Katsu Donburi

    Koganji Temple - Fried yakisoba noodle

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    Fried yakisoba noodle

    Jodo Mission of Hawaii - 08/16/25

    Jodo Mission of Hawaii

    5.0(1 review)
    3.5 mi

    COVID-19 UPDATE It…read moreis important for people to have access to places of worship in times of crisis. When things are bleak, people need religion to have hope. It is only natural for them to ask God or the Buddha for strength and protection. The COVID-19 pandemic is a once is a century crisis. This is not the time for a temple to temporarily close. My aunty passed away and her journey to the Pure Land began with her passing. In Pure Land Buddhism, there are services on the 3rd, 7th, 49th and 100th day after death. Each service is a transition from death, the physical world and the spiritual world of the Pure Land. My aunt's 100th day service was scheduled for April 20th but was cancelled by the temple because of the COVID-19 pandemic. My cousin was devastated. There is no greater love than the love my cousin had for her mother. The minister at Jodo Mission proposed a service with no one in attendance. My cousin would drop off her mother's urn and ihai at the temple entrance; and she would wait in her car until the service was over. For Buddhist, the 100th day service is important because it is the last chance for love ones to say goodbye by reciting the Nembutsu while a priest chants sutras of farewell. After this ceremony, a spirit leaves the physical world and eternally lives in the spiritual. My cousin called, saying that she could not let me sit in my car for the service and therefore asked me not to come. I thought the temples decision lacked consideration of how important the 100th day service is for those that believed in the teaching of Saint Honen's, Pure Land Buddhism. It lacked compassion; a pillar in Buddhism and I didn't understand. April 18, 2020 I called and spoke with the minister that was to officiate of my aunt's service and proposed a service limited to 5 people. Attendees would follow all government COVID-19 guidelines, He said no. I told him that I understood his fear but believed Saint Honen would allow this ceremony because of the significance of the 100th day service. He still said no. I asked if he would be willing to perform the service at my cousin's house and he said no. I asked if I could talk to another minister to see if that minister would be willing to perform the service at my cousin's home. He said he would have another minister call me. Two hours later, another minister calls and said he was NOT willing to perform a service at my cousin's house. In a final attempt, I asked if he would be willing to perform a graveside service with only my cousin in attendance but apologized and said no. I was frustrated. I went to the Jodo Mission website and read the directive regarding services at Jodo Shu during this COVID-19 age. I read a letter by Bishop Kosen Ishikawa, the head of all Jodo Mission's in Hawaii. In my reading, there was no ban on off-site services and in my interpretation, services at the temple may be allowed as long as they followed government COVID-19 guidelines. I called Bishop Ishikawa at his Koloa, Kauai Jodo Mission for clarification and discussed my cousin's predicament, regarding her mother's 100th day service. I summarized my discussion with the ministers at Jodo Mission Makiki. I stated how Buddhism was important to a person in times of crisis. I pointed out how Buddhism was a religion of love and compassion. I said in Pure Land Buddhism the 100th day service was second in importance only to the 49th day service. I said I believed a 100th day service could safely be held if no more than 8 people, wearing mask and gloves and performing social distancing were allowed attendance. I explain how a home 100th day service was safe for a minister if only my cousin and I were in attendance and if that wasn't possible, a graveside service at my aunt's parents grave with only my cousin in attendance was surely very safe. Bishop Ishikawa was very understanding. He agreed that the 100th day service was extremely important. He agreed that there was a way to have a safe service that conformed to CDC guidelines "IN" the temple. He would talk to the ministers so that my aunty's 100th day service could be held in the temple. 30 minutes later, my cousin called saying that Jodo Mission would allow her mother's 100th day service "IN" the temple with she, a minister, me and another cousin in attendance. We would be required to wear mask, execute social distancing and wear gloves. She was extremely happy. The 100th day ceremony was beautiful and my aunty safely completed her journey to the Pure Land. My cousin is eternally grateful to Bishop Ishikawa for coming to the aid of her family in this time of crisis. It was extremely important for her to physically be there to express her love and say goodbye to her mother through the chants and music of the 100th day service. She was both sad and happy with it's completion. Bishop Kosen Ishikawa, you are truly compassionate, wise and great. You restored my faith in Buddhism. Domo arigato gozaimashita!

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    Jodo Mission of Hawaii - 4-16-23

    4-16-23

    Jodo Mission of Hawaii
    Jodo Mission of Hawaii

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    Buddhist Study Center

    Buddhist Study Center

    5.0(2 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    I remember going to the Buddhist Study Center as an undergraduate at UH Manoa in the 1980's. I…read moredidn't realize that the Buddhist Study Center was built in 1972 which makes this the 50th Anniversary. This is a notable achievement since there are very few Buddhist Study Centers across the USA. I feel that as a biracial male (Irish/Japanese) knowing my cultural background is very important, especially in the context of living in the multicultural setting that is the State of Hawaii. I remember the staff of the Buddhist Study Center as being very welcoming and supportive. The spirit of welcoming was then and still remains very important as we seek to navigate through the effects of Covid-19 and as we seek to attain greater knowledge of ourselves through attending various educational opportunities. The proximity of the Buddhist Study Center to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the Manoa Community is a blessing. The contributions of scholars such as Dr. Alfred Bloom is a true enhancement in the overall quality of learning. The Buddhist Study Center sits unobtrusively amongst the residences along University Avenue. Yet, in its quietness lies wisdom. To those whose foresight and vision inspired the Buddhist Study Center 50 years ago, thank you so very much. May Peace Prevail. Mahalo, Mark Kazuo Bradley

    Just got off the phone with the receptionist. Very nice lady. I'm doing research for a friend and…read morewill definitely recommend he study here.

    Mu-Ryang-Sa Buddhist Temple - buddhist_temples - Updated May 2026

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