Byodo-In Temple
| Byodo-In Temple | |
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Byodo-In Temple in Hawai'i is a replica of the historic Byodoin Temple of Uji in Kyoto prefecture of Japan, established in 1052.
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| Basic information | |
| Location |
47-200 Kahekili Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744 |
| Affiliation | non-denominational |
| Country | United States |
| Completed | 1968 |
47-200 Kahekili Hwy
The Byodo-In (平等院?) Temple is a non-denominational temple located on the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i at the Valley of the Temples. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in Kyoto prefecture of Japan. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a functioning Buddhist temple in the proper sense as it does not host a resident monastic community nor an active congregation. Inside the Byodo-In Temple is a 18 ft (5.5 m) statue of the Lotus Buddha, a wooden image depicting Amitabha. It is covered in gold and lacquer. Outside is a three-ton, brass peace bell. Surrounding the temple are large koi ponds that cover a total of two acres (8,000 m²). Around those ponds are lush Japanese gardens set against a backdrop of towering cliffs of the Ko'olau mountains. The gardens are home to sparrows and peacocks. The temple covers 11,000 sq ft (1,000 m2).
The Byodo-In Temple is visited and used by thousands of worshipers from around the world. It welcomes people of all faiths to participate in its traditions. Apart from worship, the temple grounds are also used for weddings and office meetings.
Byodo-In Temple is a half-size-scale replica of the Byodo-in Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site near the ancient city of Kyoto, originally a monastery founded by Fujiwara no Yorimichi in 1052 of the Heian period. It was famous for its Vairochana statue. The statue was lost and replaced in 1053 with a large wooden statue of Amitabha (Amida Nyorai), a national treasure of the Empire carved by the Japanese artisan Jocho. Amitabha stands in the midst of the Phoenix Hall or Hoodo, an artistic reproduction of Amitabha Tathagata's Western Pure Land. It is called Phoenix Hall in reference to the two phoenixes stretching their wings upon the temple roof. Fifty two wooden images of Bodhisattvas surround the Amidtabha, dancing and playing musical instruments on floating clouds.
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