The Byodo-In Temple

The byodo-in temple situated at the valley of the temples memorial park was est. on June 7, 1968 to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple was built entirely without the use of nails. It is a scale replica of a temple at Uji Japan that was constructed over 900 years ago. The temple is built to represent the mythical phoenix, its wings upheld by pillars of stone. folklore tells of the phoenix arising from ashes to reflect the promises of hope and renewal.

The magnificent Byodo-In temple translates "Temple of Equality - not to discriminate" and is home to Amida, a golden Buddha unique to the entire world.

The Buddha is taught to be the largest figure carved since ancient times. Towering more than 18 feet, the immense figure is an original work of art carved by the famous Japanese sculptor, Masuzo Inui. When the carving was completed, it was covered with cloth and painted with three applications of gold lacquer. Gold leaf was later applied over the finish. The hall and all the artistry it reflects are regarded as representing the essence of the culture of the Fujiwara aristocracy.

The Hall is popularly known as Hoo-doo, or the Phoenix Hall. Because a pair of the legendary birds of good omen and of Chinese origin is seen perched on both ends of the rood with their wings spread and ready to fly away. The hall containing two wings reflects stability as well as artistic beauty.

The Bell House, called kanestu-ki-do, contains a five foot high, three ton brass bell, called bon-sho (sacred bell), cast in Osaka, Japan from a mixture of bronze and tin, by permission of the government of Japan. It closely resembles a bell hanging in an identical Bell House at the Uji Byodo-In. The original is said to be more than 900 years old and to have come from India. It is revered for its distinctive shape, and the tone of the bell sounds a message of deep calm and peace, cleansing the mind of evil temptation. The resonant sound of the bon-sho creates an atmospere of tranquility for meditation that travels for some distance. A soft wooden log called the "shu-moku" is used to strike the bell. The bell is customarily rang before one enters the temple to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha.