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BYODO-IN
TEMPLE
gregation.
TThe Byodo-In 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 con-
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.
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