
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening. Aloha from Hawaii.
Mary Foster’s life and legacy are deeply connected to the history of Buddhism in Hawaii. Her generosity and vision continue to inspire us today.
Buddhism has a rich history of adapting to different cultures and flourishing by aligning with local values. Its teachings of universal compassion, peace, and harmony embrace all people, regardless of differences. In this spirit, we are all fellow travelers on the path.
The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, part of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha tradition based in Kyoto, Japan, began in 1889. Under the leadership of Bishop Imamura, HHMH provided spiritual refuge to Japanese immigrants facing poverty, discrimination, and isolation in a new land. Mary Foster played an instrumental role in helping the Hongwanji grow and thrive during these challenging times.
Her contributions were many:
- She generously supported the Hongwanji’s relief efforts after the 1900 Chinatown fire, aiding displaced Chinese and Japanese families.
- She helped Bishop Imamura invite Colonel Henry Steele Olcott, whose visit uplifted the congregation’s spirits and instilled pride in their faith.
- In 1901, she invited Queen Lili’uokalani to a special Buddhist service, fostering greater acceptance of Buddhism in Hawaii.
- She donated land for the Hongwanji to establish a school for Japanese plantation workers’ children. Bishop Imamura recorded his experience as follows:
Upon my return to Hawaii I went to see Mrs. Mary Foster, a warmly supportive patron in recent years, to explain to her the desire for a new school building. She immediately agreed with my idea and, on the spot, presented me the land for the school. Her graceful figure raising her arms to say, ‘This land is yours!’ will always remain in my memory. I have never again felt that height of happiness as when receiving first the encouraging words from the Abbot and then, on this return to Hawaii, the support of Mrs. Foster. The memory of these experiences continues to overwhelm me with warm gratitude on every occasion.
Opened in 1907, the school bridged Eastern and Western cultures and nurtured future community leaders. Today, we have two educational institutions (Hongwanji Mission School & Pacific Buddhist Academy) nurturing children from preschool through high school.
- Mary Foster collaborated with Bishop Imamura to design a temple that embraced inclusivity, blending elements of Indian, Japanese, and American traditions. Dedicated in 1918, this temple still stands under Hawaii’s beautiful blue sky as a symbol of Buddhism’s enduring presence in the state.
Mary Foster’s impact extended beyond financial support. As Patricia Lee Masters notes in Searching for Mary Foster,
Mary Foster gave (Hongwanji) more than money to fund their projects; she championed their right to enjoy and practice their religion. She also made their acceptance into Honolulu society easier by her ever-present involvement and support of Bishop Imamura and the Honpa Hongwanji Temple.
On behalf of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, I express our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Foster. Her compassion, humility, and dedication enabled the Buddha-Dharma to flourish in Hawaii. May we honor her legacy by continuing to share the teachings of the Buddha and striving for a more harmonious and compassionate world.