Many temples hold services on New Year’s Eve to express gratitude for the past year and to reflect on the interdependency of all life, and on all things that have made it possible for one to life through the year. Often at these services, attendees ring the kansho (temple bell)...
This is the day to commemorate Sakyamuni Buddha’s attainment of Awakening under the Bodhi tree. The day signifies the dawn of humanity’s universal emancipation from suffering and unawareness. Temples hold special services on or near this date, sometimes joining with sanghas (temple communities) of other traditions.
In the spirit of promoting Peace Day in Hawaii and throughout the world, we invite the world to join us in ringing bells for PEACE DAY on September 22, 2025. Note: While Peace Day is officially the day before, we will hold the event on Monday the 22nd to make...
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. In 2007, Hawaii became the first state to recognize...
Save the date! Choralfest returns September 20-21 to Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin at 1727 Pali Highway! Joining the Combined Choir (registration required) A combined choir is formed from singers at various Hongwanji temples in Hawaii a few from Buddhist Churches of America and Japan. The combined choir practices some at...
“Higan” means “the other shore.” It is an abbreviation for “to-higan,” meaning “reaching the other shore (of nirvana).” During the vernal and autumnal equinoxes when days and nights are of equal length, temples conduct Higan services that encourage us to meditate on the harmony of nature and devote ourselves to...
