Monday, April 19, 2010

Byodo-In Buddhist Temple


The temple is a replica of 900-year-old Byodo-In located in Uji, Japan. It's located in The Valley of the Temples on the Kbay side of the island. Established on June 7, 1968 to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Temple is landscaped with traditional Japanese gardens and a 2-acre koi pond. The Byodo-In was built entirely without the use of nails. Beside the temple is a 5-foot, three-ton brass Peace Bell. The deep tone of the bell sounds a message of calm and peace.




The magnificent Byodo-In Temple translates into: "Temple of equality - not to discriminate".




The Bell House known as "kanetsu-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. It symbolises the bell hanging in the same Bell House at the Uji Byodo-In. A sof wooden log called the "shu-moku" its used to strike the bell. You are suppose to ring the bell upon your entry to the temple to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha.






It was a true experience to be able to visit the Temple and something that I will remember for ever. Just driving through the Valley up to the Temple gave me chills. As we saw many families paying their respects to their loved ones. I have not been to visit my Papa grave site since he passed away after the funeral and I know one of the first things I plan on doing the next time I go back to Texas. He was a great man and I truly miss him and wish more than ever he could of met my husband.

1 comment:

❈ Annie - Blonde Glambition ❈ said...

The temple is beautiful!! When you're there it's easy to feel like you are in a foreign country.

I'm so sorry about your papa too.