“Let’s Ko” / Everyday Buddhist Classes

by DaveA
Everyday Buddhist header (images related to three of the courses)

Hawaii Betsuin’s “Let’s Ko” / Everyday Buddhist classes resume January 6, 2026, following a holiday break Hawaii Betsuin has an ongoing Buddhism class in which we watch and discuss “Everyday Buddhist” videos. “Let’s Ko” is our nickname for the program — “Ko” can mean a Buddhist study group of fellow travelers. Everyday Buddhist is an […]

Tibetan Meditation Moves to Thursday Evenings Starting Jan. 8; Optional Book Study Added

by DaveA
Lama Wangchuk / Annex Temple header

It has now been over two years since Hawaii Betsuin opened its beautiful Annex Temple weekly for Lama Wangchuk to offer guided Tibetan meditation. Lama and class participants are deeply grateful for this continued support. Lama has redesigned his class into a Thursday gathering dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Lojong meditation. He […]

Sun shines for educational BDK Temple Walk with Dr. George Tanabe as guide (video)

by DaveA

https://hawaiibetsuin.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/00_2025_BDK_Temple_Walk_vid_square_V2.mp4 November 15 was the BDK Temple Walk starting and ending at Hawaii Betsuin, also taking in Foster Botanical Garden, Soto Mission of Hawaii, and Honolulu Myohoji Mission. See a bit of what we saw in this short video. Mahalo, BDK, for the collaboration and we look forward to doing it again someday! BDK is […]

Hawaii Betsuin Board Elections: Nominations Open

by DaveA
display case with Betsuin news and announcements (decorative banner)

This item first appeared in the October 19, 2025, Betsuin Bulletin e-newsletter. Every two years, Hawaii Betsuin members elect the temple’s board of directors and officers. This year’s election is planned to be in person only after the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, November 16, 2025. While most officers have indicated they are willing to serve […]

Hondo Naijin Restoration Project Update

by DaveA
wide view of restored naijin and altars

When we are in the Hondo (main hall), we place our hand together in gassho and say the Nembutsu facing our beautiful Naijin (altar area). We see the golden statue of Amida Buddha in its ornate central shrine which is gold leafed to signify purity and virtue. We take in the golden glow of the […]

Bon Dance 2025 photos and video

by DaveA
Yagura and dancers at Bon Dance 2025 (header image)

Hawaii Betsuin welcomed hundreds of sangha and community members on June 27 and 28, 2025, for Bon Dance. The weather was favorable, the sound was good, the teamwork was commendable, and the vibe was joyful. Thank you to all who attended and volunteered in so many ways to make the 2025 Bon Dance possible! You […]

2025 Obon memorial lantern dedications now available

by DaveA
Bon memorial lanterns along hondo interior

Obon memorial lanterns allow you to memorialize your departed loved ones with lanterns displayed in the hondo during Bon season. Ribbons with loved ones’ names are attached to the lanterns, which are available in three sizes. Donations made when ordering lanterns are an important source of income for the temple. We invite you to participate! […]