Experience Buddhist Teachings through Activities
By participating in Hawaii Betsuin Dharma School, families enjoy many benefits, including:
- learning about Buddhist values and teachings
- getting to know others through activities and events—working together at church and community functions
- sharing good times at the Betsuin
- visiting other temples
- exploring fun spots around the island while sharing and experiencing the Dharma.
New Dharma School website! Visit http://betsuindharmaschool.com/.
Events
Upcoming Youth Events from the Betsuin Calendar
![Golfers on sunny Ala Wai golf course](https://hawaiibetsuin.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/golf_swing2011.jpg)
Golfers on the Ala Wai Golf Course.
27th Annual Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Golf Tournament
A day of fun, fellowship, food, and golf on Thursday, August 8!
Register and golf or you may also contribute prizes or donations to support our education and youth programs. Registration deadline July 24, 2024. Limited to 180 players.
Check-in starts at 10:30 a.m. and shotgun start is 12:00 noon.
The banquet will be at the clubhouse immediately following golf.
You may still use the form for donations and sponsorships. Mahalo for all the participation and support!
Dharma School Service and Classes
After service, children (preschool through high school) attend Dharma School classes. Preschool parents are welcome to join their children in class.
A Fellowship Group is held for other parents to learn about Buddhist values /teachings (Dharma) and to enjoy getting to know one another.
Additional Opportunities
Participation in Regular Dharma School Services and Special Services
Dharma School students and families help by ringing the kansho (temple bell), offering flowers and candlelight, performing usher and emcee duties, reading the aspiration, singing gathas (church songs) during services and special programs.
Betsuin Dharma School Activities
![young boy pounds rice with a big mallet with adult helping and other students looking on](https://hawaiibetsuin.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mochitsuki.jpg)
Mochitsuki!
Activities include Botanical Garden Fun Day, hikes, Shabu Shabu/ Game Night, mochitsuki (pounding rice to make mochi), trolleys to Honolulu City Lights, birthday parties and Graduates’ Luncheon.
Families help at temple activities such the Taste of Hongwanji Bazaar, Bon Dance shave ice booth and Family Promise (assisting homeless families transition to independence).
Joint Dharma School Activities with Honolulu District
Annual activities include Registration Fun Day, Pumpkin Patch outing, Educational Activity and Keiki Day. When able, visits to other temples are included in these joint activities. This provides an opportunity to see other temples and interact with other Buddhist keiki and families across the islands.
Other Affiliated Groups
Dharma School students are encouraged to participate in other affiliated groups and activities, which include Jr. Young Buddhist Association (middle & high school students), YESS Camp (Young Enthusiastic Shinshu Seekers) & Jr. YESS Camp, Japanese taiko drumming, ukulele sessions, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.