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
Collage from a past temple-wide cleanup
Hawaii Betsuin’s annual temple cleanup returns Sunday, November 24, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m.
This is a fun, all-sangha event in which various affiliated organizations and groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, BWA, the board, etc.) take on specific areas for cleanup, typically the same assignments from year to year. Afterwards, we all join for a well-earned, simple lunch in the Social Hall.
Please check in with your temple group for details. Your group representatives will coordinate with the Hawaii Betsuin Business Office.
Cleanup volunteers are asked to bring their own buckets, rags, etc. since temple supplies of cleaning items are limited. See you all 11/19 to “share the joy of cleaning together”! 😁
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
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.
