A group of 17 students from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, visited Hawaii Betsuin on the morning of January 14, 2018 as part of a three-week tour in Hawaii to study Buddhism. They were led by Erik J. Hammerstrom, Associate Professor of East Asian and Comparative Religions and a member of Tacoma Buddhist Temple.

After attending our 10 a.m. Sunday service and enjoying fellowship in the Social Hall, the group got a tour of the temple campus led by minister’s assistant Dexter Mar. The tour included an orientation to Jodo Shinshu in the Annex Temple, a look at the outside of the new PBA building, and a visit to the nokotsudo. The tour wrapped up back in the hondo with Q&A and picture taking.

Much Aloha to our student visitors and Professor Hammerstrom!