Byodo-In Temple

Neil and I adventured out together to the Byodo-In Temple. We have heard great things about this place which is located in the Valley of The Temples near our home, but we had not yet visited. Even though it was a cloudy morning, the grounds were stunningly beautiful and we very much enjoyed the peaceful, calm energy that surrounds the temple. We wished our Dad was here, as we both knew he would love to spend time here meditating. There was a wedding in the temple when we arrived, so we spent quite a while walking around the immaculate gardens, watching a young art class draw, and feeding the animals.

The Byodo-In Temple was built in the 1960's to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii who came to work in the sugar plantation fields. It is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodoin Temple located in Uji, Japan on the southern outskirts of Kyoto. It has also been used a set for the television show LOST (for you superfans, this was supposedly Sun's father's home in one episode....see this link: HERE


A sign marking one of the cemetary/resting place areas in the valley. Reminded us of home, we had to take a picture!

Neil took this shot out of the convertible top as we drove into the Valley of the Temples.

Neil on the bridge at the entry to the grounds.


The Buddhist Temple.


Neil rings the bell, which is believed to bring happiness and a long life. When rung, it is intended to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha.


Neil relaxes in the Gazebo.


Amazing picture, taken by Neil, of the largest of the coy ponds.


Neil feeds coy.


Neil loves feeding animals!


Neil and statue.


Maggie needs all the happiness and long life wishes she can get.


Inside temple.