Honpa Hongawnji Hilo Betsuin
398 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI  96720
Phone: 808-961-6677
Fax: 808-935-9677

PURPOSE

The purpose of this brochure is to give basic information about the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin. This information will cover: tradition, history, membership, services, activities and organizations.

As a member, you and your loved ones will find many reasons why it is important to belong to the Hilo Betsuin. Please call us at 961-6677 or drop by the Hilo Betsuin office for more details. The office is located to the right of the main temple at 398 Kilauea Avenue. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The office is closed on holidays.

HISTORY

The Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin began with a Jodo Shinshu (abbrev.: Shin) Buddhist worship hall built in 1889 on the site where the Mooheau Park bandstand is today. Reverend Soryu Kagahi is credited for this beginning in the Hawaiian Kingdom. Later, the temple and school buildings were moved to a half-acre lot where, in 1905, a new temple was built. The present temple grounds were purchased in 1924.

What has come to be the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin's temple was dedicated in 1926. Having already celebrated its first 100 years in Hawaii, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin is the oldest Shin organization in the West. The temple is a secure place for Shin Buddhists to gather. Here, they share and spread the Shin Teaching.

The Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin is a Shin Buddhist community joined in the True and Real Awakening to Amida Buddha's Universal Vow. The basis of this community is the perfected name - NAMO AMIDA BUTSU - "I awaken to the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life!"�

Beginning with the name of our community, Hongwanji means the Temple of Amida's Universal Vow. Hongwanji is also the name of the original temple founded by the descendants of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262). Honpa is an abbreviation of Hongwanji-ha which means a denomination of the Hongwanji. Hilo Hongwanji was given the honorary status of Betsuin - a direct branch temple of the original Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. Although we can trace the Buddhist Teachings back through India, the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin has its origin in 13th century Japan with Shinran Shonin.

TRADITION

Shinran Shonin is the founder of Jodo Shinshu. Jodo Shinshu means the Essential Teaching of the Pure Land Way. This teaching brings all people to Amida Buddha's perfect Compassion and Love. To do this, Amida (the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life) made the perfect Universal Vow.

How do we know Amida's perfect Compassion and Love for us? According to Shinran's teachings, this is possible through the perfect name of NAMO AMIDA BUTSU. Perfect means that Amida's Universal Vow has been fulfilled for everyone.

NAMO AMIDA BUTSU is the pronouncement of Amida's Vow of Compassion and Love perfected for each of us. It is the statement of our TRUE AND REAL AWAKENING (Shinjin) that comes from Infinite Light and Life (Amida).

Shinjin is given to each of us in NAMO AMIDA BUTSU. NAMO AMIDA BUTSU is like a treasure box in which the diamond-like gem of TRUE AND REAL AWAKENING (Shinjin) is a gift to each of us. The perfect name of Amida is easy to hear and say. It lets us know, whenever and wherever, that we live in the most perfect Compassion and Love. From that Love and Compassion, our lives have a new and special meaning.

When we understand this new meaning, "Buddhahood is certain� for us". This "certainty"� means that while we live in this world, our work to make the world a better place to live is a labor of gratitude to Amida. This "certainty"� also means that when the cover of human life falls away, "becoming Buddha"� is to truly love and care for all beings in the perfection of Amida's Universal Vow. Becoming the perfected name of Amida, we in turn will bring all beings to Buddhahood. This is our "Birth into Amida's Pure Land."�

MEMBERSHIP

The spreading of the Shin Teaching requires the commitment of its membership. All activities of individuals, affiliated organizations, and staff members help in this common task. This task grows as the community of Hilo grows.

Each member, as an individual or head of household, is required to pay dues to support this ongoing effort. Our office has specific information for new and ongoing members.