Lāhainā Jodo Mission
The Lāhainā Jodo Mission is a historic Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple located in Lāhainā, Hawaii. Established in 1912, it is known for its 12-foot-high statue of the Amida Buddha, installed in 1968 to commemorate the centenary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii. The temple suffered significant damage in the 2023 Hawaii wildfires, though its central Buddha statue remained intact.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1912, with its current location dating back to 1932.
- ›Features a 12-foot-high statue of the Amida Buddha, installed in 1968.
- ›The 1968 statue installation marked the centenary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii.
- ›Celebrated its first public Obon Festival since the COVID-19 pandemic on July 1, 2023.
- ›Many of its buildings were damaged or destroyed in the 2023 Hawaii wildfires.
- ›The Amida Buddha statue survived the 2023 Hawaii wildfires.
Important Relationships
- Jodo Mission of Hawaii
12-Foot-High Statue of the Amida Buddha
- Establishment In 1912
- Relocation To Current Site In 1932
- Installation of Amida Buddha Statue In 1968
- First Public Obon Festival Since Covid-19 Pandemic In 2023
- Damage/Destruction In 2023 Hawaii Wildfires
About Lāhainā Jodo Mission
The Lāhainā Jodo Mission is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) tradition, situated in Lāhainā, Hawaii. Its establishment dates back to 1912, with the temple finding its permanent home on its current site in 1932. The mission is particularly recognized for its prominent 12-foot-high statue of the Amida Buddha, a significant installation that occurred in 1968. This event coincided with the centenary celebration of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii, underscoring the temple's role in the Japanese-American community's history.
In recent history, the Lāhainā Jodo Mission marked a return to public observance by celebrating its first Obon Festival since the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2023. However, this period of renewed activity was tragically overshadowed by the devastating 2023 Hawaii wildfires. The fires inflicted considerable damage, destroying or severely impacting many of the temple's structures. Despite the widespread destruction, the central Amida Buddha statue, a symbol of resilience and faith, miraculously survived the catastrophic event. The broader Jodo Mission of Hawaii, located on Oʻahu, initiated fundraising efforts to support their Lāhainā counterpart during their own Obon Festival.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Lāhainā Jodo Mission established?
The Lāhainā Jodo Mission was established in 1912. It has been situated in its current location since 1932.
What is the significance of the Amida Buddha statue at the temple?
A 12-foot-high statue of the Amida Buddha was installed in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. This statue survived the 2023 wildfires.
What impact did the 2023 Hawaii wildfires have on the temple?
The 2023 Hawaii wildfires caused significant damage to or destruction of many of the temple's buildings. Fortunately, the prominent Amida Buddha statue at the temple survived the devastation.
What is the affiliation of the Lāhainā Jodo Mission?
The Lāhainā Jodo Mission is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple. Jōdo-shū is a school of Pure Land Buddhism.
Related Buddhist Temples
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, often called Eikan-dō, is the head temple of the Seizan branch of Japan's Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) Buddhist sect, located in Kyoto. Originally founded by a disciple of Kūkai and devoted to Shingon Buddhism, it transitioned to Jōdo-shū under the influence of its seventh head monk, Yōkan. The temple is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and its unique "Mikaeri Amida" statue, which appears to look over its shoulder.
Kōtoku-in
Kōtoku-in is a Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan, belonging to the Jōdo-shū sect. It is most famous for housing the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a colossal bronze statue of Amitābha that is a significant icon of Japan and a designated National Treasure.
Shandao Temple
Shandao Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Taipei, Taiwan, and holds historical significance as a branch temple of Jōdo-shū during the Japanese rule period. Its accessibility via the Taipei Metro makes it a prominent landmark and religious site within the city.