Wood Valley Temple
Wood Valley Temple, also known by its Tibetan name Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in Hawaii. Originally established as a Nichiren Buddhist temple in 1902, it was later re-established as a center for Tibetan Buddhist study and meditation in 1973.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1902 as a Nichiren Buddhist temple.
- ›Relocated in 1925 to its current site following a flood.
- ›Abandoned in the MID-1960s before being re-established in 1973.
- ›Leased to the Nechung lineage for Buddhist study and meditation.
- ›Its Tibetan name is Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling.
- ›Located five minutes above Pahala on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Important Relationships
- Nechung Oracle
Flood Damage To Original Site In 1917, Abandonment In Mid-1960s, Lease To Nechung Lineage In 1973
About Wood Valley Temple
Wood Valley Temple, known in Tibetan as Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling (Wylie: gnas-chung rdo-rje brag-g.yang gling), is a significant Buddhist site located in Hawaii. Situated five minutes above Pahala on the Big Island, its history reflects shifts in religious practice and community presence.
History and Development
The structure was initially constructed in 1902 as a Nichiren Buddhist temple. However, its existence was impacted by natural events, leading to its relocation in 1925 to its present site after a substantial flood in 1917 caused damage to the original building. For a period in the mid-1960s, the temple fell into disuse following the cessation of operations by the Ka'u Sugar company in the region.
A resurgence of activity occurred in 1973 when the temple was leased to the Nechung lineage. This lineage, associated with the Nechung Oracle and a part of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, intended to establish a dedicated center for Buddhist study and meditation on the island. This marked a transformation for the site into a center for Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Significance
Wood Valley Temple serves as a testament to the enduring presence of Buddhist traditions in Hawaii. Its transition from Nichiren Buddhism to Tibetan Buddhism highlights the adaptability and evolving spiritual landscape of the islands. The temple's association with the Nechung lineage underscores its role as a place for contemplative practice and scholarly engagement within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wood Valley Temple founded?
Wood Valley Temple was originally built in 1902. It was later relocated in 1925.
What was the original religious affiliation of the temple?
The temple was initially built as a Nichiren Buddhist temple.
Why was the temple moved?
The temple was moved in 1925 to its current location because a major flood in 1917 had damaged its original site.
When did the temple become associated with Tibetan Buddhism?
In 1973, the temple was leased to the Nechung lineage, a Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, to establish a center for Buddhist study and meditation.
What is the Tibetan name for Wood Valley Temple?
The Tibetan name for Wood Valley Temple is Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling.
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