Lahaina Jodo Mission

The Pagoda

photo by John Fischer

The Pagoda, or Temple Tower, is about 90 feet high at its tallest point. The roof's covering is made of pure copper. The first floor of the pagoda contains niches to hold the urns of beloved ones. Also a small altar is enshrined there.

The original word for "pagoda" in Sanskrit was "stupa". The story goes as follows - Under the supervision of Anada, the Buddha's favorite disciple, Buddha's body was cremated by his friends in Kusinara Castle. Seven of the neighboring rulers, under the leadership of King Ajatasatthu, demanded that the ashes be divided among them. The King of Kusinara Castle at first refused and a dispute followed which threatened to end in war, but by the advise of a wise man named Dona, the crisis passed and the ashes were divided and buried under eight great stupas. The ashes of the funeral pyre and the earthen jar that contained the remains wee given to two other rulers to be likewise honored. Because of the enshrinements, the followers came to worship and pay homage to the Pagoda, which to them was the spiritual image of the great Buddha.

The Bell Tower

photo by John Fischer

This is the largest temple bell in the State of Hawaii. Made of bronze, it weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. One one side (ocean side), written in Chinese characters, are the words "Imin Hyakunen No Kane" The Centennial Memorial Bell for the First Japanese Immigrants to Hawaii. On the other side, in similar characters are the words, "Namu Amida Butsu" - the Jodo "Prayer". The small engraved characters are names of many donors, both living and deceased, who have unselfishly given their time and effort for the Mission as well as monetary gifts toward the completion of the Bell Tower.

At the Lahaina Jodo Mission, this bell is rung eleven times each evening at 8 o'clock. The first three rings are for:
I go to the Buddha for guidance;
I go to the Dhamma (the teaching of the Buddha) for guidance;
I go to the Sangha (Brotherhood) for guidance.
The next eight rings represent the Eight-Fold Pathway to Righteousness: Right Understanding, Right Purpose, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Endeavor, Right Thought and Right Meditation.