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Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe, O’ahu, Hawai’i

Byodo-In-Temple-in-Kaneohe-Oahu-Hawaii

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Located at the feet of the stunning Ko’olau Mountains, better known as the Pali (the distinctive narrow and tall cliffs of the island), Byodo-In Temple is a little oasis of tranquillity within Paradise. The temple is a smaller replica of the original one in Kyoto, which is almost one-thousand-years old, and it was established in 1968 to commemorate the one-hundred-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrant arriving in the islands.

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Byodo-In-Temple-in-Kaneohe-Oahu-HawaiiByodo-In-Temple-in-Kaneohe-Oahu-Hawaii

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In preparation for next year’s 50th anniversary, the temple has recently undergone a complete restoration, always ensuring, of course, consistency with the Kyoto original. As part of this project, the two bronze phoenix statues on the temple’s roof have been substituted with new ones. The original pieces will remain at ground level for public viewing.

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To the right, after the access bridge, you will find the peace bell, a three-ton brass bell called Bonsho (sacred bell). Its deep sound carries far and helps create a feeling of tranquillity – except, of course, in moments when there are a lot of visitors, and everyone turns into a five-year-old and has to have a go.

Inside the temple is a nine-foot statue of the Lotus Buddha, and a gold-covered wooden depiction of Amitabh. Being a non-practicing Buddhist temple, Byodo is open to all people as a place of contemplation, or even just to enjoy its beauty. A private room in the back hosts a columbarium, which is a place where cremation niches are housed.

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Then there are the beautiful gardens, complete with Koi ponds, little waterfalls, pretty bridges, wild peacocks and a black swans. At the garden tea shop you can purchase a little bag of special food to feed the Koi fish (Japanese carp), who will eagerly answer your call.

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Above and below is the meditation pavilion, which is located off to the left side of the temple and behind some trees, making it the perfect location for some inner peace and contemplation.

The young “samurai” you see in some of these images is a model I photographed as part of his portfolio a few years ago. You can see the full photo story about this shoot at this page.

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Meditation-gazebo-in-the-garden-at-Byodo-In-Temple-Kaneohe-Oahu-HawaiiThe-garden-at-Byodo-In-Temple-in-Kaneohe-Oahu-Hawaii

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You may have noticed Byodo-In Temple incorporated regularly in movies and television. I know I have seen it in a scene of the movie Pearl Harbor, and also a few episodes of the recent HI-50.  But I have read it has been featured also in several episodes of Magnum P.I., and in one episode of Lost.

The beauty and tranquillity of this location also often attracts wedding ceremonies of both local residents and visitors from Japan.

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If you are on O’ahu for more than a couple of days, a visit to Byodo-In Temple is well worth the drive.  You can make it part of a drive-around the island, as long as you make sure to stop in before closing time. The temple, which is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, is found at the back of Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, of which it is part, off the Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe, on the windward side of O’ahu. These days, with smartphones and mapping apps, there is no need to give directions, but if you do want some, the temple’s website has them for both driving and public transportation.

A couple of logistics: there is a small token admission fee ($3 for adults) to access the site, and you will be required to remove your shoes to enter the temple. Important tip: don’t forget mosquito repellent!

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Byodo-In-Temple-in-Kaneohe-Oahu-Hawaii

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BYODO-IN TEMPLE

47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, Hi 96744   |   ph. (808) 239-8811   |   website

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If you are exploring on O’ahu, you might also enjoy these posts:

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    Good Morning!

This exquisite Classic English kitchen in Southeast London caught my eye as it popped into my inbox a few days ago. 

I have not shared any home design inspiration for some time, for all the same reasons why I had not posted or sent out newsletters for sometime. But make no mistake: my love for interior design and architecture has not dulled one iota. Actually, it is even stronger.

Take a look on the blog (link in profile under Latest Post) for images, story and description of this moody-done-right kitchen.

Wishing you an easy rest of the week!
xoxo
Monica
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@devolkitchens
    A lovely tulip from the garden to wish you all an equally lovely Easter Weekend!
May it be filled with lightness, flowers and chocolate eggs.
Love,
Monica
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    Good Morning and Happy Saturday!
I am here to let you know that I have published the recipe for my Lemon Cream Crinkle Cookies.

Easter weekend is coming soon and, just in case you are planning some baking, you can find the recipe at the link in my profile under Latest Post. This way you will have time to bake a test batch for yourself first.

Have fun baking!
Monica
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    One of my favorite sunsets from my winter in Italy to let you know that I have published a new post on the blog about how the garden and the healing power of nature helped me survive a challenging winter.

You can read it (and view the many photos) on the blog, and you can find the link to the home page in the profile. Or you can comment WINTER in this post and I will message you the link directly.

I hope you will enjoy it and find it helpful and inspiring. That is why I share such personal stories, in the hope they will help or inspire even just one person.

Wishing you a wonderful new week!
Love, Monica
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#loob_nature #inspiremyinstagram #simplepleasures #pursuepretty #shinrinyoku #forestbathing #naturehealsthesoul #littlestoryofmylife #gardenphotography #natureinwinter #wintersunset #womenwhoexplore #whatitalyis #vibrationalhealing #mindfulpractice #deepbreathing #selfcarepractice #sacrednature #naturemedicine #earthmedicine #rechargeyoursoul #naturehealsthesoul #naturewalk #yearningfornature #gardenlovers #naturephotography #sunsetporn #sunset_love #inmygardentoday #homesandgarden
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© Monica Schwartz - Life Out of Bounds 20205 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce in any way without written consent.
    Happy Sunday everyone!

I was finally able to have the time, energy and focus to send out the first newsletter in months. The first of the year, in fact!

You can view it at the link in profile, where you can also find a link to subscribe if you like. Or, if you prefer, comment SPRING below and I’ll message you the link directly. 
I hope you will enjoy it, and that April has been easy on you so far.

🤍🌸🤍
Monica
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#loob_newsletter #newsletter #inspiremyinstagram #pinklove #simplepleasures #pursuepretty #shinrinyoku #forestbathing #naturehealsthesoul #littlestoryofmylife #gardenphotography #natureinwinter #springmood #springweather #springflowers #womenwhoexplore #whatitalyis #vibrationalhealing #mindfulpractice #deepbreathing #selfcarepractice #sacrednature #naturemedicine #earthmedicine #rechargeyoursoul #naturehealsthesoul #naturewalk #yearningfornature #gardenlovers #naturephotography
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