New to the Temple?
Interested in Mililani Hongwanji Buddhist Temple? Great! Here's some info to get you started. Please know everyone and anyone is welcome to our temple, even if it's just for a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a temple member to participate in your activities and organizations?
No temple membership is required! Each of our activities and programs may have their own fees and membership, but anyone and everyone is welcome to visit and check out our activities and organizations!
What kind of Buddhism does this temple practice?
We practice Jodo Shinshu (or Shin) Buddhism. More specifically the Hongwanji-ha (or Nishi Hongwanji) denomination. Shin Buddhism promotes happiness and well being by incorporating self reflection and gratitude into everyday life for everyday people. To learn more, please visit our web page titles "Jodo Shinshu Buddhism"
What does Hongwanji mean?
Hongwanji means “Temple of the Primal Vow", referring to an important aspect of the type of Buddhism we practice: Jodo Shinshu (or Shin) Buddhism.
In Hawaii, most temples of our denomination (called Hongwanji-ha or Nishi Hongwanji) will have "Hongwanji" in their title/name. Other Jodo Shinshu (or Shin) Buddhist temples of another denomination also use the term Hongwanji to name their temples.
Do I need to be Buddhist or speak Japanese to attend this temple?
No, absolutely not. We welcome people of all backgrounds to our temple. Our temple community is diverse, just like the melting pot Hawaii is.
While some of our chants are in Japanese due to the origins of this denomination, "...they are not chanted for comprehension. Rather, it is a symbolic gesture of listening to the Dharma and is considered a form of mindfulness." - Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
We welcome you, sono mama, just as you are, to our temple!
What are services like?
Services at our temple are usually around an hour, with refreshments and talk story time after. Services include chanting sutras (Buddhist texts), singing gathas (Buddhist songs), offering incense, a dharma talk (Buddhist sermon), and sometimes other things depending on the type of service. Services are conducted in English, with some portions in another language due to the multicultural heritage of Buddhism.
We know chanting and singing can be a lot, so welcome you to participate in our service in whatever way you are most comfortable. One of our main teachings in Shin Buddhism is listening, so whether you jump right into our sutra chanting or come to listen and enjoy the peaceful and community-oriented environment we create, we welcome you to check out our services!
Casual clothes & rubbah slippahs are ok!
What do I do if I have more questions?
Please have a look around our website, where we provide some basic info about our temple, community, and religion.
If our website doesn't have the information you are looking for, please feel free to contact or visit us. We'd be happy to help you!
Please join us!
Family services are held at 9am on Sundays
Our variety of organizations and activities are held throughout the week