Japanese Buddhist Temples in Hawaii: An Illustrated Guide

George Tanabe; Willa Jane Tanabe

Published by University of Hawaii Press 2013

Japanese Buddhist Temples in Hawaii

An Illustrated Guide

George Tanabe and Willa Jane Tanabe

https://doi.org/10.1515/9780824837280

Overview
Contents

About this book

Upon entering a Japanese Buddhist temple in Hawai‘i, most people—whether first-time visitors or lifelong members—are overwhelmed by the elaborate and complex display of golden ornaments, intricately carved altar tables and incense burners, and images of venerable masters and bodhisattvas. These objects, as well as the architectural elements of the temple itself, have meanings that are often hidden in ancient symbolisms. This book, written by two local authorities on Japanese art and religion, provides a thorough yet accessible overview of Buddhism in Hawai‘i followed by a temple-by-temple guide to the remaining structures across the state.

Introductory chapters cover the basic history, teachings, and practices of various denominations and the meanings of objects commonly found in temples. Taken together, they form a short primer on Buddhism in Japan and Hawai‘i. The heart of the book is a narrative description of the ninety temples still extant in Hawai‘i. Augmented by over 350 color photographs, each entry begins with historical background information and continues with descriptions of architecture, sanctuaries, statuary and ritual implements, columbariums, and grounds. Appended at the end is a chart listing each temple's denomination, membership number, and architectural type.

While many Buddhist temples in Hawai‘i are active social and religious centers, a good number are in serious decline. In addition to being an introduction to Buddhism and a guide book, Japanese Buddhist Temples in Hawai‘i is an indispensable historical record of what exists today and what may be gone tomorrow. It will appeal to temple members, pilgrims, residents and tourists interested in local cultural and historic sites, and historians of Buddhism in Hawai‘i.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Acknowledgments Publicly Available Download PDF	ix
Introduction Publicly Available Download PDF	xi
1. From India to Japan To Hawai‘i Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
2. Architecture and Interiors Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	17
3. Temples on O‘ahu Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	45
4. Temples on the Big Island Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	111
5. Temples On Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lana‘i Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	167
Temples of Special Interest Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	221
Temple Statistics Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	225
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	233
About the Authors Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	239

Language: English
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
Audience: Professional and scholarly;
Pages
- Main content: 256
Illustrations
- Other: 363 color illus.

eBook

Published: October 31, 2012
ISBN: 9780824837280