Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii — Attraction in Honolulu

Common Ground(s): My search for common spiritual and humanitarian interests and endeavors across various faiths begins here in Honolulu, Hawaii. What do we each believe? What common beliefs and humanitaritarian outlooks do we share? A look across the very diverse groups of respective "pilgrims" (those on life-long faith journeys here in Hawaii).

Dad (and Mom) began this journey many years ago. It does not originate with me. I'm simply building upon their embrace of a common humanity. Yes. We have dramatic and diverse faiths and very clear differences. But, while there are these definite divergent beliefs, what valuable values do we share in common? They were United Church of Christ Protestan Christian missionaries to Aizu, Japan.

There were respectful, exploratory discussions on how to approach and help attempt to solve our human problems. And, there were those discussions about the issue of an afterlife.

These, I believe, are some very basic beliefs, attitudes and values which we ALL share in common. I want to discover the key, leading values which we share in common. Here, I don't want to emphasize our differences.

These are my guiding...

I visit the Izumo Taisho temple annually, to be blessed for the New Year. I arrive around 1 am and the crowd is manageable. During the New Year celebrations is probably not the most convenient due to the limited parking and large crowds of people..Just plan to be patient and the waiting time. But in true Hawaii fashion, you’ll probably know someone standing in line. Despite this I attend this temple because this was my grandmother’s and attempting to keep with tradition since she has passed on. There’s a process...wash your hands, stand in line, place money (coins) into the wooden box, ring the bell, bow twice, clap your hands four times then bow again. The priest will waive white streams of paper over your head and chant words of blessings and protection. You are now blessed for the new year. Following this there are Omamori’s or Personal good luck charms for purchase. The money from these purchases assist the...

Debbie K.

This church is beautiful on the outside and surrounding grounds. When you walk up the steps the inside is beautiful too. Very well kept clean and welcoming. You can go anytime during open hours to say prayers. You can also make appointments for different occasions for pray. You can go to the office to buy many different Omamori for car, house, personal, pets many more. Every first of the month is Blessing Day. Every New Years Eve for several days is New Years Blessings. My family and I go every year. We also buy Omamori for the New Year. Bishop Amano is nice and kind. He makes everyone feel welcome. He came to Bless our house every time we moved. He Blessed inside and outside of our house. Even our Guinea Pig and Dog. 😊 Rev. Jun is friendly and kind. He always smiling and welcoming. He's always helpful. The ladies in the office are all friendly and patiently...