Visiting the Valley of Temples

 

With mountains on its background, a pond, and a temple on its foot, this definitely is another paradise here in Hawaii. 

By the beauty of its view, who would have thought beside this Buddhist temple lies a memorial park where thousands of Buddhist, Shinto, Protestant, Catholic residents of Hawaii are buried. This is Valley of Temples located at windward part of O'ahu island and at the foot of the Ko'olau mountains which is just near Kaneohe.

This is one of the spots my fraternity brother Andrew brought me into when we met. I find it timely then because it was Halloween and that was also the first day of November in the Philippines when Filipino come to churches and cemeteries to pray for the soul of their departed.  

Accordingly, thousands of Buddhist, Shinto, Protestant, and Catholic residents of Hawaii are buried here. On this part of the valley, a hill of tombstone are located. 

This year should have been the second year when we have to go to the cemetery and visit the tomb of my dad, and since I cannot visit his tomb, went instead to this peaceful place where I remembered and prayed for his soul. What's good about this place is aside from the connection that you have with God is the connection that you also have with nature. 

I also visited the Byodo-In Temple where an Amida Buddha is located here and lit a candle. According to sources, this temple has been established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii.

Aside from the beautiful beaches and hike activities, this temple is definitely one of the must-go here in Hawaii- not just because of its beauty, more its peacefulness, but also because of how people value and respect religious beliefs here.  

I am grateful for this fellowship opportunity because I did not just learn about legislative process and governance, it took me to new heights in understanding diversity and culture especially here in Hawaii which I think is a melting pot of varied culture. 

Thank you to the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, American Council of Young Political Leaders, and National Movement of Young Legislators in the Philippines!