This is probably one of my favorite places of serenity to visit. Located on the side of a mountain on the island of Oahu, the grounds at Valley of the Temples is covered in lush green foliage with koi filled streams and is a place where birds will eat right out of your hands. There is a large brass sacred bell (called bon-sho, said to clear the mind of evil and temptation) that is customarily rung before entering the temple. Among entering the temple, a very intimidating gold-leaf Buddha towers more than 18 feet high.
Byodo-In, Valley of the Temples
The Way to Serenity
Bon-sho – 5′ high, 3 tons of bronze and tin
An offering
Meditation Gazebo
Spotted Dove
Yellow Koi saying “Hello!”
Path to meditation area
Carved by Japanese sculptor Masuzo Inui
Zen Garden
Gentle, friendly creatures
Sleeping Black Swan
Guarding the fish and birds
Peacocks
Grafitti carved into Bamboo
Byodo-In Temple
Peace
Tagged: Architecture, bamboo, bell, birds, black swan, bon-sho, Buddha, Byodo-In Temple, cats, fish, garden, Hawaii, Japanese culture, koi fish, landscape, meditation, Oahu, path, pathway, peace, peacock, photography, sacred, spotted dove, travel, Valley of the Temples, water, zen garden
