Deep in the heart of Palolo Valley, nestled in a residential neighborhood approximately four miles east and inland of downtown Honolulu, sits a beautiful little-known religious institution. The majestic Mu Ryang Sa is the only Korean Buddhist temple outside of Korea, and is a place of absolute magic for those who practice Buddhism, and even for those who simply appreciate the intricacies of eastern architecture and beauty.
Construction on the first of the temple’s buildings began in 1980, but it was quickly discovered that the roof of the main hall exceeded city and county height restrictions. So, the roof was lowered to its present height, and now appears as a flaw; after all, Mu Ryang Sa translates to “broken ridge.”
This broken ridge line mirrors one of Buddha’s most significant teachings as well; he teaches that in shattering our own inner ridge-poles of ignorance, greed and craving in our house of illusion, we are able to attain liberation or nirvana.
The sounds coming from the bell tower are thought to call spirits of the animal kingdom in order to beckon them towards enlightenment. Housed in this charming building are a bell, drum, metal gong, hollow wooden fish, and iconographic illustrations painted on the roof.
In the temple’s main entrance gate, you will find the four heavenly kings, who stand guard over the four directions in an attempt to keep out evil influences, including lust, greed, self-destructing pride, and will for violence.
Standing at the center of the temple’s main lawn is the world peace pagoda, a replica of a pagoda found at the Bulguska Temple in South Korea. The pagoda’s three levels represent the three basic forms of all existence: the world of form, formlessness, and the world beyond. It also represents the three foundations of Buddhism: Buddha, the law, and the brotherhood of the monks.
At the base of the pagoda rests a small urn, where "sari," or calcified remains of the Buddha are held. Revered as genuine relics of the historic Buddha, the sari was gifted to Mu Ryang Sa by a temple in Sri Lanka.
Tucked away into a quiet corner between the main hall and memorial hall is the Garden of Ji Jang Bosal. where more than a thousand miniature figurines of disciples sit peaking over the ledge.
A replica of a historic statue from the Silla Dynasty, the statue of Miruk Boddhisatava is often seen as the Buddha of the future, who will someday return to establish a utopic world. The eight figurines that sit underneath refer to the eight barbarian kinds who converted to Buddhism while the religious teachings spread from India to China.
For anyone interested in visiting the temple, or pursuing Buddhism in any capacity, Mu Ryang Sa holds weekly meditation sessions each Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., followed by a short talk with the temple’s Dharma.
Isn't this temple simply incredible? For more information about the temple, check out Mu Ryang Sa's website, and definitely consider heading over on a Saturday afternoon for meditation. But don't forget to explore the temple grounds while you are there.
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