information

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Reopening Update #3

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Effective Saturday, March 26, 2022, Windward Buddhist Temple will no longer require masks to be worn inside the temple. This is in alignment with the end of the State of Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate as of 11:59 pm on March 25, 2022.

  • Masks will be optional, and those who want to wear masks should continue to do so.

  • If you are not feeling well, please do not visit the temple.

As announced on March 3, we are no longer requiring proof of vaccination to enter the temple. However, as always, you are encouraged to consult with your doctor and if you are eligible to be vaccinated, please do so.

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Reopening Update #2

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Since Oahu is changing the guidelines of not requiring vaccination checks and distancing effective March 5, 2022, in consultation with Rev. Sumikawa, starting Sunday, March 6, WBT will only require wearing masks in the temple.

Effective Sunday, March 6, 2022 we will no longer be checking for proof of vaccination. Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to be "vaccine status checker" or "ushers" each Sunday.

I think this is good news and a step in a positive direction which will allow many who have been hesitant about attending live services to feel more comfortable about attending live services.

In gassho,

Prudence Kusano, President

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Temple Activities: Reopening

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After closing the temple in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are carefully resuming temple activities in accordance with state and local guidelines.

Starting December 9, 2021, temple-sponsored activities such as tai chi, ikebana, and exercise class will be reopened to the general public. Class sizes and/or attendance limits apply and will be subject to instructor and space availability.

To participate in temple activities, you:

  • Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19

  • Will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (vaccination card or photo of vaccination card) and photo ID

  • Will need to sign-in at each visit to the temple and provide contact tracing information

  • Will need to wear a mask and practice social distancing inside the temple

See our Temple Activities page for more information. Schedules and space availability vary for each activity. Please contact the instructor prior to attending to confirm the schedule and whether they are accepting new participants.

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In-Person Services: November & December

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Eitaikyo Service

November 14, 9 am

Bodhi Day Service

December 12, 9 am

Good news: the temple will be open for one in-person service each month in November and December!

Here are the details that you will need to know if you are planning on joining us at the temple for these special services.

Attendance is limited to those 12 years and older who can verify their COVID vaccination status. Everyone will need to be masked and physically distanced if not from the same household.

Everyone attending is required to:

  1. Present proof of their COVID vaccination status with a picture ID, and

  2. Sign in on the COVID tracking sheet as they enter the temple.

More services will be added as COVID restrictions are lifted. We look forward to your attendance to these services.

Online services will continue for remaining Sundays. See posted schedule here.

COVID-19 / Novel Coronavirus Temple Advisory

“Let us go to the Buddha-Dharma for guidance to keep a balanced perspective. Do not let ignorance and fear overwhelm us and at the same time let us be very mindful of the interconnected and interrelatedness of all matters.”
— Bishop Eric Matsumoto

Remain Connected

The health and safety of our temple members and guests are of utmost importance. Rev. Sumikawa and the Board are monitoring the COVID-19 / Novel Coronavirus situation and will follow the guidance from Headquarters (Honpa Hongwanji COVID-19 Advisory Page).

Latest Updates

August 2, 2020:

  • Starting in August, we will be recording an Online Dharma Service. The video will premiere on our YouTube channel and Facebook page each Sunday at 9 am and will be available for playback anytime after that on YouTube, Facebook, or on our website.

July 19, 2020:

  • Read our Temple Reopening Plan in Prudence Kusano’s letter to members

  • We will be posting recorded Dharma Services with Rev. Sumikawa starting on Sunday, August 2nd. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube to receive notifications when new videos are posted.

May 24, 2020:

  • The City & County of Honolulu has announced that religious entities may reopen beginning May 23. Based on that, we will be able to reopen the temple office beyond Minimum Basic Operations and begin implementing plans for reopening.

  • With guidance from Headquarters, we have created a task force to develop plans to reopen WBT. We want to assure you that the temple will be safe for you and any new procedures will also follow CDC guidelines to ensure safety for all who use the temple.

  • The plan will be presented to the entire WBT Board at the June 10 Board meeting. Upon approval a detailed communication will be shared with you.

  • Keep safe in the meantime. We plan to see all of you at the temple in the very near future.

April 25, 2020:

  • With the extension of the stay-at-home orders by the State of Hawaii and the City & County of Honolulu through May 31, activities at Windward Buddhist Temple will remain suspended for the month of May. Keep saying the Nembutsu in gratefulness that we are being kept safe even if we cannot have our Sunday services for now.

March 28, 2020:

March 18, 2020:

  • Headquarters Update #3

  • In alignment with Headquarters Update #3, the previously announced suspension of activities at Windward Buddhist Temple has been extended through May 15, 2020 (extended through May 31, 2020).

  • The situation with COVID-19 is so fluid that matters could change anytime and very rapidly.

  • Please continue to visit our website and follow us on social media to remain updated.

  • Let us be safe, but not full of fear. Let us go to the Buddha-Dharma for guidance.

March 15, 2020:

  • Effective March 16 through April 30, 2020 (extended through May 15, 2020), the use of the temple for religious services, activities and meetings are suspended as a way to mitigate the transmission COVID-19 virus. Updates on when temple use will resume will be available on:

  • During this time Sunday services, Monday meditation, Tai-Chi, Ikebana and Japanese classes are cancelled. Adult Dharma Class will be cancelled for March 21, April 4 and 18.

  • Please use this opportunity to check out the WBT websites and the websites of our various Hongwanji temples to hear recorded Dharma talks, read Dharma messages and read books on Shin Buddhism.

  • This event provides us many opportunities to realize the Buddha’s teaching of impermanence, interdependency, and compassion as we all help each other through this global pandemic. Please follow the CDC guidelines and keep each other safe.

March 11, 2020:

March 7, 2020:

  • The Taste of Hongwanji at Hawaii Betsuin originally scheduled for Sunday, March 29, has been postponed due to COVID-19 / novel coronavirus concerns. A new date has not yet been announced.

March 3, 2020: