Refresh Body & Spirit: Spring Taki Gyo Ceremony
On April 3, 2026, Bishop Cosmo Hirai graciously opened Todaiji Hawaii Bekkaku Honzan, a serene temple nestled in the heart of Nuuanu to members and friends of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH). Founded in 1953 by Bishop Tatsusho Hirai, Todaiji Hawaii Temple is the main branch of Todaiji Temple in the United States, originally an affiliate of the esteemed Nara, Japan temple.
Bishop Hirai led the group through a multifaceted program that included meditation instruction, participation in waterfall meditation - Taki Gyo, Buddhist dining practices, and a concluding lesson in meditative scroll writing.
Taki Gyo a traditional Japanese millennial-old ascetic practice involving standing under a cold waterfall to cleanse the mind and body. Often called “waterfall meditation”, serves as a purification ritual aiming to wash away negative emotions and build mental discipline.
Bishop Cosmo Hirai is the third-generation Bishop of Todaiji Hawaii Bekkaku Honzan. In addition, he currently sits on the board of directors for the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) and the United Japanese Society of Hawaii.
A heartfelt MAHALO to Bishop Cosmo Hirai and all of the participants who joined this special spring program!
