Mu Ryang Sa Temple
Mu Ryang Sa Temple is the most prominent Korean Buddhist Temple in Hawaii. It sits on a 1.5-acre piece of land where a group of monks live. The temple is well-known for its peaceful atmosphere and has more than 1,000 small statues of followers around its grounds. It's a quiet place for anyone looking for comfort. In the temple's ponds, there are colorful flowers and turtles. Visitors will also see the eye-catching Peace Pagoda, a bright copy of an important temple in Korea.
The temple gets its name, Mu-Ryang-Sa, which means "Broken Ridge Temple," because of a unique feature: the broken ridge on top of the building. This seeming imperfection has a story and an essential Buddhist lesson. Building work began in 1980, but as it progressed, it was discovered that the main hall's roof was too tall according to City and County rules. As a result, the top was brought down to its current height. This change turned what might look like a mistake into a significant part of the temple's history.
The temple's abbot, Do-Hyun, arrived in Hawaii in 1979 during Mu Ryang Sa's foundational stages. Following a four-year stay, he pursued undergraduate studies in Psychology, Chinese Literature, and Sanskrit at Berkeley University, later obtaining his master's degree from Beijing University. Returning to Honolulu in 1996, Abbot Do Hyun assumed leadership of Mu Ryang Sa.
Mu Ryang Sa Temple welcomes the community and invites people to attend Sunday services in Korean and English. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and find comfort in the open Great Hero Hall, which is always available for meditation. The temple holds a Korean service every Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm, promoting an inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, there is a Vipassana Meditation Sitting every Saturday at 4 pm, led by Dr. Gregory Pai. The temple is open to everyone, offering a calm space for reflection and spiritual connection.
Detailed information:
- Address: 2420 Halelaau Pl, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States
- Phone: +1 808-735-7858
- Website: https://muryangsatemple.com/
