Taishoji Soto Mission

Taishoji Soto Mission Soto Zen Buddhist Temple on the island of Hawaii.

We offer Sunday family services, evening Zazen, Dharma study sessions, Shojin Ryori demonstrations and various other cultural and religious activities throughout the year.

Ringing in peace, together as one. 🔔🕊️On Monday, September 21, our Taishoji members joined communities across the nation...
09/27/2026

Ringing in peace, together as one. 🔔🕊️
On Monday, September 21, our Taishoji members joined communities across the nation for the annual Ring Your Bell for Peace Day service. Each member selected a bell, uniting our voices and sounds with countless others striving for a harmonious world.
Afterward, the sangha headed downstairs to share a freshly prepared breakfast—working hand in hand to create a nourishing, delicious brunch feast.
Deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us, helped cook, and continues to foster peace in our community and beyond.

"To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self." — Eihei Dōgen Zazen is an integ...
09/26/2026

"To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self." — Eihei Dōgen

Zazen is an integral part of Soto practice offering a space to simply sit in quiet awareness and presence.

Our regular weekly Zazen schedule:

🕯️ Mondays (Afternoons): The last Monday of each month is dedicated to beginners' instruction.

🕯️ Fridays (Bi-Weekly): A quieter, mid-day sitting.

🕯️ Sundays (Most Weeks): Community practice.

Each Zazen session concludes with a short chanting service, a Dharma message, and a closing circle providing a moment for our sangha (community) to share and reflect together in practice
We welcome everyone to join us in this practice of stillness and self-reflection.

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free from suffering, and may our thoughts, words, and actions contribute to that...
09/26/2026

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free from suffering, and may our thoughts, words, and actions contribute to that freedom.” — The Metta Prayer

A day rooted in gratitude, care, and service.
On Saturday, September 12, our wonderful clean-up volunteers gathered for light refreshments and dedicated samu (mindful temple cleaning). Warm bows and the deepest mahalo to our members who keep our temple peaceful and ready for services and visitors throughout the week. Beyond caring for our shared space, your generous donations—clothing, toys, food, and essential hygiene supplies—go straight into the hands of neighbors who need them most.

Later in the afternoon, Rev. Takenouchi and members of Project Fused shared an appreciation lunch and fellowship, recognizing the dedicated hands that carry compassion into the community every week through hot meals and direct outreach.
True practice lives in everyday actions. Gassho and mahalo nui to everyone who gives so freely to care for all beings. 🙏🌿

Aloha from Taishoji! Our Kupuna groups embrace the aloha spirit through hula noho every Tuesday. More than just exercise...
09/26/2026

Aloha from Taishoji! Our Kupuna groups embrace the aloha spirit through hula noho every Tuesday. More than just exercise, it's a social gathering that fosters friendship and joy. We believe in nurturing both body and mind. 💖 Let's continue dancing through life together, sharing smiles and creating memories.

Important Notice: Weekend Closures & Cancellations Due to Storm Nolo​Due to the approach of Storm Nolo and severe weathe...
09/25/2026

Important Notice: Weekend Closures & Cancellations Due to Storm Nolo

​Due to the approach of Storm Nolo and severe weather advisories across the islands, including flood watches, high winds, and hazardous travel condition, Taishoji Soto Mission will be closed, and all weekend activities and services are cancelled.

​Cancellation Details:

​Friday: Samu Clean-Up Group is cancelled (reschedule date TBA).

​Saturday & Sunday: All services, classes, and temple activities are cancelled.

​The safety of our sangha, families, and community is our highest priority. Please secure your homes, monitor local civil defense updates, and avoid unnecessary road travel.

​Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone across Hawaiʻi. Stay safe, care for your neighbors, and we look forward to welcoming you back once the storm passes.

​For updates on reopening, visit hilotaishoji.org or follow our social channels.

What a beautiful, full house for our monthly Beginners' Night. We completely filled the Zendo and were so grateful to ex...
06/30/2026

What a beautiful, full house for our monthly Beginners' Night. We completely filled the Zendo and were so grateful to expand our circle around the meeting table to accommodate everyone who arrived.
Thank you to Rev. Jigaku for guiding both new and long-time practitioners through instruction and temple etiquette. Together, we all concluded our practice with chanting and a closing circle of gratitude, followed by a joint clean-up of the space. An abundance of gratitude for the currents that bring us to the cushion for practice.

06/29/2026

*Beginner's Zazen
(Introductory*)
June 29,2026
5pm-6pm

06/21/2026

Support the UHSSWA Panda Express Fundraiser 🐼

Make your meal count by ordering Panda Express for our United (UHSSWA) fundraiser on Friday, June 26th!

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or dinner for the whole family, you can support our organization just by using our code at checkout.

🥡How to Order (Online & App Only):
To ensure your order counts toward the fundraiser, please note that this is for online and app orders only.

When: All day, Friday, June 26th.
Where: Order via PandaExpress.com or the Panda Express App.
Code: Enter Fundraiser code 9015731 in the “Promo Code” box at checkout.

Enjoy! A portion of the proceeds goes directly to UHSSWA.

Mahalo for your support! 🙏

06/21/2026

Father's Day Service
June 21 at 10 AM
Bring a photo or memento to honor a loved paternal or masculine presence in your life!

06/04/2026

Proud of our tradition's inclusive, all-embracing values!

Mahalo to Rev. Yuika Hasebe, our chief minister, for raising the Progress Pride Flag in this first week of Pride Month. 🌈 ☸️

Address

275 Kinoole Street
Hilo, HI
96720

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