Waipahu Soto Zen Temple - Taiyoji

The Waipahu Soto Zen Temple, Taiyoji, was founded by the Reverend Senei Kawahara, of Hiroshima, Japan, in 1903 in Waipahu, Hawaii under orders from the Soto Zen Administrative Headquarters (Shumu-cho) in Japan. Together with the Kauai Zenshuji Soto Zen Temple, Waipahu Taiyoji is recognized as one of the first two Soto Zen temples established in the State of Hawaii which marked the beginning of Soto Zen propagation in Hawaii.

In 2003, the one-hundred year anniversary of Soto Zen in Hawaii was celebrated and Waipahu Taiyoji observed the centennial anniversary of their founding with a special service and luncheon in March.

During its one-hundred year history, Waipahu Taiyoji has rebuilt its temple three times, relocating from the plantation camp to its present site in 1972. There have been 14 resident ministers during its hundred years. The present resident minister, the Reverend Roy Ryosho Kokuzo, is its 15th resident minister.

The affiliated organizations of the Waipahu Taiyoji are as follows: Board of Directors, Fujinkai (Women's Association), Baika-ko Goeika Group, and Zazen Group.

Annual observances are: New Year's Service (Shusho-E), Dogen Zenji's Birthday, Nehan-E (Pari-Nirvana Day – Anniversary of Buddha's Passing), Spring O-Higan, Hanamatsuri (Buddha's Birthday), Memorial Day Service, O-Bon Service and Bon Dance, Autumn O-Higan and Ryoso-ki, Daruma-ki, Eitaikyo, Keizan Zenji's Birthday, Rohatsu Sesshin, Jodo-E (Buddha's Enlightenment Day), and Joya-no-Kane.

Monthly activities: Hoshi-no-Hi (Clean Up Day) – Last Sunday of each month; Family Service – First Sunday of each month; Goeika Practice – Last Friday of each month; Board of Directors Meeting – Third Saturday of each month.

Weekly activities: Zazen Session – Every Saturday morning; Sumi-e class – Every Wednesday morning; Shodo class – Every Thursday morning; Fujinkai Workshop – Every Monday morning.