About Us

Please come and enjoy the peace and wisdom of our Zen temple.

Taishoji was begun in 1916 by pioneering Zen ministers of the Sötö School of Zen Buddhism.

Our two head temples are Eihei-ji and Söji-ji. The former is in Fukui-ken and the latter is in Kanagawa-ken.

Tradition

Taishoji transmits the Dharma (Teachings) from Shakyamuni Buddha and the Patriarchs down to our minister of today, Rev. Jigaku Takenouchi. In 520 C.E., the south India Zen monk, Bodhidharma (Darumasan) brought Zen Buddhism to a Shaolin Temple in China where it was known as Chan. Dögen Zenji brought Sötö Zen to Japan from China in 1227 and Keizan Zenji made Zen popular with the people.

Our Main Image of Reverence

Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha

Оur Main Sutra

Maka Hannya Haramitta Shingyo (Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra)

Zen Buddhist Doctrine

We are all children of Nature and come into this world endowed with the Buddha-Mind (Busshin). However, failing to realize this, we live selfish, willful lives, causing much suffering to ourselves and others. If we listen to the Buddha and abide in His Teachings, our spirits will come to rest, our lives will experience harmony and light, and we will rejoice in being of service to society. We will also experience the deep faith that will allow us to stand up under any hardship. To discover Happiness and a Life Worth Living here on Earth now is the teaching of the Sötö Zen School.

Resident Minister Rev. Jigaku Takenouchi

Reverend Jigaku Takenouchi, the 16th resident minister of Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo, Hawaii, brings a unique and deeply personal spiritual journey to his ministry. Continuing to follow in his teachers footsteps, he works to create and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere where everyone can engage with Buddhist teachings. In 2017, he received his Buddhist name, Jigaku (慈岳), meaning "compassion" and "high mountain," a reminder to be a "beacon of compassion and tranquility" for all beings. He was installed as minister in August 2022.

Rev. Takenouchi is unwavering in his commitment to the growth and sharing of Buddhist teachings, emphasizing "Isshifutai" (perseverance) and "Reidan Jicchi" (true understanding from personal experience). He actively encourages public participation in services and fosters inter-temple unity across sects and denominations. Working with organizations such as the Big Island Buddhist Federation (BIBF), Hawaii Association of International Buddhists (HAIB), and Interfaith Communities in Action (ICIA) he brings his knowledge and voice to foster interfaith understanding, promote community welfare, and expand the reach of Buddhist principles across the island and beyond. Guided by the meaning of his name, Rev. Takenouchi is deeply committed to community service, including ministering to the unhoused and supporting feeding programs in the community. His vision ensures Taishoji remains a welcoming refuge for "seekers" and "anyone in need," fostering spiritual growth and belonging for all.

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