ABOUT

Koboji Shingon Mission is an active urban temple on the island of O’ahu.
​We follow the Koyasan Shingon-shu tradition of esoteric Buddhism as compiled by Kobo Daishi (Kukai).

Our History

The late Bishop Kakuo Okimura founded the Koboji Shingon Mission in June 1947 at Kaena Lane in Nuuanu. With the ever-growing congregation Koboji was moved to the present location in 1958. The second head minister, Bishop Eisho Okimura, had the trust of the people and continued to expand the temple. Archbishop Dean Zenei Okimura was the third resident minister and was a beloved minister, mentor, and friend.  Statues of the first three resident ministers are in the temple courtyard and are often adorned with flowers from members whose lived they touched.
In 2022, Koboji celebrated our 75th year as a vibrant temple serving our members and friends from across the world. 

Read More

Our Ministers

Reverend Bryan Zenju Yanagihara currently serves as Koboji's minister. To learn more about Rev. Bryan and Koboji's ministers, click below.

Learn More

Our Beliefs

Our sect of Buddhism follows the doctrine of esoteric Shingon teachings compiled by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). “Shingon” (literally "true word") refers to the truth revealed by Buddhism. These teachings tell us that words and existence are inseparable, and that the true essence of Buddhism cannot be explained in human language alone. Instead, the words used in scripture embody the deep meaning and teachings found in phenomena around the world; they are signposts to the true reality of all things.
Kobo Daishi is the founder of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in Japan. He is famous as a great Buddhist thinker, writer, and practitioner, but he is also well-known for his charitable works for the good of society and the enrichment of the people. We believe that Kobo Daishi never actually died, but he instead entered a kind of eternal meditation. He had vowed that until the world came to an end he would never stop working for the liberation of all beings from suffering. It is believed that he is still continuously praying for the good of the world even today.

Three Articles of Faith

1. Depending on the compassionate vows of Kobo Daishi, we will firmly establish our faith and conviction in the teachings of Buddhism during this lifetime and in the future.
2. Dedicating ourselves to the teachings of honoring the four kindnesses and practicing the ten kinds of wholesome conduct, we will follow the highest moral path. 
3. Accepting the truth of the inevitability of cause and effect, we will devote ourselves to the liberation of all beings, including ourselves and others.

Five Core Teachings

1. We will awaken to the truth that the Buddha and ordinary beings are one and not apart, and will realize our potential to become buddhas ourselves.
2. We honor the teaching that the realm of the Buddha is not separate from ordinary phenomena, and will train oursevles in the three mysteries.
3. With grateful throughts of repaying the kindnesses we have received, we will treat each other with warmth and consideration.
4. All beings have the potential to become buddhas. We will treat each other with honor and respect.
5. With the compassionate vows of Kobo Daishi as our example, we will work for the improvement of society.