I’m no longer religious – but the Byodo-In Temple on Oahu is as close to spiritual as I get. It’s my mecca. It’s delightful. It’s healing. The wounds of my soul are healed when I visit here – and I was so very excited to bring my spouse on my latest pilgrimige.

From the moment you enter the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, you’re immediately transported to a world of mist and beauty.

After parking our car and walking down the path to the temple entrance, we rang the gong and headed into the temple. A gigantic, eternal Buddha displayed proudly. Lighting incense, I sat under its presence and thought about my life – and then my choices. I don’t believe in the supernatural, I do not believe in mystery, and I do not believe in an afterlife. But I do believe in energy – and this place is packed to the brim.

There’s a powerful energy in introspection.

While visiting you can grab some juice at the snack stand, visit the gift shop, or have a session with healers or an authentic Japanese tea ceremony – with donations accepted. You can also buy a pack of fish food to feed the pond’s Koi – a highlight. I’ve never seen so many Koi in one place.

We went to the snack shack stand and got pineapple juice, and sipped on it while making around way around the pond path, watching the fish and geese. In the gift shop I also purchase a small metal Buddha.

Mystery and charm of the Byodo-In Temple.

The crowning achievement of this Valley of Temples is the beautiful renewal found in all religions of the world coming together to celebrate life, loss, and love. In one corner of the Valley of the Temples you have a Catholic section, a cross, and then the Byodo-In Temple in another area.

All calling one area home. Aren’t we all people first – beliefs second?

I can’t wait until I visit this sacred temple once more.