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At Lahaina Jodo Mission,
this bell is rung eleven times each evening at
8 o'clock.
The first three rings signify the following:
• I go to the Buddha for guidance
• I go to the Dharma (the teaching of the
Buddha) for guidance
• I go to the Sangha (Brotherhood)
for guidance
The next eight rings represent the Eight-Fold
Pathway to Righteousness:
• Right Understanding
• Right Purpose
• Right Speech
• Right Conduct
• Right Livelihood
• Right Endeavor
• Right Thought
• Right Meditation
Made of bronze, the temple bell weighs approximately
3,000 pounds. On one side (the ocean side),
are the words Imin Hyakunen no Kane (The Centennial
Memorial Bell for the First Japanese Immigrants
to Hawaii) cast in Chinese characters. On
the other side are the characters Namu Amida Butsu,
which means "Save me, oh, Amida Buddha."
On New Years Eve the 108 Bell Ringing rite (Joya
no kane) is observed to dispel our bonno, or evil
passions.
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