Rinzai Zen Mission
(Next to Paia Baldwin Beach Park)
P.O. Box 791586
Paia, Maui, Hawaii 96779
e-Mail: rzm96779@yahoo.com
Telephone: (808) 579-9921
A Brief History of The Rinzai Zen Mission (RZM)
The RZM is located by a beautiful beach on the north shore of Paia, Maui. It was established in 1932 by Rev. Nanshin Okamoto from Okinawa. It is the only Rinzai Zen temple from the early United States immigration era. A few years after 1932, Rev. Okamoto moved to Honolulu and later to Los Angeles and established a temple at each of these cities.
With Rev. Okamoto departure from Maui, Rev. Kiyoshi Oshiro became the presiding minister of RZM and continued to conduct the religious Zen services for the Maui community. Rev. Oshiro went through the hardship of two great tsunamis and the departure of many Okinawans to Honolulu and other places. As the leader of RZM, he motivated the dwindling number of members to build a stand-alone temple (earlier services were conducted in Rev. Oshiro's large living room of his residence). As a result of his dedication and hardwork, the RZM gained recognition as an official overseas branch of the Myoshin-ji sect of Rinzai Zen and received visits from many distinguished abbots of Myoshin-ji.
After more than 50 years of service, Rev. Oshiro passed away with a wish that Rev. Seido Chisaka (abbot of Toen-ji of Japan) take care of the temple. Rev. Seido Chisaka was a longtime friend and supporter of Rev. Oshiro and RZM.
During the transition from Rev. Seido Chisaka to Rev. Ryozo Yamaguchi and in February 1987, a devastating fire completely destroyed the historical temple and residence. Immediately thereafter, Mr. Wallace Miyahira (RZM president) and members decided to rebuild a new temple, residence, and auxiliary buildings. The rebuilding fund started with a large donation from Rev. Seido Chisaka and continued to grow with the exceptional work and contributions from members and other supporters of RZM. Rebuilding of the new temple started in February 1989. Japo Yokoyama Building Contractor, Inc. built the temple and minister's residence. The Zen Center next to the temple was financed fully by Rev. Seido Chisaka and completely built by volunteers composed mainly of RZM members.
On February 11, 1990, a grand reopening ceremony of the new RZM was cosponsored by the RZM congregation and The International Rinzai Zen Buddhist Association. Maui and State of Hawaii dignitaries congratulated the RZM for completing and opening the new temple. Additionally, Rev. Shoshitsu Sen (15th Grand Master of the Urasenke School of Chado) offered tea to the Buddha during the reopening ceremony.
The new temple represents a gift from the Okinawa Issei and Nisei to the future members of the RZM congregation. The new temple also represents the extraordinary generosity of the Myoshin-ji sect of Rinzai Zen of Kyoto and the Toen-ji temple of Miyagi.
Click here to add text.
Old Temple Destroyed by Fire in February 1987
New Temple Officially Opened in 1990
