LIHU‘E — The 10th Annual Pilgrimage of Compassion on the grounds of Lawa‘i International Center is Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. The serenity of the place where 88 shrines are along manicured
LIHU‘E — The 10th Annual Pilgrimage of Compassion on the grounds of Lawa‘i International Center is Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with gates opening at 1:30 p.m.
The serenity of the place where 88 shrines are along manicured paths will be temporarily disrupted by a performance by Taiko Kaua‘i drums, then returned with shakuhachi grand master Riley Lee performs, states a press release.
The place in Lawa‘i Valley has long been recognized as a healing sanctuary, the release states.
Lee, whose parents live at the Prince Kuhio Resort, is the first non-Japanese to attain the rank of shakuhachi grand master.
Built in 1904 by the first generation of Japanese immigrants to Kaua‘i, the shrines are one of the oldest Buddhist temple sites in the country, replicating the ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan.
Sunday’s gathering also celebrates the native culture, as dancers from Ke Kula Ni‘ihau O Kekaha will perform.
Lee’s grand master designation did not come easily, the release states.
He attained the rank 30 years ago after rigorous training that included practicing barefoot in the snow, blowing his flute while standing under a waterfall, and playing in blizzards until icicles formed at the tip of his flute, states the release.
The recipient of a 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano award, he remains one of the few such masters outside of Japan. He has performed extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, including at the Sydney Opera House and Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and has released more than 50 recordings on international labels.
Those seeking healing have come to Lawa‘i for centuries, the release states.
Drawn by its healing energy, the ancient Hawaiians walked there from far reaches of the island. The Asian immigrants followed, and they too built their temples: a Taoist temple, a Shinto shrine and Shingon Buddhist temple. Today this site is all that tangibly remains of this legacy.
Lawa‘i International Center is a nonprofit community project driven by volunteers whose efforts are to bring the valley back to prominence as an international center of compassion, education and cultural understanding.
Those attending Sunday should bring umbrellas and wear comfortable shoes for this hillside walk. If possible, car pool and arrive early for bet parking.
Donations are accepted with gratitude. There will be a bake sale, mochi-pounding demonstrations, bonsai exhibit, silent auction and more.
For more information contact LM@hawaii.rr.com, call 651-5755 or visit www.lawaicenter.org.
