In Focus: Pilgrimage of Compassion

Lawai International Center’s 13^th Annual Pilgrimage of Compassion on October 6 included the dedication of the recently completed, Hall of Compassion. The hand-carved building is true to 13^th century architecture. Over the past year, 700 volunteers and supporters devoted time to the the creation of the structure.

A steady rain did not deter pilgrims as they wandered tent to tent for demonstrations of mochi pounding and flower arranging. Taiko drumming and hula preceded a formal blessing by Reverend Kosen Ishikawa and Kumu Puna Dawson.

The property is home to 88 small shrines nestled into the hillside along a path that is a miniature replica of the famous 1,000 mile pilgrimage in Shikoku, Japan. To learn more visit lawaicenter.org.

IF1 Derek Nordmeier of Wailua Homesteads pounds mochi

IF2 Ted Chihara of Lihu`e helps pound mochi using a mallet made of Hala

IF3 Nobuko Ono of Wailua forms the mochi

IF4 Keiko Lansdell of Waimea and Junko Wataji of Japan

IF5 Sandy Takaezu of Wailua demonstrates free-style Ikebana known as Korinka

IF6 Kaua`i Taiko

IF7 Kaua`i Bonyu Kai members: Bryson Sugahara of Kapahi, Tandu Sivanathan of Kapahi and Lance Laney of Hanalei

IF8 Jan Sueoka of Po`ipu

IF9 Many gather for the dedication of the Hall of Compassion.