Congratulations Daifukuji Soto Mission!
Daifukuji celebrates their recognition as the first Blue Zones Project Approved™ faith-based organization in West Hawai‘i.
Daifukuji Soto Mission celebrating their Blue Zones Project approval
Daifukuji Soto Mission is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple, founded in 1914. "Daifukuji" means The Temple of Great Happiness and offers over 20 programs and activities to members and the community. Through their participation with the Blue Zones Project®, Daifukuji has been able to showcase the many well-being initiatives they provide to their members and the community. Offering plant-based potlucks, opportunities to volunteer in Project Dana, a monthly kūpuna activity program which is provided free for temple seniors, tai chi, yoga, meditation and more, Daifukuji Soto Mission creates a strong sense of community amongst its members, which aids in healthy lifestyle behaviors and longevity.
L-R: Verna Chang, Dr. Donna Ryngala, Kirstin Kahaloa, Reverend Jiko Nakade, Bobby Command (Temple President), Hannah Israel, Stephen Tanaka, and Jien McLaughlin
Daifukuji members celebrated their approval on April 8 with their members on Buddha’s Birthday, featuring a spring egg hunt for keiki and a plant-based meal. Members indicated that participating in the Blue Zones Project has strengthened relationships amongst their members as they walk weekly in their Moais. Each Monday, 27 walkers start their Moais with a Tai Chi exercise as a warm-up and spend 30 minutes walking and talking as they walk their property.
Daifukuji achieved Blue Zones Project Approved status by successfully adopting best practices that promote well-being, including: starting a 10-week Walking Moai with 27 participants; creating a wellness committee to focus on incorporating well-being activities at the temple; and hosting a Plant-Based Potluck on Hanamatsuri, Buddha’s Birthday.
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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
