A Brief History

Prayer Rock Valley Sanctuary has been an ongoing manifestation of Universal Grace which manifests this amazing space with the help of so many beautiful beings. The back bone has been one, Jeff Munoz whose undying faith and devotion made Prayer Rock Valley Sanctuary what it is today.


A brief history of the Kanaio stupa of enlightment and compassion

 

In 1980 while living a secluded life under an old fig tree in upper Kanaio the inspiration came to build a stupa in the vicinity.  In late 1980 the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rigpe Dorje made a second visit to Hawaii, I had the very good fortune to be in Honolulu to request a blessing to build what would be Maui's second stupa. Out of Karmapa's great kindess and compassion he granted that blessing with the consecration of a jar of rice and a special direct personal empowerment.

Due to karmic connections and circumstances the following spring of 1981 an interest of land was donated to be the stupa site not far from fig tree retreat, thus giving a specific place for the stupa to take root and grow. Work began with a fire puja conducted the Lama on the designated spot to clear obstacles for the groundbreaking to follow. Consecration of the prepared site by Lama Rinchen, July 28th 1981 coincided with a two-thirds eclipse of the sun marking it as an auspicious day. Through the efforts and support of many work continued right up to sunset Febuary 14th 1982. During the construction the Karmapa passed away (November 1981), the following January heralded by an intense double rainbow some of his cremation remains were brought and placed inside the stupa by Lama Rinchen. On Febuary 15th 1982 the Venerable Kalu Rinpoche consecrated the Kanaio stupa attended by lamas, monks, and several hundred; many who walked the one mile rugged uphill trek.

April 1982 the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche visited the Kanaio stupa and performed a general land blessing as well as blessing a site for the construction of a temple stating: “This place is very good for deepening the understanding of the true nature of mind”.

June 1986 the Venerable Kalu Rinpoche returned by helicopter to Kanaio to make prayers and give a mid-way blessing for the temple under construction.

November 1991 the Venerable Bokar Rinpoche dharma heir to Kalu Rinpoche performed the consecration of the completed temple.