Souvenirs from Hsi Lai Temple
Tucked away in the foothills of Hacienda Heights, CA is the Hsi Lai Temple. The Buddhist monastery was built in 1988 with the intention of spreading Buddhism throughout the West. It sits on 15 acres of land and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America.
The shrine faced resistance from local residents when it was first proposed. They were concerned about Buddhist practices and thought the temple wouldn't mesh with the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. The temple had to endure 6 public hearings and more than 100 community meetings before it was built.
Today the sanctuary provides free medical care to the poor, sick, and homeless, and distributes clothing and food to those in need through its annual relief campaign. The temple's founder, Hsing Yun, emphasized that our true nature is in the here and now, and that we help ourselves when we help others.
The gardens are serene and the atmosphere is reverent. People come from all over the world to pay their respects to loved ones. Within its walls people find peace and inner strength. The architecture and signage beckons to the past. Everyone there has a quiet purpose. It reminds me of the importance of faith and compassion. The importance of connecting with something larger than myself.
April 8, 2023
