Hsi Lai Temple Research Paper

Prof. Jinsun Park
Philosophy 15 World Religions: Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple The Hsi Lai Temple is a place of spirituality and education of the Buddhist cultural and religion. Hsi Lai Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the U.S. and was funded by donations from devotees from around the world. This establishment has beautiful Chinese monasteries in regards to its beautiful gardens, architecture and history from other several places like Japan and Thailand and several more. The temples construction was completed in 1988 and is located in Hacienda Heights. Hsi Lai means “coming to the West” and signifies the dedication of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order to spread the teachings of the Buddha to those in the West.(1) I visited the
Hsi Lai Temple on a Tuesday at 10 am. I wanted to see the establishment in the daylight just before the peak of the day. Being a Christian more prayer and dedication is usually done in the morning; therefore I wanted to see if there were any comparisons in these two religions. Over the years, a certain co-worker has always said she will pray for me and has given me statues and leaflets of whom she worships. She is Buddhist, and being amazed at just the statues alone, I always replied yes and welcomed her prayers. I really don’t have much knowledge of this religion, but many small symbols recently have caught my attention, and I have noticed them at the temple, which now has me more so very intrigued. My experience at the Hsi Lai Temple was amazing.
The beauty that radiates from the temple is a wonder feeling that left me with a jaw dropping moment. It also gave off a sense of peace and calm, and a feeling of being safe. As I approached the temple it has lovely green gardens to both sides, with little Buddha’s everywhere and a wise saying to the right. It stated, “the best thing in the world is happiness, the noblest deed in the world is forming affinities”, I knew at that moment, I was in a peaceful place. There were stairs leading up to the temple, and I wanted to make sure I took all of them. As I approached the first building known as the Bodhisattva Hall, the delightful smell of the incents burned for the Dharma protectors, and the two green dogs, known as the guardians who are meant to protect, as well. Inside this hall are five statues that are Buddha’s in training that each has a specific significance. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is a symbol for disciple and practice in our daily lives. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has commited himself to taking away suffering. Maitreya Bodhisattva, also know as the Happy Buddha, simply means prosperity and generosity. Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva symbolizes compassion and loving-kindness. Manjusri Bodhisattva symbolizes great wisdom and the teachings of staying away from wrongdoing. I observed prayer and offerings in this hall. For twelve dollars you can purchase a plate with fruit, a flower, candy, and bracelet
as an offer to these Bodhisattva. The help in this hall stated you could take the plate offering home with you, in which a person buys, and can give to others of your choice. As I exited this hall, I was astounded at the sight of the main shrine and the garden leading to it. As equally beautiful as the Bodhisattva hall, the main shrine has beauty and a greater extent of meaning. To this entrance, there is a large black statue that hold incents to burn, as well. On the outside of the shrine, to the left, there is a drum. This drum is called the wooden fish, it symbolizes being awake at all times because, without eyelids, their eyes are open even when they are at rest. (11) To the right, there is a bell or gong used for chanting services. Inside are three beautiful gold statues surrounded by hundreds of the same statues just smaller. Amitabha Buddha, to the left, means “infinite light and infinite life”. To the right is the Medicine Buddha; he has the power to heal mind and body. In the center is Sakyamuni Buddha. He is the founder of Buddhism and known as the “enlightened one”. I was privileged to see individuals pray at this time. The gong and drum are struck at dawn and dusk as a reminder to be diligent with chanting services. This trip to Hsi Lai Temple has impacted me greatly.
The overwhelming sense of tranquility and guidance that this establishment exhibits through the teaching of Buddhism has changed my life forever. The peaceful mannerisms are definitely what drew me in first. I was also drawn to the lotus flowers in particular, even before my trip to the temple. I noticed these influential deities on top of several lotus flowers. During my guided tour to the main shrine, I learned that lotus flowers, which grow through muddy waters, bloom above the murk and is purified and renewed. Like Christianity, you can be saved and give your life to Jesus and too be renewed. I am drawn to this religion simply of that justification alone. To change your life for the better and restore a healthy more peaceful future is what draws me to Buddhism. I feel I will incorporate more of their lifestyle and ways into my life now due to what I have learned in this class and my visit to the temple. (word count:
899)

Works Cited

Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. New York: New York 2010

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple Information Pamphlet: www.fgs.org.tw