Mahayana Repentance Service (8/20-27)

Hsi Lai Temple (Hacienda Heights); Ananda, CC Liu, Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Ksitigarba saves hell beings

You know that big Buddhist temple on the side of the hills that separate Orange County from Los Angeles County? It's Hsi Lai on the LA side, facing the San Gabriel Mountains, overlooking LA's second valley. What do they do there?

It's a Taiwanese Mahayana complex built on the model of genuine Chinese temples following a more devotional, slightly Zen, style of Chinese Buddhist tradition, ancestor worship, good luck rituals, nuns training, repentance, chanting, and weeklong sleepovers of more intense meditation practice.

It's the second largest in the Western hemisphere

There are classes, which at first will not seem very friendly to Westerners, catering to a largely Asian population from both counties. But a persistence pays off, and there's a Buddhist college (University of the West) they run in nearby Rosemead. So they do provide English-speaking programs from time to time.

In any case, there's always a small and interesting museum, a giant vegan/vegetarian cafeteria to visit, a tea house, and a gift shop. Visit any weekend. Coming soon:

Filial piety Emperor Liang Repentance Dharma Service

Buddhist repentance? This special program runs for one week, from August 20–27, 2023. It will be held in the Main Hall at 3456 Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745 (MAP).

• Light-Offering Dharma Service: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 10:00 am– 12:00 pm, Main Hall
• EVENTS CALENDAR (Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple)