The Pao Hua Buddhist Temple is a center of learning, teachings, and cultural activities. It is also home to a number of Buddha statues and a huge inscribed bell. The main building of the temple consists of a library, conference rooms, and classrooms.
The American Lotus Buddhist Association operates the Pao Fa Buddhist Temple. It is located in Irvine, California. It provides a place for devotees to practice Buddhism. It also hosts a summer camp for youth. The main aim of the temple is to provide a place for the community to attain Buddha truth. The Amitabha Buddhist Pure Land Society of Los Angeles opened its own temple in 1997.
The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, with its mission to harmonize all Buddhist schools worldwide, boasts more than 1,300 monks and 200 temples. Its most prominent temple in the United States is Hsi Lai Temple; it consists of grand halls as well as a cafeteria that hosts an exuberant Chinese New Year festival each year.
The Pao Hua Buddhist Temple was conceived and built by Master Ling-Chun. He moved from Hong Kong to New York in 1976 and began a project that would culminate in the building of the temple. The first two buildings were constructed as temporary structures while the main building was constructed. The temple is currently managed by Venerable Master Jen-Yi. He has dedicated a great deal of effort to the construction of the temple. He personally supervised every phase of the project.
The Pao Fa Buddhist Temple serves as an education and spiritual center for both western and eastern cultures. The main objectives of the temple are to propagate Buddha’s teachings, promote Thai culture, and provide a place for the community to practice. It is also part of the Amida Society. The Pao Chieh Chan Temple in Wugu, Taipei shares the same Dharma roots.
The Pao Hua Buddhist Temple is surrounded by colourful eaves, a large inscribed bell, and seasonal fruit and flowers. The temple also has a bookstore in front, and a shrine behind. It is a good location to view the many interesting subjects of Pure Land Buddhism.
The Amitabha Buddhist Pure Land Society is the only other Pure Land Buddhist society in the Los Angeles area. The group was incorporated in 1990, and has a large temple. It is situated close to Disneyland. There are several wholesome activities, including a summer camp and children’s youth camp. There is a branch in Mexico. The Buddhist Ortho-Creed Association (BOCA) also has a number of wholesome events.
Before 2002, the Dharma Seal Temple was slated to be constructed in Walnut City. The Department of Justice investigation that followed concluded with them taking the temple’s side and determining that Walnut had infringed on religious freedom laws. Although located elsewhere now, special attention has been paid to ensure it is designed appropriately so as not to disturb its nearby citizens.
To end this overview of Buddhist temples in the Los Angeles area, it is important to note that regardless of the particular tradition, all Buddhist temples offer a place for everyone to practice peace and compassion. All are welcome to visit these institutions and find solace within its walls.
