Visiting the Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California

Some time back our Kung Fu teacher invited us to visit the Hsi Lai temple as a little outing adventure. It was a little bit of drive from LA on a lovely day. I recently came across these pictures and have had a somewhat different perspective on them now that I have spent a good amount of time on meditation retreats.

The design of the grounds layout is clearly to help cultivate a sense of serenity and calmness. Nature is all around and you and peacefulness penetrates the entire experience. I can see why these locations are so carefully chosen. In order to see reality at its deepest roots the mind must be quiet. It certainly helps to have a nice environment to walk around in!

Here I am at the top of the stairs to the main temple entrance. My head was shaved at the time, so it looked like I was being ordained. Especially since my eyebrows are virtually non-existant!

Amanda is clearly enjoying her day out!

In this building there were some relics from a buddha that were on display. I think we just happened to show up during the time that they were at this location.

These paths are all over the place. A great place to walk and contemplate.

One of my favorite things was this little circle of mini buddha statues. I loved their little expressive poses!

I got a few closeup shots as well.

One day perhaps I'll go back and sit in the temple. Who knows? Probably on a day when there aren't a lot of tourists so that I can fully appreciate the tranquility.