The Temple’s symbolic gate provides a welcome by the International Buddhist Progress Society (IBPS). The Chinese characters on the back of the gate list the four universal vows of Buddhists: to save all sentient beings, to eradicate delusion and stress, to study the boundless Dharma, and to attain supreme enlightenment. Making vows is integral to Buddhism because it provides people the strength to fulfill their practice.
Atop the steps from the upper level parking lot is the Bodhisattva Hall. This hall is dedicated to several enlightened sages who vowed to selflessly serve others with loving-kindness and compassion, and are committed to liberating all beings from suffering. In other words, they are “Buddhas in training.” Each bodhisattva represents a virtuous quality essential to all Buddhists.
The Information Center is a very important place in a Buddhist monastery. It has two main functions:
1. Receive Visitors from the Ten Directions: “Ten Directions” refers to people from all places, including monastic and lay guests. No matter which type of visitor, all visitors should be treated with courtesy such as letting them take a seat, have tea, chitchat, and eat, etc..
2. Greet and Send-Off Visitors: In the Information Center, every visitor must be treated wholeheartedly as a VIP when welcoming or seeing them off each day.
We very much welcome visitors of Hsi Lai Temple, after touring the temple, to come to the Information Center for a break and a cup of Fo Guang Tea to soothe your body and mind.
Seated in this lovely garden are the Eighteen Arhats. As disciples of the Buddha, they have realized the truth of no-self and overcame the defilements of greed, anger and ignorance. They understood Buddha’s teaching that everything is an illusion created by the five senses, dependent on other phenomena, originally empty, and subject to impermanence. Having eradicated all passions, desires, and attachments to worldly matters, each Arhat is foremost in his discipline. Their unique ways of practicing Bodhisattvahood have been inspirational for many Buddhist followers since the time of Sakyamuni Buddha.
Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva is seated on a giant rock with her youthful attendants, Shancai and Longnu, standing beside her. Surrounding the pond are the four Deva Kings: Virudhaka of the Southern Kingdom (holding a dragon), Dhanada of the Northern Kingdom (holding an umbrella) and Dhrtarastra of the Eastern Kingdom(holding a sitar). The Deva Kings are revered as guardians who protect devout sentient beings from being harmed by unwholesome elements. Also venerating Guanyin bodhisattva are the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. The waterfall in this lovely landscape symbolizes the dharma flowing everywhere to purify people’s mind.
Known as the “Way to Buddhahood,” the Courtyard is used for walking meditation during retreats as well as many outdoor events. Its geometric pavement rectangles symbolize the rice paddies of China with weeds growing around the edges. If we plant good sees and rid our minds of all defilements (weeds) through the practice of Buddhism, eventually we will reap merits and attain Buddahood. According to Buddhist teachings, the lions in each corner of the courtyard symbolize strength and courage, and their roars awaken us from ignorance.
Because most formal religious services are conducted here, the Main Shrine is the most important place in any Buddhist monastery. Known also as the “Precious Hall of the Great Hero”, it is dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha, who possessed the heroic qualities of unsurpassed wisdom, virtue, compassion, and the power to subdue evils, thus saving all sentient beings from ignorance and afflictions, Devotees come here to honor the Buddha and to see their spiritual home.
In Buddhism, the Dining Hall is also called the "Five Contemplations Hall." It mainly reminds the assembly to reflect upon the "Three Recollections" and "Five Contemplations" when dining.
The Three Recollections are:
I vow to end all evil;
I vow to practice all good;
I vow to liberate all sentient beings.
The Five Contemplations are:
Assess the amount of work involved, weigh up the origins of the food;
Reflect on one’s own moral conduct, perfect or not, take this offering;
Safeguard the mind against all errors, do not give rise to hatred or greed;
Regard this food as good medicine, so as to treat the weakened body;
In order to accomplish the Way, one should accept this food.
DINING HALL HOURS: Monday – Friday 11:30am-1:30pm | Saturday 11:30am-2:00pm | Sunday 12:00pm-2:00pm
Next to the dining Hall on the lower level are the Tea Room which serves lighter fare, and Book Store where visitors will find a variety of Buddhist materials such as books and dictionaries, CDs and DVDs, statues, incense, prayer beads, meditation supplies, artwork, and postcards.
The gallery houses a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts from around the world, along with Chinese art, and temporary displays featuring the works of contemporary artists.
It is a place for devotees practicing Chán. Anyone interested in Chán is welcome to sign up for a meditation class. Every year, Chinese and English meditation courses are held to guide devotees in Chán practice.
