Hsi Lai Temple History

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Los Angeles is known for many of its sites; whether it be The Grove --known for its retail and entertainment complex-- or the Getty Center—notorious for its free art exhibit—the city of LA is a place for many cultures to unit. One site in particular, the Hsi Lai Temple, does not have the entertainment as the grove or the sculptures of ones work, however it offers much more to one’s knowledge about the meaning of life. Whether it is its history that intrigues one’s mind, the structure and design that persuades tourists to visit, or the temples purpose to serve to the community, the Hsi Lai Temple is one attraction to visit. Completed in 1988, the Hsi Lai Temple--located in Los Angeles-- was built to signify the dedication of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. Their efforts were recognized for spreading the teachings of the Budda to those in the west; in fact Hsi Lai means "coming to the West". However, the spread of Buddhism originated not in the Hsi Lai Temple, but in Taiwan. History goes back to 1967 when the idea of propagating "Humanistic Buddhism" was founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The idea of this propaganda was that one does not need to "go someplace else" to find enlightenment; realizing ones true nature in the here and now and practicing the fundamental …show more content…
This site was not the typical Los Angeles area where one splurges on expensive items and gives in to the legendary “Hollywood life style” where cars roam the streets and people live their busy lives. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I went to the site with a mindset of “it is just another day”, but came out with the notion that it is important to find happiness and meaning to everyday life. With the Hsi Lai Temples historical purpose to purify earth, its structure that intrigued me to visit, and the action the temple took to serve its community, I will unquestionably spread the word for those to come and visit this remarkable

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