One of my Vietnamese friends invited me tp 'Duc Vien Buddhist Community Pagoda'' located in to San Jose, CA, USA yesterday. It was very enlightening experience and insightful visit.
Just jotting down some eminent features we saw..
Shoes In The Shoe Rack
Shoes were not scattered along the floor. They were duly kept in the shoe racks.
Spiritual Atmosphere
Hall inside the temple had around 100 devotees meditating. There used to be one devotee chanting at a time for 2 mins. Then he or she would stop; next would continue.
There was complete silence except the chanting devotee. I was little concerned my 2 year old would break the silence (Thankfully she did not).
The huge statues of Buddha in the front, natural lighting arrangement and the slow pace boosted the peace.
Cleanliness:
We took small tour after coming out of main hall.
The complete area was very clean. I did not see the dust on the statues, the offerings or surroundings.
Greenery
The area was full of very diverse plantation, and wonderful smell of flowers around.
Buddha statues in various poses, were seen throughout the surrounding. Each big statue had fruits which were fresh.
A thought came to my mind that, I would come with my family to this place just for going around in this beautiful garden.
Low Noise
When we went there was some food preparation for a gathering in progress in the outside the main-hall area. There were around 10-12 folks but with very contained
presence.
Food Hall
By the time we came here, the devotees who were meditating earlier had started to come here. They were coming very slowly in a queue. They were also singing the
meditation song which was also being played on the audio system.
The hall had permanent wooden furniture in excellent condition. There was light throughout including natural light.
Servicing Monks
Inside the main hall, in library, in food hall...everywhere you could see the monks offering welcoming smile with no words.
Inside food hall, they were serving the older devotees.
Visiting Seers Team
I had an opportunity to meet with a monk. She was part of a team visiting from another Buddhist temple 'Shasta Abebey, Temple of Radiant Wisdom'. She was so gentle and very willing to communicate.
We was kind to go to her car outside, and bring me her card when I requested some contact information; we also had a small chat relating to word 'Zen'. She also was kind to offer me to visit her Monastery.
Library
Library was closed to food hall. It was concise but books, statues and photos neatly arranged. I met another monk. She was very kind to offer me some books and also to
bring my friends over.
Donation Notices
Notices for donations could be seen at places. It made perfect sense to have them considering the elegance of the place.
Wonderful Statues
The statues of Buddha were of both genders, in various sizes, colors. They were beautiful. One could identify the deep relation of Buddhism with Hinduism.
Evolving Temple
It was mentioned to me that a poor lady started this place in 1980s. She used to teach Vietnamese and English. She had a recycling business.
Considering this, it is remarkable and worth appraisal to see how the temple has evolved into current place.
I just think I did not thank my friend enough....
