Buddhism and Temple Time

One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the messiah?"
"No", answered Buddha.
"Then are you a healer?"
"No", Buddha replied.
"Then are you a teacher?" the student persisted.
"No, I am not a teacher."
"Then what are you?" asked the student, exasperated.
"I am awake", Buddha replied.


A couple weeks ago I finally had a chance to visit Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights. I hadn't gone there in years and since it was the day before the Chinese new year, the entire temple was decorated even more than usual and everyone was even more gracious and inviting than ever.

Buddhist temples are one of the few spiritual places I can stand to be in without thinking about the destruction religion has brought to the world since the core of Buddhism is non-violence unlike all other religions. All other religions teach, advocate and practice violence in the name of faith with Christians leading the pack with more killing than all other religions combined. Anyways, that's a history lesson for another day.

The point is, being in a Buddhist temple allows you to connect with the things really worth worshiping: The Earth and Humankind. Instead of advocating a belief in a higher being, Buddhism advocates believing in yourself and teaches that heaven is being at peace with yourself not a place in the clouds with pearly gates and bouncers that are very strict about who they let in. For people like me, who have trouble believing in hocus pocus, eastern philosophies (not just Buddhism), allow me to find peace in something I can see and admire what I truly respect, logic and reason. The quote at the top of the page really sums up what I admire about Buddhism: That "Buddha" is an example to follow not a being to fear and that there are no threats of hell, only peace, tranquility and an eye for truth rather than fables.

What I like best is that you don't pray and hope that God answers and provides. That leaves you in such a vulnerable state, kind of like you're begging for help. What I like about Buddhism is learning that if you meditate and visualize success, believe in your own strength and if you have brought good to the world, it will come to you. It's much more proactive and much less of an inferiority/superiority set-up. There is no begging, just self esteem and strength.

I went a bought a Happy Buddha for good luck on the bar. Let's see if it works. My mom asked me what would happen if I passed the bar because of all the prayers of different religions that my loved ones are saying for me, which one would I choose? I told her I wouldn't choose any religion but if one of the "holy beings" in question wants to guide my hand thru the exam, they can feel free to take over my computer and type their name and religious affiliation at the top of my essay page and I might take it into consideration. My mom was not so amused, lol. Oh well, I can't help being me.

So without further adieu, the pictures from the temple trip!






Beautiful huh? Everyone should definitely go!

http://www.hsilai.org/

Beyond all that, bar exam studying is, well, going I guess. 7 more days and counting.....