[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_image=”http:\/\/sandbox1.houstonbuddhism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/banner.png” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.16″ title_text_color=”#3d290a” title_font_size=”49px” content_text_color=”#261a0b” content_font_size=”26px” subhead_text_color=”#3d290a” subhead_font_size=”49″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#827457″ background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”80px||160px|” title_font_size_tablet=”35px” title_font_size_phone=”” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” content_font_size_tablet=”22px” content_font_size_phone=”” content_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” subhead_font_size_tablet=”30″ subhead_font_size_phone=”” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_right” custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123939,123938,123940,124279″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”||on” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”5%” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.6″ max_height=”420px” overflow-y=”auto” custom_margin=”-20px||15px||false|false” custom_padding=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Main Shrine is the heart of the temple and is called <\/span>\u201cThe Treasure Hall of the Great Hero.\u201d <\/span>It is dedicated to the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddha. This Shrine is where monastics perform services and practitioners chant sutras or offer reverence to the Buddha. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Main Shrine depicts three Buddha statues. The central one is Sakyamuni Buddha, on the right side is Medicine Buddha, and on the left side is Amitabha Buddha.<\/span> Many colorful miniature Buddhas carvings <\/span>line the sidewalls surrounding the Main Shrine to signify <\/span>that<\/span> the Buddha-nature is within everyone\u2019s heart and exists everywhere.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n SAKYAMUNI BUDDHA <\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0<\/span>Sakyamuni Buddha was born as Siddh\u0101rtha Gautama<\/span>, a prince of the Sakaya Clan in Hindustan, India. He renounced the world not for His own sake or convenience but for the sake of suffering humanity. The renunciation of Prince Siddartha at that early age was the boldest step that a man could have ever taken. The name \u201cBuddha,\u201d which means \u201cAwakened One,\u201d was given to Him after He attained Enlightenment. The Buddha was a unique human being who was self-Enlightened, was not a mythical figure but an actual, historical personality who introduces the religion known today as Buddhism. He taught for around forty-nine years and built a large following, both monastic and lay.\u00a0His teaching illuminates the way for humankind to cross from a world of darkness, hatred, and suffering to a new world of light, love, and happiness.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n MEDICINE BUDDHA<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Medicine Buddha\u00a0is known as\u00a0Bhaisayaguru\u00a0in Sanskrit. He is described in the\u00a0Medicine Buddha sutra\u00a0<\/i>as the Buddha, who took twelve great vows after the attainment of the Enlightenment. He is regarded as the Buddha of the Eastern Pure Land of Crystal Radiance. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Medicine Buddha\u00a0<\/span>is mostly worshiped in\u00a0<\/span>Mahayana Buddhism<\/a>.<\/span> In this form of Buddhism, He is regarded as\u00a0<\/span>the Buddha of healing\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>medicine<\/span>, <\/span>a doctor who cures\u00a0suffering using the medicine of his teachings. <\/span>Therefore, the Buddhists worship Him<\/span> <\/i><\/span>to ease out <\/span>their illness and suffering. In Chinese Buddhism, the Buddhists recite\u00a0<\/span>the mantra of Medicine Buddha\u00a0<\/i><\/span>to overcome mental, physical, and spiritual problems. Not only do people recite this mantra, but they also recite the name of the\u00a0<\/span>Medicine Buddha<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n AMIT\u0100BHA BUDDHA<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Amitabha Buddha is the Buddha of infinite qualities, <\/span><\/span>resulting from good deeds over\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>countless past lives<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0as a\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>bodhisattva<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>. His name indicates the idea of eternal light and life. <\/span><\/span>He <\/span><\/span><\/span>presides over the Western Pure Land, where he gives unbounded happiness to all who call upon his name. This ability comes from his forty-eight vows, especially the eighteenth vow, in which he vows to refuse Buddhahood until he has saved all living beings. Except for those who commit the five unpardonable sins or blaspheme against the faith, t<\/span><\/span>he gift of unbounded happiness is available to all people regardless of status or position in life. This openness and acceptance have made belief in the pure lands one of the significant influences in Mah\u0101y\u0101na Buddhism. <\/span><\/span>While his Paradise is theoretically only a stage on the way to rebirth in the final joys of Nirv\u0101\u1e47a, it is considered as the final resting-place of those who chant Na-mo A-mi-to-Fo. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123939,126154,123940,124279″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.10.6″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123941,123942,123944,124281,124282″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_letter_spacing=”1px” custom_margin=”||10px|” custom_padding=”7px|||||” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#724a0a” _builder_version=”3.7″ max_width=”5%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ custom_margin=”||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Visitors and practitioners alike are welcome to read and enjoy a quiet moment in our library. More than a thousand books are available, including Buddhist Canons, Sutras, Encyclopedia, Arts and history books for those who wish to expand their knowledge of Buddhism. Various best sellers are being translated into English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Korean, and a dozen other languages to spread the wisdom equally around the world. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123946,123947,124283″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”||on” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_letter_spacing=”1px” custom_margin=”||10px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#724a0a” _builder_version=”3.7″ max_width=”5%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ custom_margin=”||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Chung Mei Temple\u2019s classrooms are the site for a variety of classes, including Tai-Chi, Children\u2019s class, singing, art, choir, Buddhist instruments practices, and so on. The classrooms are also used to host events like Dharma talks, conferences, meetings, cultural exchanges, and tours.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123946,123947,124283″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123950,123988,123989″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_letter_spacing=”1px” custom_margin=”||10px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#724a0a” _builder_version=”3.7″ max_width=”5%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ custom_margin=”||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The temple has a collection of Buddhist artifacts that are displayed in the exhibition hall. <\/span><\/span>Visitors are welcome to visit the museum during normal business hours. The exhibitions are rotated throughout all the international Temples several times during the year. Special events like photography shows, art and painting galleries and so on will also take place in the avenue from time to time.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123953,123954,123955,123956″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”||on” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_letter_spacing=”1px” custom_margin=”||10px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#724a0a” _builder_version=”3.7″ max_width=”5%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ custom_margin=”||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We offer a serene garden that people may enjoy. One that is both religious in spirit and yet possesses natural, scenic beauty. Each statue of the eighteen Arhats and the Bodhisattvas in the garden can provide lessons for people who wish to gain an understanding of Dharma and the practices of the Buddha\u2019s disciples.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123953,123954,123955,123956″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”123991″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.8″ pagination_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” auto=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_letter_spacing=”1px” custom_margin=”||10px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#724a0a” _builder_version=”3.7″ max_width=”5%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ custom_margin=”||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The gift shop offers mementos of peaceful memories from the temple that visitors may purchase and<\/span><\/span><\/span> take home<\/span><\/span><\/span>. There are books, music, and videos about Buddhism, its history and culture, for those who wish to know more about Buddhism. The gift shop also carries unique, one-of-a-kind items, such as <\/span><\/span><\/span>malas (garlands of <\/span><\/span><\/span>prayer beads) that are blessed by the venerables at Fo Guang Shan. Exquisite statues and carvings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas are available for those who wish to enrich their lives with further spiritual practices.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” background_color=”#e2f1ff” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”0px” custom_margin=”||-4px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” min_height=”0px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”5%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_orientation=”justified” width=”99.2%” custom_padding=”||7px|||” locked=”off” inline_fonts=”Arial” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\nLibrary<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\u201c<\/span><\/span>By developing a habit of reading, we can change our temperament, improve self-image, with better self-reflection, and expand our knowledge and lifestyles<\/i><\/span><\/span>.\u201d Venerable Master Hsing Yun wrote, \u201c<\/span><\/span>I always share and discuss an inspiring article with visitors and disciples, that usually lead to solving of their worries and generating happiness<\/i><\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nClassroom<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Exhibition Hall<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Chan Garden<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Gift Shop<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Temple Tour<\/h1>\n