Hsi Lai Temple, Continued

Hsi Lai Temple, Continued

***

Our bus discharged the passengers and was met by the Honorable Ven. Chen, cloaked in the gold garment. She was accompanied by our very informative tour guide. Later in our tour, I asked the significance of the shaved head since the monastic was a woman. I was asked how many times a day I comb my hair and how much effort do I put into styles, and etc. Buddhism practices simplifying life and ridding themselves of worry and stress. The efforts of these monastics are spent promoting Buddhism through education, cultural activities, and edify the populace through Buddhist practices. The working motto of its members is to give others confidence, hope, joy, and convenience.

***

Because of the steep steps I was unable to get a good photo of the front of the gate. This is a photo of the back of the gate which is seen as one leaves the grounds. The four symbols list the four universal vows of Buddhists which are: to save all sentinient beings, to eradicate all worries, to study the boundless Dharma, and to attain supreme Buddhahood. Making vows is integral to Buddhism because it provides people the strength to fulfill their practice.