Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple

It's amazing to think that hidden between buildings and hills of Los Angeles theres's a precious temple. This temple required 10 years to bebuilt and by 1988 it was fnished. Upon entering you get the feeling you've crossed a magical border. You feel peace and quiet in this place, and if you need to relax or meditate, this is the place. You can make offerings with incense and fruit and also offer painting and meditation classes. At noon the monks offer a free vegetarian meal which is worth try.

On a visit to Los Angeles, the news of the existence of the largest Buddhist temple in the world (outside of China) caught my attention. I went to see it and I have to say I was quite impressed. Not only with the temple building itself (the tour took a whole morning!), but the harmony I felt sharing the tour with the monks, taking in the decoration and enjoying the perfectly decorated gardens with carved wooden, stone and metal statues. I ended the visit at the free vegetarian buffet the monk prepare for visitors. I'd suggest donating a couple of dollars as a token of thanks, and do not forget to thank Mother Nature for food she brings.