Inaugurated by Hsuan Hua, distinguished monk and a pre-eminent figure-head in Western Buddhism, City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, is a notorious monastery and significant Buddhist Community in the Western part of United States. In Pinyin, it is called “Wànfó Shèngchéng” whereas in Vietnamese it is pronounced as “Chùa Vạn Phật Thánh Thành”. Sited in Talmage, Mendocino County, California, it was one of the earliest Chan temples/ Buddhist monasteries built in the United States. Traditions here, such as Vinaya are considered of high value and immense importance. The Guiyang School of Chan is nearby the temple. This community-oriented facility, where monastic culture is strictly followed and obeyed, it encourages people from all around the globe to send their children to the boarding schools here so their offspring might develop a strong mind and discipline in every aspect of life. People in European countries, such as France, Belgium, and Holland are also attracted to this place.
History:
In the year 1974, this wide ground was purchased by the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. After it was bought, it was established as an international center. After the great gathering of monks from different countries such as Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and others at the Third Threefold Ordination Ceremony, it was entitled exclusively as both, the Mahayana and Theravada traditions were represented without any discrimination. In the coming time, the area was highly developed by building new facilities such as hospitals, three gymnasiums, swimming pools, a fire station, fire hydrants, monastic facilities, halls, administrative offices, educational institutes, restaurants (Yun Kang Vegetarian Restaurant), and complexes.
Sites of interest/Charms of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas:
Apart from its religious views and traditional acts, this city greatly intrigues many tourists every year as it allows them to access a different experience along with many scenic views. Historical facts regarding this city are profusely adored by the tourists. Some of the significant tourist destinations include:
- The Jeweled Hall of Ten thousand Buddhas: A place of interest, the Jeweled Hall Of ten thousand Buddhas was completed in the late 1900s. This hall is embellished with a variety of banners, incandescent lamps, and many streamers. The main feature of the hall is the 20-ft (6m) sculpture of a bodhisattva or Guanyin, thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara. Portraits of Buddhas, created by Hua fill the empty walls of the hall. These are 10,000 in number.
- Hall of No Words: Dedicated to Hua, Hall of No words serve as a memorial which houses many artifacts relating to the famed Buddha Hsu Yun and Hua. This place dates back to the early life stages of Hua. Here he used to meditate and laid in the state during the 49-mourning period.
- Dharma Realm Buddhist University: To further propagate Buddhism and ensure a wide influence of Buddhism, Hua founded the Dharma Realm Buddhist University in 1976. It aims at educating students to be virtuous as well as to be great leaders in the near future.
- Tower of Blessings: Hua in his wisdom allocated this facility as a home to several aged and elderly monks so that they may enjoy a healthy and peaceful life for eternity.
- Jyun Kang Vegetarian Restaurant: One of the significant spots in the university, Jyun Kang Vegetarian Restaurant is the university cafeteria where they serve salubrious and nourishing vegan food, in accordance with their terms.