BUDDHISM

We present the basics of Buddhism in this presentation called “Buddhism 101.” Our teacher is the Venerable Maio Hsi, a Buddhist monastic from Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, a suburb of Los Angeles.

“Buddhist Sacred Texts” focuses on the Lotus Sutra, said to be the King of Sutras.

Spoken by the Sakyamuni Buddha during the eight years before he entered Nirvana, it is the Buddha’s ultimate teaching (Dharma) and his final revelation on the universality of liberation, attaining the true nature of Buddhahood, and the best and universally applicable means of attaining Buddhahood.”

“We consider the Sutra as the pure, complete, unique, and solitary wonderful teachings in Buddhism.” Venerable Miao Hsi

Learn about the practice of Buddhism as the Venerable Mankuang explains the intention behind the garb, the bow, the incense, the instruments, the prayers, and more in “Decoding Rituals and Symbols of Buddhism.”

The tradition of chanting flows through nearly all of the many schools of Buddhism as a way to prepare the mind for meditation. Most faiths chant as a means of prayer and preparation to engage the holy.

Buddhist Holy Days and Observances

There are many special or holy days held throughout the
year by the Buddhist community. The most significant
celebration happens every May on the night of the full
moon, when Buddhists all over the world celebrate the
birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha over 2,500
years ago. It has come to be known as Buddha Day.