In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is representation of purity of the body, speech, and mind. A beautiful, meaningful, quote about life comparing to the lotus flower I found...
- “As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinions of the world.”
~ Buddha
As I mentioned in my previous post, as I left the ranch lands of the area southwest of the city on a drive about, I stopped short of hitting the freeway to take photos of a hidden gem, a 'gem' being that it is surrounded by plowed farm land; it is like an emerald sparkling in the very center of the fields...I've driven by this verdant oasis many many many times before. And, the fact of an oriental structure with roofing such as those you see associated with the pagoda construction [pagodas are usually tiered, multiple roofs]...this temple, a vihara [Buddhist], in the middle of 'nowhere' certainly can be eye catching. The surrounding, but fenced large parcel of land, is beautiful! Statues, temples, gardens!! I've many times wanted to stop and have a look-see. I understand [by doing research online] that this temple is operated by the Vietnamese nuns, but anyone is welcome to traverse the gardens and enter the meditation rooms. There are several festivals that the public is invited to attend.
But the gardens and statues have always piqued my interest...
chua hương đậm, loosely translated to English is BOLD INCENSE
See more of Chua Huong Dam Buddhist Center on Facebook
STORY
HUONG DAM BUDDHIST CENTER
1305 FM 43 Corpus Christi TX 78415
(361) 851-2680
Weekly Meditation class at Huong Dam Buddhist Center
At Huong Dam Buddhist Center, We dedicate and commit ourselves to serve people by offering services that provide and enhance the quality of life. We respectfully invite you to the meditation class every Friday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Take a moment and slow down, calm the mind with breathing, nourish the body, and let go of worries and uncertainties by being in the present moment. With practice mindfulness, inner peace is realized which leads to happiness and harmony.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation helps us on many levels, from simple relaxation to freedom from suffering and full liberation of heart and mind. It allows us to:
• defuse stress and experience greater calm
• explore the mind-body relationship
• connect to our feelings
• expand our sense of who we are, beyond our fears and self-judgment
• find genuine happiness
• discover inner resources that can change our everyday lives
• awaken our capacity for insight and wisdom
• transform our worldview from one of isolation and confusion to one of connection, clarity and compassion
• broaden our perspective and deepen our courage, based on seeing things just as they are