Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 17, 2023

This fall, Hsi Fang Temple San Diego Buddhist Association (S.D.B.A.) has opened 13 classes in both Chinese and English. The courses include Buddhist studies, arts, and leisure activities. Since the end of September, over a hundred people participate each week, allowing every generation to learn Buddhism in the temple.

The Creative Studio for Youth and Youth Club programs aim to enhance the self-management, communication and leadership skills of young people. 

The Creative Studio for Youth invites the California Creatives team, including Aaron Green, Eric Stephenson, and Eli Green, to teach aspects of 3D animation and video recording. Participants learn about the nuances of creating videos through projects such as introducing Western temples to the community and explaining Dharma Service to American audiences. These activities help train participants in storytelling skills, including editing, scripting, directing, and editing.

The Creative Studio for Youth program aims to enhance the self-management, communication and leadership skills of young peoplephoto／The Life News Agency

On Saturdays, Hsi Fang Temple San Diego Buddhist Association offers meditation courses and Buddhist classes (Keys to Living Well) as well as yoga for adults. Additionally, children can enroll in the Buddhism for kids and Martial Arts for Kids. Both parents and children have the opportunity to learn Buddhism at the vihara.

Hsi Fang Temple offers yoga classes for adults. photo／The Life News Agency

In the Chinese Buddhism classes, there are overviews of Sutras, reading groups for the Buddhist Exam, reading groups for the Buddha’s Light Philosophy, as well as leisure and skill classes, giving back to the devotees for their long-term supporting the temple.

The philosophy upheld by Hsi Fang Temple San Diego Buddhist Association is to make the temple a place shared by the public. Through cultural education and artistic activities, the temple aims to enlighten society, providing a space for both Buddhist practitioners and the general public to purify their minds and elevate their spirits.