Will's World 04 25 2010

Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles.

Near a busy downtown Los Angeles intersection stands a house, converted into rooms for spiritual reflection: Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara. (Dharma means the teachings of the Buddha; Vijaya means victory; Vihara means temple.) A Sri Lankan monk, Bhante B. Kalyanawansa greated us and explained some of his Buddhist Theravada tradition, which is considered by some to be the oldest version of the Buddha’s teachings now surviving. “It preserves the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago,” states the temple’s website.


The monks begin their day at 6 a.m. with services in the shrine room, which include offerings to the Buddha, recitation of a sutta (sutra) and meditation.

The vihara performs all rites and ceremonies observed by the Theravada Buddhist communities and offers instruction in meditation.

The vihara also “conducts public lectures to impart basic knowledge of Buddha’s teaching embodied in the Tripitaka texts. These texts are widely referred to as the Pali Canon because they are [written] in Pali, an ancient Indian language that was spoken by Buddha. Weekly evening classes are held at the vihara for the study and discussion of the fundamental theory and practice of Theravada Buddhism,” states the website.

This visit to the vihara by Jacky and I was to gather information about the rites and rituals specific to Theravadins. We promised Bhante Kalyanawansa that we’d return to observe a service in the future.

TO VIEW JACKY’S BLOG, go to:
http://liuontheway.blogspot.com/

Bhante B. Kalyanawansa, one of five monks at the vihara.

A room for meditation.

Jacky L. meditating at the vihara.

The vihara has its own Bodhi tree.

From "Sayings of the Buddha":

This is a religion for one to come and practice

but not just to come and believe.

Will's World 04 24 2010

View from Mount Wilson

High above the freeways and traffic, the frantic people and troubled minds in downtown Los Angeles, the Mount Wilson Observatory has been perched atop a mountain peak since 1904. Known for its large telescopes and astronomic discoveries, the observatory sits majestically among the tall pines and rugged rocks in the Angeles Forest.


“In the twenty-first century, the observatory hosts several of the most technologically advanced facilities in the world for studying astronomical objects with unprecedented resolution and clarity,” states the observatory’s website. “The 100-inch Hooker telescope remains in active scientific service, and the solar towers are daily collecting data representing the world’s longest continuous record of the sun.”

In search of a meditative hike, Jacky L. and I parked at the observatories entrance and trekked along a nearby truck route that led to nearby Harvard Mountain. Sharing the mountains with high-technological instruments, we were able to enjoy a serene environment and moments of reflection.

“Where has humanity gone? Life must be an illusion,” said my Buddhist friend as we laughed and watched the slowly churning clouds that hid from our sight the millions of Angelenos below.

Spirituality can be found anywhere, not just in places constructed specifically to house worshippers.


TO VIEW JACKY’S BLOG, go to:
http://user.qzone.qq.com/983639542?ptlang=2052

Clouds lapping at the Angeles Forest mountains.

Millions of Angelenos are hidden below the clouds.

Jacky takes a photo near satellite dish on Mount Harvard.

The 2009 "Station Fire" scorched many acres in the mountains.

Despite the fire, flowers still bloom in the Angeles Forest.

Natural beauty can still be found.

A few patches of snow remain on the mountain.

Will's World 04 04 2010 Easter Sunday

Worshippers at the First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles.

“Happy Resurrection Day,” said the fashionably dressed woman who greeted us as we entered the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles. It would be a greeting we would hear often as we met other members of the city’s first predominantly black church, established in 1872. It now has a congregation of over 19, 000.


The words “First to Serve” painted in large letters at the back of the church remind visitors of the church’s involvement in many community activities. Politicians often visit the church because of its influence.

Today’s service was an energetic and inspiration work of art that integrated music, dance and sermon to remind the congregation of the importance of Jesus’ Resurrection. The choir of more than 50 singers, and half a dozen musicians vibrated as they sang gospel songs that had everyone in the audience rhythmically nodding their heads, waving their arms or standing and swaying in the pews.

The sermon by the Rev. Dr. John J. Hunter, senior minister, had the audience engaged from beginning to end. “We’ve been redeemed by God because of Jesus’ crucifixion,” he said and many voices injected “Amen,” and “Yes, God.” Then Hunter told them “Act like you’ve been redeemed. … You’ve been purchased by His blood,” and many applauded and again voiced approval.

Hunter seemed inspired as he challenged to worshippers to live better lives. With the cadence of his sentences, and the content of his speech, he held the attention of all who listened.

Both Jacky L. and I left the church feeling exhilarated. The entire service combined entertainment with information. It was a fun and meaningful adventure for us both.

One of many stained glass windows at First A.M.E. church.

Hundreds of people packed the church

for one of the three service held each Sunday.

Artwork near the entrance door.

Front of First A.M.E. church.

The Rev. Dr. John J. Hunter giving the Easter sermon.

The choir was a key component to the service.

Dancer portraying Jesus during the service.

The audience was engaged throughout the service.