Menu
close
Anonymous.
clay dubeHere is where we discuss our visit to the temple.
Anonymoustop
AnonymousWhat time will we meet and where?[Edit by="rosanna_elgohary on Jul 29, 5:35:16 PM"]Scratch that. Thanks for the quick response Miranda. Just means your thinking ahead; USC
China Institute is blessed to have you.[/Edit]
AnonymousField trips are always so exciting and eye opening when they're rooted in the content of the lessons. High schools students just aren't exposed to such beautiful and meaningful edifices, wouldn't it be great to take them there. I was thinking that a class titled Multicultural Studies/Literature (depending on your field) could incorporate an "Around the World" in Southern California string of field trips. This may be wishful thinking, but I'm sure acquiring funds through different organizations would be an option. Anybody know of any such organizations?
AnonymousWhat a great day! I really enjoyed the trip and learned so much I can't put it all into words just yet. I just wanted to thank you again Prof. Dube, and Miranda for setting this up for us. 😀
AnonymousAfter being fascinated by the Japanese koi pond at the Pacific Asia Museum, I found the joyful water features at the Hia Lai Temple intriguing contrasts. Whereas the koi pond’s beauty came from its quiet simplicity, the fountains at the Chinese temple burst with burbling cascades and brightly painted figurines of deities and animals.
After I noticed this difference in their use of water, I realized that much of their art followed the same pattern. The Buddhist temple was ornate – a crystal chandelier so large that it had to be mounted before the final wall was built dominated the loftiness of the ceiling, and the walls were encrusted with 10,000 golden Buddhas. The painting on the Chinese porcelain was also elaborate – every space was covered with design.
I wonder if this is what Dr. Ye was referring to when he said that the Japanese were the same, but more rigid? It seems as if the Japanese art pares the Chinese art down to its essence, and the celebration of that open space requires carefully crafted balance and proportion.
How will Japanese philosophy differ from Chinese? Will it also be reductive?
AnonymousThe Hsi Lai Temple surprised me as well. We have been talking in class about symbols and ideologies, but here we had the opportunity to see how those symbols and ideologies are expressed visually. I did not expect it to be so grand and ornate – though I suppose I should have after making my observation about the art – nor did I realize that there were multiple deities within the Buddhist belief system. I was particularly intrigued by the 10,000 Buddhas that lined the walls of the big temple and the artistry of the physical representation of all the deities. This display of the gods in human form gave me a better understanding of Buddhism and seemed to make it more accessible to the people.
I was not so impressed with our tour guide. He seemed to trivialize the religion – presumable to be funny and make it more accessible – which interfered with my understanding of the intricacies if Buddhism. I would like to do more research and learn more about Buddhist beliefs.
AnonymousIt was an interesting trip. Although I grew up in Korea, I do not know much about Buddhism. I just realized today that there were multiple deities that people worship within the religion. Also, it is nice to see how the community embraced Buddhism after a long struggle to anchor in U.S. I really appreciate this program.[Edit by="vchiu on Jul 31, 10:02:58 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousI too want to thank everyone involved, from the foundation down to Dr. Dube, Miranda. and all the others involved in making this a whothwhile day. I didn't know that there were different Buddha names, hand positions, or that there were even other dieties involved. I didn't even know Buddha had been married and had a son. His wife, Yosodhara, gave birth to a son, Rahula. After Rahula grew up his mother told him to ask his father for his inheritance, so Buddha did and Rahula became a disciple.
The architecture of the temple showed the power and influence of the emperor of the time. It was mentioned by our guide, Nancy, that the colors of the temple: Yellow, Browns, and Red colors were only used by the imperial court and not allowed to be used by anyone else. As it is common in most ancient temples or palaces there is always some kind of protector and is usually a lion.
The Asian Pacific museum was quite expressing of the cultures it represented, some of which I never even heard. I am learning so much through this class. To me it seemed that the Ming dynasty was most expressive on the potery. It was very beautiful.
I see the benefits of going on fieldtrips because it makes the classroom lesson come alive. I too would like to know if there are any organizations that are will to help fund fieldtrips to middle school, or any other grade.
AnonymousI was reading the other interesting replies. Then Mary N. and I were talking, she helped me realize that I don't need to come up with something profound that I learned today, because there wasn't much that was new to me (I teach this). I did however confirm what our text books are conveying and found it to be rather accurate and found little bits of new information here and there. What was great was to visually imprint at both the museum and temple and to listen to our guide who really enjoyed her beliefs in Budhism. The other thing Mary and I were talking about is that you can be a member of any religous group and still be a Budhist. I thought that was a very interesting concept. I love the idea of inner peace.
AnonymousI will definitely be heading back to the Hsi Lai Temple sometime soon. I just couldn't get enough of it! I have read a lot about Kuan Yin and the different boddhisatvas, so I was delighted to see all the visual representations at the museum and at the temple. I was particularly moved by the mini-museum at the temple-- the micro-carvings and looking at Buddha's skin and bone were transcendental experiences for me!
More field trips! More field trips! I know we have so much material and very few days but I think having an outing after a few days of lecture was absolutely wonderful...
AnonymousNow I have an answer to something I did not know for the longest time. Why is one Buddha statue fat. Well, apparently we learned today that the fat Buddha is not Siddhartha, but another person who was very benevolent, especially to children, and will return as the second Buddha. I also found it interesting that there are many different depictions of the Buddha based upon the region that the statue came from. I will have to pay more attention when I look at different ones in the future.
AnonymousJust beautiful, tranquil and a total delight. I was so happy just to learn about the Hsi Lai Temple. I was surprised that it was located near Whittier. However, when I learned that it is only 20 years old and I have now been in the High Desert some thirty years - new things are built I guess. I liked knowing that Master Hsing Yun at 81 is still going strong. I would like to see the Buddhist Memorial Complex located in Los Angeles at Rose Hills Memorial Park. The flyer says it is the largest in America. Clay/Miranda we need directions!!!
Everyones posting are a great reminder of the day.
Clay, I have a question. Do you believe that most of the items in the Hsi Lai Temple Museum are authentic relics worthy of a museum. I felt that I was looking at mainly reproductions. I would like your take on that aspect of the Temple.
[Edit by="mstark on Jul 31, 11:03:14 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousCIRCLING
Too Near the Brazier
Incense particles
Urge my me to open wide
Sneezing salvation
DHARMA Boy
(Apologies)
Climbing Buddha's hill
Through the Gate of Openness
Climbing higher still
Chanting prayers in summer
Pagoda winter beckons
AnonymousThe temple reminded me of a movie set. Some of the Chinese movies I've seen recently, feature a temple like structure with an impressive hill side of stairs leading up to it. In the movies the structures were palaces and battles were waged on the front steps, in the court yards and in the entry halls.
I really liked the idea that this temple was so accessable to the public, so welcoming to western society and so much was going on there on a daily basis. If I lived closer to the temple I think I would be there frequently. There was a great energy that eminated throughout the temple. This was due to the colors the clutter of plants, statues, ornaments and people within the space. There was however relief from sensory overload in small corners of the temple, such as the tea rooms and covered walk ways.