Hsi Fang Temple

Hsi Fang Temple

4536 Park Blvd

San Diego, CA 92116

I first contacted the Hsi Fang Temple to ensure I was allowed to attend their services. I was asked which service would I like to attend, Yoga, Chanting or Meditation. I chose the meditation service and attended their services on October 19th, 2003. Upon entering the temple, I was asked to remove my shoes and go into the meditation room. The room was about 30' by 50' with rows of bench like cushions so that people could sit during meditation. The smell of burning incents filled to room. Along the walls were padded cushion benches, where I sat to observe. In front of the room the wall was decorated with several different Buddha statues in various sizes along with Asian style lampshades.

The entire service was timed to the minute. Exactly at 3:00 p.m. the leader, with a wooden drum and stick, produced a drum sound to indicate to the others on hand that the service had started. For the next 5 minutes all in attendance walked around the bench like cushions circling the room, sort of a follow the leader thing. Again the leader produced a different beat with his tiny wooden drum and immediately everyone stopped. With another beat, everyone was seated with feet off the ground, and crossed over each other and the meditation period began.

For the next twenty-five minutes everyone sat and meditated. This went on for 2 cycles. When it was over the leader then went to the front of the room and mentioned to the others of upcoming events.

For the entire hour not one word was spoken by anyone. The only thing I heard was the clock ticking above the entrance door. I was somewhat surprised that a majority of the people attending was Caucasian. I would have thought that there would be more Asian people than Caucasian

Overall experience was very relaxing during the meditation period. I actually found myself closing my eyes and my mind wandering off to other places.

...