About Us
Welcome to San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (SFVHBT).
There are services, activities, and events for people of all ages. The best way to learn about Buddhism and this temple is to “come and see” (ehi-passika in Pali). The idea is not to accept the teachings through mere belief (nor blind faith), but to understand the teachings by experiencing them for yourself.
It is always a question of knowing and seeing, and not that of believing. The teaching of the Buddha is qualified as ehi-passika, inviting you to ‘come and see’, but not to come and believe.
— Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught
The core of temple life is found in its services and in learning the Buddhist teachings. This is the one aspect that all temple groups share in common, without which the temple would cease to exist. SFVHBT services include regular Sunday services, special observances, and monthly memorial services on the first Sunday of the month. For adults, there are activities after regular Sunday services as well. For children, there is Dharma School.
Religious life is enhanced and enriched by activities and events that encourage sangha (Skt., community) members to get to know one another. Families will be interested to know that besides Dharma School, SFVHBT has groups such as Sangha Teens for junior high students and Jr. YBA for high school students. Women may also want to support the temple through the Buddhist Women’s Association. Besides organizations, the temple-wide toban (Jpn., taking a turn) system also enables all sangha members to interact as a group, through service to the temple.
For our current schedule of services and activities, please check our Calendar.