Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple

Can you imagine a time before the Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple graced this very spot? In 1926, long before the present temple’s serene presence, a small group of Japanese Buddhists gathered in homes around West Los Angeles. These families, yearning to share their Jodo Shinshu Buddhist heritage, held meetings known as Sawtelle Howakai. This marked the humble beginnings of the Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple. The community’s dedication blossomed, and in 1928, they established a Dharma School. Children learned the Buddha Dharma first in a store on Sawtelle Boulevard, then in a Japanese school on Corinth Avenue. The seeds of a spiritual home were sown. In 1930, this very site became the future home of Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple. However, World War II interrupted their peaceful pursuits. The activities of the Howakai paused, a silent testament to the tumultuous times. Yet, like a lotus flower emerging from murky waters, the community revived in 1946. The Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple story continued. A significant turning point arrived in 1950. The temple gained independence from the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. It was officially designated as the “West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple.” The physical manifestation of their devotion took shape in 1955. The new temple structure was completed. A new shrine, a sacred heart for the community, was dedicated in 1957. Further growth followed. In 1960, classrooms and meeting rooms were added to the growing Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple. This construction coincided with the 700th anniversary of Shinran Shonin, a pivotal figure in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple community, always looking towards the future, built a student dormitory, business offices, and a minister’s residence between 1965 and 1966. This expansion marked their 15th anniversary as an independent religious entity. In 1970, the temple acquired additional land, expanding its physical footprint. Decades later, a new social hall was completed in 1993. Renovations to the hondo (main hall) and naijin (inner shrine) followed, concluding in 1994. Today, the Mystic Dharma Buddhist Temple stands as a beacon of peace and spiritual growth. It embodies the unwavering dedication of generations of Buddhists, from the early Sawtelle Howakai gatherings to the thriving community you see today.