Contemplate this a serene space amidst Houston’s vibrant energy. This is the Texas Buddhist Association. It is a beacon of peace and wisdom.
The Texas Buddhist Association began in 1979. A group of lay Buddhists sought guidance. Venerable Wing Sing, Venerable Jan Hai, and Venerable Hung I led them. They emphasized spreading the right views of the Dharma.
The first center was Buddha’s Light Temple. It opened in 1984. It was in Houston’s Almeda area. Many Asian communities were closer to Bellaire. The Jade Buddha Temple was built in 1989 to serve them better.
Over time the Texas Buddhist Association expanded. It became a major Buddhist institution. It serves the Southern United States. By 2005 it had over 1500 families involved. The association added English courses and meditation. This appealed to a diverse membership. Community service became a key focus.
Notable monastics visit the Texas Buddhist Association. Leaders from India, Singapore, and the United States give guest lectures. Venerable Thubten Chodron has visited.
In 2000 planning began for the American Bodhi Center. The first phase finished in 2008. The Texas Buddhist Association blends American practices. Lay boards oversee administration and finances. It merges them with Eastern temple customs.
The Jade Buddha Temple covers two and a half acres. Construction finished in 1990. It has been the Texas Buddhist Association headquarters since then. Texas State Representative Robert Eckels declared June 2 “Texas Buddhism Day” in 1990. Governor Bill Clements supported it.
The Jade Buddha Temple includes the Grand Buddha Hall. It seats 500 people. There is also the Kwan-Yin Meditation Hall. The Youth Activity Center is a hub for younger people. A library has Buddhist literature. There is a cafeteria for visitors. A lotus pond displays a Kwan-Yin statue. The temple serves religious needs. It also functions as a study center. Several universities use it for research.
The temple welcomes the public daily. Special events mark Buddhist holidays. Sunday services include dharma talks in Mandarin. English meditation sessions are also available. Classes and discussion groups meet weekly. Chanting services occur daily.
The American Bodhi Center spans 515 acres. It is in Waller County near Hempstead. It is one of the largest Buddhist centers in the United States. It features log houses and a meditation hall.
The Texas Buddhist Association planned the center for long-term community service. In 2001 land was purchased in Waller County. The grand opening occurred on May 2 2009. The center uses environmentally friendly designs. Rare relics of Shakyamuni Buddha are displayed. Other organizations use the site. The center includes a Meditation Hall with Buddha statues. There are dormitories and dining facilities. Samadhi Houses offer longer retreats. An organic garden and a memorial park enhance the space.
The Bodhi Chinese Language School offers weekend classes. It teaches children Chinese language and culture. Activities include calligraphy and yoga. The Youth Activity Center hosts the school. Courses emphasize Buddhist principles.
Dharma Garden is a journal published by the Texas Buddhist Association. It contains articles on Buddhism. It has been published since 1979. Issues since 2008 are available online.
The Texas Buddhist Association continues to spread Buddha’s teachings. It focuses on education and community service. It welcomes all to find peace here. Take a moment to appreciate the Texas Buddhist Association’s commitment. It shares the Dharma and serves the community.