Dedication of meditation center attended by hundreds

By Wyndi Veigel

Staff Writer

 

People from around the world gathered for the dedication of the Kalachakra Buddha Temple and Meditation Center located on Hwy. 380 in Farmersville.

The grand opening was attended by hundreds as they gathered to see the new center and attend services led by Grand Master Sheng Yen Lu from Seattle, who is the founder of the True Buddha School.

The center is located on 32 acres overlooking Lake Lavon.

“The ceremony today is to ask blessings on the temple, land and for any of the spirits who have passed on,” Monk Lama Lian-Yuen said.

Yuen has been a monk for 30 years and though he is originally from Taiwan, he currently resides in Houston.

The temple, which is approximately 10,000 square feet, features three lines of statues: Buddhas on the top row, Bodi Sattva statues on the second row and protectors on the bottom row.

Various food items can also be seen in front of the protectors as tributes to those loved ones who have passed on.

Dormitories for the monks who live on the premises are located on each side of the temple along with a library.

The organization will be offering several classes open to anyone who wishes to attend including calligraphy and Chinese culture classes taught by the head monk who speaks both Chinese and English, officials said.

“We want the surrounding communities to be a part of this,” Alexander Song said. “Anyone who wants to come out here and pray or meditate is welcome.”

When the builders of the temple, Alice Song and Abbott Master Lian Zhun decided to build, North Texas came up as an idea for a location.

“We wanted to start a temple, and the Grand Master began to look for a spot through prayer. The gods directed us to Farmersville and to the best spot. There is very good feng shui here.”

The family began to pull together funds for land and to build the temple.

“Lake Lavon is always a plus, and for some reason it is always breezy,” he said.

Though the center has just recently opened, it has been in the process of being built for close to two years.

The organizers of the temple said they have long-term plans to involve the surrounding communities including a possible education and recreation center within the next 20 years.

“We want the communities to know we are not just strange people who are moving in. Anyone is welcome, and we’re not here to preach at anyone,” Song said. “Buddhism can be looked at either as a religion or a philosophy. There are both opportunities at this temple. You simply center yourself through prayer and meditation.”

The center is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week. 

For more information call 972-782-7587.