Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

I have been attending this temple for almost ten years now, and I have enjoyed becoming a part of the Venice Hongwanji family. I have participated in the dharma school (equivalent to Sunday school) and the Jr. Young Buddhist Association where I have made many new friends and advisors. The temple has helped me to find a good balance in my life, and seen me through some difficult times. If you are ever interested in even seeing what a Jodo Shinshu service is like, I would recommend coming during a Sunday family service. The people are always friendly and inviting, and always looking for more people to share the nembutsu with.

This is a small community temple. Those interested in learning about Shin Buddhism must visit! The reverend, Rev. John, is very knowledgeable and passionate about the Amida Buddha and escaping the cycle of birth and death through Namo Amida Butsu. There are many groups and activities at the temple for people of all ages and interests. In addition to Buddhist education classes for children and adults, for example, there are groups like the sewing club and ballroom dancing! This temple will welcome you with open arms.

I had no idea there was a temple near me! I am not at all religious so it’s not like I would come for services or anything, but bon dances happen at temples. I have been to the Gardena bon festival once and that was a big affair. This one is a lot smaller, but it was still fun. My friend and I met up right as the dancing started. We watched for a few mins. and then made a beeline for the food booths before they ran out of the goods! We got cinnamon sugar dango, crispy wontons with sweet sauce, and veggie curry. There was only one game booth. There was also a booth selling flowers and books. I was most impressed with the taiko (drum) players. People took turns and I saw more women than men. They looked so dainty in their hakatas (traditional Japanese summer kimonos) until they started playing! It was awesome.
I could see myself going again next year and trying some of their other foods. Might be fun to learn the dances too. I’ve never participated in one. There’s a parking lot down the street from the temple and plenty of street parking in front of the nearby middle school.

If your looking for spiritual wisdom and compassion, this is the place to come to.
There are services every day except Monday’s and Wednesday’s. They start at 9:30 am.
It’s kind of a tricky place to get into, you have to enter thru the parking gate to theside door.
There is young adults group from the ages of 21 – 35. They meet on Wednesday nights at 7:30. It’s pretty cool, usually they have a Buddhist discussion then they plan events. They participate in community service and try to help out the temple. It a cool way meet genuinely nice smart people.

My family has participated in events at VBT for over 50 years! The obon festival, usually the third weekend is July is a wonderful community event. The street fills with traditional Japanese dancing and food. I recommend going in the early afternoon if you are with children that like to play games and staying for dinner and dancing that starts at 6pm.

Attended the Obon Festival here in July and was introduced to the deliciousness that is Chashu Bao. They had steamed and baked Chashu Bao and I ate both — and lots of it, and even bought a bag to take home (which did not last long). They were $ 1.50 each or 6 or $ 7.50 and since it was a fundraiser and so freakin’ good I inhaled it with no complaints. Well one complaint — I think my son ate more of them than I did.
Anyway bought a ton of stuff at their White Elephant sale. Stuff that I will actually use which is always a plus.
Other food goodies were Spam Musubi $ 1.50, Wontons 6 for $ 5 and Teriyaki Chicken $ 6. And as is tradition we tried their Udon.
My mom even won some theater tickets in their I GOT IT/​BINGO game. There were many fun and friendly people there. I got to see a bit of the dancing but did not participate — next time I will.

I had a great time here at their last Obon festival. It had a community feeling to it. I also think I may be addicted to the Chashu Bao and Dangos I ate there.
There was «I got it!» (Bingo but with the police dept. next door…) most of the day where one of the people I was with won a movie ticket. Later there was money prizes. One funny moment was when there were 5 winners who got $ 1 each. The price for IGotIt was 50 for 1 card,$ 1 for 3. They also opened up Doughball but that was as we were leaving.
The odori dances were of a type I haven’t seen before. All in all it was quite enjoyable.