Chua Phap Van

Long long ago… Phap Van Temple was one of the only temples in the Inland Empire. This is where my dad did a lot of volunteer work including teaching Vietnamese Sunday school in the 80s. This is where my mom left my maternal grandfather’s picture in the ancestor remembrance wall. This is where my parents got married. This is where my mom spent a lot of time praying while she was pregnant with me… As I’m typing up this review I’m really wondering if it is a coincidence that my name happens to be «Van». .. interesting..
The headmaster here, Thay Chon Tri, is kind and benevolent. He is very wise and always sees the good in people. He always helps others who are in need. Thay Chon Tri also helped pray at my paternal grandfather’s funeral. He helped guide us through the technicalities and traditions to properly honor the deceased.
There are weekly prayers on Sunday, which is pretty standard. And at this temple, they also have Sunday school. Volunteers come together. Some teach Vietnamese and some cook vegetarian food. Of course there are students here of various ages and skill level learning about Vietnamese Buddhist culture. One cool thing about Chua Phap Van is that they even have their own dragon dancing group that performs at the ceremonies.
I don’t come here as often as I should, but I always get that warm and fuzzy feeling every time I come back.