Our Temple

The Temple, located on Victoria Street, Costa Mesa provides both a cultural and religious center for members of the Jodo Shinshu Sangha. The temple building includes the Hondo, a Nokotsudo (an altar room for ashes), meeting rooms, a social hall, a book shop and an administrative office.

To the front of the temple is a small Japanese garden. The garden was made by temple members. The ashes of departed family members or friends of the Sangha are interned in the Nokotsudo.

You are invited to visit our temple for Sunday Service, Memorial Service, or other times by appointment.

The main hall of the temple is referred to as the Hondo and is composed of two areas. The altar area (Naijin) in a Jodo Shinshu temple is a symbol of the beauty of the Pure Land, the world of enlightenment, and is thus beautiful and ornate. The seating area (Sankeiseki), by contrast, represents the world we live in, devoid of any decoration.

The principle object of reverence in our altar is Amida (Amitabha) Buddha, the symbol of Wisdom and Compassion, the two pillars of Buddhism.

The image of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), the founder of the Jodo Shinshu tradition, hangs to the right of Amida Buddha.

To the left is the image of Rennyo Shonin (1415-1499), the 8th abbot of the Honganji Temple, remembered for his invaluable contributions in the history of our tradition.

The flowers which adorn the altar are appreciated not only for their beauty, but as a symbol of impermanence. They are beautiful in the morning, but fade in the heat of the day, reminding us of the continuous change within and around us.