HIGASHI HONGANJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE
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From the outside, this great Japanese Buddhist temple surrounded by grids can intimidate; but just press the bell to be welcomed by a priest or a volunteer. They are always happy to show the interior of their superb pagoda to visitors, but also to explain to them the philosophical values of Buddhism and their spiritual practices (meditation, psalmodia and offerings). The golden altar is absolutely beautiful. In the center, the small Buddha statue is not revered, unlike our statues of saints. It is a purely symbolic Buddha: The Buddha was not a god and never claimed to be anything other than a human being. Wisdom and compassion are the two pillars of Buddhism and everything here invites meditation and serenity. During Sunday morning ceremonies, celebrated in English and Japanese, the faithful come to offer offerings and burn incense in front of the altar. Incense smoke evokes transformation and encourages human beings to transcendence.