Koyasan Buddhist Temple, Buddhist temple in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, United States.
Koyasan Buddhist Temple is a Buddhist temple in Little Tokyo, a Japanese neighborhood of Los Angeles. The building houses a large prayer hall and several smaller spaces designed for different spiritual activities and community gatherings.
The temple was founded in 1912 and became a central gathering place for Los Angeles's Japanese community. During World War II, it closed as Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps, marking a painful chapter in the community's past.
The temple hosts traditional ceremonies that visitors can observe today, particularly rites marking important transitions in children's lives. These practices connect the community to its Japanese heritage and create moments of shared spiritual observance.
Visitors can attend events and services throughout the year, with some offerings available online for remote participation. It is helpful to check the temple's schedule in advance to confirm when visits are welcome.
The temple houses a perpetual flame that carries a connection to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, serving as a memorial to those who suffered. This burning symbol stands as a quiet witness to the community's hope for peace.
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