The city of Seatle is surrounded by fabulous mountains, evergreen forests, and water. It boasts a thriving IT industry with headquarters of major tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft among others. The distinct Buddhist temples in Seattle boast some mind-blowing architecture, which is witnessed in very few other places in America. In fact, the architecture of the temples here are quite unique and showcase strong influences of the Indian subcontinent. In case you are really keen to know more, the teachings of Lord Buddha, the founder of the religion, is quite practical. and can be easily applicable to a person’s everyday life. Seattle really has some fascinating sites that are worth checking out. Read on to know about some of the finest Buddhist temples in Seattle, Washington.
1. Sakya Monastery
A truly hidden gem, the Sakya Monastery in Seattle, Washington, is a must-visit Buddhist temple in the city. It is associated with a traditional Tibetan Buddhism school called the Sakya School. In fact, the building was originally a Presbyterian church. However, in 1975, it was converted into a Tibetan monastery. The small yet brightly-painted monastery was seen in the famous movie ‘Little Buddha’. Its exterior is painted in yellow and red and features prayer wheels with Tibetan script. The monastery’s interior has a library, rooms for meditation, and beautiful statues.
2. Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo ji Zen Temple
This lovely and serene Buddhist Temple is highly revered for a large number of activities catering to Buddhism in Seattle, Washington. It is situated in the city’s North Beacon Hill. Genki Takabayashi founded this beautiful Buddhist temple in 1983. Some key activities housed here include Sunday Dharma talks on a bimonthly frequency and introductions to Zen on a weekly basis, which attract a large number of participants.
3. Van Hanh Temple
A highly popular Buddhist temple in Seattle, Washington, it is worth visiting if you are in the city. It has fast become a popular attraction in the city, especially among both the Buddhist locals and outsiders alike. In fact, this beautiful gem is ideal for the entire family along with kids. Currently, construction is in progress for a larger temple just next door. Children can learn reading and writing the Vietnamese language here every Saturday at a nominal fee inclusive of a hearty meal. The temple is run exclusively by women and it also sells a variety of vegetarian delicacies.
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4. Duoc Su Temple
Situated on 42nd Ave South, Seattle, Duoc Su Temple, is considered as one of the finest Buddhist temples in the town. The temple is beautiful and the statue of Lord Buddha is serene, majestic, and large. Pilgrims flock here from all over to worship Lord Buddha and sing and chant together after gathering. It is an excellent spot for family and kids. They sell delicious and pocket-friendly vegetarian dishes that you must try out. Since the place can be crowded, park your vehicles in the nearby residential area.
5. Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple
Choeizan Enkyoji Buddhist Temple was established in the year 2010. It is run by a Buddhist community that is dedicated to the practice and study of Nichiren Buddhism in the locality. The temple runs a volunteer program called ‘Welcoming Sangha’ to include people from different sections of the society including transgenders, bisexuals, gays, and lesbian. In other words, this lovely Buddhist temple in the greater Seattle area is open for all. Services are held in both Japanese and English so that more people can understand the spiritual teachings of Buddhism.
6. Seattle Buddhist Temple
This Buddhist Temple is a mysterious structure and a highly welcoming place in Seattle, Washington. The temple was constructed in 1940-41 and opens its doors to anyone and everyone. Its popularity has made it a designated landmark in the city. You can opt for temple tours, book club, dharma talks, and meditation classes. On Sundays, the dharma service begins at 10 am in the morning. The temple is located close to China Town and parking area is easy to find.
7. Co Lam Pagoda
If you are interested in the Buddhist religion and plan to visit the city of Seattle, you should definitely ensure that Co Lam Pagoda features on your travel itinerary. Located on South Seattle, it represents Washington’s Vietnamese Buddhist Community. Every Sunday, service continues here from 10 am to 12 pm. The temple is indeed a tranquil, charming, and wonderful place to visit, appreciate and reflect on life. There is an ample on-site parking area here and so visitors can come in their cars. Delicious vegetarian delicacies can be purchased at a very reasonable rate within the temple premise.
8. Gold Summit Monastery
The monastery is conveniently situated in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne. Everybody is encouraged in this temple to ask their queries, freely express their thoughts and get their doubts clarified. In other words, there is an open-forum making the ambiance in this lovely temple. The nuns and monks take an active part in religious discussions here. It is a multilingual and diverse community with a strong focus towards tolerance and freedom of expression. The Buddha Hall is located on the building’s top floor with images of three forms of Lord Buddha. Buffet style pure vegetarian lunch is served on special occasions and on every Sundays.
9. Watt Dhammacakkaram
Watt Chas or Watt Dhammacakkaram is the most ancient Cambodian Buddhist shrine in the American state of Washington. This Buddhist temple is now more than three decades old and opens its doors to people from different sections of society. The temple wishes to establish a connection with the largest possible community so that the Buddhist religion can be broadcasted. The temple believes and practices in world peace. The temple authorities also desire to educate the Cambodian kids on their traditions and rich heritage. It also conducts Khmer classes and plans to run a number of other activities. The non-profit society works for a better and brighter future. The temple also conducts open house sessions where visitors are free to interact with the monks present.
10. Wat Lao Dhammacetiyaram
Welcome to the enchanting Lao Buddhist Temple in Seattle, which is widely referred to as Lao Dhammacetiyaram. It is situated strategically in between the Rainier Valley and Rainier Beach neighborhoods. A huge majestic statue of Lord Buddha is one of the major attractions of this Buddhist shrine apart from its peaceful and tranquil ambiance. The temple is one of the most important claims to fame in Seattle, Washington.
Visit these famous Buddhist temples in Seattle
The Buddhist religion originated from India in the sixth century BC. Your visit to Seattle in the state of Washingon will remain incomplete without visiting these beautiful Buddhist monasteries. So, make sure to include the above-listed Buddhist temples in Seattle when you are in the vicinity.