Pilgrimage to Pure Land from the West Coast

Posted on November 13th 2024 by Leo Li

Imagine a realm where the sky softly glows, never harshly bright or cold, but eternally balanced. The air is fragrant, carrying the sweet scent of blooming lotus flowers, their golden, pink, and white petals carpeting the ground. Rivers don’t carry water here, but pure nectar that sparkles in the light. In this realm, there’s no suffering, only boundless wisdom and compassion.

This is the Pure Land—known as Jodo (浄土) in Japanese—a heavenly realm created by the Bodhisattva to offer Buddhist practitioners a place of peace after death. To reach the Pure Land, one must demonstrate true faith and a steadfast will to be reborn there. The key practice for this is the Nembutsu (念仏)—the simple yet profound chanting of the Buddha’s name: Namu Amida Butsu (南無阿弥陀仏), with focus and devotion.

Want to take a glimpse of this world? You don’t have to travel far. The Monterey Peninsula’s sandy shores act as a portal to the Pure Land. Nestled within this beautiful area is the Buddhist temple of Salinas, a sanctuary where Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is practiced. Its mother temple, Nishihongwanji (西本願寺), is located in Kyoto, Japan.

The Temple’s Story

The Temple’s story begins with the waves of Japanese immigrants who arrived in Salinas, drawn by the promise of work in the booming agricultural industry. Facing hardships back home, these immigrants sought new opportunities in America. But their journey to the American Dream was fraught with challenges. Due to the Alien Exclusion Act, which restricted where they could live, many sought refuge in communities like Salinas' Chinatown. This is where the temple was founded.

Outside the temple’s gates, a large, gleaming metal bell—the Bonsho (梵鐘)—hangs proudly. Imported from Japan for the temple’s 10th anniversary, it was once the largest bell of its kind to be brought to the U.S. It symbolizes resilience and harmony, a testament to the strength and unity of the community.

Bonsho Bell 1934 Bonsho Bell 2024

In the 1960s, another wave of Japanese immigration brought people from the Kagoshima region of Japan to Salinas. Post-war conditions had left many seeking new lives, and many found success as flower growers. Their efforts helped the temple grow, creating a thriving cultural and religious hub for generations to come.

Today, the temple continues to serve as a place of connection, offering Sunday services with chanting, gatha (Buddhist songs), and Dharma talks. It also hosts vibrant cultural events like the Obon festival (お盆祭), featuring the Urasenke Tea Ceremony (茶道) and martial arts like Aikido (合気道) and Shorinji Kempo (少林寺拳法). There are even Kendo and Bonsai clubs to join.

If you find yourself with some free time on a Sunday morning, stop by 14th California Street in Salinas. Enjoy a cup of tea, take in the peaceful surroundings, and chat with Reverend Yushi Mukojima. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the history and spirit of the community.