Welcome to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, a unique and significant site in the landscape of Western Buddhism. Founded in the 1970s by the esteemed Master Hsuan Hua, this remarkable Buddhist community has grown to become one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Located in Talmage, California, just east of Ukiah, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas spans an impressive 488 acres, with a mix of developed land and picturesque meadows, orchards, and forests.
The history of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is as rich as its teachings. Originally, this site was home to the Mendocino State Asylum for the Insane, established in 1889. By the time the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association acquired it in 1974, the grounds hosted over 70 buildings and extensive infrastructure, making it an ideal location for a new kind of spiritual community.
Master Hsuan Hua, a pivotal figure in bringing Buddhism to the West, envisioned this place as a center for cultivating and spreading the Buddhadharma. The transformation from asylum to monastery was not just physical but spiritual, as the site became a beacon of Buddhist teachings and practices in the United States. One of the landmark events in its history was the Third Threefold Ordination Ceremony in 1979, which uniquely represented both Mahayana and Theravada traditions and involved monks from China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.
The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is deeply committed to traditional monastic codes, following rigorous practices such as eating only one meal a day and maintaining vows of silence. It stands out for its adherence to the vinaya, the austere Buddhist monastic code, and its role in elevating moral standards and awareness worldwide.
Over the years, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas has hosted numerous events and celebrations that draw visitors and practitioners from around the globe, including the celebrations of major Buddhist figures’ birthdays and various cultural festivals. Today, it continues to be a thriving hub of spiritual education, with a temple, schools, and a library that serve as resources for both monastics and laypeople.
As you explore this serene and historic place, consider the layers of history and cultural exchange that have shaped it. The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is not only a place of worship but a living testament to the enduring and evolving nature of Buddhist teachings.
