A gate of three arches located welcomes visitors to the City of 10,000 Buddhas. In the 1930s, this complex served as a state hospital and featured over seventy large buildings including three gymnasiums, a swimming pool, fire station, and incinerator with underground connections for electricity, water, and even air-conditioning. A severe drought in the 1970s forced a closure of the facility when all efforts to drill a well failed to find any water. After purchasing the facility, the Venerable Master Hua directed an effort to dig down more than 100 feet, and water was finally discovered. An elementary, secondary school and the Dharma Realm Buddhist University are now housed within the City. The Administration Building registers and welcomes visitors, and features an exhibition room, museum, and book and gift shops. Of all the treasures of the City, the most memorable is the Jewelled Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which is where the assemblies of disciples gather to attend daily ceremonies. Although the hall was once an indoor basketball court, it now features a massive wooden Buddha with a thousand hands, and the walls are covered in compartments. These alcoves house 10,000 Buddhas, all created by Venerable Master Hua himself. Day visitors can enjoy the campus every day from 8am to 6pm; the restaurant from 11:30am to 3:30pm every day except Tuesday; and the gift shop and bookstore on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1-5pm.
WHERE: 2001 Talmage Rd., Ukiah
