Buddhist Trekkings

Today my boyfriend and I checked out two places to learn more about Buddhism, our current agreed curiosity when it comes to "religion" or, "spirituality". We both practice our own beliefs individually, but we like to practice our common beliefs, as well. Buddhism won. We went on a trek to meet the Dalai Lama in Long Beach, but alas, Josh had to return to work on Monday and that was the day His Holiness was able to make it. So, we feel destined to meet His Holiness. We both feel His Holiness "calling us", sort of speak. In the meantime, we want to learn more about Buddhism. We went over to Chinatown in Oakland and found The Light of Buddha Temple. Most of the information was in Japanese and English, which was helpful. People were semi-warm to us, but not overly inviting. Since we're both white and were dressed in casual clothing, I guess they didn't expect much. We prayed and I took these pictures. The woman said photography wasn't allowed in the temple, so I stopped and we asked some questions about their service times and hours. She answered nicely and we left soon thereafter. Then, we drove over to Berkeley's Buddhist Church on Channing Way. Unfortunately, we interrupted a funeral. There was a hallway in the entryway. We were able to get flyers and sign-in on the guestbook. That's about it. Guess Saturday's not such a good day to go to a church or temple, eh? But, we felt called to go, so we followed our guidance. I still feel most at home in Science of Mind and Church of Religious Science and this Buddha stuff feels most at home, at home in meditation or in a good book of His Holiness'. I do love the pictures I got, though and might make it to the centennial in Berkeley in October.