Tucked amidst the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Saigon, Chinatown, and Alief in Houston, Texas,…read morethe Chua Linh Son SW Temple stands as a beacon of tranquility, a testament to the enduring beauty of serene simplicity. This sanctuary may not share the widespread recognition of its more illustrious counterparts, but therein lies its charm: an authentic Vietnamese Buddhist temple, full of humble grace and inviting peace. From my very first encounter on Chinese New Year's day, I was captivated by the comforting rhythm of the monks' chanting, the earnestness etched on the faces of the devotees, and the encompassing atmosphere of reverence. As a newcomer, I joined approximately twenty people, locals, and visitors, seated on cushioned wood floors, drawn into this circle of unity and mindfulness. Meditating amidst them, I experienced an overwhelming sense of serenity, a respite from the outside world's chaos. The temple's exterior matches the inner tranquility with its beautifully crafted small garden, which houses a variety of statues and a grand raised altar. These carefully placed structures add a tangible touch to the spiritual experience, while the stillness of the garden invites moments of quiet contemplation. The Head Monk, a pillar of kindness and wisdom, is nothing short of a treasure. His thoroughness and approachability radiate warmth, encouraging visitors to dive into the meditative practices and prayers. With him and a dedicated nun maintaining this sacred place, there is always a sincere welcome waiting for every guest. This holds true even when the temple is busier during ceremonies or religious holidays, ensuring that every person experiences the temple's gentle embrace. Food here is another avenue of spiritual communion - simple, vegetarian meals that nourish the body and soul alike. Add to that their affordable post-funeral services, and it becomes evident that Chua Linh Son SW Temple is more than a place of worship; it's a community of care and support. Nestled in a corner of the temple grounds, a quaint little gift shop offers souvenirs that embody the temple's calm energy. These mementos serve as gentle reminders of the peace one can find within these sacred walls. Although it doesn't often receive significant donations for maintenance or lavish renovation, the temple's resilience shines through, a testament to the devotion of the limited staff and volunteers who pour their hearts into preserving this spiritual haven. In conclusion, Chua Linh Son SW Temple is an undiscovered gem, a sanctuary of peace in the vibrant southwest area of Houston. I encourage anyone seeking a moment of serenity, or perhaps a deeper spiritual connection, to visit this beautiful temple. Every donation, regardless of size, helps support the temple's continued operation, allowing more people to experience its serene magic. So, come and find your peace here. Let's show this temple the love it so readily gives to each visitor.

Beautiful landscaping and ground! Serene! Wish I had more time to see everything! Will likely…read moreneed multiple visits!

I came here today (Saturday) with my mother. We are new to…read morethe practice of buddhism, and we make a substantial effort to be as respectful as possible. Today, we mistakenly thought that Saturday was the day for english instruction. Upon entering, I removed my shoes and greeted the woman at the front desk with a smile. She did not smile back. This did not make me feel welcome. Me and my mother proceeded further inside the temple, which is BEAUTIFUL by the way. We did take a moment to take it all in. There was no instruction or teachings going on, so we decided to seat ourselves quietly just to observe the beauty of the temple. There was a lively looking woman doing some work on the flowers. I decided to ask her what days of the week do I come for english teachings. Once again, I keep smiling at people to greet them, but they keep frowning! (I want to be clear and say that this is a normal faint smile that you do when you say hello to someone, I definitely was not doing anything weird or threatening) At this point I am thinking, Am I doing something wrong, or are these people really not pleased to have me here for any reason? She directed me to ask the lady at the front desk..so I went to ask. I respectfully stood outside of the room, waiting until she didn't look occupied. She greeted me with a disgruntled "Yes?" And I asked her my question. She answered me curtly, and I proceeded back into the center room of the temple. Me and my mother discussed plans for coming back, and then we decided to leave. As we were leaving, there were VERY kind women practitioners who were more friendly than the 2 workers I am discussing in this review. The woman at the front desk, closed the door on them as they were in prayer. She said "It's getting hot, sorry about that." And did not even say goodbye to us as we left. I am sure they have amazing teachings, its a shame I came on the wrong day! But overall, for a beginner practitioner who is a little unsure of themselves..I did not feel very welcomed or embraced in these interactions I had..I will not be returning. I don't know if these people were having a bad day, or if I did something wrong. But it was very uncomfortable for me. A temple is supposed to be a place where someone can take refuge, and feel safe around other compassionate people.

A little history of this temple and me: When I migrated from Taiwan more than a decade ago, I was…read moreshocked at how Buddhism was so difficult to find in America. Fortunately, my family was contacted by someone from Jade Buddha Temple. Even though I used to live in Baton Rough, LA, Jade Buddha Temple has ever since been my spiritual center to this point. Anyway onto the review! --- Located relatively close to the Houston Chinatown, Jade Buddha Temple is easy and convenient for visitors to access from the city without losing the serenity of the usual temple ground. In front of the temple is a large pond surrounding a tall, standing statue of Kwan-Yin (Avalokiteshvara). If the day is not too hot, the pond has benches surrounding it, so you can admire the pond and contemplate under the gaze of the merciful Bodhisattva. The temple's largest building is the Hero's Hall (The Main Hall), which houses the namesake jade Buddha statue with Maitreya (Popularly known as fat Buddha) as the cheerful greeter to those who enter the Hall. This is where services and festivals are held, but outside these times, the Hall is a silent yet serene ground to simply sit and behold. Quietness without coldness, simplicity with majestic extravagance, Jade Buddha's Main Hall is truly something that both practitioners and non-practitioners to visit to witness the spirituality and the art of Buddhism. Behind the Main Hall is a court yard that is followed by the second building, Kwan-Yin Hall, which houses the traditional Chinese Kwan-Yin in front and Cundi Avalokiteshvara in the back. In contrast to the more extravagant Main Hall, Kwan-Yin Hall displayed Zen simplicity in its decor, so it is no wonder that this is the Hall where the usual mediation sessions take place. Jade Buddha Temple offers many weekly scheduled events, almost all free, to the visitors that include yoga, mediation, service, and sermon. Although most of the staff and the reverends are Chinese-speaking, Jade Buddha Temple has English-oriented events for non-Chinese visitors. The Temple also has some volunteer opportunities to help maintain the temple ground and logistics. At certain times of the year, the Temple hosts traditional festivals including Buddha's birthday to pray for the welfare of all sentient beings. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, Jade Buddha Temple is worth to visit at least once if you are in the Houston area. The staff and the reverends at the Temple are very friendly and will happily answer any questions relating to life or Buddhism for you! You should temporarily escape from the loud urban environment and take refuge in the Jade Buddha Temple to relax, pray, or simply admire what Buddhism is all about.

It always blows my mind that there's a temple this big secluded in the woods next to a small…read moreairport. I love coming here during the lunar new year for the festivities. The facilities are clean and the monks are very kind and welcoming. Perhaps the biggest secret of them all is that they sell delicious vegetarian food here! I'm not sure if it's sold every day but I know that they definitely sell it on Sundays. There's a wide selection of Viet dishes to choose from and the prices are fair. I came on New Year's Day when they were selling their special Vegetarian noodle soup and it was some of the best I've had. Generous portion, less than $10, incredibly flavorful broth enhanced by the chili paste. I also tried some imitation meat in a sweet and savory orange sauce. Very unique flavor and something I'd definitely get again. Come here on a Sunday morning/early afternoon and expand your palette with some delicious temple food!

Vien Thong Tu Buddhist Temple is such a peaceful and welcoming spot in Houston. Even though most of…read morethe ceremonies and chanting are in Vietnamese , it's easy to feel included just by being there. The temple is beautifully maintained, with the marble statues and flooring that make it feel serene and elegant. Seriously, they have some of the best vegetarian food in town, available only friday through sunday. The menu is weekly updated on Facebook under Zen Vegetarian Dinh Duong Chay Vien Thong Tu.

Amaze balls! I highly recommend Ryan's. They took care of me when I went all over looking for…read moreglass. They even let me work out a payment plan for my windshield. Love these guys! They also gave me a loaner while I waited.

I had the best church experience here today! Pastor Boyd made me feel welcomed and a part-of. He…read moregave a clear and Godly message. Today was the first time in a long time that I didn't feel let down after leaving church. I have been looking for a place where people genuinely wanted to be there and wanted me there too. My last loving church experience was in Midland, Texas and after going to a half dozen churches in Katy I had all but given up for a while. Thank you C.O.O.L. Church for being kind and friendly to us and thank you for re-energizing my faith.

I've been attending Christ Incarnate Word Catholic Church since I was a little baby, and it has…read moretruly been my second home. This parish has played a huge role in my spiritual journey and has always provided a welcoming, faith-filled community. The priests, staff, and parishioners have always been kind, supportive, and dedicated to helping others grow in their faith. From attending Mass as a child to continuing to worship here as an adult, I've always felt a strong sense of belonging. Christ Incarnate Word is more than just a church--it's a family. I'm incredibly grateful for the many memories, sacraments, and friendships I've experienced here over the years. I highly recommend this parish to anyone looking for a welcoming and faith-centered Catholic community.

Beautiful church but the Worst PARISH office and management I have ever seen in my entire life!!…read moreThe office often closed, seldomly pickup phone the fir several days . Office clerk often left desk to join some fun event without posting a note who to contact. It took me a week to be able to get someone to talk when needed. The same excuse: someone is on vacation and so on , when I ask about request for a mass intention, the first answer is how much per headcount and every thing has a number $$$ money money money!!! How rude! Another time I came, and again no one at office, I remember that they said slide the envelope through the window, so I did so submitted the mass intention for my deceased mom . No one contacted me , I kept calling everyday for a week , then a teenager respond saying she is not working there and people is on vacation but she said for sure there will be people come in to check envelope and my mom name will be submitted for prayers during mass. So on the mass day , I came, they did not call my mom name properly (baptized name and real name), the baptized name has two words and they just call HALF of the baptized name and even without the real name. How rude and disrespectful . For those who deceased in Vietnam they read out loud both the baptized name and it's real name next to it. Why?? For those who deceased in US they just read through quickly the baptized name. Oh that means those who donate more than they will read full name, and those who donate less than $100 will consider as second citizen,?? How rude . imagine iif two persons or ten persons the same baptized name Maria? They just read once in the whole list... It is rude and disrespectful. I called the parish office that I was not sure the name was submitted for prayers but she is rude and yell on the phone that is how the parish works. Geee....that simple mass intention request and I had to go through this? What if someone in my family is sick or is dying....who should I turn to , to get all the process going ? What a mismanaged parish office I ever seen. All they want is money and money... Nothing better to serve the parish community. I finally went to Epiphany of the Lord catholic church in Katy. The priest is Vietnamese. The parish office is awesome , people are respectful and polite. What a difference. Do not go to the Vietnamese church Christ the Incarnate church ... Whenever you need something for your family you will regret. They MISMANAGE , that's all and nobody can afford to put up with their own problem !!!!!!!!!! Go to Epiphany of the Lord church in Katy, confession with father Lam, you can speak Vietnamese. God bless you all .

So I took my parents here to see how beautiful Ive heard it was. Long story short while viewing…read morethis temple the owner came up to my mom and began giving her and I a cleanse. He slapped us with wet sticks and said a prayer/ chant.. It was awesome!

This is a very beautiful temple in East Downtown area right off of 45 near Cullen St. It is…read morededicated to Guan Di as the main deity but also a massive Shakyamuni Buddha at the back of the main building. There are numerous other deities as well which is typical of many Asian temples. This temple is dedicated to Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. People of all faiths welcome. Come pay a visit and have a look at the beautiful shrines. Make a donation (if you can - not mandatory) and take some incense to place for the deities. Think about what they represent and which virtues they personify. Ask to bring those same qualities into your life and the lives of those around you. Also, if something has been on your mind and you need some advice you can ask a question from a deity. There are oracle sticks for anyone to try and the nice gentleman at the temple can help to interpret the reading. Come enjoy the beauty and positive energy of Texas Guandi Temple.

This is a small temple that's still under constructionin the Sugarland area, but is very nice and…read moreclean. We visited Lien Hoa Temple for Lunar New Years last February from Louisiana, and everyone was so kind and generous when we stoped by to pray and receive blessings from Buddhist monks. Beautiful Buddhist statues around the area. Very peaceful.

I had just went on a nice long run at Archbishop park and wanted to stop by this awesome temple I…read morefound nearby. I get a thrill from finding places like Lien Hoa Temple. Ive been to many around Houston that people would be surprised to find. There is a sense of calmness amongst all of this chaos within these temples. Which is why I try finding different ones frequently. I definitely believe Houston needs more places like this to show our diversity and to promote cultural knowledge.

This church is small but cozy. Everybody was welcoming and friendly! I was only visiting but I…read morewould love to come back and attend mass every Sunday! :-D The mass I attended was nice. Parking is not a problem if you arrive early.

Visited there for the first time a few weeks ago and we have now joined the Church. That's how much…read morewe liked the Church and Father Francis who keeps your attention with his Sermons. We're in Katy, but well worth the drive on Sundays.. Very Friendly, cozy, ample parking. Tony