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July 2024 by Reed Jones
Been coming here off and on since 1999. I don't live in Houston anymore but try to stop by the temple when I can. Good people and beautiful space.
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February 2024 by Victor Kwok
This place is peaceful, quiet, serene, and ideal for meditation and contemplation. It is a traditional Oriental style sightseeing place for tourists. The English Dharma classes on Sunday mornings serve newcomers as well as veteran scholars and meditation practitioners. They also have a nature-theme branch retreat center in Hempstead, Texas. Staff at Jade Emerald Buddha temple are polite and friendly and welcome visitors. You can find out more on their website.
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May 2023 by Tayllor G.
I came here today (Saturday) with my mother. We are new to the 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.
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March 2023 by lyn eade
The speakers are often tremendously insightful
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March 2023 by Jonathan Franco
Great temple and if you are new to the area a must check out area
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March 2022 by GauGau TcY
Very clean & peaceful temple.. The main prayer hall which houses the big jade Buddha was closed due to COVID. However the Kwan Yin Chapel at the rear is extremely quiet and tranquil. A few worshippers ( just 4 person)were there just to meditate & decompress. Definitely a place to visit if somebody would like some peace of mind and tranquility. The silence, the lighting & aura in this temple is very soothing and most importantly gives you time to connect with yourself and meditate & reflect on your thoughts.
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March 2022 by David Schexnayder
Beautiful
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April 2020 by Ben Huynh
Meditation and Dharma classes on Sundays
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March 2020 by Katherine Liu
Veryverygood
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March 2020 by Isa Winter
The best Buddhist English speaking community that I know of!
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March 2019 by Michael Alliman
The dharma talks are vry casual. Stay for the lunch...its worth it. :)
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March 2019 by Casey Richardson
Felt very welcomed and loved as well. Gr8 Dharma talk on connection between science and Buddhsm. Also stay after and get a plate for $5 it was very much on point :)
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March 2018 by Stacey Patterson, J.D. (Editor - Narrator)
We felt welcomed and loved. Very diverse community. Will be returning there soon!
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July 2015 by Brittney F.
The temple is a wonderfully peaceful place to relax and wander the grounds. The koi pond is very lovely. I stopped and sat on a bench and listened to the monks chant for a while and that was truly amazing. I plan to be there Sunday for the Dharma lecture, lunch and meditation.
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May 2015 by Danie S.
I visited the temple for the Sunday EDG and had a wonderful experience. I arrived a little early and was able to walk around. The temple grounds are beautiful and much more than I expected but a place in the city. EVERYONE was so nice and welcoming to a newcomer. Meditation and the dharma talk were very good and I believe they would be easy to follow for someone who is new to the practice. They also serve lunch after and its free for first timers. Overall this was a great experience at a treasure in the city. I will definately return.
