High Desert Buddhist Shrine Has Regional Draw

November 30, 2008

Author: Joe Nelson

Source: The Buddhist Channel/San Bernadino County Sun

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=65,7457,0,0,1,0

In this windswept desert city, just north of Adelanto Airport, a 25-foot statue of a Buddhist bodhisattva said to have miraculous healing powers looms over Highway 395.

Every week, hundreds of Buddhists from all over Southern California congregate here, at the 15-acre Buddhist Meditation Center.

At this remote temple still under construction, people come to pray at the outdoor altar of Quan Yin, a bodhisattva, or "enlightened one," who is identified with compassion and mercy.

Many believe Quan Yin's powers are stronger at this desert shrine than anywhere else. Worshippers claim to see a radiant white light emanating from the statue, usually accompanied by an arcing rainbow in the sky above. They say they've been healed of longstanding ailments.

"The temple is special in Adelanto. The light from the sky and from the statue come out," said Hoa Nguyen, 65, of Westminster. "Everyone says the same thing. We see the same thing. We see the light."