It's a nice, peaceful, tranquility and pleasant temple in OC. They do have a nice big (but not that big) backyard with koi fish pond, fruit trees surrounded with plenty of shades. Buddha statues are displayed everywhere from the front parking to the back. The parking lot is small, for 12-15 cars the most but there are street parking too...can be hectic during holidays. The only thing that makes me feel abit at odd is that religious and politics shouldn't and wouldn't mix or displaced. I don't care which side you're on but when you're at the temple, you're searching for peace and relaxation. Not to discuss politic or to hear about it, especially with the head monk. It makes me lost the respect for the temple. read more

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Peaceful, comfortable and friendly atmosphere here never scenes aren't changed. My favorite temple has many beautiful trees and can be seen that the temple is very carefully maintained. There are many resources, free books for everyone to study Buddhism. Although this is not the biggest and most beautiful temple in Southern California, I feel the warm sincerity of the monks here. Especially, they never ask for anything from the Buddhists when I need help such as making offerings, praying for the dead, praying for peace. This temple has a spacious parking lot right in front of the temple. Every year, on the occasion of Lunar New Year, I often come here to pray read more

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My favorite local temple conveniently located in the city of Garden Grove, everyone is so nice

My family gathered at Chua Lien Hoa for my grandmother's celebration of life. Lien Hoa is a Buddhist temple in Garden Grove. It's been ~100 days since her passing and it is customary to come together to think of the passing of a loved one. The parking lot is small so I was told to find parking in the nearby neighborhood. This temple was one my grandmother liked to patronize. She walked here to pray often and I'm sure she gave whatever extra money she could to the monks here. It's a peaceful place with fruit trees and altars for loved ones. My grandmother's photograph is one of many left here for prayers. After the prayer ceremony, my aunt had arranged for a lunch. All the food is vegetarian so we had tofu hot pot, noodles with variations of tofu and vegetables, and Vietnamese desserts. The affair was small but I'm sure my grandmother is at peace now. As for the particular political idolizations of some of the monks, I can't comment on it but I do believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion and beliefs; however, it should be noted that religion and politics should be separate. I don't go to temple often enough but when I do go, I certainly do not want to see an image of a certain president staring back at me. read more

Chua Lien Hoa Temple - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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Biggest disappointment ever... it used to be a normal temple (Chua). My family and I are from out of town, so we frequent here 1-2 times a year, and on today's visit, we saw multiple signs of Trump support... their main table had about 10-15 pictures under the glass. The lead monk justified it by saying President Reagan helped him come to the U.S., so he's a right-wing supporter. I didn't see any President Bush pictures. Regardless, it is un-be-lieve-able... WHY ARE YOU MIXING POLITICS INTO RELIGION?!?!?! Boooooo! Shame on you, Trump has clearly fooled you more than 3 times. read more

Chua Lien Hoa Temple - This does NOT belong in a temple... your FAITH is misplaced. - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Garden Grove, California

This is a small temple which all the monks are Friendly, sincere, and helping people without thinking of money.

I love going to Lien Hoa temple for the people, the ambiance and the delicious vegetarian food. Master Chon Thanh is the best. He always has a great spirit about him, always joyful and welcoming of everyone. All of the volunteers at this temple are great as well. You know the temple is a good one when you see the same familiar faces return week after week to volunteer their time to cook or to clean. This temple is not very big and I think that's part of why I like it so much. It is small and intimate. The garden in the backyard has lots of shade and feels very peaceful. Sometimes I like to just sit out there and enjoy the calm and serene ambiance. If you like vegetarian food, this place is for you. They sell a large variety of dishes, all at very reasonable prices. You can choose to eat there or to-go it home. On big temple holidays (Lunar New Year (Tet), Mother's Day (Le Vu Lan) and Buddha's birthday (Le Phat Dan)), Lien Hoa temple always throws a big celebration, handing out thousands of portions of vegetarian food free! There's the main food (which is usually some type of rice or vermicelli dish), dessert (variety of xoi or che), drinks (including an awesome boba station)! It is always a big event with a great turnout. The temple is open for everyone. Hope to see you there one day! read more

Chua Lien Hoa Temple - Just a few of the volunteers at Lien Hoa temple, at one of their big celebrations. - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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I live close and was walking and 2 chihuahas ran out of the temple and chase me. I had to ran 3 house away from the temple for the 2 chihuahas to stop chasing me. They are lucky because i just needed some time to prepare my pepper spray. After i finish my walk and headimg back home if those 2 chihuahas ran to me again barking and growling again i am ready to pepper spray their dog for protection. Do something about your dogs put them on a leash or inside the temple close the door. What if it was a child walking. What made me more mad is the owner did nothing to stop their chihuaha. I never told my family about almost getting attack but few weeks later i had a family visit from out of state he was walking there too. Same thing happen. 2 same chihuahas ran out and he also almost got attack by the 2 same chihuahas that ran out too. read more

Disappointed that there is no separation between "church and state". While everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs, it's another to post propoganda throughout the temple. I'm even more devastated that this is the temple my family has chosen to rest my grandma and grandpa. I will never give this place my support and I do not believe I will visit here for anything other than to visit my grandparents. read more

Chua Lien Hoa Temple - Surprised a temple would post political propaganda :(. - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Garden Grove, California

When walking my dog nearby their two Chihuahuas came running at us full speed and ran into the street and near got hit. Control your dogs and put them on leashes! read more

Cannot tell how much I love this place. I've been here since 5 years already. They never close the door. You can come in anytime you want. I sometimes even come there around 2-3 AM and just peacefully stayed , prayed and left. It's not scary at all during the night. I sometimes even do zen with the monk. I love going there when it's not so crowded. I love staying there till late night with Master Thich Chon Thanh, the monks and some elder people, just listening to their stories, talking, which never ends and always made me feel peaceful. I love enjoy tea with them. I love cleaning around the temple, being closed to the spiritual in the peaceful atmosphere make all of my stressful moment go away. May peace stay with everyone! read more

I love this place, maybe it's because where my Grandma, Grandpa, Great-Grandma, and Great-Grandpa rest. I love coming here to visit them. This temple is one of the smaller temples, that's why I love it so much. It feels so serene, quite, and soothing. I can always casually walk into this place after work and it will be ok (granted they are still open for visitors). It lacks all the bells and whistles the other temples have, this place doesn't make you feel like you're walking into a business. The parking does suck; especially during Buddhist holidays. read more

Excellent temple. Friendly community and awesome food. Come here for the new year to bring great fortune for the rest of the year! Don't forget to bring your red envelopes! read more

It's a small temple but it's very cleanly, very peaceful and very lovely. Everyone is nicely and friendly. The temple have a free give for Lunar New Years . Every year have a different type. read more

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I've been going to Chua Lien Hoa since I was a little girl. Going to Chua Lien Hoa makes me feel calm and serene. Everyone at this Chua is very kind and welcoming. I especially love coming here on Tet when all the festivities are going on. read more

Lien Hoa temple is small but offers all spiritual services to the Vietnamese Buddhist community. I've been attending Le Vu Lan at this temple every year for the last 10 years. Lien Hoa temple is one of my visits in the 1st week of Lunar New Year. I've found the monks and nuns are very friendly and dedicated. I plans to visit the temple more often as I gets older and have more time to worship and learn Buddhism. Warm thoughts to everyone :-). read more

One of my few favorite places to unwind. I happened to discover Liên hoa through yoga sessions there with Mr. Dean who is a truly dedicated yoga instructor! And Master Chân Thành is an extraordinary monk!! read more

Love the place. Its the only temple that i stop by whenever i go to california. Very quiet and relax!! Open 24/7!! Love the master!!!