Buddha's Universal Church

A historical landmark in San Francisco's Chinatown, the Buddha's Universal Church is the largest Buddhist church in the United States and home to the largest congregation in the City. Dedicated in 1963, the Church was made of concrete, steel, marble and wood and then filled with images of the Buddha formed in gold leaf and mosaic tiles. An altar resembling the ship of the Dharma - or the teachings of the Buddha - is flanked by teak paneled walls representing the ship's sails. Our bamboo chapel and rooftop garden and terrace can be found on the upper levels. Below is a modern kitchen with industrial appliances, a recording studio and a mirrored room for dance and choir rehearsals. Ours is a modern church practicing ancient teachings.