Buddhist build new temple in Mesa for Chinese speaking immigrants

Phoenix, June 8 (UNI) The International Buddhist Association of Arizona is building a new temple in Mesa for the growing Chinese-speaking immigrant population.

The association, as a result of larger demographic changes taking place in the Valley, plans to build a multi-million two-story building with meditation rooms, library and a temple big enough to accommodate most of its followers.

The International Buddhist Association congregation includes people from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as a few non-Asian Buddhists.

The growth of the East Valley's Chinese population, which tripled between 1990 and 2005, is drawing more Asian oriented business and services.

The Buddhist International Association of Arizona in Phoenix is home to the Valley's only Chinese-speaking Buddhist temple, although there are other Buddhist temples here.

Buddhism is one of the World's major religions, followed by 375 million people world wide. Buddhism spread from India to China, Korea, Japan, Tibet and more recently to the West.

The temple in Phoenix is affiliated with the Buddha's Light International Association.

UNI XC AD DS1453