My Monday at the Temple – by Karen Garcia (August 18, 2025)

Hi everyone! Thank you all for being here.

This Monday was truly special for me. I felt deeply moved listening to everyone's stories, miracles of healing from terminal illnesses, receiving green cards or citizenship against all odds, families being reunited, and even simple joys like playing basketball during the middle of the show.

The best way I can describe what I felt at the temple is a deep sense of connection. Faith was being restored across families, and there was a beautiful sense of community. Watching everyone come together, cheering, clapping, supporting one another, especially as some faced challenges, was incredibly powerful. Seeing the relief on people’s faces as they shared their miracles was something I’ll never forget.

✨ What I Experienced

• The teaching about building strong roots, like a tree, really spoke to me. A tree can only withstand the toughest storms if its roots are deep and strong. It can bear fruit when it’s consistently nourished, but just as important is being mindful of what you’re planting in the first place.

If you plant a mango seed, you’ll grow mango trees, but if we aren’t planting mango seeds, we can’t EXPECT mango trees. In the same way, when we plant good thoughts, take positive actions, and hold pure intentions, that goodness is what we’ll ultimately receive. But if we are planting seeds of hate, jealousy, and lies, we can’t expect to have a good and peaceful life. 

• After hearing everyone's miracles, I noticed they all had one thing in common: their situations seemed impossible, yet they all held on to hope by the power of faith. Some were told by doctors that they had cancer, others were told by lawyers that getting residency in the U.S. was nearly impossible, and some parents were told by judges that their children would face years in jail or even prison.

Yet, as they shared their stories, there was a deep sense of relief and a powerful emphasis on the strength of their faith in Master. Master is incredibly humble and never takes credit; he always says that it is God who makes these things happen. But even so, people recognize the role he played. It felt like they couldn’t thank him enough for guiding them through their storms by giving them hope, reminding them to do their part, and encouraging them to keep their faith in God.

• Now to the super fun activity Master set up for the Ladies Team! There were buckets filled with basketballs, each labeled with the name of each lady from the team. Each person had a chance to throw the ball into the basket to win $100 per shot made!

However, the challenge was that the basket was actually much farther than we expected, and definitely farther than we had ever practiced for. But Master knew we could make it anyway, and so the game began.

The ladies were allowed to ask for help from the volunteer teams, but only after they tried making the shot themselves. Some made the shot, some didn’t, and some asked for help. Through it all, the wonderful audience gave us beautiful words of encouragement and cheered us on. It was truly a bonding experience for everyone there!

✨ The Wisdom I Took Home

• This represented an important lesson: that we should at least try once before telling ourselves we can’t do it. Then came a powerful teaching: don’t convince yourself you can’t do something before even trying. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s also perfectly okay not to make it at all because it shows us where we need to improve. With practice, we can get there.

• Honestly, I didn’t make any shots, but I had a lot of fun trying! And I walked away with something even more valuable: a reminder to believe in myself, to try before doubting, and to never be afraid to ask for support.

✨ My Reflection

These teachings made me reflect on my own life and all the chances I didn’t take because I was too afraid of looking foolish in front of others. Even as a child, I wouldn’t allow myself to play freely in public.

I believe that when we free ourselves from the cage of our own limitations, we invite others to feel safe enough to do the same. Now, as an adult, I’ve made it my mission to give my inner child all the play and joy she missed out on because it’s never too late to enjoy life! 

✨ A Blessing for You

I hope that these teachings reach your heart and spirit. 

Remember, nothing is too far-fetched. Try things out first, do the best you can, practice if you need to, and trust the process. All it takes is belief—believe first, and then you will see. 

May God and Buddha bless you all.