The San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society
Founded and officially started in 1986 by Abbot Venerable Chum Choeum, the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society began in a small house at 1833 Luby Dr., San Jose, CA 95133. In 1988, it moved to 2751 Mervyns Way, San Jose, CA 95127, and began building the current Buddhist Society in 2008, completing it in 2010.
A covered arched structure surrounds the temple, including an inside gathering space, a monks' platform, and a giant Buddha statue protected by a seven-headed Naga. The outside and sloping roof are decorated with traditional lavish designs like spires, gilded wood carvings, panels, finials, and natural stone carvings. The temple is set back from the surroundings, surrounded by landscaping.
The community building has a main hall on the ground floor, with two wings containing a kitchen, meeting room, offices, storage, and a classroom with a library. The stairs lead to the second floor, five bedrooms for eight residents, a small kitchen, and a living room.
The main entrance for guests is the central courtyard. A covered walkway around the community building connects to three sides of the square, with a plinth and statue in the center facing the front of the Temple. Two more courtyards are on either side of the temple, each serving a different purpose. Near Norwood Avenue, one has a decorated stupa on a stone base. The other has a resting Buddha.
Venerable Khemacharo Chum Choeum, the former leader of Wat Khmer San Jose, has been essential to the spiritual needs of Cambodian Americans in the Bay Area. His legacy shows a solid commitment to Buddhism and the Cambodian community.
The San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society aims to preserve Cambodian Buddhist Culture, help Cambodian people adjust to life in the United States, and protect their identity. It operates for educational, artistic, religious, and charitable purposes and is dedicated to serving its community.
Detailed information:
- Address: 2751 Mervyns Way, San Jose, CA 95127, United States
- Phone: +1 408-770-9171
- Website: https://watkhmer.org/
