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Everyday Adventures – Haak Winery and Buddhist Temple
Yesterday the kids and I met some family members at the Haak Winery in Santa Fe, TX for a festival. The winery grounds were beautiful with their open vineyards and covered pavilion. There were food trucks and craft show displays.
Haak Winery Vineyards.
The wine cellar.
An interesting craft display.
But the grounds were crowded and the day was hot, one of the hottest we’ve had here in the Houston area so far, leaving us with no doubt that summer is right around the corner. My two year old nephew didn’t need to be out in the heat (and, frankly, neither did I), so we all packed up and headed to our respective homes.
On the way home the kids and I spotted a strange sight. On the edge of Santa Fe and Dickinson was a gated area off the side of the road. The three of us were feeling adventurous so I turned the car around and we pulled in.
The grounds were stunning. As we walked around we all noted an air of mysticism (what Connor termed ‘creepy’) aided by the sound of chanting coming from the temple and the utter improbability of a Buddhist temple existing in Santa Fe, TX.
Temple entrance.
Later, when I asked the kids what their favorite part of the day was, we all agreed the temple was by far the most exciting part of the day. And to think we might never have found it if the day hadn’t been so hot. Here’s to everyday adventures!
Xoxo,
Meghan
[Edited: I know exactly nothing about Buddhism and was curious about the use of the swastika-looking symbol on the gold statue. Here’s what an internet search turned up:
“The swastika is an ancient symbol found worldwide, but it is especially common in India. It can be seen in the art of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Celts, Native Americans, and Persians as well Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
…
In Buddhism, the swastika signifies auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha’s footprints and the Buddha’s heart. The swastika is said to contain the whole mind of the Buddha and can often be found imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images. It is also the first of the 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha. The swastika has also often been used to mark the beginning of Buddhist texts. In China and Japan, the Buddhist swastika was seen as a symbol of plurality, eternity, abundance, prosperity and long life.The swastika is used as an auspicious mark on Buddhist temples and is especially common in Korea. It can often be seen on the decorative borders around paintings, altar cloths and banners. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is also used as a clothing decoration.”Happy adventuring! ~Meghan]
Sounds like fun–I love those accidental adventures!
I am glad you got to tour something that is not only a peaceful place but it also perked your mind.