Words of Wisdom
Being content is superior to being rich. The discontented, albeit having wealth, are always in distress. The minds of the contented are at ease every moment — this is true wealth.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)
富貴莫若知足，不知足的人，雖然很富有，卻始終在苦惱當中；知足的人，時時刻刻心都能安然自在，這就是真正的富貴。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
On October 22nd, Venerable Master Jian Deng, Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, showering the rain of Dharma in the Bay Area
We are grateful to invite Venerable Master Jian Deng, Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery to give Dharma Talk at Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale on Oct 22nd, at 9 am. A Three Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony will be hosted at 11 am. “True brightness is the life in which one is self-mastery and unaffected by delusion; true blessing is the mind without delusions and defilements.” Welcome to join this Dharma event. May everyone become awakened to the truth and attain the true peace and joy. For more information and registration, please contact Buddha Gate Monastery.
88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony
“A light of wisdom shatters the darkness of ignorance.” Through the practice of repentance, we restore our purity and become more mindful of our actions. Join us on October 13, from 7 – 8:30 pm, in chanting the 88 Buddhas. It is an excellent way to clear our karmic obstacles and draw out our inner wisdom.
The Diamond Sutra Ceremony
On Sunday, October 8th from 9:30 am to noon, Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to participate in our monthly ceremony and chant the Diamond of Perfect Wisdom Sutra. Chanting the sutra and prostrating to the Buddha allow us to repent our misdeeds, purify our karma, receive Buddha’s blessings, and be in touch with our Buddha nature. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.
Sign up for September Meditation Classes
The next series of twelve week meditation classes starts September 4. Click here to sign up.
Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week meditation classes of different levels in English and Chinese. The classes progress from the beginning Zen meditation and fundamentals of Buddhism, to advanced sutra studies. Each class meets for about two hours, consisting of meditation practice in the first hour, and a lecture on Buddhist teachings in the second hour. Everyone is welcome. The classes are free; the Monastery is funded by unsolicited donations. Visit our website under “classes” for more details.
One Stick of Incense
One Stick of Incense Buddhist Service consists of chanting the sutras in English, meditating, and Dharma talk. This process helps us purify our minds and develop our inner wisdom and compassion. We finish by dedicating merits to all sentient beings in hope that they will awaken to their pure natures, and obtain inner peace and joy. This one hour service starts at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 10:30 a.m., on Sundays, September 24, October 1 & 15 is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.
Meritorious Volunteering
Volunteers form an important part of the Buddha Gate community. You can help the monastery by maintaining the buildings and grounds, working in the kitchen, and preparing for ceremonial events. By generously offering your time to support the monastery you not only accumulate blessings, but also practice patience, compassion, tolerance and working harmoniously with others, thereby developing the Chan state of mind and applying it toward everyday life. The monastery invites everyone to participate in the meritorious volunteering every Sunday afternoon.