Words of Wisdom
“When at rest, rest all thoughts; when in action, perfect all actions.” We must abide in right mindfulness： think only good thoughts, say only kind words, do only good deeds. Rest when it is time to rest; act when it is time to act. Practice good deeds without attachment, and then return to the state of no-thought. With confidence and commitment in this teaching, we will always make progress in our practice.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)
所謂「靜則一念不生，動則萬善圓彰」，要堅住正念，心無善念不起，口無善言不說，身無善事不行，靜也靜得，動也動得，修善而不執著善，回歸無念。相信這個道理，具足信心，這一生修行絕對不會退轉。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
Meditation Classes
The next series of twelve-week classes starts from April 23. Click here to sign up.
Buddha Gate Monastery offers meditation classes of different levels in English and Chinese, from Level 1 to Level 3 and even 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.
Diamond Sutra Ceremony
“A worldly jewel cannot be considered the most precious. Among all jewels, the jewel of truth is supreme. A worldly luster cannot be considered the finest. Among all luster, the luster of wisdom is supreme. A worldly clarity cannot be considered the best. Among all clarities, clarity of mind is supreme. “ Find the true diamond within, not without.
On Sunday, April 29 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 allows 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.
Two-Day Meditation Retreat
Meditation can help you focus your mind, calm down, become more aware, and see things as they truly are. If you have completed the beginning meditation classes and a half day meditation retreat, we invite you to participate in the two-day meditation retreat on April 21 and 22 to further advance your meditation practice. Registration required; please contact the monastery to sign up. Please note: the Monastery will be closed to the public during the two-day Chan Meditation Retreat.
Buddha’s 3045th Birthday Celebration & Gratitude Medicine Buddha Ceremony
On May 20 at 9:30a.m., Buddha Gate Monastery will host the annual ceremony of Bathing the Buddha and celebrate Buddha’s birthday. In following with the tradition, an outdoor altar will be arranged as a flower garden, representing the Garden of Lumbini, where Buddha was born. The Abbess will lead the assembly to bathe the infant Buddha statue to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. Bathing the Buddha signifies inner purification. By cleansing away our vexations, defilements and deluded minds, we bring forward our Buddha natures and become enlightened.
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 April 15, May 6, 13 and 27. It 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 meritorious volunteering every day.