Words of Wisdom
Cultivation is a process of self-examining, and not of quibbling about others’ faults, or judging others’ right and wrong. If we are being slandered, do not get annoyed, angry, or complain. Remember “rumors are stopped by the wise”; the truth will surface in time.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)
修行就是要自我檢討，不去計較別人的過失、不評判別人的是非：假使自己受到他人的誹謗，也不要惱怒、抱怨，所謂「謠言止於智者」，時間一久，終會有水落石出的一天。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
Ullambana Ceremony & Meng Shan Food Bestowal Service
Join our annual Ullambana Ceremony on September 3rd, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.
The Ullambana sutra says, “Buddha’s disciples who practice filial piety should frequently think of their parents and their parents of the past seven incarnations. Every year, on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, make the Ullambana offering to the Buddha and the Sangha for their parents in order to repay their love and kindness in raising them.” During this ceremony, many services will be hosted, including chanting the Medicine Buddha Sutra, chanting the Ullambana Sutra, Meal Offering to the Buddha and Sangha, and the Meng Shan Bestowal Food and Memorial Services.
May the mercies of the Three Jewels liberate our parents and the parents of past incarnations. May they eradicate bad karmas and be reborn in the wholesome realms. May the present living parents increase blessings and obtain longevity and peace. Moreover, we offer these pure merits to repay the four kindnesses and liberate the three wretched realms. We dedicate these merits toward peace in the world and all sentient beings, so that all may eradicate all their afflictions, be free from calamities, and attain enlightenment.
Click here to learn more about the meaning of Ullambana.
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 September 15, 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.
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 10:30 a.m., on Wednesdays and Sundays in August, 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.