Words of Wisdom
The Middle Way means the Chan mind. It is inexpressible, yet what is spoken is right to the point. It is inconceivable, yet the wisdom flows without rumination. Whatever one effortlessly touches is the Way. Such is the wondrous power of Chan.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)
中道，就是指這念心達到禪的境界，雖然不可說，但一說出來就恰到好處；雖然不可思，卻是無思而得，信手拈來無不是道，這就是禪的妙用。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
On October 22nd, Venerable Master Jian Deng, Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, will shower 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 a Dharma Talk at Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale on Oct 22nd, at 9:30 am. A Three Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony will be hosted at 1:30 pm. “True brightness is the life in which one is self-mastery and unaffected by delusion; true blessing is the mind without delusions and defilements.” We welcome you to join this Dharma event. May everyone become awakened to the truth and attain 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.
Half-Day Chan 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, we invite you to participate in the half-day meditation retreat on November 5 & 12 to further advance your meditation practice. Registration required; please contact the monastery to sign up.
The Diamond Sutra Ceremony
On Sunday, November 19 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.
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, October 15＆29 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.