[:en]August 2017[:]

[:en]

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

Picture21

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 ClassesSign Up

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.

Picture3One 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.

  

Helping_Out

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.

 

 

[:]

[:en]August Backup[:]

[:en]

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

Picture21

Ullambana Ceremony & Meng Shan Food Bestowal Service

Join our annual Ullambana Ceremony on September 3rd, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. May the Three Jewels be merciful to us; may the merits of our pure practice benefit all our benefactors above as well as all those in the 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. 

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

“A light of wisdom shatters the darkness of ignorance.”  Through the practice of repentance, we restore our purity and be more mindful of our actions from now on.  This service will be on September 15, from 7 – 8:30 pm. 

Sign up for September ClassesSign Up

The next series of twelve week classes starts September 4. Click here to sign up.

Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week 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.

Picture3One 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.

 
 

Helping_Out

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.

 

[:]

[:en]March 2017 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

To cultivate the Way is to realize the Way. This begins with awakening to the present mind. Then we practice being the mind’s master, whether we are moving or sitting, resting or working. When afflictions arise, transform or dissolve them. As afflictions are eradicated in due course, the bodhi mind, the pure mind, will manifest.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
想要修道,先要悟道,悟道這念心,行住坐臥、動靜閒忙都能作主。有了煩惱就要化要,煩惱慢慢化除,菩提心、清淨心就能現前。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
(For more words of wisdom)
 

Picture1

Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, March 26 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.
 

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

Join us on Fridays, March 10, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in chanting the 88 Buddhas. It is an excellent way to clear our karmic obstacles and draw out our inner wisdom.
 
 

Picture3One 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 nature, and obtain inner peace and joy. Buddist Service is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. The upcoming dates are March 5, 12, & 19, April 2, 9, & 23.
 

Picture1Two-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 two-day meditation retreat on April 15 and 16 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.
 
 

Helping_OutMeritorious 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.

[:]

[:en]April 2017 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

When thoughts arise in our minds, we need to distinguish between the “visitors” and the “master.” The visitors are our delusive thoughts, coming and going endlessly, like dust in the air. The “master” is that which recognizes the delusive thoughts, like the empty space in which the dust floats, boundless, always unmoving.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
起心動念這一念心,一個是「客」,一個是「主」。「客」是指我們的妄想,像空中的灰塵一樣,始終是來來往往的,來也好、去也好;而能知道妄想的這念心,像虛空一樣,始終是寂然不動的主人。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
(For more words of wisdom)
 

Buddha’s 3044th Birthday Celebration & Gratitude Medicine Buddha Ceremony

On April 30 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.

Picture21

 

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

Join us on Fridays, May 12, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in chanting the 88 Buddhas. It is an excellent way to clear our karmic obstacles and draw out our inner wisdom.
 
 

Picture3One 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 nature, and obtain inner peace and joy. Buddist Service is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. The upcoming dates are April 23, May 7 & 14.

Picture1

 

Two-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 two-day meditation retreat on April 15 and 16 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.
 
 

Helping_OutMeritorious 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.

[:]

[:en]June 2017 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

There is a saying: “If one cannot tolerate the small aggravations, one will upset the whole plan.” Tolerance brings peace; it is a crucial Buddhist practice. In our everyday life, we may encounter positive or negative situations any time; face them with tolerance and patience, then we will progress in our cultivation.

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

所謂「小不忍則亂大謀」、「能忍自安」,對於修行來說,「忍」更是重要。日常生活中,時時刻刻都有順境、逆境,要用「忍」字來觀照,這樣就會有所進步。
—惟覺安公老和尚法語
 
(For more words of wisdom)
Picture21

Gratitude Ceremony on Medicine Buddha Sutra During Sangha Summer Retreat

May the Three Jewels be merciful to us; may the merits of our pure practice benefit all our benefactors above as well as all those in the 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. Join our monthly ceremony on June 25, from 9:30 am- 12 pm. 

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

“A light of wisdom shatters the darkness of ignorance.”  Through the practice of repentance, we restore our purity and be more mindful of our actions from now on.  This service will be on June 9, from 7 – 9 pm.  

Picture1Half-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 June 4, 11 & 18 to further advance your meditation practice.  Registration required; please contact the monastery to sign up. 
 

Bodhiseed Summer Retreat 

Sign up now!

 This year, from July 26th~28th, we are excited to again offer one session of the Bodhiseed Summer Retreat program for children ages 5 to 10. The Bodhiseed Summer Retreat will offer creative theme days and activities to inspire children to learn about meditation and Buddhist practices. Students will begin each day with sitting and walking meditation sessions to help them quiet their minds and be introspective. Topics that include respect, kindness, harmony, and honesty are blended with self-discipline classes.
Space is limited. For more details please click here or contact the monastery. 
  

Helping_Out

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.

 

 

[:]

[:en]July 2017 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

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

Picture21

Gratitude Ceremony on Medicine Buddha Sutra During Sangha Summer Retreat

May the Three Jewels be merciful to us; may the merits of our pure practice benefit all our benefactors above as well as all those in the 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. Join our monthly ceremony on July 23, from 9:30 am- 12 pm. 

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

“A light of wisdom shatters the darkness of ignorance.”  Through the practice of repentance, we restore our purity and be more mindful of our actions from now on.  This service will be on July 7, from 7 – 9 pm. 

Sign up for September ClassesSign Up

The next series of twelve week classes starts September 4. Click here to sign up.

Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week 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.

Picture3One 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 July 9 and 16, is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.

Bodhiseed Summer Retreat 

Sign up now!

 This year, from July 26th~28th, we are excited to again offer one session of the Bodhiseed Summer Retreat program for children ages 5 to 10. The Bodhiseed Summer Retreat will offer creative theme days and activities to inspire children to learn about meditation and Buddhist practices. Students will begin each day with sitting and walking meditation sessions to help them quiet their minds and be introspective. Topics that include respect, kindness, harmony, and honesty are blended with self-discipline classes.

Space is limited. For more details please click here or contact the monastery.   

Helping_Out

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.

 

 
 

[:]

[:en]January 2017 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

“A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step.” The first step is the present mind; apart from it there is no other mind. Deluded or awakened, it is just this mind.” —Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

「萬里途程,不離初步」,離開這念心,哪裡還有第二念心?一個是迷,一個是悟,都在當下這念心。 —惟覺安公老和尚法語

(For more words of wisdom)

Picture14

2017 New Year Blessing Ceremony

On Saturday, January 28, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to celebrate the Lunar New Year and participate in the ringing of the auspicious bell to bring forward a harmonious New Year. The ringing of the bell also reminds us to stay true to our awakening path to enlightenment. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Sign UpSign up for January Classes

The next series of twelve week classes starts January 14. Click here to sign up. There will not be classes on January 28, in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
 
Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week 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.

Picture3One 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 nature, and obtain inner peace and joy. Buddist Service is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. The upcoming dates are January 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Picture110Lamp Offering

Making a Lamp Offering to the Buddha is a way to honor the Buddha while awakening our own intrinsic wisdom. According to the scriptures, when making a Buddha lamp offering, we gain good health, purity of the mind, freedom from worries, and extinction of ignorance. We can also dedicate the merits to our loved ones and all humanity. You can now sign up to make a Lamp Offering for the year 2017 (January 1 to December 31).

Helping_OutMeritorious 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.

 

[:]

[:en]December 2016 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

“Spring is the time to plan your year. Morning the time to plan your day. Diligence is the way to lead your life.” Success is achieved only with effort; there is no free lunch in life. Not only should we work hard, we should also put our efforts in the right direction, so we do not detour or take the wrong path. —Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
「一年之計在於春,一日之計在於晨,一生之計在於勤」,凡事都要經過一番努力才能有所成就,天下沒有白吃的午餐。不只要努力,還要找對方向,不要走錯路,走遠路。  —惟覺安公老和尚法語
(For more words of wisdom)

Picture2Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony

Please join us for the Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony taking place every day from December 25 to January 1. (Click on the daily schedule in English or Chinese). This is an opportunity for repentance, reflection, and forgiveness. Cleanse the improper karma of our past and welcome 2017 with a pure mind. The repentance liturgy will be recited each day in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Click here for more details.

201Picture147 New Year Blessing Ceremony

We invite you to participate in the 2017 New Year Blessing Ceremony on January 1st at 9:30 AM. The ceremony helps us to learn from the past and work on the right causes in the present. The striking of the bell at the end of the ceremony calls for the awakening from our delusions and liberation of all sentient beings. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Sign UpSign up for January Classes

The next series of twelve week classes starts January 14. Click here to sign up. There will not be classes on January 28, in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week 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.

Picture3One 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 nature, and obtain inner peace and joy. Buddist Service is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. The upcoming dates are December 11 and December 18.

Picture110Lamp Offering

Making a Lamp Offering to the Buddha is a way to honor the Buddha while awakening our own intrinsic wisdom. According to the scriptures, when making a Buddha lamp offering, we gain good health, purity of the mind, freedom from worries, and extinction of ignorance. We can also dedicate the merits to our loved ones and all humanity. You can now sign up to make a Lamp Offering for the year 2017 (January 1 to December 31).
Food Drive

Food Drive

This holiday season, Buddha Gate Monastery is conducting a Vegetarian Food Drive to benefit our local Food Bank. In these difficult economic times, please consider giving generously to those less fortunate. Thank you for your support!
Food donations must be non-perishable (i.e., rice, pasta, canned goods) and not expired. Ingredients such as alcohol, meat, seafood, eggs, gelatin, rennet, garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, chives, Chinese chives, and cilantro are not recommended.

Helping_OutMeritorious 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.

[:]

[:en]November 2016 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

Foremost in the Buddhist practice is learning how to let go. When we can let go of all our afflictions and attachments, our mind will be free. Freedom of mind is liberation.  —Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh.
修行學佛,首先要學習「放下」—放下一切煩惱、執著。放下了以後,我們的心就能得自在。得自在,就是解脫。—惟覺大和尚法語
(For more words of wisdom)

Picture1

Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, November 27 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.

Picture2

Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony

Please join us for the Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony taking place every day from December 25 to January 1. This is an opportunity for repentance, reflection, and forgiveness. Cleanse the improper karma of our past and welcome 2017 with a pure mind. The repentance liturgy will be recited each day in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Picture1Two-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 two-day meditation retreat on December 3 and 4 to further advance your meditation practice.  Registration required; please contact the monastery to sign up.

Picture3One 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 nature, and obtain inner peace and joy. Buddist Service is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. The upcoming dates are December 11, and December 18.

Picture110Lamp Offering

Making a Lamp Offering to the Buddha is a way to honor the Buddha while awakening our own intrinsic wisdom. According to the scriptures, when making a Buddha lamp offering, we gain good health, purity of the mind, freedom from worries, and extinction of ignorance. We can also dedicate the merits to our loved ones and all humanity. You can now sign up to make a Lamp Offering for the year 2017 (January 1 to December 31).
Food Drive

Food Drive

This holiday season, Buddha Gate Monastery is conducting a Vegetarian Food Drive to benefit our local Food Bank. In these difficult economic times, please consider giving generously to those less fortunate. Food donations must be non-perishable (i.e., rice, pasta, canned goods) and not expired. Ingredients such as alcohol, meat, seafood, eggs, gelatin, rennet, garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, chives, Chinese chives, and cilantro are not recommended. Thank you for your support!

Helping_OutMeritorious 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.

[:]

[:en]October 2016 Newsletter[:]

[:en]

Words of Wisdom

To change our fate, we should focus on the cause instead of the outcome. The Buddhist teaching of causality tells us that what happens in our lives come from our own efforts. Understanding causality means we can create our own destiny.
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
要改變命運,必須從「因」上努力,而不是從「果」上去追求。佛法中所說的因果,就是告訴我們,一切要靠自己去努力。知命則能立命,明白這些道理,就能了解命運,創造命運。
—惟覺大和尚法語
(For more words of wisdom)

Picture1

Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, October 30 and November 27 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.

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

Join us on Fridays, November 11, from 7:00 pm to 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 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 to further advance your meditation practice. The upcoming half-day meditation retreat is on October 23 and November 6, 13 and 20 from 8:30 am to noon.
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One Stick of Incense

This is an hour-long service of chanting the sutras in English, meditating, and listening to a 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 nature, and obtain inner peace and joy. Buddist Service is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. The upcoming dates are December 11, and December 18. Picture16

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.

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