2015 September Newsletter2015 September Newsletter

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Maintain a mind free of attachment. Neither enjoy praise nor resent defamation. Do not crave, cling, grasp or reject. Let the bodhi mind manifest at all times—this is true bodhisattva practice.

這念心不染著,人家讚歎你不要歡喜,人家毀謗你也不要煩惱,不貪不愛,不取不捨,這念菩提心始終都在,這就是真正的菩薩行。

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh, 惟覺大和尚法語 (For more words of wisdom)

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Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, October 25 and November 22 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.

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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 11, 18 and 25 and November 1, 8 and 15 from 8:30 am to noon.

One Stick of Incense on 10/4

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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.

Schedule

10:30 a.m. Chanting
10:45 a.m. Meditation & Dharma Talk
11:20 a.m. Dedication of Merits
11:30 a.m. Lunch

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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