Location: Lecture Hall at Buddha Gate Monastery

Join us on October 11th 7:00 PM for a special workshop that will provide an in-depth explanation of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, in preparation for the formal ceremony taking place on October 19. This workshop is open to everyone interested in learning about Buddhism—no prior experience or commitment is required. Whether you are considering taking these vows or simply curious about their meaning, all are welcome.

Taking the Three Refuges marks the beginning of the Buddhist path, a formal step of acknowledging the Buddha as the enlightened teacher, the Dharma as the wisdom and teachings, and the Sangha as the community of practitioners. These Three Jewels provide guidance and protection on our journey toward awakening.

The Five Precepts serve as ethical guidelines, encouraging us to live with integrity and compassion by refraining from harming living beings, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying, and using intoxicants. Following these precepts helps cultivate a peaceful and responsible life, while generating positive karma.

During the workshop, we will explore the meaning and practical application of these vows, preparing participants for the upcoming ceremony and the profound transformation they bring.

New Chan(Zen) Hall Purification Ceremony & Dharma Talk

　Buddha Gate Monastery is delighted to introduce its newly remodeled Zen Hall, which underwent a transformation from 2020 to 2022. This serene and magnificent space has been thoughtfully designed to create an ideal environment for meditation and Buddhist practices. To celebrate this significant renovation, the monastery will host a purification ceremony, with special invitation to Venerable Master Jianying, the Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery in Taiwan,  to preside over the event and give us a Dharma talk. We sincerely invite you to join us for this auspicious occasion.

Three Refuges Transmission Ceremony

    Taking the Three Refuges is the formal step in becoming a Buddhist. Buddhist monasteries hold the transmission ceremony to guide practitioners in making this important vow.

    This practice carries two profound meanings: to return and to rely.  By taking the Three Refuges, we acknowledge that we have been deluded and erroneous in our ways. Instead of reflecting inward to understand ourselves, we have indulged in greed and anger and pursued pleasures. Now we wish to return to the purity of our Buddha Nature, and we need to rely on the wisdom and guidance of the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Those who take refuge are protected by 36 guardian spirits and the merciful light of the Three Jewels.

Buddha is the Enlightened One, the guiding teacher of our cultivation.

Dharma is the teaching of the Buddha, the wisdom that can guide us to enlightenment.

Sangha is the community of ordained Buddhist monks and nuns, who devote themselves to the practice and teaching of the Dharma. There are many paths in cultivation. By taking refuge in Sangha, we will not take the wrong path.

    On a deeper level, the Sixth Patriarch says, “Buddha represents the enlightened mind, Dharma represents Truth, and Sangha represents purity and harmony.” By taking three refuges we develop our intrinsic Three Jewels.

Five Precepts Transmission Ceremony