[:en]January 2017 Newsletter[:]

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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)

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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.

 

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