News and Announcements
Words of Wisdom
In meditation, we let our thoughts settle. Do not let the mind wander or become drowsy. Be aware of each thought. Neither delight in something good nor worry about something frightening. Remember, “All forms are illusions.” Maintain mindfulness without clinging to the duality of existence and emptiness.
靜坐，要沉澱這念心，不落昏沉、不打妄想。這念覺心念念分明，看到好的，不歡喜；看到恐怖的境界，不理它，「凡所有相，皆是虛妄」，只保持這個覺性，不著有、無兩邊。
—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)
Guan Yin Blessing Ceremony
“Hatred is never appeased by hatred in the world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.”—The Dhammapada Sutra.
Guan Yin Bodhisattva is the manifestation of great compassion and teaches us that hatred can only be extinguished through compassion. On Sunday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to participate in our Guan Yin Blessing Ceremony. Together, let’s learn and practice the spirit of great compassion. After the ceremony, please join us for a free vegetarian lunch.
Buddha’s Birthday Celebration & Gratitude Medicine Buddha Ceremony
On Sunday, May 24 at 9:30 am, Buddha Gate Monastery will host the annual ceremony of Bathing the Buddha and celebrate Buddha’s 3042nd birthday. Following with tradition, an outdoor altar will be arranged as a flower garden, representing the Garden of Lumbini where Buddha was born. The Abbess will use a special ladle to pour fragrant herb water over the infant Buddha statue. The assembly will then be invited to do the same.
Bathing the Buddha signifies inner purification. By cleansing away our vexations, defilements, and deluded minds, we will bring forward our Buddha nature and become enlightened. We invite you to join us in honoring the birth of the Buddha.
Classes Starts This Week!
The next series of twelve week classes starts April 20. Clickhere to sign up.
Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week classes of different levels in English and Chinese. The classes progress from 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.
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 10:30 a.m., on May 3, 10 and 17, is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.
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 May 31 from 8:30 am to noon.
