[:en]February 2018[:]

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Grace

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Words of Wisdom

The Chan patriarchs said: “stand firm and stay firm.” Standing firm means after one has realized and found a footing in the “non-arising mind” in which no thought is raised, one firmly dwells in this realization, whether things are going well or getting rough. Staying firm means to practice regularly so one can maintain the state of non-arising. This is cultivation.

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

(For more words of wisdom)

禪宗祖師說要「站得住、站得長」，「站得住」就是悟到一念不生，自己在悟境中找到一個落腳處，不管在順境或逆境，都能保持這種心境；「站得長」就必須經常薰修，繼續安住在無生的境界，這才是功夫。

—惟覺安公老和尚法語

2018 Lunar New Year Blessing Ceremony

On Friday, February 16 from 11:00 to 11:50 A.M., 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. “Let the mind be as it is, intrinsically free. Stay firmly in the Seal of Dharma.” Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Eighty-Eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

The eighty-eight Buddhas repentance liturgy was compiled by Dharma Master Dao Pei from these two sutras: one is “Sutra of the Medicine King and Superior Medicine Bodhisattvas ” and the other is “The Sutra of the Great Accumulation of Treasures”. In the sutra, it is said that when you are mindful of the Buddha’s name, you will receive infinite blessings, when you sincerely bow to the Buddha, you will eradicate infinite misdeeds. On Sunday, February 25, from 9:30 to 12:00, join us in the 88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony. Chanting the 88 Buddhas’ names is a practice that allows us to pay respect to all the Buddhas who have already attained enlightenment, repent on our misdeeds, reduce our false ego, and help us to see our true nature. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Meditation Classes

There will not be classes on February 16, in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Buddha Gate Monastery offers twelve-week classes of different levels in English and Chinese, from Leven I to Leven III and even 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 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 10:30 a.m., on February 11 and 18, 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 retreats are on March 4, 11 and 18 from 8:30 am to noon.

Lamp 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 2018 (January 1 to December 31).

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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January 2018

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Grace

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Words of Wisdom

The Buddha Dharma teaches us that our mind is the Dharma Realms; a dark mindset fills the entire Dharma Realm with darkness. There is both good and evil in our mind; however, within a single thought, the mind is enlightened, and the darkness of tens, hundreds and even thousands of years will be dispelled without a trace.

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

(For more words of wisdom)

佛法告訴我們，心就是法界，心黑暗，整個法界都黑暗。善與惡都在這念心，只要念頭一轉、心燈一照，過去幾十年、幾百年、幾千年的黑暗立刻消失得無影無蹤。

—惟覺安公老和尚法語

2018 Lunar New Year Blessing Ceremony

On Friday, February 16 from 11:00 to 11:50 A.M., 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.

Eighty-Eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

The eighty-eight Buddhas repentance liturgy was compiled from these two sutras: one is “Sutra of the Medicine King and Superior Medicine Bodhisattvas ” and the other is “The Sutra of the Great Accumulation of Treasures”. In the sutra, it is said that when you are mindful of the Buddha’s name, you will receive infinite blessings, when you sincerely bow to the Buddha, you will irradicate infinite misdeeds. On Sunday, February 25, from 9:30 to 12:00, join us in the 88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony. Chanting the 88 Buddhas’ names is a practice that allows us to pay respect to all the Buddhas who have already attained enlightenment, repent on our misdeeds, reduce our false ego, and help us to see our true nature. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Sign up for January Classes

The next series of twelve-week classes start January 6. Click here to sign up. There will not be classes on February 16, in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Bodhi Seed and Bodhi Youth Classes Start This Week

The next series of ten week Bodhi Seed children’s meditation classes starts Saturday, January 20 at 10:15 AM. It’s a great class for children ages 5 to 10 and is designed to help students discover their inner wisdom through meditation and Chan stories. The creatively designed curriculum consists of instructions on meditation techniques, Dharma talks, Buddhist/Chan stories, mind-developing activities, group discussions, and fun crafts.

For older students, the Bodhi Youth Class builds from the Bodhi Seed program, and is tailored to youth between the ages of 10 to 17. The class is held every other Friday night from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This session’s meeting dates are January 19; February 2; March 2, 16, and 30. (No class on February 16 because of the Lunar New Year). Parents welcome. Click here to sign up for either classes.

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 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 10:30 a.m., on January 14, 21, and 28, February 4, 11 and 18, is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.

Lamp Offering

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]November 2017[:]

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Grace

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Words of Wisdom

Giving praise to others help eliminate impure speech. Rejoicing in others’ success or good deeds overcomes our jealousy. If we all uphold pure speech, learn from and commend others’ merits, and practice charitable giving and kind words, our society will be filled with harmony.

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

(For more words of wisdom)

讚歎，能夠滅除我們的口過；隨喜，能夠去除我們的嫉妒心。假使每個人都能淨守口業，多觀察、學習別人的優點，多稱讚他人的長處，常行布施、愛語，這個社會就能充滿和諧。

—惟覺安公老和尚法語

The Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, November 19 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.

Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony

Please join us for the Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony taking place every day from December 24 to January 1. This is an opportunity for repentance, reflection, and forgiveness. Cleanse the improper karma of our past and welcome 2018 with a pure mind. The repentance liturgy will be recited each day in the morning and afternoon. Click here for the details and schedule.

Two-Day Chan Meditation Retreat

If you have completed the beginning meditation classes, we invite you to participate in the two-day meditation retreat on November 25 & 26 to further advance your meditation practice. Please wear meditation clothing for meditation retreats, they may be obtained at the monastery reception desk. Registration required; please contact the monastery to sign up. Please note that the monastery will be closed to visitors during the two day meditation retreat.

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 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 10:30 a.m., on Sundays, December 3, 10 & 17 is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]August 2017[:]

Posted on September 9, 2017 by Grace

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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

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 Classes

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.

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 Wednesdays and Sundays in August, is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]August Backup[:]

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Grace

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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

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 Classes

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.

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 Wednesdays and Sundays in August, is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors.

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]March 2017 Newsletter[:]

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Grace

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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)

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.

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 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.

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.

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]April 2017 Newsletter[:]

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Grace

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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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]June 2017 Newsletter[:]

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Grace

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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)

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

Half-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 26^th~28^th, 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.

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]July 2017 Newsletter[:]

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Grace

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Words of Wisdom

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

(For more words of wisdom)

—惟覺安公老和尚法語

Gratitude Ceremony on Medicine Buddha Sutra During Sangha Summer Retreat

88 Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

Sign up for September Classes

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

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

Bodhiseed Summer Retreat

Sign up now!

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

Meritorious Volunteering

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[:en]January 2017 Newsletter[:]

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Grace

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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)

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 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.

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 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.

Lamp Offering

Meritorious Volunteering

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