Category: News and Announcements

2015 May Newsletter2015 May Newsletter

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Words of WisdomPicture1

“Be mindful of the buddha of our original nature. Read the sutra that is wordless.” Whether we are chanting the Buddha’s name or reciting a sutra, the purpose is to overcome our afflictions and ignorance. What is most important is to realize that there is a wordless sutra within each of us—our intrinsic, pure awareness.

所謂「念佛有個自性佛，誦經有卷無字經」，念佛和誦經都是在對治我們的煩惱、無明。最重要的是要明白自心當中有卷無字經—本具的覺性。

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

(For more words of wisdom)

Picture2Buddha’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.

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2015 Medicine Buddha Gratitude Ceremony During the Sangha Summer Retreat

From May 24 to August 30, Buddha Gate Monastery invites all Dharma friends and disciples to join us in the daily recitation of the Sutra of the Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata and help us observe the Sangha Summer Retreat. To learn more about the Sangha Summer Retreat, click here.

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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 Sunday, May 31 and Jun. 7, 14, and 21 from 8:30 am to noon.

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.

Copyright © 2015 Buddha Gate Monastery. All Rights Reserved.

2015 April Newsletter2015 April Newsletter

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News and Announcements

Words of WisdomPicture1

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)

IMG_8882Guan 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.

Picture2Buddha’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.

Sign Up

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.

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 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.

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.

2015 March Newsletter2015 March Newsletter

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Words of Wisdom

Maintain a mind that is clear, lucid, still, and free from discrimination. A mind of stillness is samadhi. A mind of Picture1clarity and reason is wisdom. The oneness of samadhi and wisdom is the supreme bodhi mind.

這念心不生分別，保持不動，要清楚、要明白。不動就是定，清楚明白就是慧，定慧不二的這念心就是無上菩提心。

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)

Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, March 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.

Sign up for Classes Now!

Sign Up

The next series of twelve week classes starts April 7. Click here to sing 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.

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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., is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. Dates: Sunday, March 1, 8, 15 and April 19.

Meritorious Volunteering

Volunteers form an important part of the Buddha Gate community. They help the monastery by maintaining the buildings and grounds, working in the kitchen, and preparing for the various ceremonial events. By generously offering their time to support the monastery, volunteers accumulate blessings and experience the profound joy of helping others. Moreover, volunteers learn to work harmoniously with others, practice tolerance, patience, and compassion, thereby developing the Chan state of mind and applying it toward everyday life. This month, the meritorious volunteering dates are: Sunday, March 1, 8, 15 and April 19.. All are welcome!

Copyright © 2015 Buddha Gate Monastery. All Rights Reserved.

2015 February Newsletter2015 February Newsletter

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Words of Wisdom

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Be mindful each moment. Do not dwell in the past, present or future. The past is past, to linger on it is pointless. The future has yet to come, to speculate on it is wishful thinking. To worry about the present is to be trapped in fleeting, inconsequential thoughts.
要堅住這念心，不要讓它跑掉了，不要想過去、不要想現在、不要想未來。過去的已經過去了，再想也沒有用；未來的事情還沒到，也是妄想；想現在的事，這個心又成了生滅。

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Chinese New Year Celebration and Eighty-Eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

On Sunday, February 22 from 9:30 am to noon, Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to celebrate the Lunar New Year and participate in the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony. The Abbess will led the congregation 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.Picture1

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. For the New Year, we invite you to make a Buddha Lamp Offering for a period of one year (January 1 to December 31). Please contact Buddha Gate for more information.

Sign Up

Bodhi Youth Class For Children Ages 11 to 17

In response to many requests from parents, Buddha Gate Monastery started its first youth class for children ages 11 to 17. The Bodhi Youth class builds from the Bodhi Seed program and broadens its curriculum to an older group of students.  The class meets every other Friday night (2/13, 2/27, 3/6, 3/20) to meditate, learn about Buddhism, and practice applying its wisdom at home, school, and with friends. This engaging class is led by Venerable Master Jian Sheng, our Abbess.

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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., is open to everyone and ideal for first-time visitors. Dates: January 18 & 25, February 1, 8 & 15

Meritorious Volunteering

Volunteers form an important part of the Buddha Gate community. They help the monastery by maintaining the buildings and grounds, working in the kitchen, and preparing for the various ceremonial events. By generously offering their time to support the monastery, volunteers accumulate blessings and experience the profound joy of helping others. Moreover, volunteers learn to work harmoniously with others, practice tolerance, patience, and compassion, thereby developing the Chan state of mind and applying it toward everyday life. This month, the meritorious volunteering dates are: January 18 & 25, February 1, 8 & 15. All are welcome!

Copyright © 2015 Buddha Gate Monastery. All Rights Reserved.

2014 December Newsletter2014 December Newsletter

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Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony

Please join us for the Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony taking place every day from December 28 to January 3. (Click on the daily schedule in English or Chinese). This is an opportunity for repentance, reflection, and forgiveness. Cleanse the improper karma of our past and welcome 2015 with a pure mind. The repentance liturgy will be recited each day in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Click here for more details.

2015 New Year Blessing Ceremony

We invite you to participate in the 2015 New Year Blessing Ceremony on January 1st at 9:30 AM. The ceremony helps us to learn from the past and work on the right causes in the present. The striking of the bell at the end of the ceremony calls for the awakening from our delusions and liberation of all sentient beings. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Transmission of Three Refuges: Thursday, January 1, 2015 at 9:30 am

To formally become a Buddhist, one must take refuge in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, which can provide us with the right direction and wisdom in eradicating the obstacles to Enlightenment. On behalf of our founding Abbot, Grand Master WeiChueh, the Zen Center Abbot JianYing Shifu will transmit the Three Refuges at 9:30 am on January 1, 2015. If you are interested in taking the Three Refuges, please contact Buddha Gate Monastery for an application.

Sign up for Classes Now!

The next series of twelve week classes starts January 12. Click here to sing 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.

Sign Up

New! Bodhi Youth Class for Children Ages 11 to 17

In response to many requests from parents, Buddha Gate Monastery is starting its first youth class for children ages 11 to 17. The Bodhi Youth class builds from the Bodhi Seed program and broadens its curriculum to an older group of students.  The class meets every other Friday night to meditate, learn about Buddhism, and practice applying its wisdom at home, school, and with friends. This engaging class is led by Venerable Master Jian Sheng, our Abbess.

Picture1Lamp 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. For the New Year, we invite you to make a Buddha Lamp Offering for a period of one year (January 1 to December 31).

Please contact Buddha Gate for more information.

Chinese New Year Celebration and Eighty-eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony

On Sunday, February 22 from 9:30 am to noon, Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to celebrate the Lunar New Year and participate in the Eighty-eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony. The Abbess will led the congregation 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.

Food Drive

Food Drive

This holiday season, Buddha Gate Monastery is conducting a Vegetarian Food Drive to benefit our local Food Bank. In these difficult economic times, please consider giving generously to those less fortunate. Thank you for your support! 

Food donations must be non-perishable (i.e., rice, pasta, canned goods) and not expired. Ingredients such as alcohol, meat, seafood, eggs, gelatin, rennet, garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, chives, Chinese chives, and cilantro are not recommended.

 

2015 January Newsletter2015 January Newsletter

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Words of Wisdom

We should act mindfully, knowing when to advance and when to retreat. If we do not advance when conditions are right, we lose opportunities. If we do not retreat when it is time, we invite disgrace. Making the right decision requires wisdom.

做人做事要知進知退，假使該進的時候不進，就坐失良機; 該退時不退，就自取其辱。要了解什麼時節該進、什麼時節該退，就要靠智慧去掌握。

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh
(For more words of wisdom)

Classes Start This Week!

Sign Up

The next series of twelve week classes starts January 12. Click here to sign up.

Buddha Gate Monastery offers 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.

New! Bodhi Youth Class For Children Ages 11 to 17

In response to many requests from parents, Buddha Gate Monastery is starting its first youth class for children ages 11 to 17. The Bodhi Youth class builds from the Bodhi Seed program and broadens its curriculum to an older group of students.  The class meets every other Friday night to meditate, learn about Buddhism, and practice applying its wisdom at home, school, and with friends. This engaging class is led by Venerable Master Jian Sheng, our Abbess.

One Stick of Incense

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

Dates: January 18 & 25, February 1, 8 & 15

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Chinese New Year Celebration and Eighty-Eight Buddhas Repentance CeremonyOn Sunday, February 22 from 9:30 am to noon, Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to celebrate the Lunar New Year and participate in the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Repentance Ceremony. The Abbess will led the congregation 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.

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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. For the New Year, we invite you to make a Buddha Lamp Offering for a period of one year (January 1 to December 31).

Please contact Buddha Gate for more information.

LIANG HUANG JEWELED REPENTANCE CEREMONY

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Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony

The Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance liturgy was written and compiled in the Southern Liang Dynasty (502-557) in China by the famous Chan Master Zhi Gong at the request of Emperor Wu.

One night, a few months after the death of his Queen Chishi, Emperor Wu heard some rattling noise outside his bedroom as he was getting ready for bed. When he peeked outside his bedroom door, he saw a big boa constrictor staring at him. Surprised and frightened, the Emperor said to the snake, “This is a stately court, a place of majesty and decorum, hardly a place for a snake to hang out.” The snake said, “Your Majesty, I was your queen Chishi. I am now reborn as a snake because in my past life, out of anger, jealousy, self-indulgence, and cruelty, I destroyed many things and harmed many lives. Now I have nothing to eat and no cave to hide. Most painfully, I am constantly being bitten by the many insects living under my scales. It is out of desperation that I come to seek help from your Highness, hoping through the merits of your Majesty, I can escape this vile body.” Then the snake disappeared.

The next day Emperor Wu consulted with Chan Master Zhi Gong. The Master said, “The karma obstacles of the former Queen must be cleansed by repentance and prostrations to the Buddha.” The Emperor then asked the Master to compile a list of Buddhas’ names, and to write the text of repentance based on the sutras. The Master compiled a repentance liturgy that was ten volumes long. The Emperor then followed the liturgy and made repentance on behalf of his queen. One day, as he was getting ready to chant, he smelled a sweet fragrance in the room. When he looked up, he saw a person of grace and beauty standing before him. The person said, “By the grace of your Majesty’s sincere repentance on my behalf, I am now reborn as a heavenly being in the Trayastrimsa Heaven. I come especially to thank your Highness.” Then the person disappeared.

The fascinating story behind the origin of the Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance demonstrates the power of reflecting on our wrongdoings, accepting responsibility for them and repenting with whole-hearted earnestness. The courage to repent and reform immediately brings peace and blessings to us.