Words of Wisdom
“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)
4th of July Peace Ceremony
On Saturday, July 4, from 7:30pm to 8:10pm, Buddha Gate Monastery will host our annual 4th of July Peace Ceremony where we chant the Heart Sutra and make candlelight offerings to the Buddha, symbolizing the shattering of our ignorance and illuminating our inner wisdom. As the sun starts to set, we will make our pilgrimage climb up the hill to the Guan Yin statue and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bay Area fireworks. The climb represents the traditional practice of a mountain pilgrimage.
Medicine Buddha Gratitude Ceremony
On Sundays, June 28, July 26 and August 30, join us for the Medicine Buddha Gratitude Ceremony. The Medicine Buddha is associated with healing and the curing of illness, both physical and mental (of which delusion is the root cause) through the medicine of the Buddhist teachings. During the ceremony, we will chant the “Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata Original Vows and Merit Sutra.” We invite you to our vegetarian lunch after the ceremony.
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.
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 June 5, 12, and 19, 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. Meditation attire required; it can be obtained at the reception area.
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