Thanksgiving

When celebrating Thanksgiving, remember that as Buddhists, we should turn our grateful minds to our family and friends, our country, our co-workers and the interdependent world in which we all live. We are thankful for abundant food but we must also try to avoid waste. We can show our gratitude by giving back to others through sharing, charity, and offerings. Many of us who were raised in America in other faiths probably ate many traditional meals where a turkey was the center of the celebration. This year, uphold the precepts by being vegetarian, set an example for others, and try "tofurkey" instead.

Chung Tai Museum Opening – October 3, 2009

With the help of faithful supporters all over the world, Chung Tai Museum held its grand opening on October 3, 2009. Many precious pieces, some previously concealed by the dust of the earth or hidden in the dark corners of history, have resurfaced under bright lights. They lead us into the great hall of Buddhist art, and plant in our minds the bodhi seeds of awareness that will bloom into full enlightenment. (read more)

Ongoing Meditation and Buddhism Classes: The Fall Session of beginning and advanced Buddhism classes and meditation sessions have already begun. You can still enroll. Go to Classes to check the schedule. The classes are free, ongoing, and open to the public.

2009 Bodhi Seed Summer Camp

From August 3rd to 7th, 80 students ranging from ages 5 to 15 arrived at the Buddha Gate Monastery to attend the one week Bodhi Seed Summer Camp. Many learned about Buddhist practices and how to meditate for the first time. In addition, they enjoyed recreational programs such as gymnastics, mosaic making, calligraphy, candle making, tie-dye shirt making, scout’s training, and other fun crafts and activities. To make the camp enriching, safe, and memorable, there were almost as many diligently working volunteers as students. Children built lasting friendships, developed a better sense of their moral compass, and had a fantastic time! Also, Lamorinda Weekly published an article regarding the summer camp. To watch a highlight video, click here:

Inauguration of Pu Tai Senior High School

Amid much celebration Pu Tai Senior High School was inaugurated and the first entering class was introduced in September of 2009. The Pu Tai Schools borrow their motto from Chung Tai Chan Monastery: “To our elders be respectful; To our juniors be kind; With all humanity be harmonious; In all endeavors be true”. The Schools provide an excellent environment to produce accomplished and ethically responsible pillars of society. The inauguration was held in the High School’s spectacular new gymnasium and was attended by officials from both Taiwan and China. (read more)

Medicine Buddha Gratitude Ceremony

On September 13, hundreds of people attended the final Medicine Buddha Gratitude Ceremony. The Abbess concluded the ceremony with a Dharma talk and recognized the members of the Dharma Support Society. (view photos)

Mid-Autumn Festival

On September 26, friends and members of the Dharma Support Society gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. We enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner and festive performances. (view photos)

Gratitude: Recognizing, Appreciating and Repaying Kindness

Cited from the Grand Master Wei Chueh’s Dharma Talk

Buddha says we should endeavor to repay the four types of kindness. Therefore, we must first recognize kindnesses, and then appreciate them, and only then, can we repay the kindnesses through our own actions. First we should recognize the many kindnesses of:

• the Three Jewels,
• our parents and teachers,
• our society and country,
• all sentient beings.

When we are able to acknowledge that our parents, teachers, countries, all sentient beings and we, ourselves, are all interdependent in this world, it’s called, “recognition.”  When we can truly recognize this fact, we will give rise to a grateful mind. Moreover, we will sincerely want to take positive actions to repay these many kindnesses. (read more)

The practice of Dedication of Merits is chanted by the Buddha Gate Monastery assembly during ceremonies and at the conclusion of every meditation class. What are the merits we are dedicating, and to whom are they directed? (read more)

Lily Chou is one of the many diligent and dedicated volunteers who work in the kitchen at Buddha Gate Monastery. These volunteers perform a vital function in the daily life at the monastery. Lily is a grandmother who traveled an interesting road to her work here at Buddha Gate. (read more)

Arhats have many names: sometimes Luohan or Aluohan in Chinese, and Saints or Sages in English. Arhats are people who have attained enlightenment and renounced their false egos. At their level, all vexations have ended, the cycle of rebirth has broken, and so they enter Nirvana.

There was once a famous Arhat named Ajita, also known as "The Arhat Riding a Deer.” When Ajita decided to seek enlightenment, he left the employ of his king, and went to the mountains to become a monk. After reaching enlightenment, he rode back to the palace on a deer. He was immediately recognized by the guards, and brought before the king. When Ajita taught the king the Dharma, the king decided to renounce his throne to his son, and follow Ajita back to the mountains to become a monk himself. To show his gratitude and share his learning, the former king also returned to spread the Dharma message; enabling sufferers in his kingdom to also find liberation.

Vegetarian cuisine can be not only delicious and easy, but affordable and healthy! Please try our selection this month of Coconut Curry Stir Fry.