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| "How can we change our fate? First, harbor remorse for our offenses; second, exercise patient forbearance; third, practice virtue to dispel evil; last, apply the Dharma principles to turn knowledge into wisdom." |
Please join us for the Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony taking place from December 27 to January 3. The Liang Huang liturgy was compiled for Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty to relieve the intense suffering of his wife, Empress Chi, who, after a lifetime of anger, jealousy, greed, and ignorance was reborn as a python. By leading a virtuous and meritorious life, making repentance, and paying homage to the Buddha, the Emperor succeeded in having his wife reborn into heaven. Through this opportunity for repentance, reflection, and forgiveness, we are able to cleanse the improper karma of the past year and welcome 2010 with a pure mind. The repentance liturgy will be recited each day in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Click here for the schedule in English or in Chinese.
We invite you to participate in the 2010 New Year Blessing Ceremony taking place on the morning of January 1st. The ceremony encourages 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. |
At Buddha Gate Monastery, between 12 and 15 classes on meditation and Buddhism are provided in English and Chinese during any normal week.
- All classes provide instruction in meditation and Buddhist concepts. They are organized in twelve week semesters (spring, summer and fall) and are open to the public. Everyone is welcome. The classes are completely free; there is no “fee” or “suggested donation.” The classes and the Monastery are funded by individual donors and unsolicited contributions. These reflect the Buddhist concept of dana: sincere giving without expectation of anything in return.
Buddha Gate’s next series of classes starting in 2010 will begin soon:
- The 29th term starts on January 18 and runs through April 10.
- The 30th term begins on April 26 and runs through July 17.
- The 31st term starts on September 10 and continues until December 4.
Anyone can sign up for classes at the BGM website or call the monastery at (925) 934- 2411. Read more about the classes or view the schedule.
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In October and November Buddha Gate Monastery recited The Diamond of Perfect Wisdom Sutra (The Diamond Sutra) during the monthly ceremonies. (view pictures)
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This fall, the children in the Bodhi Seed Class learned about many of the issues in our environment such as chemical contamination, noise pollution, and global warming. While having fun, they explored ways to help our planet and all sentient beings. (view pictures)
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 Everything we perceive and experience is, in essence, created by our own mind. The creation of good or evil, buddhahood or suffering is determined by the mind. The mind is like the ocean, which can carry or capsize boats. We can, if we choose, create bad karma through poor thinking patterns. If we wish to eradicate bad karma through repentance, we should remove these thoughts, replacing them with positive and useful thoughts. By cultivating virtue and turning our back on evil, we can change our own karma. Read a story about an ancient king’s repentance and good deeds.
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 “Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world.
By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased.
This is a law eternal.”
~The Dhammapada
Compassion is one of the fundamental qualities of a Buddhist practitioner. Without compassion toward other sentient beings, one becomes self-centered and easily irritated. From irritation comes annoyance, from annoyance comes resentment, from resentment comes anger and hatred, which in turn lead to conflict, fights and even wars.
When we are self-centered, the false ego is reinforced, and we are further away from enlightenment. When we are easily irritated, are bitter about our situation in life, or are often angry about many things, we are unpleasant to be with and will lose friends. Furthermore, this anger tortures no one more than ourselves.
Compassion and kindness are the medicines that overcome the poison of anger. Therefore, the development of compassion is an important task for all Buddhist practitioners. We now introduce an important meditation method for developing our compassion toward all people.
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 had studied both Eastern philosophy and Christian tradition, and practiced Zen meditation for 18 years before she found Buddha Gate. Her contributions are now deeply woven into the regular classes and ceremonies at the monastery and she has shared her rich story and experience in this interview.
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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 been ended, the cycle of rebirth has been broken, and they attain Nirvana.
Rahula was the son of Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha. With compassion, Buddha used a wise metaphor to teach Rahula the serious consequences of lying. We can learn from the wise Sage Rahula to be true and honest in our cultivation. Read the story of Rahula.
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 Pledge to be vegetarian at least one day a week and make a positive change for your health, the environment, and the humane treatments of animals. By refraining from eating any living creatures at least one day a week, every week, you will lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, save the lives of animals, and reduce your contribution to global warming. For more information, find us on Facebook at http://groups.to/goveggie. Also, try some the delicious vegetarian online recipes at Buddha Gate Monastery.
Be kind to your body. Be kind to the animals. Be kind to our planet!
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