The Opening and Purification Ceremony for Great Dharma Chan Monastery in Colorado, USA

The Opening and Purification Ceremony for
Great Dharma Chan Monastery in Colorado, USA

Great Dharma Chan Monastery is the newest U.S. branch of Taiwan's Chung Tai Chan Monastery. The monastery is located in Boulder County, Colorado, on thirty-five acres with views of the nearby Flatirons and Rocky Mountains to the west. The beautiful setting and architecture were celebrated with an Opening and Purification Ceremony on October 27th, 2024.

Despite the monastery's opening to the public for various classes and activities since 2023, the Opening and Purification Ceremony was meticulously planned in conjunction with the formal visit by Venerable Master Jianying, Abbot of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, accompanied by other twelve Dharma masters. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Master Jianying and attended by approximately 450 individuals, including numerous local attendees and guests from other branches of Chung Tai in the United States.

The Purification Ceremony: Clarifying the Mind

In his opening remarks, Abbot Jianying extended a warm welcome to all guests, with a special greeting to those visiting the monastery for the first time. He proceeded to explain the significance of the purification ceremony and the unveiling of the buddha statues, which are part of the monastery's tradition. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the traditions and teachings of Buddhism, and encouraged all guests, whether newcomers or regulars, to engage and inquire about these aspects.

Furthermore, he elaborated on the subject of change. The concept of change encompasses not only the idea of impermanence, but also the understanding that everything in nature is essentially empty. The concept of emptiness does not imply a lack of substance or existence. Rather, it signifies a state of absence of a fixed entity, quality, or self. In today's interconnected world, no individual or entity controls everything. However, they can influence many aspects of the world. By embracing emptiness and developing a water-like mindset, we can contribute to creating a better world for all.

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  • 1 & 2. As the celebrant, Venerable Master Jianying explained the significance of the purification ceremony and the unveiling of the buddha statues.
  •       3. Approximately 450 individuals gathered to celebrate the Opening and Purification Ceremony of Great Dharma Chan Monastery.

In conclusion, the Abbot urged the audience to adhere to the principles of morality, including respect, gratitude, and the teaching that we should "do no harm, perform good deeds, and purify our mind." He also encouraged attendees to learn to be with themselves in a meditative way and to foster good-heartedness in their lives by participating in a supportive community such as that of the monastery.

Celebration of Honored Guests and Auspicious Performances

Other distinguished guests also delivered speeches on this occasion. The president of the monastery's Dharma Support Association, Mrs. Yat Chen Chou, welcomed all the honored guests and provided an overview of how various founding members collaborated for almost 20 years in helping to establish the monastery, emphasizing Abbot Jianying's pivotal role in making this project a reality.

Bill Huang, Director General of Taiwan's Consulate of the Embassy Office in the nearby city of Denver, also highlighted the monastery's suitability for meditation, particularly for those seeking inner peace. He proceeded to describe the importance of meditation in his own life and its role in achieving personal goals.

Following the morning ceremony, guests were escorted outdoors to the front of the monastery to view a performance by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu group from the Academy of Chinese Martial and Cultural Arts in Boulder. The group presented lively and colorful dragon and lion dances, utilizing the circular drive in front of the building as their stage. The performance was enhanced by the warm and sunny autumn weather, which provided an ideal setting for the event.

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  • 4 & 5. All guests enjoyed a performance by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu group from the Academy of Chinese Martial and Cultural Arts in Boulder.

Next, lunch boxes were distributed to all guests in the dining hall and beyond. Various live musical performances were presented during luncheon, including Chinese bottle gourd and zither, violin and cello, piano, and vocal performance. Lunch guests who spilled over into the meditation garden behind the monastery were greeted by a majestic bald eagle which skimmed the air just above them and then passed over the monastery roof.

In the afternoon, approximately 80 individuals participated in the Three Refuges and Five Precepts Transmission Ceremony, presided over by Venerable Master Jianying. Other activities of the day included a question-and-answer session with the Abbot for the monastery's volunteers, group photos, and offerings to the Abbot.

Mind Ground Method Established in Boulder, Colorado

This notable event, held in late October, was the result of considerable effort and commitment from numerous individuals. Over the past two decades, a group of dharma disciples has met regularly in the Denver metropolitan area to learn and practice together. With guidance from the Dharma masters of the Zen Center of Sunnyvale, California, these individuals have fostered connections and cultivated shared visions, which have ultimately led to the construction of this monastery in 2019, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Upon opening, the monastery quickly gained recognition among the general public, with regular visitors stopping by for tours. Its modern and clean exterior design, coupled with the spacious yet serene Chan Hall, are significant attractions in themselves. The landscaped areas surrounding the building feature a harmonious blend of Zen design elements and native prairie plantings, creating an ideal setting for those seeking to dedicate their lives to meditation and Buddhist studies.

Through the Opening and Purification Ceremony of Great Dharma Chan Monastery, along with Venerable Master Jianying's inspiring lecture, the mind ground method has firmly taken root in Boulder County, Colorado. The monastery provides an exceptional environment for meditation, cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom in its serene surroundings. This remarkable establishment not only enriches the local community but also serves as a sanctuary for individuals seeking peace and spiritual growth, embodying the profound teachings of Chan Buddhism.

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  • 6. Nearly 80 individuals participated in the Three Refuges and Five Precepts Transmission Ceremony.
  • 7. Venerable Master Jianying compassionately addressed the volunteers' questions.
  • 8. All the volunteers respectfully made offerings to the Abbot and joyfully took group photos.

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A Selection of English Publications on Buddhism from Chung Tai Chan Monastery

A Selection of English Publications on Buddhism from Chung Tai Chan Monastery

Chung Tai has translated and published a collection of Dharma teachings by the Founding Abbot Venerable Weichueh in English. Through this effort, we hope to spread the wise teachings and exemplary guidance of the Grand Master across the globe to benefit all sentient beings.

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