On May 7, 2025, Venerable Abbot Jianying of Chung Tai Chan Monastery was invited by National Taichung University of Science and Technology to deliver a speech titled “Three Life Views from Buddhist Wisdom for the AI Era.” The talk began at 3:30 p.m. and was held at the university’s International Conference Hall. This event drew nearly 200 enthusiastic participants, including the university president, faculty members, students, alumni, and guests.
To celebrate the 3052nd birthday of the fundamental teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, and to repay the profound kindness of the Founding Abbot, Grand Master Weichueh, Chung Tai Chan Monastery held the annul Buddha Bathing and Summer Sangha Retreat Gratitude Medicine Buddha Sutra Ceremony on May 3rd, 2025.
Nearly 14,000 disciples of the fourfold assembly joyfully gathered across eight ceremonial areas, including Perfect Illumination Lecture Hall, the Great Chan Hall, the Great Majesty Hall, and Prajna Lecture Hall.
During the ceremony, Venerable Abbot Jianying led the assembly in chanting sutras and bathing the Buddha in celebration of the Buddha’s virtues and in remembrance of the Grand Master’s profound compassion. In the afternoon, nearly 2,000 lay practitioners sincerely requested to receive the three refuges and the five precepts.
With unified resolve, the assembly has formally commenced the three-month Summer Sangha Retreat of daily gratitude and diligence practice. Through this dedicated cultivation, may the magnificent and pure merit repay the four kindnesses and relieve the suffering of the three wretched realms, guiding all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realms toward enlightenment.
Grand Master Weichueh was remembered at the memorial for his profound compassion and unwavering vow to liberate all beings—an enduring source of inspiration. His mind, speech, and actions were honored as the embodiment of a bodhisattva, with heartfelt gratitude expressed and a renewed commitment to follow the path he so clearly illuminated.
Through humble prostrations, we reflect and repent our past missteps and wrongdoings, turning inward with constant mindfulness to purify body, speech, and mind. In this practice, karmic obstacles dissolve, wisdom arises and a heartfelt vow to transform is born—honoring the radiant buddha nature that dwells within us all.
The architecture of Chung Tai Chan Monastery harmoniously integrates elements of art, culture and technology with the Dharma, and serves as a demonstration of the “Five Directions of Spreading Buddhism.” It was awarded the “Taiwan Architecture Award” in 2002, and the “International Award for Lighting Design” in 2003, writing a new page in 21st century Buddhist architecture.
Technology may give the illusion of closeness, but true connection is rooted in compassion and genuine care. The Buddha teaches the truth of causality—our actions shape our relationships. With this insight, we are inspired to cultivate wholesome affinities, planting seeds of kindness and harmony in the conditions we create with others.
Compassion is one of Buddhism’s fundamental tenets. Eating a vegetarian diet with the intention to save sentient beings helps us live gentler and purer lives. Here, we regularly share healthy vegetarian recipes so you can not only experience the joy of vegetarian eating, but also cultivate a more compassionate mind.
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