Newsletter May 2025 Issue NO.22

▌ RECENT NEWS

2025 Chan-Seven Spring Retreat for the Public at Chung Tai Chan Monastery

From January 30 to February 6, 2025, Chung Tai Chan Monastery held its annual Chan-7 Spring Retreat, led by Venerable Abbot Jianying. Nearly 900 participants from around the world, including Catholic monastics from Italy, gathered for intensive Chan meditation. The retreat featured teachings, meditation sessions, and daily rituals, guiding participants toward inner clarity and realization. Many left with renewed Dharma joy and a deepened commitment to applying their practice in everyday life.

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▌ BUDDHIST WISDOM

From Illusion to Awakening 

Cultivation is the journey toward enlightenment, moving from settling the delusive mind to awakening the true mind. Through meditation, we realize the emptiness of our original nature and see all worldly phenomena as illusions. We then continue practicing to maintain and nurture this mind of non-abidance in every moment.

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▌ CULTIVATOR'S CORNER

Taming The Mind, One Thought At A Time.

Clare Lin, Chung Tai Zen Center, Sunnyvale

Diligently practicing what she learned from the meditation classes, like different methods and reciting sutras, Clare Lin shares her experience to subdue the wandering mind and return to pure awareness. Such constant cultivation has brought welcoming changes in her life.

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▌ DHARMA STORY

Bhikshu Bao Tian -- 

A pure non-abiding mind is free of conceptualization.  Cultivating with such purity brings virtues and can lead to enlightenment. As the story tells, offering to the sangha made with the utmost sincere and pure mind can even turn seemingly-worthless stones into endless blessings.

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▌ VEGETARIAN EATING

Stir Fry Asparagus and Mushrooms 

This vibrant asparagus and mushroom dish is a quick, nutritious side that’s perfect for busy days. Add your favorite protein to turn it into a satisfying main! 

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