On January 25th of this year, the Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Branch held a Lunar New Year blessing event with the theme “Power of Great Aspiration” in Fremont. The event attracted over five hundred participants, creating a vibrant and peaceful atmosphere where people gathered to pray for blessings and welcome the new year.
The event started at 10 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m., featuring two blessing ceremonies in the main hall, as well as two elder blessing rituals. Additionally, the Guanyin Hall had various Lunar New Year booths offering activities such as calligraphy of couplets, experiencing the happiness meditation, wellness tea drinks, wishing tree DIY, and creative towel art, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the joy and fun of the festival.
On that day, Vice Supervisor of Dharma Drum Sangha University in Taiwan, Master Chang Kuan, Vice Abbot of the San Francisco Branch Ven. Chang Hsiang, Ven. Chang Hsing, and Ven. Yen Ch’i were present to welcome the attendees and lead the blessing ceremonies and elder rituals.
Master Chang Kuan expressed to the media that their philosophy aims to elevate people’s quality of life through spiritual environmental protection, building a pure land in the human realm. He highlighted the importance of mental well-being and happiness over material pleasures, which not only benefits individuals but also has a positive impact on the environment. To assist attendees, the Dharma Drum Mountain Branch provides meditation courses ranging from half-day to 21 days.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Branch has positively influenced the physical and mental health of the public, attracting an increasing number of followers. Considering the vast range of the Bay Area, a new branch was established in Cupertino to better serve the community and facilitate accessibility for the devotees.
The event also saw the presence of esteemed guests including Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Vice Mayor Desrie Campbell, Council Members Teresa Keng, and Kathy Kimberlin, along with the 2024 Hua Yuan Committee Chairperson Chen Chao-quan and his spouse, who graced the occasion.
Mayor Salwan believes that Buddhist meditation and chanting will cultivate peace and happiness within Fremont, encouraging deeper exploration of Buddhism and meditation practices among residents. He sees these practices not only as stress-relieving methods but also as pathways to inner peace, connecting individuals with higher spiritual energies. He pledged full support for the Dharma Drum Mountain Branch and aims to raise awareness about this beautiful temple.
Fremont’s newly elected Council Member Teresa Keng, who previously served as a school board trustee in the district, and as a busy working mother of two, expressed her first-time visit to the Dharma Drum Mountain Branch as a serendipitous discovery. She emphasized the significance of Buddhist culture as an integral part of Chinese heritage, especially in today’s fast-paced technological society where people need relaxation time. Keng stressed that meditation and Buddhist culture hold vital importance for modern individuals, hoping to engage in more related activities and promote traditional Chinese culture to a wider audience.
She also noted the significant population of Chinese residents in the area, suggesting a need for increased Chinese representation in political affairs. With her background in district services and business, Keng believes she can better serve the community and inspire leadership among individuals regardless of their occupation, starting with small actions that impact those around them.
During the midday period, Dharma Drum Mountain held a Peace Offering event, allowing participants to offer lamps and flowers, as well as providing blessing bags and family portrait photography sessions to create a warm festive ambiance. An elderly female attendee with over a decade of meditation experience shared that meditation effectively relaxes her mind and body.
To better accommodate devotees in the South Bay area, the Dharma Drum Mountain Silicon Valley Center is scheduled to open on February 18, 2025, located at 20111 Stevens Creek Blvd., #245, Cupertino, CA 95014. Residents of South Bay are welcomed to visit and learn more about the center at that time.