DDM Silicon Valley Center Opens — Abbot President Personally Attends to Offer Blessings

On August 16, Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Bay Area Center held the grand opening ceremony for its new Silicon Valley Center in San Francisco South Bay.  DDM Abbot Venerable Guo Huei (果暉法師) made a special trip from Taiwan to USA to personally attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and offer his blessings. The Abbot President expressed his hope that the Silicon Valley Center will uphold the ideal of  Protecting the Spiritual Environment of the DDM founder, Master Sheng Yen, as well as provide compassion and wisdom through Buddhist teachings, bringing the benefits of meditation practice in daily life to those in need.

The Abbot President pointed out that Silicon Valley gathers top talents from around the world. Dharma Drum Mountain has the responsibility to use the Dharma and meditation practice to help people relieve the pressures of life and work while inspiring spiritual growth. He also hopes that everyone will spread positive energy to others, thereby allowing compassion and wisdom to reach every corner of the world.

Nearly 200 guests attended the opening ceremony, including Cupertino Mayor Liang-fang Chao (趙良方), Deputy Director Yung-chang Chu (朱永昌) of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, and several Dharma Drum Mountain representatives of Dharma supporters, such as Huang Chu-chi (黃楚琪), President of DDM Honorary Board of Directors.  

Mayor Chao presented a certificate of appreciation to the Abbot President on behalf of the city's residents. She stated that Dharma Drum Mountain's establishment of a Silicon Valley Center would enrich the area's cultural diversity and activities, while also providing stress relief and spiritual support for those living the fast-paced lifestyle of Silicon Valley.

Deputy Director Chu expressed how, since its founding, Dharma Drum Mountain has always aimed to "uplift the character of humanity and build a pure land on earth," promoting four kinds of environmentalism, protecting the spiritual, social, living, and natural environments. He believes that the establishment of this new center Dharma Drum Mountain will offer the community a variety of courses in Buddhism and meditation, helping residents to calm their minds and bodies.

The DDM San Francisco Bay Area Center explained that the newly established Silicon Valley Center will serve as a hub for promoting meditation and Chan arts. It already offers regular programs such as reading groups, scripture copying, flower arrangement, photography, and meditation. Additionally, it hosts Dharma talks and Chan-in-daily-life events, aiming to integrate Chan practice into daily life through peaceful mind, body, family, and activities. Ultimately, it aims to work toward purifying society.

Many Western attendees also participated in the opening ceremony. One local attendee, Mark, stated that he had long been searching for a place to learn meditation and find inner peace, and he was delighted to have discovered the new Silicon Valley Center. Over 60 volunteers from the San Francisco Bay Area Center contributed to the success of the opening ceremony. Many said, "It was joyful to be busy and fulfilling to be tired."




Original text in Chinese: 趙果修
Photos: Chung Fan/Sean Lin
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown