Walking Together to Create Peace: Chan Meditation Center and DDM Massachusetts Buddhist Association Participate in the Metta Convention

The Metta Convention, organized by the Metta Center, was held in the United States for the first time in 2026. Co-hosted with Empty Cloud Monastery, the convention invited Venerable Chang Hwa (常華法師), Director of Chan Meditation Center, and Venerable Chang Zhai (常齋法師), Deputy Director of Dharma Drum Mountain Massachusetts Buddhist Association, to participate. 

From July 18 to 19, more than 30 monastics from the Theravada, Tibetan, and Chinese Buddhist traditions, along with over 100 lay Buddhist practitioners participating both online and in person, gathered around this year’s theme: “Peacing it Together.” Guided by Buddhist teachings and practices, participants reflected how personal cultivation can extend into care and concern for society and the entire world. Through dialogues, questions, and discussions, participants shared insights and deepened their understanding and experience of Buddhism and spiritual practice.

Buddhism teaches us to know and see reality as it truly is. However, in an age filled with social media, AI-generated content, and widespread misinformation, how can we clearly see the reality through the fog of information without losing ourselves? In the final dialogue session, Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi, Venerable Chang Hwa, and Venerable Sudhamma discussed the topic of “Protecting the Truth.”

Venerable Chang Hwa pointed out that, in the rapidly advancing age of AI, the use of these tools has become unavoidable. The important question is how we can use and train these tools properly to support our work and even our study of the Dharma. The foundation, she emphasized, is first establishing right understanding and right view, so that we are not simply carried along by technology.

Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi approached the topic from a social perspective, reminding participants that when receiving information, we should look beyond the surface and recognize the deeper truths behind social issues. By setting aside narrow personal interests and working the problem from a concern for the well-being of all, we can engage in compassionate actions that benefit both ourselves and others.

During the group discussion sessions, participants explored themes ranging from cultivation to practical action, from individual practice to collective responsibility, and from tradition to modern life. Topics included “Personal Practice and Social Engagement,” “How to Build True Buddhist Community,” and “Balancing Tradition with Modernity in Buddhist Communities.” Through lively exchanges and thoughtful discussions, participants hoped to strengthen and ground their own practice while embodying the spirit of Metta—bringing stability and warmth to society and all sentient beings.

During the convention, Venerable Chang Zhai introduced the essentials of Chan practice and pre-requisites for Chan practice, thereby guiding participants to settle both body and mind through mindful awareness of the breath. Venerable Chang Hwa then introduced the two principal Chan meditation methods—Silent Illumination and Huatou—guiding participants to experience the unique strengths of each practice. Through the cultivation of Chan meditation, she encouraged everyone to see themselves and others as they truly are. In this way, even amidst the ever-changing flow of causes and conditions, we can relate to one another with compassion and wisdom.

In addition, during the opening dialogue titled “Inner Peace vs. Outer Peace,” Venerable Sobhana, Abbess of Empty Cloud Monastery, and Venerable Sudhamma from North Carolina shared an important insight: “inner” and “outer” are not polar opposites. Seeking inner peace does not mean escaping from undesirable conditions in the external world. Rather, it means no longer being wounded by the “second arrow” of our own ignorance and habitual patterns. Each choice and response in the present moment can become aligned with practice. In a world of rapid and constant change, to clearly recognize that the unwavering true mind and wisdom within are our genuine refuge.

The convention also invited Venerable Sumitta from Sri Lanka, who participated in “Walk for Peace,” to share how that journey helped inspire broader awareness of peace, loving-kindness, and compassion. In his talk “The Path of Peace,” Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi emphasized the importance of ethical discipline, quoting the Buddha’s teaching in the scriptures that “each of the Five Precepts is a gift and an act of generosity offered to all sentient beings.” “When one upholds even a single precept, one contributes immeasurable peace, safety, and well-being to countless beings. 

Reflecting on today’s unstable global situation, Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi noted that individuals, nations, and societies are deeply interconnected; it is not enough to seek only personal security and happiness. He sincerely expressed the aspiration that if people throughout the world could uphold the Five Precepts, the world would undergo a beautiful transformation.

The two-day convention began with blessings chanted by Theravada monastics and the recitation of the Great Compassion Mantra and Heart Sutra by Chinese Buddhist monastics. Many Theravada monastics expressed their deep appreciation, noting that sound-based practices transcend language barriers and can transmit peace and blessings to others.

The convention concluded in an atmosphere filled with gratitude and Dharma joy. Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi led participants in dedication of merit, encouraging everyone to bring this sense of joy and compassion into daily life, dedicating their wholesome aspirations toward the happiness of people and peace throughout the world.

Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi also praised Venerable Suddhaso and Venerable Soma, co-founders of Empty Cloud, for their dedication to sharing the Dharma. From a small meditation gathering in Manhattan to the establishment of Empty Cloud Monastery and finally the organization of the Metta Convention, their efforts have gradually matured through accumulated causes, conditions, merit, and virtue. Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi encouraged everyone not to underestimate the importance of nurturing wholesome roots and supportive conditions in practice, as these form the foundation for all future accomplishments.

Finally, gratitude was expressed to the Metta Center, Empty Cloud’s monastics, and all volunteers, whose efforts made this meaningful convention possible.


◎ Original text in Chinese: Venerable Chang Zhai (釋常齋)
◎ Photos: Metta Center and Empty Cloud
◎ Translation: Patricia Yang 
◎ Editing: Keith Brown