Open House at Middle Land Chan Monastery, May 18, 2025
With a pure mind to share the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings, the Shifus and volunteers of Middle Land Chan Monastery opened their doors to the public on a cool Sunday morning, welcoming guests for a special Open House event.
Upon arrival, visitors were greeted with warm smiles and a card outlining the four stops of their self-guided tour. The first stop, “The Path and Our Origins”, offered a brief introduction to Middle Land, its spiritual roots in Chung Tai Chan Monastery, the legacy of the founding Grand Master Weichueh, the guidance of the current Abbot, Master Jianying, and the tradition of Chan-7 meditation retreats.
Guests then enjoyed a Chinese tea service with delicious refreshments while mingling with volunteers. Here, they had the opportunity to hear personal stories about the meditation classes and ask questions about the path of Chan practice.
At the next stop, participants entered the serene Chan Hall for a guided meditation session—an immersive experience that gave them a taste of the stillness and clarity cultivated through Chan. Many lingered afterward to enjoy the tranquil grounds and the warm hospitality of fellow practitioners.
To complete the journey, guests made a lamp offering at the altar and filled out wishing cards with their heartfelt aspirations. Along the way, they collected stamps from each stop, which they could exchange for a keepsake: a keychain and fob containing words of Dharma wisdom from Chung Tai’s founding Abbot.
By noon, the warmth and enthusiasm of the volunteers seemed to lift the overcast sky, bringing out the sun so brightly that tables were moved under the shade of the majestic Jacaranda trees. Many guests signed up for upcoming meditation classes, stayed to chat with the Dharma Masters, and browsed through the free literature and videos available.
It was a rewarding day for all. Volunteers came together with wholehearted effort to sow the seeds of the Dharma, welcoming guests with open arms, helping them see how Buddhism can enrich their lives, and most importantly, strengthening the bonds of a compassionate and growing community.
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Chief Event Coordinator - Adriana Argueta
Our recent monastery's Open House was more than just an event—it was a beautiful expression of community. From the moment the doors opened, there was a sense of anticipation and joy as familiar faces mingled with newcomers exploring our site and showing genuine curiosity.
One of the most powerful moments was seeing people from different walks of life come together, sharing stories while participating in the tea ceremony and volunteers enthusiastically explaining the rich history of Chung Tai Chan Monastery and the rich life of its founder, Grand Master Wei Chueh. It reminded me how the monastery is not just a building, but a living, breathing body of believers offering love, support, and hope through the profound wisdom of the Buddha.
Throughout the afternoon we had the chance to showcase our monastery in many ways — youth and adult activities, Chan Buddhism and meditation classes, 20 minute meditation sessions for the guests to participate in and lastly, lamp lighting offering. Many guests expressed genuine interest in the monastery resulting in just about every newcomer signing up for the meditation classes. This is the result of the warm hospitality offered by every member who participated and the spirit of openness and welcoming shown to every guest.
As I reflect on this day, let this open house not be a one-time gesture, but a regular practice—opening not just our doors, but our hearts.
Chief Event Coordinator -Jason Ng
The open house at Middle Land Chan Monastery on Sunday, May 18, 2025 was terrific. As a volunteer, it was pleasant to get together with classmates again, as well as other students in the other classes, to share our experiences with potential newcomers.
Receptionist - Stephanie Burnham
Every time I walk into Middle Land Chan Monastery, I get a feeling of peace and calm and who wouldn’t want to share that feeling with others. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to do that while volunteering at both open house events at Middle Land Chan Monastery over the weekend. I was happy I could help spread that joy to others in our community. I hope that myself and the other volunteers were able to convey the welcome feeling that always envelops me as I pass through the gate of the monastery as we start a new session of meditation classes.
Tea Ceremony - Linda Liu
Participating as a volunteer in the open house for meditation class orientation held on 5/18, was a deeply fulfilling and eye-opening experience. As I worked alongside other volunteers to prepare the venue and welcome participants, I felt a strong sense of unity and shared purpose.
From early preparations to the closing of the event, every volunteer contributed with sincerity and mindfulness. Whether it was setting up chairs, guiding guests, or offering tea, everyone did their part with a quiet joy and sense of service. Being part of this team effort helped me see how every small task, when done with heart, becomes part of the practice.
Abbess reminded us why we are all here, not just to listen to the Dharma; but to transform our hearts and cultivate compassion. Seeing the new participants walk in with curiosity and openness made me feel grateful to be a small part of their beginning on this path.
This experience reminded me that being a volunteer is not separate from being a practitioner. In fact, it is an extension of the path, learning to let go of self-centeredness, practicing patience, and offering what we can; however small, for the benefit of others.
I ended the day with a heart full of gratitude. Serving in this way deepened my own commitment to practice, and strengthened my connection with the Sangha. I look forward to continuing this journey together, step by step, in both meditation and service.