INTENSIVE CH’AN AT TATHAGATA MONASTERY

On June 15th a one week intensive Ch'an session commenced at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Participants ranged from those who were sitting a session for the first time to those who have sat intensive sessions for years. Each day commenced at 2:45. By 3 AM everyone had gathered in the hall to make obeisance to the Triple Jewel. Fifteen minutes of walking and a short run then proceeded the first hour sit. Alternate periods of sitting and walking continued throughout the day with an instructional talk by a member of the Sangha being given prior to lunch. Breakfast was served for those who wished it. Sitting began again following the noon meal and at 2 PM an instructional talk was given by the Venerable Master Hua, or by visiting lecturer Elder Master Hui Seng, or by other members of the Sangha.

Each evening the Venerable Master expounded the Ten Grounds Chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra. Following the lecture the sitting and walking meditation continued until midnight when obeisance was made once more to the Triple Jewel. Silence was maintained at all times in the hall and strongly encouraged when going to and from sleeping quarters as well. Many participants experienced decisive benefits to their cultivation during the week. The next intensive Ch'an session at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas will commence August 21st and last for one week. **Shown below is the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas**

ANNOUNCING THE FOURTH COMING SIXTH PATRIARCH'S SUTRA

   This is the second edition of the first commentary to The Sixth Patriarch's Dharma Jewel Platform Sutra ever to express the essence of the Sixth Patriarch's Heart. Since the time the Great Master spoke this Sutra, no other commentary has revealed his basic principles, the Dharma of his heart. Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua's commentary unfolds the Heart Dharma, the mind-seal, before the reader.

   If you wish to understand the wonderful meaning of this Sutra, you should study this commentary, for within it are set forth the limitless, inexhaustible, profound principles of the Buddhadharma. Among Western and Eastern peoples it is the flower of wisdom, the real fruit of Bodhi.

   Essentially, the mind-seal cannot be spoken or expressed in writing, but in his commentary the Master has done just that, using numerous analogies and expedient devices to cause people to understand what they have never understood before.

   The Master upholds firmly the orthodox Dharma, for the Dharma he teaches proceeds from direct and authoritative transmission, and he works unceasingly for the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. This lively commentary constitutes the first authentic transmission to the West of the mind-seal of all Buddhas which has passed in unbroken Patriarchal succession from Shakyamuni Buddha to the present day. We present this volume as the foundation for the flourishing of the Buddhadharma in the West.

SINO-AMERICAN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION

GOLD MOUNTAIN MONASTERY

1731 FIFTEENTH STREET

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103

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