On August 16th last Saturday, the grand opening ceremony of the Dharma Drum Mountain Silicon Valley Center located at the Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Branch in Cupertino was held. The Abbot of Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan, Master Guo Hui, specially attended to preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with nearly two hundred guests and believers present at the scene to witness this significant moment.
The distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Jason Chu, Cupertino Mayor Liangfang Zhao, the founders of Saplings Montessori International School, Mr. and Mrs. Chaoquan Chen, and the President of the Board of Directors of Dharma Drum Mountain, Chuchi Huang. Mrs. Xin Yuan Su, wife of the Ambassador to the Holy See, was one of the emcees for the ceremony, creating a solemn and warm atmosphere.
The ceremony began by reviewing the development process of Dharma Drum Mountain in San Francisco: spreading teachings in Millbrae since 2003, establishing a branch in Sunnyvale in 2007, upgrading the Fremont chapter to a center in 2016 with resident Dharma teachers, and in February of this year, trial operations began at the Silicon Valley Center in Cupertino, focusing on introductory courses in mindful living such as Zen meditation. A video showcasing the construction process of the Silicon Valley Center was also presented on-site.
Master Guo Hui pointed out that Silicon Valley gathers top talents from around the world, and Dharma Drum Mountain has a responsibility to help the local people relieve the pressures of life and work through Buddhism and meditation, encouraging spiritual growth. At the same time, he expressed hope that these talents would bring positive energy to more people, spreading compassion and wisdom throughout the world.
Mayor Liangfang Zhao of Cupertino, in her speech, emphasized that while the residents in the area may lead prosperous lives, they face immense pressures in work and life, urgently needing spiritual support. She commended the Silicon Valley Center as being an essential spiritual and cultural resource for the community, and on behalf of the city government, presented a certificate of gratitude to Master Guo Hui.
Director-General Jason Chu highlighted that the establishment of Dharma Drum Mountain will bring rich Buddhist studies, meditation, and mindful living courses to the community, helping residents stabilize their minds and bodies. He also introduced the mission of Dharma Drum Mountain since its founding by Master Sheng Yen in 1989, always aiming to “elevate the quality of humanity and construct a pure land on earth,” promoting spiritual, life, environmental, and natural conservation, with far-reaching influence. Director-General Chu stated that Taiwan is a treasure island of democracy, freedom, and diversity, and Dharma Drum Mountain is an important Buddhist sect within, whose development in North America and globally is a source of pride.
A total of nine masters attended the event, including Master Guo Hui. The resident masters at the Fremont center included Master Changxiang, Changxing, and Yanqi, with other student monks currently studying at universities in Taiwan and the Sangha briefly staying.
The courses at the Silicon Valley Center mainly focus on introductory Buddhist studies and meditation experiences, integrating aesthetics of life such as flower arrangement and painting, enabling people to practice Zen spirit in their daily lives, reducing stress, slowing down, and enhancing mental health. In contrast, the Fremont Center provides more advanced Buddhist studies and meditation courses for those interested in deeper learning.
Mrs. Xin Yuan Su told Dajiyuan that almost all activities at the center are free, with fees only charged when materials are needed (such as in flower arrangement classes). Funding mainly comes from the donations of believers and is collectively maintained by a group of volunteers, showcasing the power of the community.
The day also included sutra copying and blessing experiences, offering exquisite refreshments and souvenirs, and connecting guests with books published by Dharma Drum Culture. ◇