Shakyamuni Buddha at Benevolence Temple, Las Vegas, Nevada.
On November 13 and 14, The Benevolence and Pure Cultivation Temples in Las Vegas, Nevada conducted a special Zen Meditation Retreat for English (and Chinese) speakers that taught, demonstrated, and finally allowed all who attended to participate in their form of meditation. This Ru Lai Zheng Fa (Tathagata True Dharma) method features the Great Dharma of Zen Practice by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and the traditional methods followed in ancient China that combined fast walking or moving meditation with silent sitting meditation. Although His Holiness transmitted three mantras that enhance the experience, alternatives are also provided for anyone wishing to participate who has not received them.
Kuan Yin Bodhisattva shrine at the Benevolence Temple.
The first day gave us a tour of the beautiful hidden Benevolence Temple and the experience of what it took for the monastics and lay people of that temple and their companion Pure Cultivation Temple to transform their central Grand Buddha Hall into a Meditation Hall. They would normally do their meditation in a private smaller hall, but this space was created to accommodate the 43 who attended the actual retreat. The afternoon consisted of training for the experience, which we all enjoyed the following day. The second day was the actual Meditation Retreat. It consisted of ten sessions—five fast walking or moving and five sitting sessions. It also included a delicious breakfast, lunch, and evening meal in the nun’s dining hall plus snacks during the morning and afternoon sessions in the Meditation Hall. Everything was conducted in silence except for the bells, gongs, and instructions from Venerable Fa Chao, the abbot of the Pure Cultivation Temple who led the event, and an occasional crack of the cudgel to start each moving session and monitor the sitting sessions.
Grand Buddha Hall at the Benevolence Temple before converting it into a Meditation Hall for the retreat.
Removing desks and benches at Benevolence Temple to create Meditation Hall.
Constructing a new altar for the Meditation Retreat at Benevolence Temple.
Waiting for sitting meditation instruction at Benevolence Temple.
Photo Courtesy: Benevolence Temple (The Benevolence Temple held a Dharma assembly to commemorate the Enlightenment Day of Shakyamuni Buddha. Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters presided over the Dharma assembly.)
The Benevolence Temple, located in Las Vegas, hosted a series of Dharma assemblies and retreats from January 2 to January 11 to commemorate the Enlightenment Day of Shakyamuni Buddha and the anniversary of the Temple. Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, led the congregation in a group study of the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, revered as the Pope of Buddhism. Hundreds of participants from around the world attended this significant event.
This ten-day celebration features a variety of Dharma assemblies and spiritual practices, including a group study of the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, one-day Zen sessions, the Grand Diamond Gem Repentance Ceremony, and life release rituals. Each day’s program begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m., providing participants with an immersive experience of the Temple’s tranquility and a temporary escape from worldly concerns. Lay practitioners also participate in the Temple’s daily routines, such as morning and evening chanting and dining ceremonies, offering them a glimpse into the essence of temple life.
The special one-day Zen session took place on January 4, 2025. Prior to the session, all participants were required to study Announcement No. 40 of the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, which details the “Great Dharma of Zen Practice” taught by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to a group of cultivators in March 2013. This Dharma provides a clear understanding of Zen’s standard and proper practice, addressing key questions such as: What is Zen used for? Why should one practice Zen? What is the ultimate goal of Zen practice? More than one hundred Venerables, Dharma Masters, Rinpoches, and lay practitioners from the United States, Canada, Germany, mainland China, Thailand, Taiwan, and other countries and regions participated in this transformative experience.
The event took place in the Mahavira Hall of the Temple and featured ten meditation sessions: five sitting and five walking meditation sessions. Each sitting meditation lasted thirty minutes and an hour, with walking meditation sessions interspersed to maintain balance and flow. This arrangement allowed practitioners to sustain a steady rhythm and deepen their daily mindfulness. Two key roles were essential to the success of the event: the host and the discipliners. The host guided participants through the schedule and explained Zen practices’ rules and key aspects. The discipliners, equipped with a disciplinary board, patrolled the venue to gently correct participants if they became drowsy, slouched, or caused unnecessary noise, ensuring the sanctity and focus of the practice were upheld.
Photo Courtesy: Benevolence Temple (The Benevolence Temple held one-day Zen sessions)
After attending the event, a university scholar shared that she traveled more than ten hours and took three flights to attend the blessing ceremony and participate in the grand event. Having never practiced group meditation before, she was initially worried that she would struggle to sit still for an extended period. However, the outcome was both unexpected and extraordinary.
Thanks to the supportive group atmosphere, nearly all participants completed all ten sessions, overcoming the physical discomfort of sore feet and backs. By the end of the day, many reported experiencing a profound sense of Dharma joy. Dharma Master Zheng Da expressed her delight with the positive feedback from attendees. She hinted that longer Zen retreats, ranging from three to seven days, may be organized to encourage deep meditation and personal growth.
Dharma Master Zheng Da also inspired the group with H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s teachings: “No matter what Zen Dharma you practice, you cannot deviate from cultivation. That is why you must go online and learn Buddha Master’s teaching of ‘What Is Cultivation?’ Furthermore, you must carry out that teaching in your daily lives. Only then will your practice of Zen truly succeed.”
Photo Courtesy: Benevolence Temple (The walk session in the Benevolence Temple’s one-day Zen sessions)
In addition to the one-day Zen event, the group study of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s teachings offered clear guidance, helping disciples cultivate the correct views and understanding.
Peace LiLy 