"Buddha sows seeds and the roots spread far and wide."

In 1991, several buddhists living in St. Louis, Missouri, organized meetings in each other's homes to study Buddhist teachings. Soon an organization was established - The St. Louis Buddhist Association. Several learned Buddhist masters in the USA and from overseas were invited to visit and teach. Since there was no set meeting place, there were many inconveniences.

In 1994, the Mid America Buddhist Association (MABA) was established by the St. Louis Buddhist Association; it applied to the local government for registration as a nonprofit organization. A plan was devised to build a Chinese Buddhist Retreat Center - a temple or sanctuary on the prairies of Mid America. An invitation was extended to Venerable Jan Hai and Venerable Ji Ru to undertake the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Retreat Center Committee. Concerted efforts to solicit contributions began, led by these two Buddhist masters.

For the management of the temple and the smooth propagation of Buddhism, there is an understanding between the Sangha and the laity. The completion of the temple and direct management of the Retreat Center will be under the control of the religious leaders. The lay members will assist in promoting Buddhist teaching. In 1998, Venerable Ji Ru took full responsibility of the Center, and under him and the monastic, we believe that we can carry out these plans.

Goals of Mid-American Buddhist Association Establishment:

 1. To promote Buddhism in Mid America.

 2. To promote Buddhism through beneficial social activities.

 3. To support Buddhist societies and organizations in universities and to carry out Buddhist study activities in Mid America.

 4. To provide an environment for the study of Buddhism.

 5. To support the Sangha in its deeper study of Buddhism.