Our Mission

Spiritual Objectives: To approach the Middle Path. Sangha (The Buddhist Brotherhood of Religious Leaders) and followers will endeavor to create a cooperative and peaceful coexistence.

Retreat Center Plan: To establish a simple, realistic and elegant temple to teach in accordance with Shakyamuni's and Bodhisattva's teachings. To promote thought, self improvement and missionary work.

Goals: To interpret Buddhism in a manner to be culturally receptive in modern American society. To spread and promote Buddhism. To actively promote trust and acceptance of the beliefs of Buddhism. In a passive manner, we hope the average person will not misunderstand or disseminate misinformation about Buddhism.

Purpose: To exist in modern society in a country with an advanced culture. In addition to one's own virtues, the development of Buddhism should include:

1. Serving society in an enthusiastic, helpful and charitable manner.

2. To obtain knowledge of worldly activities and develop learning abilities to adapt to one's environment.

3. To have the ability to approach any circumstance with a progressive outlook and open mind.

The Buddhist social activities and revisory works under the principles above should naturally and appropriately be applied to worldly activities and developed in new lands.

II. Basic Principles of Cooperation between the Buddhist Brotherhood and Followers

1. Lay members should practice and apply Buddhist beliefs in the home; and undertake beneficial work in society, promotion of Buddhist socialization and activities, etc. In order to assist society through humble and beneficial practices. Support religious orders in Buddhist endeavors where time or inconvenience create an opportunity to assist them. Regarding the religious leaders organization, conformation, temple property and the temple's internal management, lay members shall play the role of coordinating and assisting in the works of the temple; and not to participate in the management thereof. In the event external pressure arises disrupting the work of the religious leaders, lay members should exert their political or societal powers to assist the leaders and to protect Buddhism from outside encroachment.

2. Duties of the religious leaders: The spirit of the establishment of the United States for fair government and a safe and peaceful society is most suitable for expanding Buddhist democracy, equality, and freedom.

Initial Plan:

A. To promote Buddhist thought (i.e., teaching of history, theory, and meditation).

B. Provide guidance to schools, organizations and the public who have an interest in the study of Buddhism.

C. Arrange abbreviated study seminars for the convenience of lay members to obtain a deeper understanding of the Buddhist Way.

Conclusion: Our Most Important Objectives.

1. Corrective efforts: To correct society's misunderstanding of Buddhist traditions and misconceptions about superstitious rights. To progress in helping people understand Buddhism with correct knowledge and correct beliefs.

2. Clarifications: Use everyday realistic theory to disseminate to all aspects of society in a close and enthusiastic manner and to promote education of life style in guiding and assisting people.

3. Propagation: To propagate Buddhist ideals and theory in the academic community and to promote acceptance of Buddhism among the intelligence. To cultivate modern knowledge of Buddhist cultural power.

4. Goals: To establish peace and clarity in each person's heart and soul. To expand peace and clarity in our society and environment.