Our History
Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Bay Area Center is a Chan Buddhism Dharma land where participants can apply Chan teachings, assimilate Buddhist Compassion and Wisdom, and achieve harmony and equanimity of body and minds. Dharma Drum Mountain was founded in Taiwan by Venerable Sheng Yen in 1989.
Using the protection of the Spiritual Environment as the leading principle, our vision is to actualize the Four Kinds of Environmentalism—spiritual, social, living, and natural environment through affirming the Threefold Education1 and practicing the Fivefold Spiritual Renaissance2. Sharing and promoting the living, adaptable Buddhadharma practical for daily life to the general public, is our goal.
2003 － 2006：Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Liaison Office established
DDMBASF was formed in Millbrae. Combining Buddha dharma and Chan methods and incorporating contemporary views and concepts, DDMBASF serves as a pivotal Buddhist organization to promote and extend Chinese Chan Buddhism in the Bay Area.
Based on the Dharma Drum Mountain’s central ideal “Uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth”, DDMBASF hosted various practical and flexible Chan workshops and activities to introduce Dharma Drum Mountain and Chinese Chan to the public who are interested in Buddhism.
Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Liaison Office established
Master Guoyuan was the first to come
Family Reading Club
2006 - 2007： Everywhere is home
Because the lease of the Millbrae office was taken back, the San Francisco branch of Dharma Drum Mountain (formerly the liaison office) began to wander around. The group practice activities were held at the homes of Sister Xie Xiuqing, Brother Liao Jichong, and Brother Lin Zisheng. At the same time, we also rented venues outside or from other Buddhist groups, led by Dharma masters or senior monks, to hold activities such as intensive meditation, sutra lectures, and tea meditation.
Three days retreat lead by Master Guoqian
One day retreat lead by Gilbert, Master Shengyen's Western disciple
Meditation practice at home
2007 － 2013： Sunnyvale Center
DDMBASF relocated to Sunnyvale. Continuing with the Common Ethos of Dharma Drum Mountain tradition, DDMBASF further expands and provides a wide range of activities to assist participants to implement Buddha dharma and Chan teachings in daily life. Activities include Group Meditation for beginners and advanced practitioners, Sutra study group, Dharma support group, Cultivation liturgies and ceremonies, Dharma and Sutra classes, and caring services in the community.
Sunnyvale Center
First Class for Cultivating Blessedness Field
First meditation retreat for 1,000 people in North America
2014 - 2015：New center opened in Fremont
DDMBASF relocated to Fremont. On May 30th 2015, the grand opening ceremony was held at the newly renovated location. During the renovation, various activities were held to attract people to learn Buddhism and Zen: including inter-religious dialogues, children’s classes, English meditation, Shuilu Fa Hui, Buddhist courses, etc. The new center was opened and the Buddha statue was consecrated on May 30, 2015. Our mission to spread the “Chinese Zen Dharma Drum Sect” in Western society has entered a new milestone.
Master Changhua and Pastor Spencer discuss the Buddhist and Christian views on life and death
English Group Meditation
Shuilu Fa Hui
In December 2016, the San Francisco branch was upgraded to the Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Center
The “Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Center” officially became one of the overseas centers of Dharma Drum Mountain, and