Experience Chan!     Zen meditation, known as “Chan” in Chinese, flourished in China around 700 A.D.; since then it has provided spiritual nourishment for countless people. Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale is from the traditional Chinese Linji lineage.( 臨濟宗)

        Through Zen meditation, we can reach an understanding (enlightenment) of life’s difficult problems and thereby gain true wisdom and peace of mind. The key to enlightenment is by reflecting inward into our own minds and attaining unbiased perception of reality. 

 Zen Meditation & Buddhism Classes

     Each class meeting is for two hours, consisting of meditation practice (inc. instruction) in the first hour, and a lecture on Buddhist principles in the second hour.

Level I  Class:

Meditation methods: Breath-counting, mindfulness of the breath, middle way reality (a Zen practice).
Topics covered: Introduction to Buddhism and Zen, karma and causality, the Four Noble Truths (suffering, the causes of suffering, nirvana, the Noble Eightfold Path), Three Refuges, Five Precepts.

Level II  Class:

Meditation methods: Continuation of previous methods and compassion contemplation.
Topics covered: the bodhisattva ideal, the six paramitas: the perfection of charity, morality, tolerance, diligence, meditation, and prajna wisdom.

Level III Class:

Sutra Study Class:

Additional meditation methods.
Topics: selected Buddhist scriptures. 

SUTRA STUDY (5/6-8/12/2010) : Surangama Sutra 楞嚴經  

Surangama is one of the most revered and influential Buddhist scriptures in Chinese Buddhism. Beautifully translated into Chinese in the Tang Dynasty, this sutra has been used to verify one's correct understanding of the Dharma by Chinese Zen masters for ages.
However, it has a reputation for being a very difficult sutra. This year (2010), with a new, complete English translation, Westerners finally have a chance to experience the profound wisdom of Surangama. Jian Hu Shifu , Abbot of Sunnyvale Zen Center, will select important sections for the Sutra Study class. Previous completion of Level I & Level II classes at the Zen Center are required.

A.W.E.S.O.M.E.: 
"Ancient Wisdom-Enhancing School of Mindfulness and Enlightenment" classes are designed for children/youth ages 6-14 to discover their inner wisdom and develop positive outlook on life. The creatively designed curriculum includes meditation instructions, Dharma talks, Zen stories, movies, character-building activities, and more. Students learn to sharpen their awareness and concentration and to  appreciate the gifts of this world. Parents can attend concurrent Q&A with Dharma Masters.

Silicon Vally Dharma Youth Group:
A program especially designed for high school and college students. Participants meet weekly on Friday evenings to meditate, learn the principles of Buddhism and how to apply the wisdom in school, at home, with parents and siblings, among friends, etc. Small group discussion  guided by Dharma Masters,fun activities and social time are part of the program. Organized activities among participants further their understanding of Buddhism..

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Students who wish to further improve their meditation skills can participate in the seven-day, one-day Zen meditation retreats as well as the meditation workshops. These are held regularly and are conducted both in English and in Chinese. The retreats are usually filled to capacity as more and more people come to realize the need for this precious time of inward illumination and awareness.

Class Instructor

        •   The Benefits of Meditation  >>

          •    What Is Zen ? >>

          •    What Does "Buddha" Mean ?  >>

          •    Meditation & Buddhism Q & A  >>