Relocation Ceremony of World Zen Art Center and Opening of American Tianfo Temple

Relocation Ceremony of World Zen Art Center and Opening of American Tianfo Temple

On July 28, 2021, in commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day, the World Zen Art Center held a relocation ceremony at its new address, 837 59th St, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Simultaneously, the American Tianfo Temple was inaugurated and made accessible to the public.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Yixuan Shang, President of the International Zen Buddhism Association; Zudong Guan, Deputy Dean of the New York Poetry, Calligraphy, Qinqi, and Painting Academy; Weiqu Chen, Dean of the Chinese American Overseas Chinese Society; and Buddhist laypersons from the New York community. Vegetarian refreshments were provided to entertain and accommodate the guests and followers. Master Yixiong Gu, President of the World Zen Art Center and head of the American Tianfo Temple, conveyed that the temple was constructed by the International Zen Buddhism Association to offer a sacred sanctuary for devotees in the New York community. The temple enshrines the Three Holy Ones: Shakyamuni Buddha, the paramount leader of Buddhism and the embodiment of mortal Buddhahood; Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the compassionate deity known for answering prayers and assisting those in distress; and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the guardian of the underworld and a symbol of filial piety. Additionally, the temple provides the Guanyin divination sticks service, allowing believers to seek answers and guidance through the Kuan Yin Oracle.

The global pandemic has prompted a profound shift in people’s perception of life and beliefs. In collaboration with the International Zen Buddhism Association, the World Zen Art Center hosts Zen and Dao practice lectures every Sunday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the American Tianfo Temple. Enthusiasts of Chinese traditional culture are invited to pre-register for this lecture.

The temple is open 7 days a week from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, allowing believers to offer incense and worship Buddha. The Guanyin divination sticks service is available on Saturdays and Sundays. The address is 837 59th St #6F, Brooklyn, NY 11220.

On-site photo report:

From left: Gu, Yixiong, the President of the World Zen Art Center and head of the American Tianfo Temple. Guan, Zudong, Deputy Dean of New York Poetry, Calligraphy, Qinqi, and Painting and Calligraphy Academy. Shang, Yixuan, President of the International Zen Buddhism Association. Chen, Weiqu, Dean of the Chinese American Overseas Chinese Society.
Gu, Yixiong, the President of the World Zen Art Center and head of the American Tianfo Temple, delivered an opening speech.
Gu, Yixiong, the head of the temple, offered incense and worshipped the Buddha.
Guan, Zudong, Deputy Dean of New York Poetry, Calligraphy, Qinqi, and Painting and Calligraphy Academy, showed calligraphy on the spot.
The calligraphy work <Zen> by Guan, Zudong.
Chen, Weiqu, Dean of the Chinese American Overseas Chinese Society,  showed calligraphy on the spot.
The calligraphy work <Zen> by Chen, Weiqu
The Zen calligraphy work by Gu, Yixiong
古藝雄 Gu, Yixiong showed Zen tea on the spot.
古藝雄 Gu, Yixiong showed Zen tea on the spot.
Vegetarian refreshments entertain believers, Amitabha!

World Zen Art Center is a renowned non-profit institution dedicated to Zen art, registered in the State of New York, United States, on December 15, 2012. The Ci Bei Temple and the New York Qimen Fengshui Academy are affiliated with the World Zen Art Center. Established under the guidance of Master Yi-Xiong Gu, a respected figure in the field, our mission is to delve into the depths of Zen Tao and Art, ensuring international initiatives promote lasting prosperity and appreciation of this rich heritage for generations to come. As a non-profit Zen study center, we are dedicated to exploring and preserving the mysterious Eastern Zen Tao culture and art.