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: