Trainee Ceremony: Finding Wholeness
Being able to take this step into the Trainee Ceremony at Gold Coast Dharma Realm (GCDR) [recording of ceremony] meant a great deal to me. This is where I began learning about Buddhism three years ago. It is where I met wise advisors who changed how I see the world, where I developed friendships deeper than I knew possible, and where my family expanded in ways I never expected. I have spent many hours volunteering here, attended more Dharma assemblies than I can count, and even lived in the monastery itself. GCDR is not just a place; it has become part of who I am. Looking back, I can trace the transformation from someone seeking peace in the outdoors to someone learning that the deepest wilderness to explore is within.
Awakin Retreat: Participant Reflections
I have attended many retreats hosted by the ServiceSpace ecosystem, mostly as a volunteer—except for one I joined as a participant in 2015. Each retreat follows its own path yet leads to the same destination, rooted in the spirit of “Practicing love and loving the practice.”
The AwaKin retreat at Redwood Vihara was no different, yet it was unique in its own way. We gathered in the Monastery with Rev. Heng Sure as a host and Jin-Chuan Shi and Jin-Wei Shi as volunteer anchors. Most volunteers didn’t know each other beforehand—some were from the monastery and were doing the heavy lifting, others were from ServiceSpace USA, and a few of us flew in from India as part of the ServiceSpace India crew. The way all volunteers bonded and became one source of action was inspiring to witness and be part of.
Awakin Retreat: A Symphony of Noble Friends
We began with a sacred invocation in a circle of stones surrounded by redwoods. Leaders, seekers, and servants from around the world sat shoulder to shoulder, and the invitation was simple: to listen, to serve, to discover what might emerge.
Urban Lotus: American Buddhist Folks Songs Vol. 2
We are excited to announce the release of Reverend Heng Sure’s newest album: Urban Lotus: American Buddhist Folk Songs Vol. 2.
Offering to the Buddha’s Body: Alms Round
I vividly remember standing on the main street of Boulder Creek waiting for the monks to come by on alms round. Then, from a distance, I saw them: monks, walking in dignified silence. They came from two lineages—three in the ochre robes of the Thai Forest lineage, two in the yellow robes and dark brown precept sashes of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association… I had a reflection: This was a scene from the Buddha’s own time. The Buddha himself walked like this on alms round. This is how the Sangha sustained itself over the millennia.
Connecting to Chan Roots: DM Yanzhen
From March 29 - April 5, 2025, we had the honor of hosting DM Yanzhen. As a college student at Beijing University, he was deeply influenced by the teachings of Venerable Master Xuyun, Elder Master Guangqin, and Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, as well as the bowing journals of Reverend Heng Sure and Dharma Master Heng Chau (Dr. Martin Verhoeven). His final decision for becoming a monk came from reading a line of teaching from Master Hua's Dharma talks. His own teacher, Venerable Master Yicheng, was a disciple of Venerable Master Xuyun and inherited the Weiyang Chan lineage.
Receiving Buddha Shakyamuni’s and Master Xuyun’s Sharira
On November 10, 2024, Madalena Tam, a senior disciple of Master Hua, offered the sharira (relics) of Buddha Shakyamuni and Venerable Master Xuyun to Redwood Vihara.
Madalena’s journey in the Dharma began in Hong Kong when she was very young. At age eleven, she took refuge and made a vow to dedicate her life to supporting Master Hua’s teachings…
Reflections from Monastic Immersion Participants
We just finished a 3-month Monastic Immersion Program (MIP) from December 14, 2024 to March 23, 2025 with four men: Yuen-Lin Tan, Mingchee Tan, Wade Chang, and Art Lozinsky. Below are some reflections from Jin Chuan Shi and Jin Wei Shi as well as excerpts from the participants’ reflections shared during Redwood Vihara Service Day on March 8, 2025.
Mudita House Offering
Mudita House sits at the northern entrance of Redwood Vihara, nestled under majestic redwoods beside the San Lorenzo River. Once home to two beloved artists, the house carries a legacy of creativity, generosity, and community. Its name, Mudita, means “appreciative joy”—the third boundless heart, following loving-kindness and compassion.
On November 10, 2024, we dedicated the space for spiritual practice with a Purifying Boundaries Ceremony.
Welcoming Ajahn Chah’s Relics
The story began during the 90th birthday celebration of Ajahn Sumedho. During the gathering, Joseph Cappel (formerly Ajahn Pabhakaro), who once served as Ajahn Chah’s attendant, offered relic hairs of Ajahn Chah to the monastics present. Among those receiving relics was Venerable Issaro. When they came into his hands, a thought arose immediately in his heart: these should go to Redwood Vihara.
