Beginners' Meditation Class (初級班), in Chinese and English

It offers a new perspective for beginners to understand themselves and the world around them. The lessons include: 1. Introduction to basic Zen meditation techniques, correct sitting posture, breath-counting method, and walking meditation. Students are also oriented on the various sensations that may arise during meditation. 2. Lectures on fundamental teachings of impermanence, principle of causality, Four Noble Truths etc.

Intermediate Meditation Class (中級班), in Chinese and English

Intermediate meditation lets the student learn more contemplation practices, like the Seven-round Compassion Contemplation and the method of samatha balanced with vipassana. 2. Lectures on the Twelvefold Causal Chain offer a deeper and subtler understanding of the Four Noble Truths; the states of the mind in Ten Dharma Realms; the practice of compassion in Vegetarianism; a guide to an honorable life in the Four Tenets of Chung Tai; and interesting teaching stories between Grand Master and his disciples in Chung Tai Koans.

Advanced Meditation Class (高級班), in Chinese and English

Lessons include: 1. Advanced meditation technique on the Middle Way Reality, the highest level of meditation, a practice of no practice, a method of no method. With this technique, one can directly see one’s true nature. 2. Lectures are on the bodhisattva practice, specifically the Six Paramitas (Six Perfections). It is a cultivation practice that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of all sentient beings over ourselves, leading them towards the realization of their Buddha Nature, as a way of attaining our own liberation. The advanced class students are also required to join half-day retreats and Dharma ceremonies to further enhance the lessons learned in class.

Sutra Study Class (研經班), in Chinese and English

Students study the different levels of sutras, like the Heart Sutra, Eight Realizations of Great Beings, 42 Chapters, etc. In 2012, the Surangama Sutra, Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, Vimalakirti Sutra, The Discourse of the Teachings Bequeathed by the Buddha, etc. were also taken up. Through the more extensive study of Buddha’s spoken words, students are guided on how to transform deluded mind into true mind. In class, the Lecturer-Master centers her Dharma talks and discussions on how to distinguish between the two, often with questions aimed at refining the students’ perception on the topic.

Acolyte and Chanting Class (心燈梵唄班)

Acolytes are attendants of Buddha and ushers in the Chan Hall. Acolyte students are taught how to be mindful in action, constantly learning how to reach a state of Zen mind. Everybody is required to work harmoniously with each other and help in decorating the Chan Hall for a ceremony. They are also trained to exude a serene disposition, to set a pure and calm atmosphere during Dharma ceremonies for the benefit of participants. These students should also be familiar with the sequence of a Dharma ceremony, and should help in the clean up and restoration of the venue after a ceremony.

Chanting Class students study and learn how to play the different Dharma instruments, how to chant the mantras, melodies, verses of praise, and other common prayers. Through the practice of chanting, one can achieve concentration where body and mind become one.

Mandarin Class

As an adjunct to Buddhist classes, Mandarin Class is offered to Filipino students who want to learn the language. This is because Mandarin is most often used in liturgical chanting. The students learn in a fun and informal setting, where Shifu invents games and activities to encourage participation and learning. In addition, the students also come to appreciate the beauty and depth of the Chinese culture.