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The Genesis of the Jen Chen Temple of De Guan San
Compassion Lake at Jen Chen Temple The Jen Chen Buddhism Houston Mission (J.C.B.H.M.) was established in 1993 in Houston Texas, USA, and since then the mission has been working to promote Jen Chen Buddhism (i.e., 'human vehicle' Buddhism). This work involves promoting the following three objectives; helping people to purify their minds, to lead happy family lives, and to establish a blissful culture. All of this contributes to creating a pure land in this world. With the help of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and many people, the mission has been able to purchase about 24 acres of country land situated 80 miles NNW of Houston. We now call this land De Guan San, and we are going to build the Jen Chen temple here.
Grand Hall Construction Site From the central hill of De Guan San one has a clear view between the tall and straight pine trees of a tranquil pond and a beautiful lake. Here we can also observe the wild geese and the white clouds chasing each other in the reflections from the water. In the evening the land is set aglow by the many colors of the sun, and in the morning the light breaks through the darkness and illuminates the universe. From ancient times to the present day, it is often said that if you find a serene and quiet place then it is good to build a temple there for people to cultivate good virtues within themselves. De Gaun San is situated in such an auspicious place.
A Corner of Compassion Lake At present the temple has been designed and we are going to build the first phase of the project, the east wing. This includes the auditorium/meeting room which will initially and temporarily be used as a main hall for Buddhist practices, and a conference room that will be used as a library and sleeping quarters (again, for the short term). Other rooms of the east wing include a restroom, dining room, kitchen, and a covered walkway that runs beside all of these buildings. In the future we will add a small Titsang temple and a place where people can place ashes. We have recently begun collecting funds, and we ask people from all walks of life to contribute and to help build this temple. If you make a donation we will provide you with a receipt and this may be helpful for your tax deductions. If you write a check please be sure to add a note indicating that the donation is meant for the Jen Chen temple. On the first day of each month we will hold a Diamond sutra ceremony and at the end transfer all the merit to the contributors. We sincerely wish good fortune, health and happiness for all. Note: please make checks payable to J.C.B.H.M. and mail to P.O. Box 772178 Houston, TX 77215-2178 Tel: 713-995-9182 936-874-2626 Fax: 713-995-6649 E-mail: jenchen@jenchen.org
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