Good Evening! May you have the Blessings of the Triple Gem – the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, to all of you. It is my pleasure to extend a ‘Happy New Year’ to the Venerable monks, distinguished guests, and to all of you who have joined with us this evening to bring in the Lunar New Year, the “Year of the Ox”.
As we begin this Lunar New Year, the “Year of the Ox”, I would like to take an opportunity to remember some of our accomplishments from the “Year of the Rat” 2008.
Last year we instituted a Vietnamese Language Class. The class is for all young people interested in learning and/or improving on their ability to speak Vietnamese. Presently 70 children of various ages are now attending the Vietnamese Language Class. In addition, the temple has established a Boy Scout Troop #2552 made up of Vietnamese boys and girls from our community. New members are welcome to join these groups.
Last year we continued our remodeling of the temple. Bhante Kassapa remodeled the meditation room, the upstairs monk’s day area and visitor quarters. All the improvements were made possible by the gracious donations of money, time and labor of the Mindfulness/Insight Meditation Class members. The meditation class members continue be a vital aid to the temple. They continue to assist the temple with its various festivals and celebrations.
The Mindfulness/Insight Meditation Class is entering its three year and continues to average 25 meditators a week. Anyone interested in learning Mindfulness/Insight Meditation is welcome to join us. The class meets every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM. In addition, our Sunday Services are still being held every week at 2:00 PM. The service is open to anyone interested in hearing the dhamma and to be more religiously involved with the temple.
Our 2008 Kathina Ceremony was a memorable event with many monks in attendance and highlighted by the induction of 8 individuals into the Buddhist faith.
In the “Year of the Rat”, we held our second fundraising dinner in Houston to raise funds to remodel the Quan Yin Hall. The fundraising event was a success thanks to the generous donations made by those attending the dinner and friends of the temple who were unable to attend but still supported the temples efforts. The event would not have been possible without the assistance and hard work of Phap Luan Temple members and members of our temple and our Youth Groups. It is our hope to start remodeling process sometime this year.
Unfortunately, we had some damage to the temple and gardens due to Hurricane Ike. Many of you had a similar experience. We are confident with time all will be repaired.
The “Year of the Ox” symbolizes perseverance and stability. It is very fitting for the year 2009. In this time of continued recovery from Hurricane Ike, with the national and global financial problems, with the inauguration of a new president and new leadership for our United States of America we need to focus on the strength and perseverance of the Ox. If we follow the lead of our new President, Barack Obama, and come together as one people; united in our willingness to solve the problems of our nation together we should succeed. I feel this New Year; the “Year of the Ox” is very fitting for the times we are living in. I feel the teachings of the Buddha are very fitting for the times we are living in. A time that opens itself to the impermanence of all material and nonmaterial aspects of our world, a time of evolution of new principals, ideals and philosophies; a dynamic “Year of the Ox”.
As in past years, the success of Buu Mon Buddhist Temple various projects, celebrations, festivals and events would not have been possible without the continued support of all of you; the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple congregation, volunteers and friends of the temple. There are too many individuals for me to recognize. I simply wish to say on behave of myself, Abbot of Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, the resident monks and staff “Thanks You” for your time, energy and financial support throughout the years which you have so freely offer towards the welfare of the temple. As you know there would be no temple and no sharing of the teachings of the Buddha without your continued help and support.
I also thank the many city and county officials and community organizations, as well as, the areas media organizations for their continued support of the temple and its various events. It is through your recognition the temple is made welcome in the community and can better serve the surrounding area. I am pleased and proud that Buu Mon Buddhist Temple is a part of the Southeast Texas community.
I am looking forward to a prosperous, “Year of the Ox” for of you and for Buu Mon Buddhist Temple. “Thank you” for joining us for this evening’s celebration. May the “Year of the Ox” bring you Peace, Love and Happiness! May you all prosper throughout the year! May the Buddha bless you!
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