Dear Buddhist Town property owners, members, and friends, Happy Thanksgiving!

This November holiday season, in addition to extending our Thanksgiving wishes to one another and paying gratitude to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, we also take time to reflect on our cultivation: Have I followed the teaching of the Buddha closely every day? Have I been making progress daily on the path to liberation? Have I contributed to Buddha’s endeavors? Have I consistently acted to benefit sentient beings? Have I embraced gratitude at every moment? Or have I let another day pass by consumed by greed, anger, and ignorance, seeking self-interest? 

At the tranquil Holy Heavenly Lake, one will always experience that embracing intimate reminder, arousing a profound sense of gratitude, faith, and determination amid this rapidly evolving world.

During this festive season, it is traditional for people to reflect on the blessings we have received and share them with those close to us. One of the things I am most grateful for is the opportunity to work and live in Buddhist Town. Living here has changed my life in many ways. It has become my personal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. My mind has become much calmer, and I feel more at peace. I have become closer to nature and enjoy observing the various birds and animals on this land. I experience the cycle of life through the changing seasons and witness the impermanence of life. In spring, ducklings happily follow their mothers and play in Holy Heavenly Lake. At other times, when I encounter deceased animals, I bury them while chanting sutras for them. Caring for the dogs and other animals living here with me is a blessing. I see it as a way to practice compassion in real life, rather than just as a classroom concept. I believe this is the starting point of the Bodhisattva path. If you build a deep bond with a dog and show it compassion, it will return it to you tenfold. In the future, many people will be able to experience the blessings brought by Buddhist Town. I look forward to sharing all of this with you. (by Kent Long)

Whenever we share with visitors to Holy Heavenly Lake the concept of integrating spiritual cultivation with daily life, implementing learning from the Buddhas and putting into practicing in our activities here, we always see people's amazement and great expectations for the future Buddhist Town. Kevin, a friend who joined us by chance in June, shared his journey during the campfire gathering in October: In the outside world, although I am successful in my business, I feel that I am alone in my inner world, as there is no one around me striving to practice virtue and avoid wrongdoing as I do. I can’t explain to other people how important this is. But unexpectedly, here I found a group of people who share the same beliefs and live them out accordingly. I feel like I’ve found my family, even though I am a Christian... How we can bring the important beliefs of Buddhist Town to more people so they can benefit from them? His heartfelt words revealed the mission of Buddhist Town: sharing the wisdom of the Dharma, which brings us true blessings and happiness, with all sentient beings. That happiness, filled with endless gratitude and a sense of belonging without discrimination, is intuitive and profoundly contagious! It transcends the superficial distinctions of religious names and arises from the fundamental resonance awakened by self-benefiting and altruistic practice. Awakening more sentient beings and achieving greater collective accomplishments are the mission and significance of Buddhist Town.

Since July, the various development bottlenecks faced earlier this year have seen some major breakthroughs. Issues such as wastewater treatment facilities and the widening of Lemon Street have made progress. Now that the city government has agreed to certain general directions for solutions, we are now making detailed revisions to the project plans according to their instructions, and are preparing to enter the next phase of negotiations. In 2025, we will continue promoting group activities, online platform exchanges, learning, and outreach through volunteers. We always welcome your valuable suggestions! 

We feel profound gratitude for the compassionate guidance and blessings of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. May all merits be dedicated to all sentient beings!