Dear property owners, members, and friends of Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town, greetings!

2024, marked by widespread wars and people’s worries and fears, has passed quickly. This summer, the San Bernardino mountains were ravaged by wildfires, and earthquakes followed one after another. All these constantly remind us to focus on our own practice in doing good and avoiding evil, and striving to avoid disaster and approach good fortune. We owe gratitude to Kent and Jason, who have worked tirelessly under the blazing summer sun, clearing dry weeds to prevent wild fires, caring for young saplings, and protecting all life at Holy Heavenly Lake. In mid-September, the landscaping team started pruning, weeding, and fertilizing the willow trees. Although Holy Heavenly Lake is not yet open to the general public, everyone continues to work with a heartfelt commitment to care for this sacred land. The beautiful lake remains peaceful as always as we enter autumn, quietly welcoming wild ducks and birds seeking shelter for the winter, and awaiting our next return.

Over the years, aside from planning, design, and government applications, all activities at the Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town have been initiated, planned, and organized step-by-step by volunteers. We come here quietly and work away to build this place as our own home. Many volunteers, although not living near Southern California, remain closely connected and continually contemplate how they can contribute. With the shared goal of benefiting all beings, we support each other, bearing in mind how we can further provide opportunities to all who want to contribute. In doing so, more people can be led to the true Dharma. 

To further promote activities that benefit society and provide more opportunities for anyone interested in participating in volunteer efforts and future construction and operation, a gathering will be held at Holy Heavenly Lake on October 26 and 27. Activities will include camping, stargazing, vegetarian barbecue, lakefront cleanup, wiser-ball practice and related discussions. The schedule is as follows:

October 26 (Bring your own tents and sleeping bags; meals and utensils will be provided by Buddhist Town)

• 3 PM Sign-in
• 4 PM  Set up tent, prepare the bonfire, and get dinner BBQ going
• 5 PM Lakefront vegetarian BBQ dinner party
• 7 PM Bonfire gathering
• 9 PM Stargazing, light snacks and hot drinks
• 11 PM Bonfire ends (free time)

October 27

• 7-8 AM  Breakfast (Buddha Halls open for morning prayers)
• 9 AM Wiser friendship game
• 10:30 AM Discussion and exchange of ideas
• 12 PM Lunch at the cabin and distribution of 2025 Holy Heavenly Lake desk calendars
• 2 PM Free time for further discussions

This is the first time we will arrange camping and stargazing at Holy Heavenly Lake. This is an experiment and a great opportunity to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake at night. Away from the hustle and bustle of the world, we can listen to each other whole heartedly and collectively envision our future. We warmly welcome everyone to join with your family, but as this is an experimental event, space is limited, so sign up soon by contacting Joanna!