About GTMC
GTMC, also known as a Zen monastery, is located in a tranquil area of Eagan, MN. It was established in 2014 through the vision and dedication of Zen teacher Thich Tue Giac, along with the support of committed Sangha members. It is an affiliated sister branch of the main headquarters Dai Dang monastery in California.
GTMC offers instruction and guidance rooted in the Bamboo Forest (Truc Lam) Zen Tradition, which was notably the leading Buddhist school in Vietnam during the 12th and 13th centuries. Although this tradition had faded over time, it was revitalized by Zen Master Thich Thanh Tu in the 1960s and is now the most prominent form of Zen school in modern Vietnam.
GTMC is committed to advancing and supporting the practice of Zen Buddhism. Through structured meditation, Zen Buddhism encourages individuals to cultivate inner calm, peace, and happiness, and realize their innate wisdom.
Periodic meditation retreats are organized at GTMC to provide practitioners with opportunities for intensive practice. Additionally, the GTMC commemorates and hosts significant Buddhist events, including Buddha Shakyamuni’s Birthday and Enlightenment Day, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’s Birthday, and Ullambana (Honoring Parents Celebration).
Weekly Schedule:
Introduction to Zen Meditation Class
(Thursday evenings, 6 – 7:15 PM)
(Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 8 – 9:15 PM)
(9 AM – Noon)
Four Principles of Thien (Zen) Practicing at GTMC
1. Self-Reflection: The analytical mind does not represent one's essential state of consciousness. It is advisable to observe thoughts as they arise without attachment or engagement. When cognitive activity ceases, what remains is a state of awareness and tranquility, regarded as the true nature of the mind.
2. Non-attachment between our senses and the sense objects: The six sense-consciousnesses—eye-consciousness, ear-consciousness, nose-consciousness, tongue-consciousness, body-consciousness, and mind-consciousness—arise when the corresponding senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind) encounter their respective objects (form, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mental objects). These perceptions are regarded as illusory and insubstantial. By refraining from attachment between the senses and their objects, one remains aligned with their fundamental nature.
3. Non-Differentiation: Differentiation arises from the activity of our conceptual mind, or false thinking mind. When this process ceases by seeing things as they are, illusory thoughts will also dissipate, allowing one's Inherent Nature or our ‘Original Face’ to become apparent.
4. Living with the True Mind: It is advisable to adhere to the three principles mentioned above, maintaining authenticity and refraining from pursuing transient phenomena. That which is impermanent should be distinguished from what is enduring, which is our persistent Awareness, our True Mind, as the latter leads to liberation.