Classes & Events
GTMC offers various ways for individuals to participate in Zen practice. Our community is committed to providing an array of classes and events aimed at fostering meditation, encouraging compassion, and supporting meaningful and fulfilling living.
Through our curriculum, participants are provided with structured guidance and support as they engage with Buddhist teachings. This method assists in clarifying fundamental questions encountered in daily life while promoting deeper understanding and personal and spiritual growth.
GTMC offers weekly Introduction to Zen Meditation class (every Thursday evening, 6 – 8 PM) for individuals seeking to learn about Zen meditation or obtain an introduction to its principles. The class features comprehensive meditation instruction, accompanied by discussions on incorporating meditation and Zen philosophies into daily life.
The class is available both in person and via Zoom. Attendees joining in person are kindly requested to arrive 5–10 minutes prior to the start of the session to allow for orientation and a smooth transition into the classroom environment. For those participating via Zoom, please ensure your camera remains on and approach the session as an interactive experience.
This class is open to the public at no cost. Voluntary donations are gratefully accepted.
Click HERE to register for either the in-person or online class via Zoom.
Zen Curriculum
Sutra Study Course:
__Selected Buddhist scriptures including The Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters, Sutra of the Eight Realizations of Great Beings, Sutra on Impermanence, The Diamond Sutra, The Heart Sutra, The Platform Sutra, and The Shurangama Sutra, etc.
Beginner Course:
__Meditation Methods: Breath-counting, Breath-observation, and Samantha
__Topics Covered: Mindfulness, Vegetarianism, Causality, the Buddha's Life, Three Refuges, Five Precepts, and the Four Noble Truths
Intermediate Course:
__Meditation Methods: Samantha, Mindfulness of the Mind, The Four Immeasurable Minds, Loving-kindness
__Topics Covered: The Bodhisattva Ideal, the Six Paramitas, the Four Immeasurable Minds, Repentance & Dedication
Advance Course:
__Meditation Methods: Samantha, Mindfulness of the Mind, Awareness of One's Inherent Nature
__Topics Covered: The 12 Links of Dependent Origination, Middle Way Reality, Introduction to Buddhist Schools, the Essence of Mahayana Practice
GTMC provides free Meditation and Buddhism courses throughout the year. These programs present a comprehensive Zen curriculum tailored for lay practitioners seeking to advance their understanding of Zen meditation and essential Buddhist teachings. Each course features a well-structured curriculum enabling students to integrate the principles learned in class into their daily lives. Program terms comprise a minimum of six consecutive weekly sessions with 2-hrs individual classes.
Festivals & Celebrations
Buddhist Festivals & Celebrations:
Buddhist festivals commemorate significant milestones in the life of the Buddha, including his birth, enlightenment, and passing. The specific traditions and customs observed during these festivals can vary among the different Buddhist branches, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism.
Major Holidays
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Vesak / Buddha Day (May/June): Celebrates the birth and passing of the Buddha.
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Magha Puja / Sangha Day (February/March): Honors a large gathering of monks and nuns to hear Buddha’s teachings, focusing on community and principles.
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Bodhi Day (December 8): Observes the Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Common Festival Practices
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Visiting temples and offering fruits and flowers as a sign of respect.
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Presenting alms, such as food or gifts, to monks.
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Participating in chanting and meditation sessions.
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Adopting vegetarian meals for the occasion.
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Lighting incense, candles, or lanterns to promote peace, wisdom, and cultivate merit.
Major Vietnamese Festivals:
Vietnam's festivals, largely based on the lunar calendar, offer vibrant glimpses into the country’s deep-rooted culture and traditions. The two most significant festivals often celebrated at temples or monasteries are Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) in early spring and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
1. Lunar New Year / Tết Nguyên Đán (Jan/Feb):
__The largest and most important festival in Vietnam, Tet marks the start of spring and the Lunar year. Families gather to share meals, decorate their homes with flowers, and honor ancestors. During Tet, streets and homes are adorned with vibrant peach blossoms and kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. People visit relatives and friends, exchanging well-wishes and gifts. Traditional foods such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes), pickled vegetables, and candied fruits are enjoyed. The festival is a time for renewal, reflection, and expressing gratitude, making it a cherished occasion for all generations in Vietnam.
2. Mid-Autumn Festival / Tết Trung Thu (15th day of 8th Lunar Month, Sep/Oct):
__A festival especially for children, the Mid-Autumn Festival is characterized by colorful lanterns, lively lion dances, an abundance of toys, and the sharing of mooncakes. The festival is steeped in legend, with many stories centering around the Moon Goddess, who is believed to bless children with good fortune and happiness. Traditional foods like mooncakes are shared with loved ones as symbols of unity and completeness. Schools and communities often organize lantern-making contests and storytelling sessions, making the event both educational and festive. In cities and rural areas alike, the Mid-Autumn Festival creates a magical atmosphere that brings people together to celebrate family, friendship, and the beauty of the full moon.