Tea talk and meditation with Local Buddhist monastics in the Sunset

Connect with your inner self through meditation, enjoy a calming cup of tea, and engage in insightful conversations with a contemporary Buddhist monastic. This event offers a rare opportunity to learn from a spiritual teacher in a relaxed setting. Don't miss out on this chance to deepen your understanding of Buddhist practices! Take this chance to casually chat with a Korean American Buddhist sunim at our beautiful monastery located in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

Venerable XianAn, a self-made successful business woman, became a Buddhist nun at Wei Mountain Temple located in Los Angeles and spent several years practicing meditation and Mahayana Buddhism in South Korea. Over a cup of oolong or pu-er tea, you can ask her any questions that you’d like, such as questions regarding personal concerns, fundamentals of meditation and Buddhist teachings. Venerable XianAn can also show you around the temple so you can be exposed to temple's different activities.

Imagine the warmth of a cup of tea in your hands as you sit in conversation with local Buddhist monastics. This is a unique opportunity to not only savor the flavors of premium oolong or pu-er tea but also to engage in meaningful dialogue about life and spirituality. The act of tea drinking becomes a meditative practice here, allowing for moments of stillness and reflection amidst the camaraderie.

The informal setting provides an open environment where personal concerns can be shared and wisdom can be sought from experienced practitioners. It's a space where questions are welcomed, and the journey of self-discovery is supported by a compassionate community.

In the welcoming atmosphere of the Dharma Treasury Temple, socializing becomes an integral part of spiritual growth. The community that assembles here is built on shared values of kindness, respect, and a genuine interest in each other's well-being. This gathering is not just about individual practice but about supporting one another on the path to enlightenment.

The bonds formed during these sessions often extend beyond the temple walls, creating a network of friendship and support. In this way, the experience of socializing in a Buddhist setting fosters a sense of belonging and contributes to the collective spiritual journey of its members.

Buddhist meditation is a practice steeped in ancient wisdom and tradition, offering a pathway to inner peace and clarity of mind. In these sessions, participants are introduced to various techniques such as proper sitting posture, reciting Buddha's name, mantra recitation and so on, which can lead to numerous benefits including reduced stress, enhanced focus, and a deeper sense of presence in daily life. Whether you are new to the practice or a seasoned meditator, you'll find these techniques both accessible and profound.

The benefits of meditation extend beyond the cushion. Regular practice cultivates compassion and patience, skills that are invaluable in the hustle of everyday life. By integrating meditation into your routine, you can develop a resilient mind capable of weathering life's ups and downs with grace and equanimity.

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A former Lutheran church on the corner of Ulloa street and 33rd Ave in the Sunset District is now adorned with ten-foot sandalwood statues of the Buddha and two sages. The soft sunlight comes through the original church’s stained glass windows and the original church pews are still there to greet the temple visitors. “Our Temple welcomes all, regardless of ethnicity or religion and does not seek to replace other religions,” explains Master XianZhi, abbot of the Temple. “In our approach to people, we respect their background.”

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PARKING

Free Street parking available

PRICES

Free of Charge

AGE REGISTRATION

All ages or kids with an accompanying adult. Let the kids be themselves!

MEETING PLACE

3201 Ulloa St, San Francisco, CA 94116 (Come to the door on 33rd ave)

INQUIRY

562-396-4805 or 628-977-9097

The event host Venerable XianAn

Venerable XianAn is a Korean American Buddhist nun and a longtime disciple of Master YongHua. In 2012, she started learning Chan from Master Yonghua at Lu Mountain Temple located in the U.S.A. At that time, she was a young entrepreneur with a start-up business. Chan quickly supplied her with the core strength necessary to make her business very successful. With further improvement, she realized that Chan had become such a wonderful and fundamental skill, not only for her career, but also for all other aspects of her life.

In 2019, she became a Buddhist nun under Master YongHua and returned to her motherland, Korea. Since then, she’s become very well known teaching American Chan in Korea. Using her talents as both a published author and Buddhist radio host, HyunAn Sunim (or XA) has worked tirelessly to share her Master’s teachings with the people in her homeland. This effort includes countless meditation sessions she's taught in many of Korea’s renowned temples. Some of her meditation students were so inspired that they decided to enter monastic life under her Master and join the sangha community in Korea.

HyunAn Sunim started teaching Chan meditation in the U.S. about ten years ago as a lay person working under Master Yonghua's supervision. Since then, she has been inspired to help others because she is aware of how Chan transforms people’s lives. She has grown in experience and knowledge after teaching students from all over the world. Because of her unique background in both Korean and American Buddhism, she has acquired skills to more effectively guide both Westerners and Asians in their spiritual practices. In 2024, she was assigned to lead and teach Chan sessions and organize three-day intensive retreats in Europe. Following the trip, many Europeans started to follow her online classes and study Mahayana Buddhism.

Host or Publisher Chan Meditation