Q: What is GBBCC?

A: GBBCC stands for Greater Boston Buddhist Cultural Center.  Established in 1999, GBBCC is a Buddhist temple serving a diversified group of Buddhist practitioners in the greater Boston area.  GBBCC is currently managed by two Buddhist monastics.  Venerable Yifa is our abbot.

Q: What school of Buddhism is GBBCC affiliated?

A: GBBCC follows the tradition of the Chinese Chan/ Zen Buddhism.  Our founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, is the 48^th Patriarch of Chan Buddhism’s Linji Lineage.  Furthermore, we follow Venerable Hsing Yun’s idea of Humanistic Buddhism.

Q: What is Humanistic Buddhism?

A: Traditionally, Buddhism has been regarded as pacifist.  The stereotype is that Buddhist monks and practitioners have a pessimistic view of the society and the world, and sought enlightenment and personal salvation by escaping the daily rigor of life.  In reality, Buddha taught his followers to focus on the daily life and bring positive changes to the society.  Trying to introduce the correct understanding of Buddhism, Venerable Hsing Yun promoted the following features of Buddha’s teaching, which he called Humanistic Buddhism:

• Making Positive Contribution to the Society
• Managing a Successful Daily Life
• Serving Others
• Being Happy
• Recognizing the Universality of Buddha’s Teaching
• Introducing Buddha’s Teaching to Others in Spiritual Need

In other words, Humanistic Buddhism encourages practitioners to take active control of one’s life, apply Buddhist values to make it better, and influence the surrounding people with happiness and positive attitude.  

Q: What is the mission of GBBCC?

A: GBBCC strive to introduce the values and philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism to our congregation and our community, by providing educational opportunities, sponsoring cultural events, engaging in charity work, and conducting religious and meditation services.

Q: What educational opportunities does GBBCC provide?

A: GBBCC provides the following educational opportunities for those interested.

• Monthly lecture by renowned speakers on various topics of Buddhism (art, philosophy, science, testimony, etc.)
• Monthly seminars hosting Harvard professors and students in a lively discussion of Buddhist issues
• Monthly study groups led by our trained monastics at various locations
• Visits by our monastics to local secondary schools to introduce Buddhism
• International Monastic Life Program – A highly selective, 7-week program to introduce qualified college students worldwide about the daily life in a traditional, Chinese Zen Buddhist Monastery.  Program takes place in the summer at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery of Taiwan.

Q: What cultural events does GBBCC provide?

A: GBBCC provides the following cultural events

• Celebration of Buddha’s birthday
• Celebration of Chinese New Year / Annual Open House
• Various classes, such as Tai-Chi, Chinese vegetarian cooking, Chinese watercolor painting, meditation and Yoga
• Occasional art exhibition inspired by Buddhism, featuring local Taiwanese/Chinese artists

Q: Does GBBCC provide activities specifically designed for children?

A: Yes, we do.  GBBCC currently has meditation class for children on Saturdays.  We are currently designing a program to introduce children to Buddhism.

Q: What religious and meditation service does GBBCC provide?

A: Dinner with Dharma, a unique program blending dinner, meditation, and discussion, is specifically designed for people who are curious about Buddhism.  It is held every other Friday nights.  A nominal fee is charged to cover the dinner cost.  GBBCC also has traditional religious service on Sundays.  In addition, we have meditation classes designed for beginners.  All religious and meditation services are open to public.

Q: What does the tearoom serve?

A: To help raise fund for our programs, GBBCC operates a tearoom open to general public.  The tearoom features Chinese vegetarian cooking, from a complete meal to many small, dim-sum like snacks.  In addition, the tearoom serves a variety of Chinese teas.  We also provide catering for parties and other functions.  All food provided by us are strictly vegetarian. 

Q: What does the bookstore provide?

A: GBBCC’s bookstore has a wide collection of English and Chinese books on Buddhism, from children’s comic books to textbooks suitable for graduate studies.  We also carry audio CDs featuring monastic chanting and lectures.  If you do not see the book you want on our bookshelf, we can special order it for you as well. 

Q: What is that “swastika” on Buddha’s chest?

A: The “swastika” on Buddha’s chest is pronounced as “one” in Chinese.  It has appeared on the statues of Buddha for thousands of years.  The sign is thought to be evolved from ancient Sanskrit writings.  According to Buddhist scriptures, the sign’s whirling shape symbolizes the far-reaching power of Buddha’s wisdom and compassion.  Although similar in appearance, it is not a symbol of Nazi.  Buddhism is in no way related to the Nazi. 

Q: When can we visit GBBCC?

A: GBBCC is open to general public 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.  You may walk in at any time during the open hours.  For large group visit, please call ahead to make reservation.  We welcome tours from schools and other religious organizations.