Through unremitting diligence of members and kind support from countless friends, major construction of the Great Hall of the Lansing Buddhist Association (LBA) is at last complete. From a distance, the simple yet graceful Great Hall stands serenely against the scenic backdrop of LBA’s Amitabha Village Retreat Center. Inside, the beautiful bamboo floor accentuates a commodious and bright space that is perfect for Buddhist practice. Meditators and Dharma learners now enjoy the welcoming peaceful space all year round.
However, construction of the Great Hall has strained LBA’s financial resources, leaving little fund for the mortgage on the center residence (Perry House), let alone future Dharma programs and events. In the Buddhist analysis, no dharma arises by itself and everything depends on proper conditions. The spread of Buddha-dharma depends on generosity and, with sincere love of dharma, generosity does arise. Seeing LBA’s practical need, the distinguished Taiwanese bhiksunī Venable Kuan Chien has bestowed on LBA a masterpiece Buddha sculpture by the world-renowned artist Yuyu Yang (Ying-Feng Yang), her late father. Venerable and LBA are inviting Buddhist friends to share in the great merits of installing this sculpture in the Great Hall through financial support. Your generosity will help generate more wisdom and compassion in Michigan.
A commemorative plaque will be displayed permanently in the Great Hall with the names of our “Owners of Merits” who contribute $10,000 or more. An authentic scaled version of the same Buddha statue by the master sculptor Yuyu Yang will go to contributors giving $20,000 or more. A beautiful teacup, hand- crafted by a local artist Kellie Buckley and inscribed with Chan Master Venerable Chi-Chern’s calligraphy, will be given to all contributing $600 or more.