Desert Zen Center

Sharing the Buddhadharma for Over 40 Years

The Desert Zen Center, also known as Chua Thien An, has been a pillar of the Buddhist community for over four decades. Established in 1976, the center was initially used for monthly meditation retreats by members of the Long Beach Zen Monastery and the International Buddhist Meditation Center. In 1982, the Venerable Thich An Giao and his Senior Disciple, Thich Tam Hien, moved to the center, renaming it Monjuji. Over the years, the center has grown to include numerous buildings, trained many monks, and expanded its service to the local community. In 1999, the temple was renamed Chua Thien An in memory of the Most Venerable Thich Thien An, Roshi's Vietnamese Master.

The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

At the heart of the Buddhadharma are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The First Noble Truth acknowledges the existence of suffering - birth is suffering, aging is suffering, death is suffering, and so on. The Second Noble Truth identifies the origin of suffering as craving, which leads to rebirth, pleasure, lust, and delight. The Third Noble Truth is the cessation of suffering, achieved through the extinction of craving, forsaking and abandoning it, and liberation and detachment from it. The Fourth Noble Truth presents the Eightfold Path as the means to achieve the cessation of suffering: Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Zen Basics

The foundational teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, are explained and explored in depth at the Desert Zen Center. The center provides a conducive environment for learning and practicing Zen Buddhism, enabling individuals to cultivate a deep understanding of the self, others, and the world. Through regular meditation, classes, and retreats, students can delve into the rich and profound teachings of the Buddha and apply them to their daily lives.

Training Retreats (Sesshins)

Training retreats, also known as Sesshins, are intensive meditation retreats focused on seated and walking meditation practice in the Zendo. These retreats provide an opportunity for individuals to deepen their meditation practice, cultivate mindfulness, and develop a strong foundation in Zen Buddhism. The retreats may include private conversations with the Roshi (Dokusan), providing students with personalized guidance and support in their practice.

Ceremonies

The Desert Zen Center provides support and assistance with various ceremonies, including marriages, blessings of children, dedications, funerals, and memorial services. These ceremonies provide an opportunity for individuals to mark significant life events and transitions in a meaningful way, and to receive the support and guidance of the sangha (community) in the process.

Thursday Evening Meditation

Every Thursday evening, the center hosts a meditation session in the Zendo, starting at 7 pm. These sessions provide an opportunity for individuals to come together in a supportive environment and practice meditation. Following the meditation, tea and conversation are offered, providing an opportunity for individuals to connect with one another and deepen their understanding of the Dharma.

Dharma Class

On Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 am, the center offers a Dharma class. These classes provide an opportunity for individuals to learn about the teachings of the Buddha and explore their application to daily life. Through discussion, questions, and reflection, students can deepen their understanding of the Dharma and cultivate a strong foundation in Zen Buddhism.

Special Events

The Desert Zen Center hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including Vu Lan, Buddha's Birthday, Temple Days, Reaffirming the Precepts, Bodhi Day, and the Rains Season Retreats. These events provide an opportunity for individuals to come together in community, practice the Dharma, and celebrate the rich and diverse traditions of Zen Buddhism.

Reaffirming the Precepts

Reaffirming the Precepts is an important Buddhist ceremony that takes place at the Desert Zen Center on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am. This ceremony provides an opportunity for individuals to reaffirm their commitment to the Buddhist precepts and to deepen their understanding of the path of awakening.

Online Videos

The Desert Zen Center offers a variety of online videos, including video recordings of Roshi's dharma talks (sermons or public discourses on Buddhism) and live streams of Sunday services and dharma talks. These resources provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with the center from anywhere in the world and to deepen their understanding of the Dharma.