For the next few months, our Dharma talk series by Guo Gu on the 1st and 3rd Monday night sessions will follow a different format, centered on cultivating loving-kindness toward ourselves and extending care and goodwill to the sangha and the broader community.

Each session includes:

• 30 minutes of loving-kindness directed toward oneself

• Short break

• 20–30 minutes of loving-kindness extended to others, especially those experiencing difficulty or suffering

Through this guided meditation, rooted in Chan teachings, this practice cultivates a mind of kindness free from anger, extending care first to ourselves and gradually to others, both near and far, including those who may be struggling or in pain. It is a steady and grounded way to support the sangha and the wider community during a period of collective strain.

Dedications: To have names read at the altar, please add them to the paper in-person or submit them online here. This list is for students at the Tallahassee Chan Center for those in their life that they wish to transfer merit to. We will read these out on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Names will remain on our dedication list for one month. Please feel free to resubmit after that time if continued support is needed.

Guo Gu

Founder & Resident Teacher

Guo Gu (Dr. Jimmy Yu) is the founder and teacher of the Tallahassee Chan Center and Dharma Relief. He first learned meditation as a child in 1972 with master Guangqin (1892-1986), one of the most respected Chinese Buddhist ascetics in Taiwan. In 1980, Guo Gu moved to the United States and began studying with master Sheng Yen (1931-2009). In 1991, Guo Gu was ordained as a monk and became Master Sheng Yen’s first personal attendant and assistant. In 1995, he was given permission by the master to teach Chan independently. He was Sheng Yen’s translator for two decades and has translated over a dozen Buddhist works ranging from scriptures to Chan discourse records. In 2000, Guo Gu left monkhood and re-entered the world. In 2008 he received his Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Princeton University and is currently a professor of Buddhist studies at Florida State University.

For Guo Gu’s list of events, please bookmark his personal website: www.guogulaoshi.com

Click here for the Monday night Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87674890410?pwd=Dza0FehSehSe2RjDVa5upt6XezZMtrKCG.1

Other Mondays

On Mondays without loving-kindness practice, we offer guided seated meditation, including either walking meditation or mindful yoga.

Last Monday of the Month

After meditation, join us for a social gathering to connect and celebrate sangha birthdays. Please bring a vegetarian dish.