1964
1964.10.08
Interim board formed by Zhirui Zhang, Junmin Yu, Linkui Huang, Yujing Huang, Yumin Zhu Zhang, and Molley K. Chang. According the law of New York Religious Corporation § 191 & § 193 , the board applied to establish BAUS, the Buddhist Association of the United States.
1964.10.21
According to the law of New York Religious Corporation, Bronx, New York, formally approved the establishment of the BAUS. (Certificate No 76531)
1965
With the assistant of “Wisdom Torch” magazine in Taiwan, BAUS started to award “Mila Scholarship”. There were 47 people were granted for this first year. Over the years until 1983, the total reached up to 670 persons. Many winners later became well-respected Buddhist masters and scholars. Fresh water had been poured into Buddhism studies. Master Xingyun was on the jury once.
1966
Lay devotee Buddhists Dr. C.T. Shen and his wife, Woo Ju Shen, purchased an abandoned building (the now Temple of Enlightenment) and leased it to BAUS (before the tax exempt status was approved). After diligent efforts putted together from the monastic and lay devotees, this ruin finally turned into a solemn temple.
Note: the tax exempt was granted in 1969.4.11
1967
BAUS held the first 7 days Amitabha Retreat. Up until now in 2014, the Amitabha Retreat has gone on to its 48th year.
Photos:
The 3 buddhas and Wei-tuo Bodhisattva were enshirned since Ven. Lok to.
1968
1968.02.11
Special Membership Meeting held for the by-laws of BAUS and detailed Articles. A steel constitution was engraved, making sure that the objects and purposes of BAUS is to practice and preach Buddhism.
1968.08.11
BAUS held its first Membership Meeting. 9 Board of Trustees were elected from the members and according to by-laws of the Association. Then one third of trustees were re-elected every year.
1969
1969.05.
To celebrate Buddha’s birthday, Mr. C.T. Shen delivered the speech “Five Eyes”. Later the speech was published by “Wisdom Torch” in English and Chinese bilingual edition.
1969.10.26
Woo Ju Shen purchased the current TOE building and donated it to BAUS.
1970
*Mr. C.T Shen established the “Institute for Advanced Studies of World Religions (IASWR)” in Westchester NY. 1972, then moved IASWR to the SUNY Stony Brook Campus on Long Island. In 1991, Woo Ju Shen’s memorial fund donated to build a library at Chuang Yen Monastery, the institute thus moved here.
1971
1971.08.29
A Buddhist Service was held in the Cathedral of the Pine, NH. Ven. Lokto headed the ceremony. Mr. C.T Shen delivered a speech: “What we can learn from Buddhism”
1972
Ven. Jen Chun was invited to the Temple of Enlightenment (TOE) from Taiwan. Ven. Ri Chang was invited to accompany him as well. These two masters had significant contribution in spreading the Dharma in America.
Note: Ven. Ri Chang had never been the Abbot of CYM or TOE, or President of BAUS himself. However, the 5th Abbot of Chuang Yen Monastery (CYM), and the 3rd to 5th Priors of CYM were all his disciples.
1973
1973.1.24
20th Century Mahayana Buddhism Studies master Ven. Yin Shun accepted the invitation from BAUS by Mr. C.T. Shen and then came to America via Tokyo, accompanied by the BAUS “Sutra Translation Institute” in Taiwan’s Deputy Director Mr. Fayen Gu. After arriving in the States, he lived at Bodhi House, and was cared for by Ven. Ri Chang.
1974
1974.09.08
Ven. Ming Chi served as the 2nd President of BAUS.
1974.09.09-17
Well-respected Buddhist master Ven. Chan Yun conducted the Amitabha Retreat in the Bodhi Field
1974.09.18
HH the 16th Karmapa visited New York and was greeted at Bodhi Field.
1975
1975.03.09
A BAUS Membership Card was printed for the first time.
1975.11.02
The BAUS Board passed the proposal initiated by Mr. C.T. Shen and Woo Ju Shen to build the Chuang Yen Monastery.
1975.12.16
Ven. Sheng Yen was invited to be the Abbot of TOE.
1975.12.29
Mr. Shi Chung Yu donated the porcelain Zenzai boy (now in the Kuan Yin Hall of Chuang Yen Monastery)
1976
The building of Chuang Yen Monastery began. 1976.01.19 Ven. Ming Chi flew to Hong Kong for the collecting of alms. 1976.10.10 Ven. Ming Chi, Ven. Jen Chun, Ven. Sheng Yen led the members to make the first trip to the building site of Chuang Yen monastery.
1976.08.15
BAUS organized the 2nd Buddhist Service in the Pine of the Cathedral, NH: Celebrating the bicentennial of the America to pray for peace and the prosperity of the USA.
1976.03.19
Lay Buddhist devotee Zhu Yimin Zhang donated the Kuna-yin porcelain.
1976.05.03
Ven. Sheng Yen led the first phase of Zen meditation sessions.
1977
The first “Chan Magazine” was published in 1977.03.28. Ven. Sheng Yen was the general editor. The Meditation Hall was also finished in 1977.03.15. Ven. Sheng Yen and Ven. Ri Chang led the students to the Bodhi House for 7 days meditation retreat.
1977.09.11
A 3D model of the Great Buddha Hall based on the design from I.M. Pei was shown in the Temple of Enlightenment.
1977.09.20
Mrs. Woo Ju Shen donated a set of the Tripitaka.
1978
1978.05.14
American youth, Paul Kennedy was ordained in the Temple of Enlightenment. The first one ordained in BAUS.
1978.11.28
The BAUS Book Fund was established. Member Mr. T.K. Lee volunteered to be in charge of the program in order to print and distribute Buddhism & Buddhist lifestyle related material. He has been volunteering since then for nearly 40 years.
1978.11.26
Ven. Fa Tung assumed the duties of the Abbot of the Temple of Enlightenment.
1979
1979.09.02
BAUS invited Ven. Yan Pei to give a series of Dharma lectures: “The 2nd Chapter of Vimalakirtinirdeśa Sūtra” every Sunday for 6 weeks. It set the tones of the BAUS Bodhi Dharma series later in 1992.
1979.12.02
Ven. Fa Tung was gave a series of meditation classes for 10 weeks.
1979.12.09
Celebration of the 15 anniversary of BAUS.
1980
1980.07.15
The construction for extending the Temple of Enlightenment is completed, named “Paraparjamita Floor”.
1980.09.14
BAUS organized the 3rd Buddhist Service“ Ceremony of the Vajra Crown” in the Cathedral of Pines, NH.
1980.09.28
Ven. Jen Chun became the 3rd President of BAUS.
1980.10.04
Yogi master Mr. Chien Ming Chen was invited to lecture in the Temple of Enlightenment for 5 days.
1981
1981.05.23
Chuang Yen Monastery held its Ground Breaking Ceremony
1982
1982.12.
Dharma study group was established at the Temple of Enlightenment. The main purpose was to explain Buddhism terminology to beginners for further understanding and practice. Each period lasted 3 months for 12 times, and divided into groups for further discussion.
1982.09.20
BAUS’s first newsletter is published.
1982.08.01
Shamar Rinpoche lead the “Amitabha Empowerment Ceremony.”
1983
1983.04.17
“Developing Faith Study Group” started at the Temple of Enlightenment.
1983.05.10
“Sutra Translation Institute” published the English translation of “A Treasury of Mahayana Sutras.”
1983.06.12
Kuan Yin Hall Ground Breaking Ceremony, Ven. Ming Chi led the ceremony.
1983.05.28
Ven. Analanada conducted the 7 days meditation retreat at Bodhi House.
1984
1984.11.10
Ven. Xian Ming’s Ceremony.
1984.11.11
BAUS celebrated the 20th Anniversary, and published a special publication.
1985
1985.05.11
Kuan Yin Hall Grand Opening
1985.05.12
Chuang Yen Monastery held the lay devotee Bodhisattva Precept Retreat for the first time.
1986
1986.06.17
The First Summer Camp held at Chuang Yen Monastery. Later, Kids were added to the camp in 1989 and then Teens in 1990. Counselors were trained for the camp since 1992.
1986.07.19
Buddha carving avatar was installed on top of the Ten Thousand Lotus Terrace.
1987
1987.07.20
An English version of the “Chuang Yen Monastery” bimonthly newsletter was published to inform English-speaking visitors about the programs at the monastery.
1988
1988.07.31
2 lay devotees, Chien-tai Yo and Huihui Lin were ordained as monastics and given the Dharma Names: “Chen Kuna and Chen Ju”.
1988.07.31
Mrs. Woo Ju Shen left $400,000 to build a library at Chuang Yen Monastery.
1988.05.28
Ven. Xian Ming conducted the 4 days “Tientai School Study Retreat” at Chuang Yen Monastery.
1989
1989.05.27
Board resolved to add pages to the BAUS Membership Newsletter and renamed it “Wisdom Journal.” Member Ms. Lichin Fu volunteered to be in charge of the publication. 1989.07.01 The first issue of the “Wisdom Journal” was published and is now up to issue #150.
1989.10.15
Great Buddha Hall Grand Opening Ceremony, respected H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Ven. Ming Chi, Ven. Hao Lin, Mrs. Jin Yutang Yin performed the ground-breaking ceremony.
1989.11.23-25
Dr. Jiunan Lei hosted the“Holy Pure Land Kuna Yin” Retreat.
1989.11.22-24
“Amitabha Empowerment Ceremony” was held.
1990
1990.03.16
Ven. Xian Ming led “BAUS Dharma Group” to Taiwan and California.
1997.07.08
Ven. Ming Quang’s Installation Ceremony to be the Abbot of the Temple of Enlightenment.
1990.01.07
Chuang Yen Monastery started to serve lunch on Sundays
1990.06.
Tai Hsu Hall began operating.
1990.10.13-14
Pure Land Buddhism master Ven. Miao Lian led the first 2 days of a 7 day Pure Land Buddhism retreat.
1990.11.04
Fo Quang Shan Ven. Xing Yun visited CYM.
1991
1991.05.12
Mother’s Day Garden Party was held for the first time at CYM
1991.07.27
Woo Ju Memorial Library grand opening, the “Institute for Advanced Studies of World Religions (IASWR)” was moved here, It’s a significant event, state officials and well-respected Buddhist scholars came to celebrate. The library was formally opened to the public later on May 9th, 1992.
1992
1992.02.10
A series of “Bodhi Dharma” programs started, organized by Mr. T.K. Lee. Many Buddhist masters were invited to give Dharma talks around the nation.
1992.07
By unusual circumstances, the late Tang dynasty wooden craving of Kuan Yin came to the monastery. Professor Chang-ken Chen successfully restored it to be enshrined in the Kuan Yin Hall. Mr. C.T. Shen wrote an article to portray this special occasion.
1992.01
Ven. Xian Ming began to teach “Tientai School study group” every Saturday in CYM.
1992.07.05
Ven. Ming Quang and Ven. Ji Ru became the Abbot of CYM and Abbot of TOE respectfully.
1992.07
BAUS invited a Thai Buddhist master to teach “Sati Meditation”, and had continued giving workshops and retreats up to 2012.
1993
1993.09.10
The biggest sitting Buddha statue “Vairocana” in the western Hemisphere was completed on this day. With the Buddha sitting in the daylight, a new page of spreading Buddhism had begun.
1993.08
The first “Tibetan Buddhism Study Retreat” was held in the Kuan Yin Hall. The retreat had been held every year up until 2006.
1993
Susan Postal was ordained.
1993.04.12
Chan Master Ven. Wei-jue, accompanied by his disciples visited TOE and CYM.
1994
1994.07.10
BAUS formed “Electronic Buddhadharma Society” (EBS), which is dedicated to converting printed Chinese Buddhist texts into digital formats. It was one of the pioneers in developing methods of digital conversion of printed Buddhist texts and is a collective effort supported by many individuals and organizations.
1994.04.28
An 18 foot Kuan Yin was erected by the Seven Jewel Lake.
1994.04.17
BAUS Membership meeting was held at Chuang Yen Monastery for the first time.
1994.09.03
To celebrate BAUS’s 30th Anniversary, Chuang Yen Monastery held a “Five precept and Bodhisattva precept Retreat”.
1994.09.05
BAUS donated a 15-person van for Putnam county’s senior citizens.
1995
1995.04
Mr. C.T. Shen and Mr. Nan Xuan Shen flew to Taiwan to visit for 13 days and joined the “Buddhism electronic disc conversion conference”.
1995.11.01
The BAUS website debuted, volunteer Shawn Chang was in charge of the site.
1996
1996.01.02
Chuang Yen Monastery started its first Winter Retreat for 3 months.
1996.01.02
Mr. C. T. Shen held a press conference to introduce the first Buddhist multi-media disc in the world.
1997
1997.05.24
Great Buddha Hall Grand Opening, government officials, Buddhist representatives from all over the world of more than 5000 people participated at this event. A 4 day World Peace Ceremony included, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama’s Empowerment Ceremony and his 3 day 37 Bodhisattva practice study retreat; Mahayana Great Compassion Ceremony; Yoga Flaming Mouth Ceremony and the World Buddhist Sangha Youth (WBSY) General Conference.
1997.08.23
At the “Tien tai study group” commencement ceremony, more than 20 monastics graduated.
1998
1998.01.01
Ven. Ming Kuang invited representatives from different religions and held a “World Peace” ceremony at Chuang Yen Monastery. This has become a tradition and a major event in the monastery calendar.
1998.03.01
“Medical Compassion Society” was formed. Member Wanye Chang and Sue-sue Yang volunteered to in be charge of many disaster aids program, free medical consultation, etc.
1999
1999.05.30
Ven. Ming Kuang assumed the role of 6th President of BAUS. Putnam County Executive Mr. Robert Bondi was grateful for the contribution that had been done for the county. Putnam County set this date as “Buddha Day”.
1999.05.31
The formal installation ceremony of Ven. Shou Yu as the Abbot of CYM.
1999.11.25
Renxiong Huang was then ordained by Ven. Shou Yu and named “Kai Tung”. She served in the Gift Shop for many years and was skillful in painting and calligraphy.
2000
2000.03.26
“World Journal” hosted C.T. Shen’s Biography book signing event. There were about 200 people who attended. When asked participants’ reflections: most of them expressed that they were deeply grateful for the tangible and intangible help as well as the kindness from Mr. C.T.Shen and his wife Woo Ju Shen. They came here simply just to say to him in person, “Thank you”.
2000.06.10
The great Buddha at Chuang Yen Monastery is known as the Buddha Vairocana. At the turn of the millennium, BAUS invited Sa’gya Gongma Rinboq to lead “Buddha Vairocana Empowerment Ceremony”.
2001
2001.09.15
Temple of Enlightenment and Chuang Yen Monastery held prayer services for victims in the tragic event of 911. Later in 2001.11.01 donations were collected and handed to the “World Trade Center September 11th Victim Compensation Fund”. On the New Year ’s Eve of 2001, BAUS held a “Community Unity & World Peach Candle Light Evening Service”. The County Executive and the Town Supervisor came to pray. Ven. Ming Kuang led the monastics to give blessings, more than 1000 people joined the service on that night.
2001.11.15
A “Chuang Yen Monastery” sign carved in marble was placed by the entrance.
2002
2002.04.21
With Mr. Jeffery Wu’s generous donation, Chuang Yen Monastery paved the major roads on the grounds.
2002.08
The formal installation ceremony of Ven. Ji Ru as the Abbot of CYM.
2002.09.09
An antique Kuan Yin, donated by Wen jie Wong and Jie Sun, was enshrined in front of the Great Buddha.
2002.05
A 3 day Lotus Sutra Study Symposium was held at Chuang Yen Monastery, interfaith religious prayers were also included in the program.
2003
2003.07
The 18 Arhant statues and the White Stone Buddha arrived at the monastery. The former were placed by the Bodhi Path and the latter by the entrance
2003.05.28
Thai nurse Ms. Dow ordained by Ven. Ji Ru, named “Kung Dow”
2004
2004.05.29
Buddhist masters came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BAUS
2004.05.30
“Bodhi Path” completion ceremony was held in front of Great Buddha Hall
2005
2005.02.01
BAUS donated $15,000 to Putnam County to provide transpiration vehicles for senior citizens.
2005.10.16
Meitreya Relic Exhibition held at Chuang Yen Monastery
2005.09.09
A 3 year Dharma Teacher Training Program started, led by Ven. Trich Hong
2006
2006.08.19
Chuang Yen Monastery held the “Sand Mandala Ceremony” for the first time. The construction of the sand mandala lasted 10 hours. Nyingma spiritual leader Penor Rinpoche came to give teachings and bestowed “Thousand Arms, Thousand Eyes, Great Compassion Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Ceremony”
2006.05.27
BAUS held Membership Meeting at Chuang Yen Monastery, Kent Fire Department sent special thanks to BAUS for supporting their work
2007
2007.05.26
Ven. Ji Xing assumed the duty of the 8th President of BAUS
2007.07.20
Board of Trustees invited Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, Ven. Chao Ding, Ven. Xing Kong, Ven. Trich Hong, Ven. Ming Kuang, Ven. Ji Xing, Ven. Heng Sure to be BAUS Dharma Masters
2007.11.27
Beloved Mr. C.T. Shen passed away, within a month on 2007.12.19. well-respected Ven. Xian Ming also passed away.
2008
2008
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi started to teach a series of Pali Sutta Study class at Chuang Yen Monastery on Saturdays.
2008.07.27
President Ven. Ji Xing invited Ven. Dhammdipa Fa Yao to be the Abbot of Chuang Yen Monastery. Ven. Fa Yao ordained since 1987, obtained his PhD in UK Bristol University under the guidance of the well-know Pali scholar professor Rupert Gethin.
2008.07.30
The stone carving Kuan Yin placed by the Seven Jewel Lake.
2009
2009.05.10
Chuang Yen Monastery celebrated Vesak (Buddha bathing ceremony) and Mother ’s Day Garden Party together for the first time. A Buddhist Cultural Heritage Exhibition was also on display. The reopening of the Woo Ju Memorial Library was announced.
2010
2010.08.05
The debut of BAUS’s new website: Member Mr. Shang Chang converted the old site. Member Mr. Gary Li was put in charge of the administration management。
2010.07.17
Woo Ju Memorial Library started the “English Buddhism Lecture Series”, professors, scholars and authors were invited to give Buddhism and Buddhist lifestyle related lectures and workshops. More than 20 lectures have been delivered up to now.
2011
2011.05.16
UN celebrated the 2600th Anniversary of Vesak. More than 1000 Buddhist representatives attended. Ven. Fa Yao delivered a speech, “Peace, Harmony, and Coexistence” in English
2011.06.19
Ven. De en, the Abbot of the Temple of Enlightenment organized the “Buddhist Art Exhibition: Tea, Chan, Calligraphy, and Painting” that took place in the Great Buddha Hall.
2011.09.02
The 1st President of BAUS, Ven. Lokto passed away.
2012
2012.06
Lay Buddhist devotee Yi-Hsin Chen initiated the “Beautify Chuang Yen” project. 80 cherry trees were planted around the monastery, by the parking lot, 18 Arhants, Yin-kuan Hall, Woo Ju Memorial Library, Lotus Terrace, and the lawn in front of Great Buddha Hall
2013.09
The first Putnam county Chinese School was established at Chuang Yen Monastery, Member Ms, Liu Lu is the school’s principle.
2013
2013.07.15
“Landscape Improvement Project” started, to improve the storm water runoff and soil erosion, the easy access between Great Buddha Hall and Kuan Yin Hall and for the outdoor meditation environment.
2013.08.30
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi was invited to be the 9th President of BAUS earlier this year. Chuang Yen Monastery held the first “Abhidhamma Retreat” in the Kuan Yin Hall taught by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
2013.12
The 18 Arhants stone craving plates arrived and were placed in front of them.