Camp Theme: Everlasting (= Continuous Practice), Happiness (= Nirvana), I (= Buddha), Pureness (= Dharma)
This phrase originated from Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, considered as the four utmost virtues possessed by all the Buddhas. They are also considered as the goal practices for Buddhists.
Everlasting, considered as Dharma Body of the Buddha, is implying unwavering.
Happiness, considered as Nirvana, is implying neither arising nor ceasing
I, considered as Thathagatha, is implying no hindrance
Pureness, considered as the Right Dharma, is implying to reveal the truth.
Everyone possess these four virtues, only because we didn’t recognize the truth, view illusion as real, lost ourselves in the materialized differences, thus we suffered in the Samsara. Through the days of practice and study during this Buddhist summer camp, hope we could discover our true Buddha Nature.
We will learn that the Buddha Nature is:
neither arising nor ceasing;
no hindrances and perfect in nature;
unwavering and without the cycle of birth and death;
and is pure, solemn, majestic, and vast.
Once we have a clear understand of this, we will realize that in nature there is no real difference among mind, Buddha, and sentient beings. All the dharma realm is a whole, as one family, isn’t it in jolly harmony.
Thus, we will learn to have gratitude and respectful mind, love to help others, practice non-self equanimity heart, to cherish and care for all sentient beings. To let the pure and solemn nature arises more often. This way, we are unwavering by tangible condition, yet flexible with unwavering principle. Educate public with skillful means, with joyfully at ease smile to infuse the mass, maintain a solemn pure mind, without seeking fame, rewards, and merits.
Registration Deadline: June 12. No registration will be granted after the deadline. From June 15 to 16, all registrants will be reviewed. A “Letter of Acceptance” will be sent out on June 16 to those who are admitted.
Check-in Time：June 30, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Opening ceremony starts at 4:00pm.
Group Capacity：
Adults – 50 (ages 30 and above)
English – 40 (ages 17 and above)
Teens – 50 (ages 13 to 16)
Family – 60 pairs (any child aged 8 to 12 must have a parent or guardian with them throughout the camp period)
How to register：
1. (a) Visit www.baus.org to register online. (b) Download the form from the website www.baus.org; Obtain a copy from Chuang Yen Monastery, Carmel, NY; or Obtain a copy via mail by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to us. Then you may e-mail your application form (PDF) to cym@baus.org or send it back with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, with a note on the envelope indicating “Summer Camp”. Please send the package before June 12.
2. We will mainly consider those who can stay the whole time.
3. We do not accept telephone registrations or registration by third party.
4. Please bring the Letter of Acceptance at check-in.
Check-in Location：Main Office, Great Buddha Hall
Notes to parents：
1. Please do not register your child if he/she needs one-on-one supervision.
2. Please minimize the interference with lessons and classes, if you decide to stay with the camp.
What you need to bring：
Health insurance card, Personal bowls and silverware; Toiletry items (toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.); Sleeping bag, blanket, Cup, Slippers, Hat/cap, Flashlight, Comfortable clothes for meditation or exercise.
What you must NOT bring：
Meat, Alcoholic beverages, Personal electronic devices, Expensive jewelry (for which we will not accept any responsibility for lost)
Please note：
1. Chuang Yen Monastery reserves the right to ask anyone to leave the premises if they do not follow camp rules, e.g. being disruptive, not violating the regulations of operation.
2. Please notify us as soon as possible, if you are admitted but unable to come. We could grant admission to others on the waiting list.
3. Please do not show up without admission, i.e. Letter of Acceptance during the summer camp period.
4. Do respect the monastery, All participants do not wear tank top and shorts.
Transportation：
1. For those who decide to drive their own vehicles, please check our website at www.baus.org for driving directions.
2. For those who decide to take public transportation, there will be one (1) shuttle bus service at Cold Spring train station at 2:00 PM on June 30. Please show up on time, there will be no other bus service.
3. For those who decide to take private transportation service, please contact Yifan Transportation Travel Agency at 718-886-8868, or any other limo services. BAUS is not responsible for any conduction of the transaction.
4. For those who fly in at La Guardia International Airport, we suggest to book your return flights no earlier than 6:00 PM on July 4.
Fees：
No mandatory fee, but we do appreciate your donations.
Donations may be made by check payable to BAUS with indication for “Summer Camp.”