Grand Master Wei Chueh, deeply aware of the importance of education, weaves the Dharma teaching into three fronts: Sangha education, social education, and school education. His first priority is to nurture qualified monastics to propagate the Dharma. He then establishes meditation centers which provide Dharma lectures and services to local communities. He currently devotes his efforts to building Pu Tai Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools to provide a well-rounded education for the youth. Through Sangha, social, and school education, important Buddhist principles such as compassion, peace, and wisdom may now reach all walks of life.

SANGHA EDUCATION

To carry on the Buddhist teaching for future generations, proper monastic education is essential. The "Three Links of Cultivation"— Merits, Scriptural Understanding, and Meditation—provide the framework for a well-rounded Buddhist practice. Through development in these three areas, the Sangha will have the right understanding of the Dharma and make steady progress through daily cultivation.

Scripture Understanding—To Establish Right Views
The Sangha delves deeply into the sutra treasury (scriptures) to establish the right views and insights into oneself and the world. Through the Chan practice of sudden enlightenment, they hope to awaken to the Buddha mind within. To expand their knowledge and skillful means to propagate the Dharma, the Sangha is also encouraged to study the Chinese classics, foreign languages, computer applications, and so forth.

Cultivation of Merits—Provisions for the Spiritual Journey
The Sangha members mindfully perform monastic chores, hold Dharma services, teach the laity, and undertake other acts that benefit sentient beings. Such good karma makes the spiritual journey smoother and is an integral part of the bodhisattva's practice to become a Buddha.

Meditation—To Illumine the Nature of the Mind
"All pure wisdom arises from deep meditation." The practice of breath counting, observing the hua tou (a way to probe the source of thought), middle way reality, and other meditation methods are part of the Sangha's routine during the morning and evening meditation sessions. Longer, intensive seven-day monastic retreats are held each summer and winter. In addition, the Sangha may apply for year-round meditation in the Upper Meditation Hall. By cultivating stillness and clarity of the mind, delusions will be penetrated and the truth can be perceived.