Compassion Temple is a branch organization of the World Zen Art Center, registered under the government of New York State. It is led by Abbot Yi-Yun, along with four disciples, to propagate the Dharma. The purpose of Compassion Temple is to transcend ignorance, uphold the Dharma, guide society, and navigate the path of compassion.
The temple enshrines the Three Holy Beings of the Saha World and the Three Holy Beings of the Western Pure Land. The Three Holy Beings of the Saha World include Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and the embodiment of a mortal attaining Buddhahood. On the left side, there is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the compassionate embodiment that responds to suffering and provides assistance. On the right side, there is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the ruler of the underworld and the embodiment of filial piety. The Three Holy Beings of the Western Pure Land refer to Amitabha Buddha, the lord of the Western Pure Land. On the left side, there is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who has the power to subdue external obstacles and demons. On the right side, there is Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, the initial ancestor of the Pure Land, who achieved enlightenment through the practice of mindfulness of Buddha. With the illuminating light of wisdom, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva empowers beings, granting them supreme strength and freedom, guiding sentient beings to rebirth in the Pure Land.
The temple offers various services to believers, including Spirit tablets, Prayer tablets, Guanyin amulets, perpetual light offerings, wishing pool, Merit Book recording, and Guanyin divination sticks. Guanyin divination sticks, also known as “The Oracle of Kuan Yin” in Buddhist traditions, can be used by believers to seek signs and resolve doubts. These practices can help increase good fortune, expand positive karma, alleviate suffering, and seek guidance. Worshippers are welcomed to come and make offerings, pay respects to the Buddha, pray for blessings, and seek solace from afflictions. Together, we cultivate the Dharma and strive for early achieve enlightenment at an early stage!