“Despite the golden letters proclaiming its name” Gold Summit Sagely Monastery might be easily missed. It is nestled among office buildings on First Avenue West. This somewhat unlikely site is home to an order of Chinese Buddhist nuns.
Gold Summit Sagely Monastery was established in 1984. Venerable Master Hsuan Hua founded it in Seattle. The monastery emphasizes the practice of Great Conduct Bodhisattva. Ten years later it moved to its current location. This is on Queen Anne Hill. It offers views of Elliott Bay. The Olympic Mountains rise in the distance. This setting inspires practitioners. It encourages them to fulfill the Great Vows of Bodhisattva.
The monastery doors are often closed. The curtains are drawn. An air of solitude and mystery surrounds the building. But sometimes the doors open. A celebration fills the space with light and joy.
One of Gold Summit Sagely Monastery’s biggest annual events is Honor the Elders Day. Elderly Chinese residents from around Seattle gather here. They enjoy a day of entertainment and delicious food.
The Gold Summit community arranges a spectacular show for their guests. It includes talent acts songs dances comedy and games. The performances are diverse and heartwarming. Children recite Chinese songs. Others sing Do Re Me in English.
The show includes Tai-Chi sword dances. There are Cantonese opera performances. A young woman plays Chinese lute and butterfly harp. A fashion show displays traditional Chinese Vietnamese and Mongolian outfits. The beautiful dresses receive great applause.
The elders actively participate in the show. They join trivia contests raffles and games. One year an 84-year-old woman sang many verses of an old song. The crowd gave her a standing ovation.
During the celebration the monastery serves a vegetarian feast. The nuns eat only once a day usually before noon. But they make exceptions for special occasions. The meal includes dumplings soup noodle stir-fry and sweet rice.
The Buddhist nuns act as emcees and religious officiators. Honor the Elders Day provides a holy experience for the honorees. Many elders consider it a privilege to sit with the nuns. Before dinner the nuns show a video of their patron. It is the Venerable Master Hua. They lead the room in prayers and chants. Incense fills the air. They create a sacred atmosphere.
Gold Summit Sagely Monastery cultivates and spreads the Buddha’s teachings. It houses the nuns and hosts a youth group. Services take place every Sunday. The nuns give lectures at local colleges. Sunday services are open to all. The monastery offers meditation sessions and yoga classes. They want to connect with the neighborhood.
Gold Summit Sagely Monastery is part of a larger network. Its headquarters is at the Sagely City of 10000 Buddhas in San Francisco. The Venerable Master Hsuan Hua founded the City. He dedicated himself to spreading Buddhism in the West. The City and its monasteries translate Buddhist texts into English.
Gold Summit Sagely Monastery serves as a cultural center. It provides a place for Chinese Buddhists to gather. They can escape their daily routines.
The monastery’s location and blend of traditions highlight Buddhism’s adaptability. Buddhist practices vary across countries. At Gold Summit Mandarin and Cantonese speakers unite. This reflects the diversity of America. The community welcomes all.
So next time you are on First Avenue West remember Gold Summit Sagely Monastery. It stands as a beacon of peace. It represents cultural richness in our vibrant city.