About Us

ORGANIZATION

The DDMBA Chicago is part of the International Cultural and Educational Foundation of Dharma Drum Mountain, DDM, founded in Taiwan by Venerable Sheng Yen. DDM is dedicated to the spiritual and educational needs of people at all stages of their lives.

OUR MISSION

DDM is an organization committed to the benefit of individual lives and society through understanding of Buddhism as a living philosophy.

"Compassion was the beginning of Buddhism,
and it is the essence of Buddhism."
Venerable Sheng Yen in Subtle Wisdom

HISTORY

The DDMBA Chicago Chapter was formed in 1993 in Northbrook, Illinois. In the early days, the group had only ten members and one monthly study session. Today there are more than 300 members and numerous weekly or monthly gatherings, including regular meditation and chanting practices. Since 1997, special events such as Dharma lectures by visiting Venerables and teachers, 3-Day Retreats, Holiday Parties and many others have been added to the calendar annually.

CURRENT OPERATIONS

The regular activities that take place at our Center comprise of two main groups:  The practice activities and the social/caring activities

Practice activities include Chinese Dharma Study Group, English Dharma Study Group, Meditation, Chanting, Sutra Prostration, and Monthly Gathering. In addition, the meditation hall is open to the public for self meditation every Sunday morning. Currently our English programs include monthly book discussion, weekly meditation and special events. New programs are added often so please check our site regularly.

Besides group meetings, the Illinois Chapter publishes a monthly newsletter in Chinese. The newsletter includes future activity announcements, Dharma quotes from Venerable Sheng Yen, special events reports, and an opinion column open for submission.  Look in the Newsletters section of this site to read or print them.