Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the Yongey Buddhist Center is to observe and honor the precepts and principles of Buddhism, and to study Buddhist scripture and teachings. Our organization supports the activities and teachings of the Very Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. We hold regular worship services and study sessions. We arrange for the printing of rare Sutra texts and Buddhist teachings, and distribute these texts free of charge to requesting individuals and monasteries. We organize and sponsor guest lecturers and teachers for Buddhist teachings and special empowerments. We encourage philanthropy through the collection of money for the purchase of food, clothing and medicine for local Buddhist monasteries and other organizations needing assistance. A final long-term purpose of our organization is the creation of Buddhist religious monuments (Stupas and Temples) in Northern California for the benefit of mankind and all sentient beings. Through the practice of Dharma, we hope to honor the principles of Buddhism and to help others reach enlightenment.

Yongey Buddhist Center History

In early 1998, Mrs. Mei Yen Chen Ladle decided, with the support of her husband and close friends, to build an Enlightenment Stupa at their private property in Northern California. It was their desire to direct the merit of this project towards all sentient beings, to further world peace and harmony, and to wish all sentient beings to attain enlightenment.

When friends and families learned of the project and its purpose, a great many were eager to help sponsor its construction and to volunteer their services. However, since the planned Enlightenment Stupa would be located on private property in a development with restricted access, public visits to the Stupa would be severely limited if not impossible. Mrs. Mei Yen Chen Ladle appreciated the sincerity of those who wished to partake in building and supporting the enlightenment stupa and she recognized their disappointment in not being able to fully join in the effort. At the urging of many friends and families, Mrs. Ladle decided to form a non-profit organization with a principal goal to build an enlightenment stupa in a public location where everyone could come to pray and circumambulate. With this purpose in mind, the Buddhist Society for Supreme Enlightenment (BSFSE) was founded and incorporated in California on May19, 1998.

Under the guidance of Mei Yen and Dwayne Ladle, construction of the first Enlightenment Stupa was finally completed in 2000, and H. E. Tai Situ Rinpoche was invited to consecrate the Stupa. However, H. E. Tai Situ Rinpoche was unable to come, so Mrs. Ladle invited the Very Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche to perform the consecration. The stupa consecration date was finally set for May 19, 2001. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche arrived in early May with four lamas and immediately set to prepare for the consecration. Rinpoche personally attended to every detail. His wisdom, thoroughness and responsible attitude impressed everyone working with him.

Deeply touched by Rinpoche's compassion, wisdom and unselfishness during the month long consecration activities, Mrs. Mei Yen Chen Ladle humbly asked Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche to return to Northern California annually as BSFSE's Dharma teacher for retreat and meditation. Rinpoche graciously consented with her wish. Later in September, Mrs. Ladle attended a Mahamudra and Great Perfection Retreat given by Rinpoche in Taiwan. She gained an even deeper understanding of Rinpoche's profound knowledge in Dharma, his mastering of the teachings in both the Kagyu and Nigma lineage and his accomplishments in meditation. H. E. Tai Situpa has said," Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche has supreme Dharma realization. You will be able to receive all Dharma teachings and blessings from Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche."

In the summer of 2002, the board of directors of the Buddhist Society for Supreme Enlightenment decided to offer the non-profit organization as a dharma center for Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Rinpoche kindly accepted the offering and the organization was renamed Yongey Buddhist Center. Now, in addition to plans for building a public Enlightenment Stupa in Northern California, the center also supports the teachings and activities of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.

Please remember this: the precious human body is difficult to obtain; the precious dharma is difficult to encounter; the precious master is difficult to find. It is our sincere hope that every disciple receives much benefit from the guidance and teachings of our very venerable guru, and reaches the path of enlightenment.

Organization

The Yongey Buddhist Center was organized and incorporated as a non-profit religious corporation on May 19, 1998. Originally named the Buddhist Society for Supreme Enlightenment, the organization name changed in 2002 and became a dharma center for the Very Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. The Yongey Buddhist Center organization consists of a board of directors, a president, a secretary and a treasurer. There are currently 6 members on the board of which the president, secretary and treasurer are also members. In addition to the board are over 20 persons directly involved in various committees, fundraising activities and other programs. The Center does not have an organized membership but relies on the assistance of volunteers.

Board of Directors

- Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Master

- Mei Yen Chen Ladle, President

- Marie Wu Chuang, Secretary

- Dwayne B. Ladle, Treasurer

- Emily Ming Hua Chen

- Charles Wang