In 1989, Master Zhi-Ru from Singapore embarked on the Buddhist Studies program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. In 1990, upon the suggestion by a few founding members ( comprising students & other residents in Ann Arbor ), the first weekly meeting took place at the Family Housing unit in Northwood V, with Master Zhi-Ru as the supervisor. At that time, there were only five to six members.

In early 1992, Master Hui-Ming arrived at the University of Michigan as a visiting scholar after his Ph.D. studies at the Tokyo University in Japan. During his four-month stay, he gave lectures to the society on "The Heart Sutra." Before he left, he conducted a ballot to elect the first formal liaison officer responsible for all liaison and administration duties.

In May 1992, Master Kuo-Hsiang, a disciple of Master Shen-Yen, visited the University of Michigan as an exchange scholar for a year. She gave lectures on several Buddhist scriptures during the weekly meetings. In addition, Master Zhi-Ru taught us "the Bodhisattva Vow." In June 1993, before Master Zhi-Ru left Ann Arbor, she and Master Kuo-Hsiang established a committee of 5 people to help the liaison officer with the tasks of guidance, education and administration.

Master Kuo-Hsiang returned to Taiwan in August 1993. Since then, society members have volunteered to lead lectures and discussions on the book "The Path to Buddhahood" by Master Yin-Shun. In early 1994, the society was formally named the "Ann Arbor Buddhist Society." Furthermore, the Society set out to encourage members not to treat Buddhism as a form of knowledge, but to actively practice Buddhism in their daily lives. At the same time, the title of "Liaison Officer" was changed to "President", and the committee members were collectively known as the "Service Group." In September, the formal objectives and organizational regulations were established.

There are currently around 50 members.

Objectives:

1. To guide beginners in their learning of Buddhism
2. To encourage members to practice Buddhism and share their experiences
3. To practice the dharma, and create a pureland in this world

Activities:

Saturdays,
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM Introduction to Ch'an (Zen) Meditation, Group Practice

Fridays,
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM Group Meditation Practice
8:10 PM - 9:30 PM Lecture on Buddhism in Chinese

Location :
2648 Prairie Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Telephone :
(734) 665-1002

Material for References:

Chinese Buddhist books 600
English Buddhist books 100
Chinese lecture cassette 500
English lecture cassette 50
Buddhist music cassette 50
Buddhist music CD 25
Buddhist video tape 50

Free Gifts:

Beads for chanting
Picture of Buddha and Bodhisattva
Chinese and English sutras, and pamphlets of Buddhism
(revised 03/18/2001)