| The Heart Sutra Chan Path of Denver Temple: A Decade of Dedication, Lotus Blooms with Every Step |
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Since 2014, Rev. Jie Jing of Denver Temple has made a heartfelt vow and initiated the construction of the Heart Sutra Wellness Path. Beginning with handmade lotus bricks, the Master, along with devoted volunteer bodhisattvas such as Yin Neng, personally gathered stones, mixed mortar, and cast each brick by hand. Every brick was imbued with spiritual merit and designed to stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet. Each contribution was set at $68—every vow manifesting as a lotus. During the Master's return to his homeland, volunteer Zheng Jue and others continued the project by painting golden lotus motifs on red bricks, laying a foundation for future cement brick designs. In 2019, after the Guanyin statue was enshrined, these red bricks formed a path leading to the Guanyin Garden, now transformed into a serene Dharma walkway within the temple grounds. At the beginning of 2025, the Master renewed a grand vow to complete the Chan path. Under the careful craftsmanship of volunteers such as Yin Jian and Yin Kang in cement work, and the refined arrangements of lotus patterns by Yin Xiu, the lotus bricks were enlarged and upgraded. In May, Yin Shou came to the temple to assist in laying the bricks in a ring formation. After several rounds of collaborative volunteer work, the path was completed in June: a total of 268 bricks, all personally placed by the Master with precision and care. The path can be walked barefoot or with thin-soled shoes, allowing the stones to stimulate vital acupoints and promote physical and mental well-being. More profoundly, each step corresponds to a character, each stride reciting a word—completing a full recitation of the Heart Sutra. This is not merely a path of bodily refinement and inner cultivation; it is a Dharma path woven from countless vows and sustained by compassion. Hence, the Master named it the Heart Sutra Chan Path.
The Prajñāpāramitā Heart Sutra, with its 268 characters, embodies the essence of the six hundred volumes of the Prajñā Canon, penetrating the wondrous truth of dependent origination and śūnyatā. Reciting it purifies the mind, broadens the heart, fosters tolerance, and frees one from attachments and obstructions. As Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva responds to the cries of the world, the Heart Sutra serves as a bridge for communion with this compassion. With sincere recitation—three times the Heart Sutra and twenty-one repetitions of its mantra—one may invoke the protection of Vajra Dharma Guardians. Long-term practice can transform one’s mind and environment, dispel negativity, enhance compassion and wisdom, accumulate merits and resources, and gradually dissolve karmic obstacles—dwelling fully in the present, every step auspicious. To walk upon this lotus-brick path, paved through the joint efforts of the Master and the community, is to walk with gratitude in every step and dedicate merit with every verse. Particularly on Sundays during group practice, the Master invites all to arrive early at the temple, walking mindfully on the path while reciting the Sutra at least three times. The stones nurture the body, the scripture nourishes the heart, and the shared vows bring boundless Dharma joy. May this Heart Sutra Chan Path become a bridge of practice for all beings across the ten directions—step by step, lotus blooms; thought by thought, liberation unfolds. Together entering Prajñā, may all swiftly realize Bodhi. |
| 2025 Vegetarian Rice Dumplings fundraising sale |
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Denver Temple Charity Sale — Vegetarian Rice Dumplings (Zong Zi) & Peanut Rice Dumplings (Zong Zi) On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, we celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival — a time to climb high and embrace the season, with the fragrance of Zong Zi in the air. To celebrate this traditional festival and to raise funds for the construction of a new Grand hall, the Buddhist Association of Colorado — Denver Temple will hold a charity sale of traditional Dragon Boat Festival delicacies from May 19 to June 1, 2025. Featured are Zong Zi (rice dumplings) symbolizing reunion, filled with auspicious ingredients: peanuts symbolizing fertility and blessings, chestnuts for health and longevity, vegetarian gluten sausages representing compassion and generosity, vegetarian ham for diligence, taro symbolizing gentleness and patience, dried radish for good fortune, mushrooms for a pure heart, and more — all wrapped into savory vegetarian dumplings. Also available are peanut rice dumplings (Zong Zi), commonly known as vegetable rice dumplings. With the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the protection of heavenly beings, may these auspicious and meaningful dumplings (Zong Zi) reach the hands of every happy soul. May everyone enjoy a joyful and peaceful Dragon Boat Festival!
Order start with 5 dumplings (Zong Zi) for $25. Pre-orders are now being accepted. To order, please contact the Denver Temple resident monastics: Phone: 303-985-5506 Text: 720-238-7286 Or visit the temple in person at: 8965 W. Dartmouth Place, Lakewood, CO 80227 Wishing you a joyful holiday! Sincerely, Denver Temple, Buddhist Association of Colorado |