General Information

Gyuto Foundation is a branch of Gyuto Monastery. It was founded in 1997 by Venerable Thupten Donyo in the heart of Silicon Valley.

We found this historical land in East Richmond Heights in 2013. Originally this sanctuary was a Baptist Church (1960 -1975). Later it was the Yoga Ananda Temple of the Self Realization Fellowship, who relocated in 2013. Afterwards, Gyuto Foundation was able to acquire the land through the blessings of hundreds of community members.

We keep this monastery as tradition as possible. There is no fee for attending our teachings or other services. However, donations are always greatly appreciated.

Hours

Gyuto Foundation is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Community members are welcome to visit the monastery grounds at any time. Gyuto Foundation’s grounds include three acres of land with sanctuary, community hall, monks’ residences, Peace Garden, large and small prayer wheels, and a light offering house. We also have a short trail–The Path to Enlightenment–lined with inspirational quotes mounted on stone cairns and a picnic area with benches. We dedicate this beautiful land to the surrounding community for the enjoyment of all.

Fire-related activities are strictly prohibited. All visitors must leave the premises before dusk. The main gate will be closed at dusk. Please check our event calendar for daily programs.

Guided GroupTour

Community members, seniors, high school students, and college students who wish to visit the monastery for a day-long excursion are welcome to visit at any time. If you wish to have a guided tour, we will be happy to have one of the resident monks guide through the monastery. Group tours may be scheduled in advance upon request. Tours will take place in the afternoon between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Following the tour, time will be provided for questions with the resident monk.

Prayer List

Following the lunar calendar, the venerable monks perform the Mahakala Puja, the Tara Puja, and the Medicine Buddha Puja once a month, and the Guru Puja twice a month, to benefit all living beings. If you would like for us to include a particular person in our prayers, please send us an email with their full name and, if deceased, the date of their passing.

Many visitors who have never been to a Buddhist monastery are unfamiliar with Buddhist practices and are not certain what is expected of them during their visit. What follows can be considered a brief guide, one that will hopefully help visitors to understand some of the practices they may encounter during their visit.

Our Attitude

Our purpose is not to convert individuals to Buddhism. The intention in offering the teachings is to assist others in attaining happiness and peace.

Atmosphere

Our members are both friendly and supportive to visitors. Though we don’t have membership program, we consider every visitor a member. Please feel free to approach us with questions. And feel free to engage in conversations with other members of the community during your tour.

Before Entering

Please leave your shoes outside the shrine room or teaching area. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the shrine room. Pets are not allowed inside the temple. And please do not leave your personal belongings outside unattended.

Dharma Etiquette

Here are some things to do when receiving teachings from a Lama (Teacher) in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition:

Teacher’s Entrance

Stand and bow slightly when the Lama enters the teaching hall. Remain standing while he or she prostrates to the Buddhas. Prostrate three times after the teacher sits on his or her throne as a sign of respect for the teacher. If you prefer not to prostrate, you are welcome to stand quietly until others have finished performing their prostrations. For those wishing to participate, the form is: With palms together, touch crown of head, throat, and heart. Kneel on hands and knees, touching your forehead to the ground very briefly and rising quickly. Perform the entire act three times. At the conclusion, once again touch your hands to your crown, throat, and heart, pausing briefly at the end for contemplation; then take your seat.

Opening Prayers and Chants

The purpose of these practices is to transition away from one’s ordinary activities and to engender in ourselves the proper motivation to receive the teachings. Prayers will be recited in Tibetan and English. Students and visitors may join aloud or contemplate silently.

Resident Monks

Please note: we rotate our resident monks from time to time, and most of the monks speak only limited English. If you have any questions, please look for our translator or the head monk.

Dress Code

No dress code is required to attend teachings, but please be fully clothed and comfortable. You will be sitting on cushions during the teaching or prayer services. However, there are chairs available for those who need them.

Lost and Found

In the event you lose an item, please ask any resident monk to show you to our lost-and-found shelf. Please claim lost items within 30 days. After 30 days we may donate the found items to the local charity.

Volunteer Opportunity

Gyuto Foundation depends upon the generosity of our volunteer support. There are always ongoing projects here at Gyuto Foundation, including facility maintenance, gardening and weeding, and IT-related projects. We welcome any skills or knowledge you have to offer!

Dedication

At the closing of the teaching we dedicate the merits of our practice for the benefit of all living beings and rejoice in the opportunity to have received this teaching.