Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple
Overview
Environment & Origins
Chicago, the “Windy City,” is the heart of the American Midwest. With a population of 9 million, it stands as the third-largest city in the United States and serves as a global hub for transportation, economy, culture, and manufacturing. Despite these sparkling accolades, the development of Buddhism in the region remained relatively quiet for many years.
Recognizing this spiritual void, a group of devoted practitioners in the southwest suburbs reached out for guidance. In 2001, they invited Venerable Yong Han from the Fo Guang Shan St. Louis Buddhist Center to lead their studies. This momentum led to the official chartering of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Chicago Chapter on April 28, 2002, during the 9th BLIA General Conference in Tokyo. Ms. Judy Kord (Wu Yue-lian) was appointed as the inaugural president.
As the community grew to nearly 100 members, the need for a permanent sanctuary and resident monastics became clear. Following a formal petition to the Fo Guang Shan Head Office, a rental property in Darien was established as a temporary practice center in 2003, with Venerable Yong Ru appointed as the first resident monastic.
Through years of “pioneering through the thickets” (hard work and perseverance), Venerable Man Pu took over the mission in the fall of 2006. As the congregation continued to expand, the search for a permanent home began. After navigating community dialogues and City Council public hearings in Naperville, the current site was finally purchased in October 2007. This milestone was made possible through the generous global donations of Fo Guang Shan members and a loan from the American Metro Bank of Chicago.
Despite limited initial funding, the renovation of the center proceeded alongside active Dharma services. Under the meticulous leadership of Superintendent Venerable Man Pu, the first phase of renovations was completed in the early summer of 2009.
To commemorate this achievement, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, gifted the center with a piece of his “One-Stroke Calligraphy” reading: “Showing, Teaching, Benefitting, and Rejoicing.” On July 4, 2009, the 6th Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, Most Venerable Hsin Ting, presided over the grand opening ceremony. Since then, the practitioners of Chicago have had a permanent home to settle their minds and bodies.
Our spiritual compass is guided by the “Three Goods and Four Givings,” the Five Precepts, and the Ten Meritorious Deeds. We emphasize both practice and understanding, integrating the teachings of all eight schools of Chinese Buddhism. We warmly welcome friends from all walks of life to join us in our mission to build a “Pure Land on Earth.”