Namo Shakyamuni Buddha.
Venerable Members of the Sangha,
Distinguished elected officials and representatives of government agencies,
Respected professors, doctors, and professionals,
Distinguished members of the media, Buddhist students and practitioners, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of Sakya Buddha University, I warmly welcome you and sincerely thank you for joining us today for the Grand Opening of SBU Buddhist Counseling Services for Individuals and Families.
Distinguished guests,
Today, many individuals and families are facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and other challenges that affect their emotional and mental well-being. Therefore, Sakya Buddha University seeks to create a place where people can be:
Listened to – Understood – and Supported along their journey.
SBU Buddhist Counseling Services was established with the goal of integrating professional counseling knowledge with Buddhist values such as wisdom, mindfulness, compassion, and service, in order to bring greater understanding, support, and well-being to our community.
This service is also part of SBU’s educational mission in connection with our Master of Arts in Buddhist Counseling Psychology program.
One of our important goals is to provide free counseling services, so that individuals and families in need can have greater access to support regardless of their financial circumstances.
To better serve the multicultural community of Orange County, we plan to provide support in English, Vietnamese, Thai, and Khmer, helping to reduce language and cultural barriers.
At SBU, we believe that education is not only about transmitting knowledge or awarding degrees. The true value of education is also demonstrated when knowledge and wisdom are transformed into compassion and meaningful service to others.
On this special occasion, I respectfully express my gratitude to the Venerable Members of the Sangha.
I also extend our sincere appreciation to the California State Representatives, Orange County Supervisors, the Mayor and Vice Mayor of the City of Westminster, government representatives, and community leaders for your presence and encouragement of SBU.
I would also like to sincerely thank Professor Victor, our Academic Director; Dr. Chris Hoff; our professors, professionals, staff, and students whose dedication and contributions have helped make this program possible.
A special word of appreciation goes to our media, press, and television representatives for joining us and helping share information about this program with individuals and families who may need support.
With our aspiration:
A Place to Learn – A Path to Serve – A Better World,
it is my great honor today to officially declare the opening of:
SBU BUDDHIST COUNSELING SERVICES
FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
May this become a place of listening, understanding, and compassion—a place where those facing difficulties may find support, encouragement, and hope.
May the Venerable Members of the Sangha enjoy good health and peace in the Dharma.
And may all of you and your families be blessed with good health, peace, and happiness.
Thank you very much.
Namo Shakyamuni Buddha.
Venerable Thich Huyen Chau
President & Chief Executive Officer
Sakya Buddha University
October 3, 2026
3404 Westminster Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
United States
