Buddhist Monastery – Sakya Buddha University
October 28, 2026
NAMO ŚĀKYAMUNI BUDDHA!
Most Venerable Buddhist Elders, Venerable Monks and Nuns,
Distinguished Professors, Scholars, Honored Guests, Buddhist Devotees, and Members of the Assembly,
Today, in an atmosphere of solemnity, peace, and spiritual joy, on the auspicious occasion of the Commemoration Day of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, we gather at the Buddhist Monastery of Sakya Buddha University to celebrate the Consecration and Enshrinement Ceremony of Śākyamuni Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats.
On behalf of the Buddhist Monastery and Sakya Buddha University, I respectfully express my deepest gratitude to the Venerable monks and nuns who have graciously joined us to bless this sacred occasion. I also warmly welcome our distinguished professors, scholars, honored guests, and Buddhist devotees.
Most Venerable Monastics, Distinguished Guests,
Śākyamuni Buddha is the Fully Enlightened Teacher who revealed the path to liberation from suffering through wisdom and compassion. For more than 2,500 years, His teachings have continued to illuminate the lives of countless people throughout the world.
The creation and enshrinement of the sacred statue of Śākyamuni Buddha is not merely an act of beautifying a monastery. More importantly, it reminds us of the fundamental values of Buddhism: ethical conduct, meditation, wisdom, and compassion.
Whenever we pay homage to the Buddha’s image, we are encouraged to turn inward, transform our afflictions, cultivate wholesome qualities, and apply the Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives.
Alongside the sacred statue of Śākyamuni Buddha, we are also enshrining the Eighteen Arhats, representing spiritual attainment and the transmission of the Buddhadharma through successive generations.
Each Arhat is depicted with a distinctive appearance and expression, yet all symbolize the dedication to spiritual practice, the overcoming of mental defilements, and the attainment of liberating wisdom.
In particular, from Venerable Mahākāśyapa and Venerable Ānanda to great Buddhist masters such as Aśvaghoṣa and Nāgārjuna, these sacred images remind us of the extraordinary contributions of those who devoted their lives to preserving, studying, and transmitting the Buddha’s teachings.
Distinguished Guests and Members of the Assembly,
The establishment of the Buddhist Monastery at Sakya Buddha University holds special significance for our educational mission.
We believe that Buddhist education should not be limited to the transmission of academic knowledge; it must also be connected with spiritual practice and the transformation of the mind.
Therefore, this monastery has been established with the aspiration of providing a peaceful environment where monastics may reside, observe the Vinaya, practice meditation, and study Buddhist scriptures.
At the same time, it serves as a bridge connecting traditional monastic practice with Buddhist education, academic research, and community service at Sakya Buddha University.
We sincerely hope that, from this sacred place, the light of the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion will continue to spread among our students, faculty members, Buddhist devotees, and the wider community.
Most Venerable Monastics, Distinguished Guests,
In the Buddhist tradition, the creation and enshrinement of sacred statues is considered a meritorious act, expressing gratitude to the Buddha and a sincere commitment to preserving the Buddhadharma.
The true merit of this undertaking lies not only in the creation of sacred images but also in the wholesome conditions they establish, inspiring future generations to pay homage, study the Dharma, and cultivate virtuous lives.
On this special occasion, on behalf of the Buddhist Monastery and Sakya Buddha University, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all Venerable monastics, Buddhist devotees, generous benefactors, artisans, and everyone who has contributed their time, resources, and dedication to making this sacred project possible.
Especially on the Commemoration Day of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, may we renew our aspiration to cultivate great loving-kindness and compassion, to listen deeply, understand the suffering of others, and extend our care to all beings.
May we pray for world peace, the prosperity of all nations, the well-being of all sentient beings, harmony within the Sangha, and the enduring presence of the Buddhadharma.
May Sakya Buddha University continue to grow as a center of Buddhist education that harmoniously integrates academic knowledge, ethical values, and spiritual practice.
Once again, I respectfully thank all Venerable monastics and distinguished guests for your gracious presence, which has made today’s ceremony even more meaningful and auspicious.
May the Consecration and Enshrinement Ceremony of Śākyamuni Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats be successfully and auspiciously completed.
NAMO MERIT FOREST BODHISATTVA MAHĀSATTVA!
VEN. THICH HUYEN CHAU
President & Chief Executive Officer
SAKYA BUDDHA UNIVERSITY (SBU)
