Bliss & Wisdom Foundation of America - New York
北美福智基金會-紐約
Founded in 1992 by Master Jih-Chang in Taiwan, the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation is a global community dedicated to sharing Buddhist wisdom to foster a society of sincerity and harmony. Guided by the principle that "Education is the pivot of human uplift," we strive to build a "Ten Virtuous Deeds" society where spiritual growth and altruism are integrated into every stage of life.
Our Vision: A Source of Hope
The overarching goal of Bliss and Wisdom is to ensure that through education, every individual becomes a source of happiness and hope for the world. The foundation focuses on cultivating three types of talent:
Sages and Worthies : Achieving inner perfection and noble character.
National Leaders: Using wisdom to govern and protect the state.
Social Pillars: Providing stability and peace to the community.
The Path of Cultivation
The educational framework is built on the pillars of Infinite Life, the Law of Karma, and Compassion. It encourages individuals to embody three core qualities:
Love of Learning (好學): A lifelong dedication to seeking wisdom.
Choosing Virtue (擇善): The discernment to choose what is wholesome.
Giving Happiness (予樂): The altruistic drive to bring joy to others.
The Pillars of Practice
To realize the Master's vision, the foundation upholds interconnected pillars:
Pure Wisdom: Upholding pure Buddhist lineages and the study of Buddhist text including the Lamrim (Stages of the Path).
Culture & Education: Promoting lifelong learning rooted in Confucian ethics and character development.
Compassion: Protecting all sentient beings through environmental stewardship and organic agriculture.
“I am no stranger to failures, I just never let them defeat me.
我是一個常敗將軍！人家說「百戰百勝」，是啊，我是「百戰不退」！”
— Late Master Ven. Jih-Chang 日常老和尚
Bliss & Wisdom Young Adults
福智青年
WISDOM 智慧
VISION 遠見
VITALITY 活力
YOUTH 青春
Bliss and Wisdom Young Adults (BWYA)
As the young adult wing of the Education pillar, BWYA-NY consists of students and young professionals dedicated to applying the Master’s teachings to modern life. We focus on personal transformation through:
Weekly Lamrim Study: Applying deep philosophical teachings to daily life.
OMAK (Observe Merits, Appreciate Kindness): A core practice of recognizing the good in others and cultivating gratitude.
Service & Leadership: BWYA is a lead pillar in organizing the annual Buddhist Summer Camp. Beyond empowering the next generation to lead with compassion, this camp serves as a gateway for families to experience Buddhism, get to know the Bliss and Wisdom community, and begin their own journey of spiritual growth.
Our Studies & Community
The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim)
Since 2004, our New York-based center has served as a sanctuary for spiritual growth in the New York area. At the heart of our community are our weekly Buddhist study groups, which provide a holistic environment for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
A Supportive Path to Wisdom
Our studies are based on The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim) by the renowned Tibetan Dharma Master Tsong-Kha-Pa. By studying this foundational text and engaging in constructive group discussions, we translate profound ancient wisdom into practical tools for understanding ourselves and the world.
What to Expect
We cultivate a positive environment dedicated to the cycle of learning, contemplating, and practicing Buddhism. As a community, we:
Support & Uplift: Encourage one another to achieve spiritual growth through mindfulness and altruism.
Engage in Practice: Beyond study groups, we host Dharma assemblies and community service events to put our learning into action.
Foster Connection: Build lasting bonds in a supportive space dedicated to personal transformation.
Join Us
Discover the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings! Our study groups are open to all and are available both online and in-person in English or Chinese. We invite you to reach out to us to learn more. Our community members are happy to help you find the study group that best fits your interests and weekly schedule.