Together Building the Awakened Home – Laying the First Stone
SUGAR LAND: The “Together Building the Awakened Home” ceremony, held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Universal Door Meditation Center, was a momentous and spiritually impactful. More than 300 people, composed of monastics, honored guests, members, and friends, gathered on this auspicious day to witness the “Laying of the First Stone” for the International Awakened Retreat Center.
The ceremony took place under the warm glow of a setting sun, in a peaceful and natural environment that far
exceeded the typical atmosphere of a groundbreaking event. The event was graced by Awakened Zen Masters Thich Dieu Thien and Thich Thong Hoi, who have fully realized the Awakened Truth and compassionately guided
many generations back to the Source. In the profoundly meaningful ceremony, they placed the first foundation stone, not merely for building a center, but as the Dharma Stone —unveiling the Path to the Unborn, the Undying Reality, for generations to come.
This established Universal Door as an Awakened door, boundless and unlimited in all directions, to welcome everyone to return to the unborn. The receptivity and harmonious energy was palpable as the community gathered with open hearts. Everyone present turned toward the Awakened Zen Masters, inviting them to unveil the deeper meaning of the Dharma Stone—to open the gate of the Unborn — so that in that very instant, the entire
assembly could directly perceive the Unborn, Undying Essence.
When the Awakened Zen Masters transmitted the Unborn Nature, the entire space became still, filled with serenity and boundless openness, laying the foundation for the path that leads all beings back to their True Origin. The sprinkling of sand around the Dharma Stone represented merit and Bodhi seeds, falling to establish the Dharma Realm.
This Center will be a sanctuary where wisdom is nurtured and flourishes, a place where all who arrive may pause and directly perceive the Unborn Essence. The ceremony not only marked the culmination of careful planning
and preparation but also signaled the start of a new era for the Universal Door community and beyond. In revealing the future development plans, the Awakened Zen Masters, along with a dedicated team of monastics, core students, and architects, shared their vision for the International Awakened Retreat Center. The facilities will embody the Awakened Five Natures: infinite Wisdom, boundless Compassion, the pure Essence, endless Tools, and the Great Vow to awaken all beings to return to the Unborn
The Center is open to people of all ages, cultures, religions, and backgrounds; it currently offers weekly Awakened Meditation sessions, monthly retreats, special events, Youth and Teen programs, volunteering opportunities, and other activities to engage all members of the community toward connecting with the Awakened Ones, to have their Unborn Nature awakened and liberate the source of suffering.
“May the boundless power of the AWAKENED ONES reach all beings. May the radiance of the Dharma Stone spread far and wide, infusing the earth, every tree, and every blade of grass—ensuring that Universal Door Meditation Center endures eternally, as a gateway to the Unborn Realm.”
For details, contact the Center at: info@universaldoormeditationcenter.org.