Join us each month
for engaging in-person sessions
We’re excited to host two monthly sessions open to everyone—whether you’re new to Buddhism or have prior experience. These sessions, conducted in English, will typically take place on a Wednesday evening (7:30 PM–9:00 PM) and a Sunday afternoon (2:00 PM–3:00 PM) each month. We hope you’ll join us!
Our events are open to the public and free, but donations are always appreciated to help support our community offerings. If you’d like to contribute, you can donate via Zelle: chuaqminh@gmail.com.
One-Day Camp • Saturday Nov 15th • 9AM-4PM
One-Day Camp • Saturday Nov 15th • 9AM-4PM
We’re doing November a little differently this month! Instead of our usual Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon meditation sessions, we’re combining them to create a One-Day Camp at Quang Minh Temple in Atlanta.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Quang Minh Temple – 1168 Benteen Ave SE
Free & Open to All (Registration required, donations and offerings are welcome.)
In collaboration with Georgia Buddhist Camp, this special gathering continues our yearly theme: Level Up: The Quest for Connections — a chance to slow down, reflect, meditate, and deepen our bonds with ourselves, each other, and the world around us through timeless Buddhist teachings.
This will be a meaningful day of community and practice for kids, teens, and adults alike — whether you’re new to Buddhism or a longtime practitioner.
Highlights:
• Morning and afternoon Dharma sessions (for all age groups)
• Guided walking meditation
• Delicious vegetarian lunch provided by the temple
• Time to rest, play, and connect with the sangha
We’re delighted to announce that His Eminence Gala Tulku Rinpoche, Sister Pearl (Viên Thanh Châu) and Diane Russell-Chrestman, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and a mindfulness teacher, will be joining us.
Work-in Progress Schedule and Activities
9:00–10:00 AM — Morning community session & paying respects at the Buddha Hall
10:00–11:30 AM — Morning Dharma sessions (kids, teens, adults*)
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Free time to meditate, play, or connect.
12:00–12:45 PM — Lunch (provided free by the temple)
12:45–1:15 PM — Walking Meditation
1:15-2:00 PM — Soundbath and Relaxation Meditation
2:00–3:15 PM — Afternoon Dharma sessions (kids, teens, adults*)
3:15–3:30 PM — Break
3:30–4:00 PM — Closing at the Buddha Hall and dedication of merit
*Kids: 4–12, Teens: 13–18, Young Adults/Adults: 19+
We’ll share the full schedule and teacher lineup soon — but for now, please mark your calendars and register today so we can plan for meals and materials.
Teacher Bios
His Eminence Gala Tulku Rinpoche
Recognized at age sixteen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 7th reincarnation of Gala Tulku from Batha Monastery in Kham Dege, Eastern Tibet, His Eminence Gala Rinpoche has devoted his life to deep study and service within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. After being enthroned at Drepung Loseling Monastery, he received both his novice and full ordination vows from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and trained under many great masters, including Rizong Rinpoche Thupten Nyima, Denma Lochoe Rinpoche, and Gungbar Rinpoche. Completing his rigorous monastic education, Rinpoche earned his Geshe degree in 2009 and went on to teach and lead initiatives at Drepung Loseling Monastery. A bridge between Tibetan wisdom and the modern world, he has shared the Dharma across universities, museums, and spiritual centers worldwide. Formerly based at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta, he now resides in Houston, Texas, where he serves as the Founder and Spiritual Director of Drepung Loseling Institute of Texas.
Sister Pearl (Viên Thanh Châu)
Sister Pearl was ordained in 2019 at Đại Đăng Monastery in San Diego, California, by her root teacher, Venerable TN. Như Đức, abbess of Viên Chiếu Monastery in Saigon, Vietnam. Trained in the Bamboo Grove Vietnamese Zen School under Zen master Thich Thanh Tu and influenced by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, Sister Pearl bridges both Vietnamese and Soto Zen traditions. Before ordination, she served nearly a decade as a physician assistant in Cancer and Palliative Care at Mayo Clinic. Currently a resident at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center and chaplain intern at Emory Decatur Hospital, Sister Pearl aspires to bring the Dharma alive for children, teens, and young adults through mindfulness and compassionate practice
Diane Russell-Chrestman, LCSW, DCEP
On a beautiful autumn day in 2012, after her last client session, Diane visited the Zen Buddhist Temple next to her office for the first time—an encounter that began her mindfulness journey. A licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Atlanta, she earned her master’s degree from Georgia State University in 2008 and became a Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology in 2014. Diane integrates Buddhist teachings and meditation into her therapeutic practice, offering a holistic approach that empowers clients toward peace and joy. Beyond her practice, she enjoys nature, cooking, and time with family and friends. https://www.authentic-life.net
Self-Compassion Meditation
Sunday, December 7
2 PM – 3 PM
Facilitator: Tenzin Morrison
Join us for an afternoon of gentle reflection and inner healing as Tenzin Morrison guides a Self-Compassion Meditation inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist lineage.
Rooted in the wisdom of the Tibetan tradition, this practice invites us to turn our hearts toward ourselves with kindness and understanding. Through mindfulness and visualization, we’ll explore how compassion for our own struggles becomes the foundation for greater empathy toward others.
Tenzin will share accessible methods for cultivating compassion as taught by great Tibetan masters—helping us soften self-criticism, release tension, and reconnect with our innate goodness. No prior meditation experience is necessary; all are welcome.
*Visitors are warmly invited to join our Vietnamese-language service at 11:30 AM Participants can engage in Vietnamese chanting, listen to sutra readings, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch with the community afterward.
Dharma Talk and Meditation
Wednesday, December 10
7:30 PM - 9 PM
We are deeply honored to welcome Venerable Priya Sraman for his first-ever visit to Quang Minh Temple for an evening of Dharma Talk and meditation.
Venerable Priya currently serves as the Buddhist Chaplain at Emory University and brings a gentle, insightful presence rooted in Theravāda tradition and deep interfaith engagement. His teachings blend classical mindfulness with contemporary relevance—perfect for newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike.
Come experience an evening of community, stillness, and insight. Let’s offer a warm Grant Park welcome to Venerable Priya as he shares the Dharma for the first time at our temple.
Offerings can be made directly to the teachers.
Donations can be made to the temple in person, or via Zelle – chuaqminh@gmail.com
Weekly Sunday Vietnamese Service
Vietnamese Chanting | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Vegetarian Lunch | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Each Sunday, we gather in the peaceful halls of Quang Minh Temple to nourish both body and spirit. Through Vietnamese chanting, we create positive vibrations that ripple through our sacred space, cleansing the mind, calming the heart, and grounding us in the present moment.
This is more than just a service—it’s a connection.
In the midst of our busy, ever-changing modern world—samsara—a consistent spiritual practice helps us anchor ourselves in peace, clarity, and purpose. It reminds us we’re not alone in our efforts to live with compassion and mindfulness. When we gather as a sangha, we are supported by one another on the path to liberation. The community we build is one of the Three Jewels (Triple Gem 💎 💎💎) of Buddhism, alongside the Buddha and the Dharma. Whether you’re a longtime practitioner or new to chanting, your presence adds to the collective energy of healing and harmony. Come chant, connect, and share a nourishing meal with us. We’d love to welcome you into our circle of peace. 🙏
Donations appreciated via Zelle: chuaqminh@gmail.com. Your generosity helps sustain our temple and community offerings. 🪷
First time visiting us?
Here are some tips for first-time visitors to Quang Minh Temple.
The entrance is to the right of the Buddha Hall
Please remove your shoes before entering
Cover knees and shoulders while inside the Buddha Hall
Maintain quiet reverence during practice
Photos are allowed
Plenty of free parking is available
Offerings and donations are welcome in-person or to Zelle account: Chuaqminh@gmail.com
