Who We Are

About BWNC

Bliss and Wisdom Foundation of Northern California (BWNC) (also known as Great Enlightenment Lotus Society of Northern California) is a 501(c)3 US non-profit organization established in 2004.

We are inspired by a welcoming home base where people feel they belong, grow together, and deepen wisdom and compassion. As understanding deepens, it naturally shapes how we live, relate, and care at home, at work, and through education and community volunteer work.

The Origin of BWNC

Since the Late Venerable Jih-Chang (1929-2004) first introduced the Lamrim Chenmo to the Bay Area from Taiwan in 1990, his influence has catalyzed a massive wave of compassion and insight. He envisioned a community where ancient wisdom and modern life could coexist, benefiting people in the heart of the world’s tech capital.

Through the unwavering hard work of his beneficiaries, that vision has scaled from a few dedicated members to a network of centers serving thousands. We are honored to carry forward this lineage, ensuring that his profound mission, to bring true happiness and wisdom to all, remains a vibrant, living reality for generations to come.

What Are We Learning

Our Foundation: The Lamrim Chenmo

At the heart of our community’s curriculum is "The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment" (Lamrim Chenmo). More than a textbook, Lamrim is a comprehensive map that guides an individual, step by step, toward the ultimate goal of Buddhahood.

Lamrim is a masterwork that distills the essence of all the Buddha’s scriptures into a single, cohesive path. It preserves the profound lineage forged by the two great trailblazers of Buddhist philosophy:

Nagarjuna, who illuminated the path of profound view (wisdom).
Asanga, who pioneered the path of extensive conduct (compassion).

By integrating these two streams, the Lamrim offers a balanced and complete framework for spiritual development.

A Synthesis of Ancient Wisdom

The Legacy of Je Tsongkhapa

The treatise was authored by Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the founder of the Gelug school and one of history’s most revered philosophers. Je Tsongkhapa was a visionary who harmonized rigorous intellectual reasoning with deep meditative experience. His writing is unique in its ability to cover the full spectrum of Buddhist thought while remaining an accessible, practical manual for daily life.

The power of the Lamrim Chenmo lies in its systematic approach. It recognizes that spiritual growth is a gradual process: a series of "stages of the path" (Lam Rim) that lead to happiness. In a world that often feels fragmented, this curriculum provides:

A Coherent Framework: Integrating ethics, philosophy, and meditation.
Systematic Growth: Cultivating compassion and wisdom through a proven, step-by-step methodology.
Practical Application: Serving as a "user manual" for the mind, designed to help individuals navigate modern challenges with a clear and enlightened perspective.

Through our discussion classes and many more, we bring this 600-year-old masterpiece to life, envisioning that Je Tsongkhapa’s wisdom serves as a vibrant and accessible guide for our community today.

A Gradual Path for the Modern Mind

Our Leadership

BWNC is guided by a committed team of directors and community leaders who steward our mission and ensure accountable governance. Working closely with volunteers strengthens program quality, sustainability, and community partnerships, so our community can learn, practice, belong, and serve together across the Bay Area.