... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e78OiW1El2A

MABA stands for Mid America Buddhist Association which is a Buddhist monastery occupying a 76 acres parcel featuring rolling hills, lotus-filled lake and beautiful woodland, surrounded by majestic vineyards and wineries in Augusta, Missouri, about one hour drive west of the St. Louis International Airport. To understand MABA, one must start with its Abbot, Venerable Master Jiru. Master was born in a small town along the Eastern coast of Malaysia. His parents were both physicians, immigrated from China after World War II. Master grew up learning martial arts from his grandfather, first it was a derivative form of yoga (Yi Jin Jing) invented by Bodhidharma, a famous North Indian monk who visited China fifteen hundred years ago and invented the technique after spending seven years in seclusion inside a cave. Bodhidharma is recognized as the original master of Chan Meditation in China and his yoga technique also became the basis of what is now known as Shaolin Kung Fu. While continuing to practice this age old technique, Master Jiru also became experts in two styles of Tai Chi (combining both Chan and Tao). When he was around twenty years old, he vowed to dedicate his life to serve Dharma and after spending almost two years overcoming incredible obstacles in learning both Pali and the Thai language, he was ordained as a Theravada monk in Thailand. However, fate brought him back to Malaysia and he eventually became the disciple of a famous Mahayana Chan master. A few years later, Master Jiru decided to search for his true calling overseas, first to Australia, then to America, and over time has held numerous important positions in various monasteries, spanning both coasts of United States. Then in the early-90’s, Master was invited by a small group of self-practicing Buddhists living in the greater St. Louis, MO area, who until then were meeting in each other’s homes to study Dharma. Pooling their resources, and with leadership provided by the Master, MABA was founded. Land was purchased and over the past twenty years, with nothing but their sheer will and determination, augmented with small donations and lots of generous volunteers with big hearts, they have built MABA to what it is today. From a Buddhist teaching standpoint, MABA is unique in that it synergistically combines both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, with great emphasis on direct experience in exploring one’s body and mind and systematic approach to understanding Dharma, as opposed to ruts, routines and rituals. Three years ago, in order to meet growing demands on their facility, Master Jiru embarked on an audacious renovation project, modernizing and expanding their existing female dormitory which was a tiny hundred year old stone farm house. What emerged, after l ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fbj65wAb_Y