In response to the 2019 new coronavirus outbreak, Dharma Drum Mountain announced on January 29, 2020 that all its events, including the Awakening Camp, Chan retreats, ceremonies to transmit Bodhisattva Precepts for Lay Practitioners, the Young People’s Camp: Cultivating Excellence, and the Chan Camp for School Teachers, as well as Dharma classes and group practice activities, will be suspended until End of May for the sake of public health. The DDM Passing on the Lamp Dharma Service, scheduled to take place on February 1, was broadcast in real time online and wrapped up with a prayer for the world.

Courses offered by the Sheng Yen Academy’s Buddhist Teachings Program, Merit Field Program, and Evergreen Class, as well as growth programs for volunteers, to be held at DDM branch monasteries at home and abroad, will all be postponed. No free meals will be provided during this period. Latest updates can be found at https://www.ddm.org.tw and https://dharmadrum.org.tw

During the period of epidemic prevention, DDM expects itself to join hands with the public in society, by learning to calm our body and mind while seeking to safeguard others with compassion and wisdom. DDM also reminds visitors to wear mask and have their hands washed properly before entering the monastery.

DDM also urges people to recite Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) Bodhisattva’s name often, to pray for early end to this epidemic. With peace of mind, we’ll have peace in life.
 

Text: DDM Publicity Department
Translation: Elenda Huang
Editing:  DDM Editorial Team; Chang, Chia-Cheng (張家誠)