DDM Global News

Year of the Tiger 2022: Chinese New Year Celebration

Updated February 9, 2022

To welcome the 2022 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre (DDVC) held a Chinese New Year Chanting Service on the 1st day of the Lunar New Year (Feb 1st, 2022) as well as a Medicine Buddha Chanting Service on the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year (Feb 2nd, 2022). Due to COVID restrictions, the majority of the participants (about 140 per day) attended the event virtually around the world from Europe to many other countries, since only a limited number of people were permitted to attend in person. Despite the physical separation, our hearts were connected in one benevolent circle. 

The red lantern hanging from the ceiling of the main hall created a warm and joyful atmosphere. The reception desk outside the main hall was also decorated with handmade firecrackers, Spring Festival couplets, and auspicious ornaments, creating a lively yet serene ambience. Tigers made with recycled paper were displayed with brilliant eyes and fierce eyebrows, reflecting Dharma Drum Mountain's 30th anniversary of The Environmental Protection of the Mind. 

During the online chanting service, Abbot President Venerable Guo Huei encouraged everyone to face the obstacles and challenges of the world with the Buddha's great compassion and great wisdom, particularly by reflecting on Master Sheng Yen's adage: "Kindness and compassion have no enemies, wisdom engenders no vexations." Venerable Guo Huei wished everyone a wonderful 2022 filled with hope and promise.

Venerable Chang Wu also inspired and encouraged everyone to practice Dharma in their daily lives to arouse and nourish their Bodhi Minds, which is inherent in our self nature. Through practice, using the methods taught by the Buddha, we are equipped to reduce and eliminate vexations and, ultimately, attain enlightenment. As Master Sheng Yen has said: "Wherever you go, let that place benefit from your presence, regardless of whether or not you benefit from being there." This is definitely how we can emulate and cultivate our bodhi mind. 

Unfortunately, due to the emerging Omicron variant, this is the second year in a row that the Chinese New Year Celebration was conducted virtually, with minimal physical interaction. Despite this, there were still over 200 visitors, including families, elders, and children, who came to worship Buddha, offer the blessing lights, and pray during the 2-day celebration. In addition to blessed rice, Spring Festival couplets, calendars, and The Great Bodhi Mind publication by Master Sheng Yen, Fashi and volunteers had also prepared various handcrafted gifts--including auspicious Chinese muffins and lucky cookies to give out and share with the community. Everyone greeted each other with warm words and best wishes, returning home with their hearts full of warm blessings and the Bodhi Seed buried deep in their hearts. 

According to DDVC, upcoming events will continue to be conducted using a hybrid model, with both in-person and virtual options. This will be adjusted according to emerging public health advisories. In addition to the weekly virtual practice, DDVC is open to the public every Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, and welcomes everyone to stop by to bring calm and harmony into our lives and community. As the great saying goes: "Benefiting others is benefiting yourself".

Text: Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre 
Photos: Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre
Translation: Christine Tseng
Editing: Venerable Chang Wu, 田文, Keith Brown