Chan Meditation Center Successfully Completes the Zhongyuan Festival Buddha-Name Recitation Dharma Assembly for Repaying Kindness

From August 30th to September 3rd, Chan Meditation Center held the "Zhongyuan Festival Five-Day Buddha-Name Recitation Retreat for Repaying Kindness & the Assembly of Mindfulness in Three Sessions" at Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York, cordially inviting DDM Vice Abbot Ven. Guo Xing as presiding monk. DDM monastic members led more than 50 devotees in attendance throughout the event, supported by over 10 volunteers. Together, they successfully completed this solemn Dharma assembly.

During the five days of group practice, the participating devotees came together to learn Chan methods for relaxing the body and finding peace of mind by viewing Dharma talk videos by DDM founder Ven. Master Sheng Yen, coupled with Ven. Guo Xing's explanations. Following the guidance of the assembly's timekeeper Ven. Chang Xiang, the participants performed a series of static and dynamic practices-- including walking around the Buddha, sitting recitation, prostrating to the Buddha, and so on. All participants chanted the holy name of Amitabha Buddha to achieve single-pointed concentration. 

Ven. Guo Xing stated that the objective of this group practice was to accumulate the three essential provisions of faith, vows and practice, thereby laying down the foundation for future rebirth in the pure lands of the Buddhas. He exhorted everyone to replace their numerous delusive thoughts with the recitation of "Namo Amituofo (homage to Amitabha Buddha)", as well as learn to treat everyone around them with compassion, gratitude and a sense of shame. Furthermore, the Dharma assembly happened to coincide with the seventh lunar month, also known as "month of filial piety" in Buddhism. Therefore, Ven. Guo Xing expectantly urged everyone to diligently recite the Buddha's name and transfer the merit to their parents of past lives, karmic creditors, and all sentient beings, wishing that they can be free from worries and mental burdens, so as to be reborn in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. During the Dharma assembly, the participants also recited the Buddha's name in unison and transferred the merits to all sentient beings affected by severe natural calamities, man-made disasters, war and chaos throughout the world in recent years.  In addition, the participants prayed that, with the blessing of the Three Jewels, all sentient beings can be free from suffering and attain happiness.

The Zhongyuan Festival Dharma Assembly for Repaying Kindness successfully concluded on the morning of September 3. Afterward, on the same day from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Ven. Chang Yuan led everyone in the "Assembly of Mindfulness in Three Sessions". Approximately 80 monastics and Buddhist lay practitioners together completed the Buddhist assembly that benefits both the living and the netherworld. "The merits and virtues of the Assembly of Mindfulness are especially supreme and rare. These boundless and supreme blessings are transferred in dedication, universally wishing that all sentient beings who are sunk in the ocean of suffering can be swiftly reborn in the Land of the Buddha of Infinite Light." Chan Meditation Center stated that the five-day intensive group practice came to a successful completion. The Center wished that all sentient beings may be protected by the Buddha, and develop in both wisdom and blessing. May all participating devotees’ virtuous wishes  be fulfilled, with good fortune in all six periods of day and night.*
 
* In ancient India, a day is divided into 6 periods and each period has 4 hours. Traditionally followers of Chinese Buddhism use the expression "wish you auspicious six periods of day and night" to wish others having good fortune at all times of the day.     


Text: 吳幸宜
Photos: 梁達人
Translation: Cheng-yu Chang (張振郁)
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL