Special Topics
A Brief Introduction to the Development of the Dharma Assembly
The Dharma assembly refers to the various kinds of gathering events, which can include Dharma talks, offerings to the Buddha, offerings to monastics, and providing alms. The primary essence of the Dharma assembly is "to encounter and practice Dharma”. What was the original meaning of Dharma assemblies? Were there any Dharma assemblies during the Buddha's time? What would be the significance of attending Dharma assemblies in modern times? After the Buddha attained e...
Ten Most Commonly Seen Dharma Assemblies in Chinese Buddhism
The following sections describe the origins and main features of the ten most attended Dharma assemblies in Chinese Buddhism. Guanyin Dharma Assembly In devotion to Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Guanyin Dharma Assembly begins with the recitation of the Praise for Purifying the Water. Attendees then recite the "Chapter on the Universal Gate of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva" in the Lotus Sutra, chant the Great Compassion Dharani, and perform prostrations while making vows. These...
The Contents of Dharma Services
Understanding the contents of a Dharma service and its meaning helps practitioners concentrate on the practice when attending the assembly. Contemporary Dharma services focus on reciting sutras and practicing repentance. They can last for 2 hours, or one, three, or even seven days. Apart from sutra recitation and repentance prostration, a Dharma service may also include many other contents: Sutra Recitation Sutras are collections of Buddha's Dharma talks, the contents includ...
Attending Dharma Assemblies: Prepare Well, Avoid Hasty Effort
Does attending Dharma assemblies alone qualify as engaged practice? If we don't practice regularly before attending a Dharma assembly, we may find sutra chanting boring because we don't understand its content or meaning. In addition, we may feel nervous or drowsy because we can't catch up with the speed of chanting. Therefore, it is essential to engage in preparatory practice to settle and calm the mind in preparation for group practice. If you have a busy day job, ...
Into the Venue of a Dharma Assembly
As the Buddha's statue1 symbolizes the Buddha's presence in a Dharma assembly, we pay our respect to the Buddha by bowing to the statue or join our palms with the upper body bending when walking by. The role of the ritual monk2 is to burn incense as an offering to the Buddha and to lead the assembly in prostrating to the Buddha, practicing visualization, reciting sutras or mantras, making food offerings, and transferring merits on behalf of the devotees. In addition, the ri...
What Should We Bring to a Dharma Assembly?
To attend a Dharma assembly, we need to bring a Buddhist cassock, a tumbler, reusable foodware, and some personal belongings (wallet, train ticket, keys, clothes for warmth, etc.). Yet, remember that during a Dharma assembly, to seize the opportunity to practice diligently is the most important thing. Buddhist cassock: Buddhist cassock is the most solemn clothing in Chinese Buddhism custom. Reciting sutras and practicing repentance prostrations during Dharma assemblies is like liste...
Dharma Assembly Attendee Etiquette
Those who are new to learning the Dharma are encouraged to attend group practice in temples, to ensure that they are practicing in the right direction, using the right methods. Learning with other practitioners is also helpful and inspiring. In a Dharma assembly, a group event can only proceed successfully when everyone follows the procedures. Follow the Schedule A Dharma assembly always proceeds according to a prescribed schedule. Please follow the schedule unless advised othe...