Pasadena, December 8, 2024 — The Grand Hall of Holy Miracles Temple radiated with reverence and devotion as the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (WBAH), Holy Miracles Temple, and Sanger Mission hosted a Dharma assembly celebrating the Holy Birthday of Namo Amitabha Buddha. The ceremony brought together a large congregation of holy gurus, distinguished monks, and devoted practitioners, united in their homage to the Buddha of infinite compassion and wisdom.
Presided over by Jiaozun Zhengda, the Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, the assembly illuminated the significance of Namo Amitabha Buddha’s teachings. Amitabha Buddha, the host of the Western Elysium of Ultimate Bliss, serves as a beacon of hope for practitioners seeking liberation from suffering and the realization of enlightenment.
As detailed in the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III—A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, Namo Amitabha Buddha is one of the Five Buddhas who are disciples of the primordial Buddha, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha. During His journey to Buddhahood, He observed the world’s boundless suffering. He was determined to help all beings escape the sea of suffering. Thus, He made 48 great vows, pledging to create an ideal world, each reflecting profound compassion and wisdom.
Among these vows was Amitabha Buddha’s pledge that the Western Pure Land would be free from the three evil paths of suffering. Beings would no longer experience the torment of these lower realms but enjoy lives marked by peace and spiritual growth. Amitabha Buddha also vowed that the lifespan of beings in the Pure Land would be infinite, giving them boundless time to hear and practice the Dharma, thus progressing steadily toward enlightenment.
Amitabha Buddha vowed that the Pure Land would be devoid of negativity and suffering. There, words of conflict and despair would not exist; instead, every sound would convey peace and harmony. It is a world where necessities such as food and clothing would appear naturally. The Pure Land would offer nothing but infinite joy, a place where all who dwell there could experience true happiness and freedom from suffering.
These vows served as the cornerstone of the Dharma assembly, including the Amitabha Sutra’s recitation, a grand offering ceremony before the Buddha, and a collective dedication of merits. Participants prayed for world peace, the cessation of wars, and the well-being of all sentient beings. Additionally, the congregation sought blessings for prosperity, safety, health, and the cultivation of wisdom and merit.
As the chants filled the temple, attendees reflected on the transformative power of Amitabha Buddha’s teachings. His 48 vows, which established the Western Pure Land as a sanctuary for spiritual seekers, continue to inspire hope and dedication among practitioners.
Reflecting on the event, participants spoke of the profound impact of learning from the Buddha and the transformative power of studying the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. Many shared that through their Dharma practice, they experienced remarkable personal growth, learning to correct their thoughts and actions. They noted that the blessings and insights derived from the Buddha’s teachings were indescribable. In their reflections, they expressed a heartfelt hope that more people would embrace this path and benefit from the boundless wisdom and compassion of the Dharma.
The event concluded with Venerable Jiaozun Zhengda and Ruzun Ruohui blessing the congregation with holy water, imparting spiritual empowerment to all present.
The Dharma assembly concluded with participants leaving the Grand Hall renewed in their commitment to the Buddha’s teachings.
Published by Stephanie M.
US Reporter Staff, December 12, 2024, 4:32 pm.
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