88 Buddhas Repentance Dharma Function

Despite heavy down pour, 120 Fo Guang Shan’s devotees gathered inside the Main Shrine on 20th December to recite and pay homage according to the “88 Buddhas Repentance Text” as a part of the “Diligence Evening Practice Service”. Through the function they diligently followed the recitation and movement of the Abbess.

Afterwards the Abbess explained that after returning from the Indian Pilgrimage, Short Term Monastic Retreat and the Water and Land Dharma Function in Taiwan, many devotees deeply felted the wonder and Dharma Joy of the Buddhist functions, therefore sincerely requested for more opportunity to practice. Hence this Function was especially organised on Saturday evening for everyone to practice and transfer merits.

After the Function, BLIA member Elaine came on stage to speak that the Short Term Monastic Retreat allowed her to find herself and strengthened her faith in the Dharma. Therefore she vowed to always serve others and propagate the Dharma. Member Yan Zhang also expressed that after she receive the Bodhisattva Precepts during the same Retreat, repentance and reformation allowed her to mature and better able to see the good in others and everyone’s Buddha nature. Fo Guang Youth Xuan Chen Ming this experienced allowed him to see his inadequate attributes and realise that he is proud to be a member of BLIA. He is thankful toward the ideals of “3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving” as taught by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to enable self-discipline.

After returning from the Water and Land Dharma Function in Taiwan, Member Li Xue explained that just the inner circle of the Function has 4000 people yet everyone is in perfect order. This showed the good team work, professionalism and experience of the Venerables and volunteers. She also passed the good news that there will be 2 Water and Land Dharma Function next year in order to encourage everyone to experience it for themselves.

Finally the Abbess talked about the conditions for the right faith as described by Venerable Master Hsing Yun:
1. Turning from faking one’s devotion to true faith
2. Turning from believe all over the place to pure and righteous faith.
3. Turning from theism to faith in the self.
4. Turning from faith in the temple to faith in the Sangha.
5. Turning from faith in the appearance of the Dharma to the essence of the Dharma

The Abbess also encouraged everyone to unify the philosophical aspect of the Buddhism with it’s application in our daily life. Therefore comprehend the true meaning of the Dharma and enrich our lives.