400 Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Scriptures Merits Transfered

The 8th of August marks the date which Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ begins the Dharma function of “2015 Filial Piety and Merits Transferring Month”, where it took place in Wigram, Christchurch. FGS NZ’s Venerable Abbess Manshin guided around 80 Buddhist devotees to recite the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra to pay filial piety to the ancestors. As it was snowing the night before, giving chills over the white covered city, sunlight burst out through the fog at the break of dawn, giving Buddha’s light to everyone, ushering warmth to those who attended.

In this solemn and serene atmosphere, the abbess shared self-improvement methods as if one could change their bad habits, one would be on the right path. The abbess then continued, using the scriptures in the 13 precious chapters of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, where it states, Buddha praised Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in having “Incredible Strength”, “Wonderful Compassion”, “Great Wisdom” and “An Amazing Preacher”. It is important for one to make vows, whole-heartedly. With compassion and wisdom as a lead, then it will surely show joy in the path.

To reward those who have recited tirelessly on the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra as a self cultivation and in transferring merits, Venerable Abbess Manshin gave out valuable tokens for their outstanding achievement with Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ President – See Shen Lee, Vice President – Louisa Kuo, Committee Members – Kui Fah Jong and Mei Er, Tsai all recited 52 volumes of the Sutra. Many that recited 42 and 30 volumes of the Sutra were also given valuable tokens. The diligence of self practice from the devotees successfully recited a total of more than 400 volumes of Ksitigharbha Bodhisattva Sutra, making it a successful transfer of merits to the ancestors and also to the participants. Everyone not just felt meaningful in this event but they were also filled with boundless of joy.