Light Offering Dharma Function and Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Ceremony

One spark of the Buddha’s light can bring illuminating auspiciousness and one thought of Bodhi can bring fruition to the ultimate Buddhahood. The Light Offering Dharma Function and Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Ceremony will be held on 21st February where 200 devotees joined to offer a light up to the Buddha. The proceedings were presided by Venerable Abbess Manshin, leading the congregation to chant “Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Universal Gate Chapter” Sutra and “Prayers and Wishes for Light Offering” text by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. This year 11 new disciples took Refuge in the Triple Gem.

During the Dharma talk the Abbess explained that this temple is a place facilitating people’s improvement and a stage for people to shine. In this place we can learn the virtues of meticulous conduct and compassion through serving others. These learning and practices will allow us to tidy and refine our mind and body, therefore uncovering our potentials and wisdom. Through diligent cultivation the more potential we uncover the more we will be refined, likewise more improvement in this manners means we will be more carefree.

The Abbess also praised BLIA volunteer’s efforts at delivering many copies of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “366 Days with Wisdom” to various establishments around Queens Town in the South Island. This sort of team work can improve the value of our lives.

Lastly the Abbess encouraged everyone with the phrase: “Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is taking responsibility for ourselves” If we take Refuge in Buddhism then we can find ourselves and take ownership of our lives. Under the fellowship of the Triple Gem and protection of Heavenly guardians we can strive forward by upholding right thoughts.