Pilgrimage for the Great Compassion Dharma Function – Paying Homage to the Buddha of our Intrinsic Nature

In order to celebrate Avalokitsevara Bodhisattva’s birthday, a Great Compassion Dharma Function and Pilgrimage to the Front Shrine was held by the temple on 27th March. During the pilgrimage over 300 devotees made 3 steps and 1 prostration, through this effort they hoped to be empowered by the Bodhisattva’s great compassionate vows to bring about world peace and increase in happiness, fortune and wisdom for everyone.

Afterwards Venerable Miaoyu gave a Dharma talk on the subject of the Great Compassion Repentance. Through repentance one can atone for their past transgressions, so they can begin afresh by giving rising to the Bodhi Mind and learn according to the Bodhisattva’s compassionate vows. Repentance and making vows are actually both sides of the same coin, therefore the phrase of “Now that I have repented and made vows” is a reminder for us to do both. Merit and virtue of the pilgrimage comes from the act of prostration onto the ground, as this can elevate our characters and a sense of respect through creating good affinities, eliminating karmic obstructions, subdue arrogance and experience a mind that inclines toward the Way. It is also an opportunity for us to communicate with Buddhas and Bodhisattva, where as long as we have the Buddha in our heart all that we hear and see can become teachings from the Tathagata. Lastly the Venerable reminded everyone that the act prostration should bring everyone’s happiness, wisdom, purity, faith, well-being and fortune.