Second Session of 2016 Ksitigarbha Dharma Function – Cherishing Fortunes and Feeling Grateful, Departing Suffering to Receive Happiness

The second session of 2016 Ksitigarbha Dharma Function was held on 31st July. The ceremony was presided by Venerable Abbess Manshin, where she led a congregation of 250 to recite the “Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva”, wishing for deceased ancestors to be liberated from their current levels of existence.

Afterwards during the Dharma talk the Abbess elaborated on the 10 kinds of causes and conditions required for developing the Bodhi Mind:
1. Contemplate the great kindness we owe to the Buddha
2. Contemplate the great kindness we owe to our parents
3. Contemplate the great kindness we owe to our teachers
4. Contemplate the great kindness we owe to our benefactors
5. Contemplate the great kindness we owe to sentient beings
6. Contemplate the suffering of birth and death
7. Contemplate having respect to the deceased
8. Contemplate repenting to Karmic obstructions
9. Contemplate wishing to be reborn in the Pure Land
10. Contemplate wishing for the right Dharma to remain in the world

The Abbess expressed that practicing Buddhism is about being aware, examining and correctly decipher our intentions and conduct during daily life. At the same time we should tolerate and take care of others. All these qualities can be expressed on whether we can treat others with sincerity, and whether we deal with issues efficiently and with clarity. She then encouraged everyone to be diligent in their practice, be motivated to take responsibilities, to uphold right thoughts, to sincerely transfer merits, and to fill one’s mind with strength and brightness.

“When clothing is dirty it can be washed, but when the mind is dirty it needs repentance.” The Abbess reminded everyone to often remember other’s kindness to us, to appreciate these kindnesses and readily repay these kindnesses. She felt that everyone have shown their devotion and sincerity by braving the heavy rain to come so early to pay homage and the chant the Buddha’s name, and subsequently transferring all merits to our deceased loved ones, this act will surely touch Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Abbess concluded by everyone to continue to cultivate their meditative concentration, sincerity, and diligence, this will readily provides an endless source of wisdom.