“Offerings to Universal Buddhas and Heavenly Kings Dharma Function” Held at the Temple

The “Offerings to Universal Buddhas and Heavenly Kings Dharma Function” was held at the temple on the evening of 4th February. This Function was attended by over 300 devotees. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Abbess Manshin, leading the congregation to recite the “Gold Light Sutra”, and making sincere offerings to the Triple Gem and 24 different Heavenly Kings and their entourage.

14 members of YAD were the evening’s attendants, guiding everyone to offer delicious dishes cooked by the kitchen volunteers up to each Heavenly King’s table. These beautifully presented and dishes, fruit, drinks and flowers are presented in order to show everyone’s appreciation to all Heavenly Being’s constant protection.

Later the Abbess spoke about “The Buddha possesses ‘Three Kinds of Body and three kinds of virtue’.” As described on the “Golden Light Sutra”, The Buddha’s Dharma body is as honourable and precious as gold, the Buddha’s Transformation body is universally manifested to all like the light, and the Buddha’s Reward body is pure and undefiled like illuminating brightness. Further explanation of the Three Virtues of the Buddha’s Nirvana can be summarised with the phrase “I am pure and always in happiness” this is to give allusion to the virtue of the Buddha’s Dharma body. Light of the Buddha’s wisdom expresses the virtues of Prajna. Bright illumination is used to describe the Buddha’s virtue of liberation by severing doubts and obtaining the truth. The Abbess also mentioned that “Golden Light Sutra” is one among three of the sutras that can protect the nation. Reciting this Sutra will obtain the protection of the Four Heavenly Kings and allow the whole world to be peaceful and happy. She also explained that the “Empty Nature of Prajna Chapter” expounded the knowledge that all dharma in the universe arises due to the coming together of causes and conditions. This will enable one to experience the concept of equality as proclaimed by the Buddha’s wisdom, with the quote “All sentient beings on the land have Tathagata’s wisdom”. Finally the Abbess encouraged everyone to take joy in emptiness, and to create a pure, confident, happy and diligent self from the Buddha Dharma’s wisdom.