Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ - Offering to the Universal Buddhas and Celestial Beings

On 11 February, Fo Guang Shan (North Island)NZ held its annual offering to the Universal Buddhas and Celestial Beings ceremony presided over by Abbess Manshin . With the solemn Buddhist chanting, the shrine was purified with holy water , the merits of all Buddhas and celestial beings praised and The Golden Light sutra recited. A magnificent food offering to the Triple Gem and Celestial beings was solemnly and orderly made by the devotees, wishing that all suffering is alleviated and everyone is uplifted. Abbess Manshin explained the significance of this dharma service and the merits of offering good speech, good deeds and good thoughts. She then expounded the contents of The Golden Light Sutra, its origin and one of the concepts of the twelve dependent originations. Through recitation of this sutra, one hopes to gain wisdom and to purify body, speech and mind. Also, one’s homeland is protected by the celestial beings.