First Emperor Liang Repentance in FGS South Island
After the 4th of September and 26th December 2010, and 22nd February 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, all walks of life in Christchurch has been bustled about. To console and encourage Christchurch local hearts, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ initiated the Emperor Liang Repentance dharma function starting on the 25th of March until the 1st of April. On the 25th, first day of the dharma function, around 80 devotees from Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand itself participated. Temple Supervisor Venerable Juexi expressed that with the strength of the people, the Emperor Liang Repentance started; she hopes everyone comes with the most reverent and respectful heart in the week.
Venerable Abbess Manshin then started the dharma function with the “Great Compassion Mantra” in the ‘Purification of Altar’, cleansing the heart and mind, and then later on started with “Emperor Liang Repentance Service – Chapter 1”. The sound of chanting by Abbess had moved many hearts of the devotees. After the dharma function, Abbess expressed that it is a rare opportunity that devotees in South Island could have a chance to attend the uncommon Emperor Liang Repentance dharma function. She then explained about the Emperor Liang Repentance.
Emperor Liang is probably best known for being a major scripture in Chinese Buddhism. A major Buddhist repentance entitled the Emperor Liang Jeweled Repentance, records and details the reasons behind Emperor Liang’s wife transformation, examples of people affected by karma, stories about people receiving retribution, and what one can do to prevent it.
Historically, Emperor Liang initiated this ceremony approximately 1500 years ago. His wife, Chi Hui, died at age of thirty after leading a life marked by jealousy and anger. She was reborn in the woeful state of a huge snake because of her negative karma. She came to recognize that she needed prayers from the sangha to expiate her sins and release her soul from the lower realms. She appeared to the dreams of the Emperor and begged to be saved. Emperor Liang then requested Ch’an Master Bao Zhi and other high monastics to write ten chapters of the repentance. As a result of performing the Repentance Service, the empress again appeared to the emperor in his dreams to thank him and her soul was indeed released from its suffering.
The text itself is recited and performed in temples, usually during the Qingming Festival.
Abbess has also introduced Ms Elane Li from Taiwan, who came to New Zealand for her sister’s funeral that passed away in the Christchurch earthquake. With this chance, she participated the dharma function. Elane expressed gratitude to Abbess, venerables and other members of FGS for giving her strength and so much knowledge and experience in this event. She also encouraged the people to treasure every cause, be filial, help others and create more friends. Accompanying her is Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand Secretary, Mr Chin-tsorng Hsu who also expressed gratitude to all FGS members in helping and servicing for the Christchurch earthquake. In the end, everyone thanked Abbess for having the dharma function started and wished to finish all chapters of the repentance.