2013 Buddha’s Light Offering Dharma Function
24th of February marked the last day of Chinese New Year and Fo Guang Shan held the Buddha’s Light Offering Dharma Function on the very same day. During the Function Venerable Abbess Manshin led the devotees to chant “Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Universal Gate Chapter” from the Lotus Sutra, and recited “Prayers for Buddha’s Light Offering” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. 160 devotees offered the most sincere lights from their hearts to the Buddha under resonating chants of the holy titles. One light illuminated other lights one after another, thus igniting the clear brightness of our heart.
Afterwards the Abbess talked about everyone’s devotion in both mind and action, where the offering of lights during the final New Year’s Day will be the best kind of present for families, society and country. The action of Paying Homage, practicing Buddhism and offering lights will also reveal the inner light of our wisdom. Every year Fo Guang Shan will hold this Light Offering Dharma Function, which represents:
1. Inspire us to exert more inner potentials and allow flourishing prosperity to the country. It is hoped that everyone can ignite the light of peace in their heart, thus bring peace everywhere from the illumination of these light. Allowing the wondrous rain of Dharma water to nourish everyone’s heart, thus bring properties to the country, brightness to society and purify minds.
2. To Change societal habits for better. One light will bring one portion of strength, so if there is only one light lit, then it’s not enough to illuminate the entire universe. As described within the “Avatamsaka Sutra” regarding “Light illuminating other lights”, to spread far and wide like Mandarava flowers, and positively influence each other. Using the light from our vows to make mind and body upright, bring out unlimited light, unlimited warmth, unlimited harmony, and unlimited satisfaction.
3. To give light to others, thus illuminating unlimited space. From the actualisation of Buddhist practices the Dharma can be experienced, thus understanding the deeply profound meanings that can illuminate self and others. Just like how Yashodhara averted disaster due to realising the Dharma, as long as we have others in our heart, then there will be enough strength to face all challenges.
The Abbess also told the story about King Prasenajit and a poor woman’s light offerings to the Buddha to show the different levels of merits that can be gained. Due to today’s light offerings and the protection of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, our fortune can grow abundant and our wisdom can become more fulfilled. We will have the energy to accomplish more according to causes and conditions. Finally the Abbess wished everyone to achieve both fortune and wisdom for this year of the snake.