Sunday Dharma Function – Dharma Transmission

Another Sunday Dharma function was held at Fo Guang Shan on the morning of 17th March. The congregation recited the “Buddha speaks of the Profound Kindness of Parents which is difficult to repay” sutra and “Prayers for our parents and relatives” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. After the noon offerings Venerable Abbess Manshin gave a Dharma talk regarding the recent Abbott inauguration Dharma function for the Head temple, the newly elected Abbot is fo Guang Shan’s 9th Abbott since Venerable Master Hsing Yun. At the same time the official Dharma Transmission ceremonies for the 49th generation Dharma patriarch of the Linji Chan School was also held. This shows Fo Guang Shan has a clear heritage for its Dharma, and the lineage is passed down generation after generation. Under the witness of Venerable Elders and devotees, 72 monastic disciples from Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania became the 49th generation Dharma bearers for the Linji Chan School, and 2nd Generation Dharma bearers for Fo Guang Shan. Amongst the 72, Venerable Abbess Manshin is one of the Dharma bearers, who brought a branch of the Dharma lineage to New Zealand. Ceremonial footage, reporting, and speeches during the Dharma Transmission were shared with the New Zealand devotees. It was emphasised again that Fo Guang Shan is striving to set good examples for society and provide positive education. Each new younger generation of Dharma bearers have brought fresh and innovative thinking with them in order to adapt to our ever changing new era.

Afterwards BLIA North Island chairperson Dolly Tsai recited the “Fo guang Dharma Transmission Records”, allowing all to understand the significance of understanding our connection with the Dharma and passing down the lineage. This encouraged everyone to work harder to propagate Humanistic Buddhism.