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VESAK DAY (at Dharma Drum Singapore, 31/5/2007)
A sense of gratitude arises as we encounter and practice Buddhism teaching in life … Participants held flowers in their hands, and kneeled down devotionally in front of Buddha; this calling from their spiritualized mind has very important meaning to Buddhist. Dharma Drum Singapore had held the Vesak Day Buddha bathing festival at 10 a.m. on 31/05/2007 (Thurs). The chanting group had gathered and practiced the Buddha bathing every single night since three weeks ago at DDM Singapore, in spite of rainy and stormy nights. Early in the morning, the dining group came to the centre to prepare healthy and delicious lunch for the participants. There were 50 participants, filled the centre with dharma joy! During the chanting of Sakyamuni Buddha’s name, the first bodhisattva from east- side came beside Siddhāttha Buddha statue. He greeted the Buddha, and bathed the Buddha’s left shoulder using a scoop, followed by right shoulder, and lastly Siddhāttha Buddha’s back. The bathing was repeated twice, symbolizing the cleansing of the spiritual mind and revealing of Buddha nature within ourselves. After the bathing, the second bodhisattva from the left came out sequentially, greeted the Buddha and took over the scoop from the former. The first bodhisattva then went back to the seat. The procedures were repeated by everyone on the east before the west-side participants started their rounds. After every participant went back to the seat, ‘Jian Xiang’ recited Master Sheng Yen’s talk about the meaning of Buddha Bathing festival. Buddha bathing symbolized the spiritual growth; in the context of modern world, it is the basis of mental wellness, serving as a guide for healthy life. In a nutshell, everyone has to completely get rid of the vexations, develop one’s full potential and live a healthy and happy life. The ceremony was to remind us the grandeur of Buddha nature, and the Buddha teaching comes with the Buddha wisdom and loving kindness. Therefore, we have to purify our mind with Buddha teachings to reveal the loving kindness. All the participated bodhisattvas embraced a sense of gratitude to the Triple Gems, and a wish to sustain the Buddha’s teaching by dedicating the merits solemnly; Praying for a peaceful world, a prosperous society, and a favorable environment; Praying for the protection of Master Sheng Yen by Buddhas and Boddhisattvas; Wishing Master Sheng Yen good health, and continue to spread Buddhism teaching; Praying for a permanent centre for DDM Singapore to propagate the spiritual environmentalism and meditation, realizing DDM’s philosophy on education and loving care. A sense of gratitude arises in us because we encounter and practice Buddha teachings in our life. We realize the meaning of life is to serve and to vow; Due to this passion, we at DDM Singapore always remain positive for the bright side of life, and practice loving kindness, realizing the Buddha’s teachings.
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