Submitted by soonchien on
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Today is the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, known in Buddhism as "Buddha's Joyful Day." A grand celebration was held in the Main Shrine Hall on the sixth floor of Than Hsiang Temple. In the morning, devotees gradually arrived at the Main Shrine Hall, where volunteers warmly distributed sutras, creating an atmosphere that was both solemn and heartwarming.
At 10:30 a.m., Ven. Wei Wu, the founder of Than Hsiang Temple, led the congregation in chanting the "Buddha Speaks of the Ullambana Sutra." The devotees recited the scriptures devoutly, with each word resonating with respect and mindfulness.
After the chanting ceremony concluded successfully, Ven. Wei Wu was invited to give a dharma teaching to the congregation. He explained the origin of Buddha's Joyful Day and elaborated on the differences between the Zhongyuan Festival and the Ullambana Festival. During the Buddha's time, Maudgalyayana, a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha, saw with his divine powers that his mother was suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts. Filled with compassion, he tried to offer her food, but when she opened her mouth to eat, the food turned into burning coals. Helpless, Maudgalyayana sought the Buddha's guidance on how to save his mother. The Buddha informed him that individual efforts alone could not save her; only the collective merit from offerings to the Sangha could help. The Buddha instructed Maudgalyayana to prepare abundant offerings, such as food, five kinds of fruits, pots, oil lamps, bedding, and sleeping mats, to offer to the Sangha on the 15th day of the seventh month (the last day of the monastic summer retreat). This day not only marks the completion of the summer retreat but is also a time of great joy for all Buddhas, as the Sangha's diligent practice during this period reaches fruition, bringing joy to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Maudgalyayana followed the Buddha's instructions with joy, and as a result, his mother was liberated from the realm of hungry ghosts.
Ven. Wei Wu further mentioned that on the 15th day of the seventh month, offering to the Sangha can help one’s ancestors from seven generations escape the suffering of the three lower realms (hell, hungry ghosts, animals) and attain liberation. If one's parents are still alive, they will enjoy long life and good health; if one's ancestors are in the lower realms, they will be reborn in heaven and experience happiness. Therefore, as disciples of the Buddha, we should always harbor a sense of gratitude, remember, and make offerings to our present and seven generations of parents. Every year on the 15th day of the seventh month, we should, with a heart of compassion and filial piety, hold the Ullambana Dharma Assembly, and offer alms and make offerings to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) to repay the kindness of our parents.
After listening to Master Weiwu's teaching, the devotees pressed their palms together in gratitude, deeply appreciating the significance of Buddha's Joyful Day and the importance of filial piety.
The ceremony concluded successfully at noon, with the congregation standing up, pressing their palms together, and respectfully escorting the Venerable out.
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