Than Hsiang Temple held a Buddha Bathing Ceremony on the fourteenth day of the fourth lunar month. Concurrently, on the fifteenth day of fourth lunar month, the Buddha Day Celebration activities were held.

On the morning of the fourteenth day of the fourth lunar month, everyone gathered in the Main Shrine Hall on the sixth floor. Participants included the junior students and senior students, teachers, and parents from the Sunday Dharma School, as well as many other devotees. The Buddha Bathing Ceremony officially began at 9:30 AM.

The Sangha members led everyone in devoutly chanting. Next, during the Buddha bathing session, everyone lined up orderly and followed the members to bathe the Buddha. After the Buddha bathing session, the Sangha members then led everyone in chanting the Three Refuges and the Transference of Merits. Subsequently proceeded to the Noon Offering.

Afterwards, Venerable Zhen Ru gave a Dharma talk for everyone on the origin and significance of the “Buddha Bathing Ceremony”, taught everyone to chant the “Song of Buddha’s History,” and explained the meaning of the lyrics. While Venerable Zhen Ru was giving the Dharma Talk, the other Sangha members went to the ground floor to perform the Transference of Merits at the “Yang Sheng Tan Altar” and “San Sheng Dian.” The Buddha Bathing Ceremony concluded at this point.

The fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month, Than Hsiang Temple held a Buddha Day Celebration Activities. In the Great Compassion Hall downstairs, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, there was a Sangha Blessing session, and devotees came to bathe the Buddha. Also, volunteers distributed flower water. Additionally, various groups set up stalls in the Great Compassion Hall, creating a very lively atmosphere, with many people lining up to receive the Sangha’s blessings. At the same time, the emcee also introduced Than Hsiang Temple’s various annual activities to everyone, welcoming all to participate enthusiastically.

Starting from 7:30 AM, the Than Hsiang Temple canteen provided eight- treasure porridge and steamed buns to the public for breakfast. Concurrently, volunteers also began to prepare savory packed rice boxes to be provided as lunch for the public. Furthermore, in the Main Shrine Hall on the sixth floor, the Noon offering to the Buddha was also held at 10:45 AM. The Noon Offering session attracted many people to the Main Shrine Hall, who participated joyfully.

At 1:00PM, a ceremony for transmitting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts was held. Before the ceremony began, Sister Bao Yi and Sister Sai Feng led everyone in a rehearsal of the ceremony etiquette. Afterwards, Venerable Zhen Ru gave a Dharma talk for everyone. The content of which included “ The Meaning of Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem,” “The Meaning of the Five Precepts,” and “The Procedure for Transmitting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts.” After the Dharma Talk, the ceremony officially began, with a total of ten devotees participating. Before its completion, Venerable Zhen Ru distributed the Three Refuges Certificates and Five Precepts Certificates to the participants. The ceremony then concluded.

Than Hsiang Temple’s Buddha Day Celebration activities thus came to a phase of conclusion. Around 3:00 PM, the Sunday Dharma School and the Youth Group gathered in the Great Compassion Hall, preparing to set off to participate in the Buddha Day procession.

Herein, Than Hsiang Temple wishes everyone a Happy Wesak Day.

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More photos: https://thanhsiang.org/CH/node/6521
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