On March 22, 2026, the Lay Sangha Gathering was held for the first time that year at the Great Compassion Hall of Than Hsiang Temple. Attendees included Abbot Venerable Zhen Sheng, Venerable Zhen Xin, other Sangha members, as well as members of the lay Sangha.

The gathering was hosted by emcee Sister Chooi Pheng and officially began at 3:00 p.m. She first introduced the program flow to everyone, then asked if anyone knew the meaning of “Than Hsiang Dang Chen Fen.” She led the assembly in reciting the lyrics before singing the song together. After the chorus, she explained that the lyrics were written by Venerable Bo Yuen and the melody composed by Upasaka Su Xin Zhe. Venerable Bo Yuen used this song to remind everyone: “Wake up, wake up”—to quickly awaken, for countless lifetimes have been spent drifting, and the arising and ceasing of life is impermanent. Therefore, one must cherish the rare opportunity of human existence and the precious chance to encounter the Dharma.

The next session was the recitation of the Buddha’s name, led by Brother Kian Seng. This was followed by the “Ten Wholesome Dharma & Aspiration” session, conducted by Sister Cheng See and Brother Chew.

Afterwards, lay Sangha members Sister Siew Xin and Sister Wai Cheng shared on the topic “Embrace a Beginner’s Mind ” in bilingual format.

Sister Siew Xin began by noting that the Than Hsiang Temple Lay Sangha was officially established on May 20, 2007, following the transmission of the Ten Wholesome Precepts by Venerable Wei Wu. She highlighted that this year marks the 19th anniversary of herself as lay Sangha’s first founding members.

She explained that the concept of the Lay Sangha includes being the inner circle of members next to the monastic Sangha, forming the core of the Than Hsiang Organization. Lay Sangha members demonstrate strong commitment to the Triple Gem, cultivate causes and conditions leading to monastic ordination, regard Than Hsiang as their second home, and complement the roles of the monastic Sangha.

Their practice includes:

- Upholding a minimum of ten moral precepts, with the option to take Bodhisattva precepts.

- Raising the level of spiritual practice within the Than Hsiang Organization.

- Leading Dharma discussions and teachings.

- Committing to organizational work and activities.

- Actively participating in various Than Hsiang committees.

- Sharing spiritual friendship (Kalyanamitra) and supporting one another in daily Dharma practice.

- Practicing the six elements of harmonious living within the spiritual community.

She also emphasized that “初心” (initial intention) refers to the very first aspiration behind every action. This concept originates from the Avatamsaka Sutra in the phrases: “Do not forget the initial intention” and “Return to the initial intention.” By safeguarding this resolve, one gains the strength not to regress, and by making vows, one sets clear goals and direction.

Following this, Abbot Venerable Zhen Sheng compassionately delivered a Dharma talk centered on the Amitabha Sutra. He elaborated on several key points, explaining that the meaning of the Amitabha Sutra is profound, and only by realizing one’s true nature can one attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He emphasized the importance of understanding one’s true mind, noting that Chan, Pure Land, and Tantric Buddhism ultimately all point toward the Pure Land. Citing National Master Zhong Feng, he stressed that Pure Land and Chan are essentially one, though their methods of practice differ.

He further explained the “Three Periods of Continuous Mindfulness,” which is to recite the Buddha’s name without interruption for twenty-four hours, since Buddha-nature itself is unceasing. Thus, reciting the Buddha’s name is none other than realizing that the present mind itself is Buddha. He elaborated on the principle “This mind is Buddha, the mind itself is Buddha,” pointing out that Buddha-nature and mind have never been separate, that the functioning of the six senses depends on Buddha-nature, and that all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature and can attain Buddhahood.

In addition, Venerable quoted several scriptures, including the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, Amitabha Buddha’s Forty-Eight Vows, the Lotus Sutra, and the Diamond Sutra. He encouraged everyone to transform their habits through practice, overcome attachment to worldly matters, and ultimately reach the state of seeing through and letting go—realizing that the present moment itself is the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

After the Dharma talk, the evening chanting session began, led by Venerable Zhen Sheng together with other Sangha members. When the chanting concluded, everyone went to the canteen enjoy dinner together. With that, the Lay Sangha Gathering at Than Hsiang Temple concluded successfully.

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More photos:https://thanhsiang.org/CH/node/6905
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