On May 24, 2026, the eighth day of the fourth lunar month was the Buddha Day. Than Hsiang Temple held the Buddha Day Lamp Lighting Purification Ceremony,the Noon Offering Ceremony, and the Transference of Merits at Yan Sheng Tan Altar and the dedication of merits at the San Sheng Dian.

The eighth day of the fourth lunar month symbolizes the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. This day is not only a commemoration of the Buddha's birth but also symbolizes the opening of the path to enlightenment, guiding sentient beings to release from the cycle of rebirth (Samsāra).

The Buddha Day Lamp Lighting Purification Ceremony began at 9:00 a.m. in the Great Compassion Hall,led by Abbot Venerable Zhen Sheng and Sangha members chanting together.

The assembly,following the Sangha members, proceeded to the sixth-floor Main Shrine Hall for the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. Participants included students from the Sunday Dharma School, parents,teachers, volunteers, and members of the public. During the chanting, everyone joined with palms together, attentively following the words displayed on the screen, expressing reverence for the Buddha and praying that participation would strengthen their faith in the Triple Gem. The Buddha Bathing Ceremony began with the abbot Venerable Zhen Sheng and Sangha members, followed by the congregation in turn.

The ceremony also included Sangha blessings, with Sangha members distributing five-colored threads,symbolizing the protection and blessings of the Dharma. This was followed by the Noon Offering, and then the Dharma talk by Abbot Venerable Zhen Sheng.Meanwhile, other Sangha members conducted chanting and dedication of merits at the Yan Sheng Tan Altar and the San Sheng Dian.

In Venerable Zhen Sheng's Dharma talk, he emphasized the importance of gratitude and repaying kindness in Buddhist practice, especially filial piety toward parents and gratitude toward all beings. He offered practical methods such as greeting parents, giving them a hug, cooking for them, listening to their hearts, and dedicating chanting to them after their passing.He concluded with a teaching from the Avatamsaka Sūtra: “All sentient beings have the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata, but because of deluded thoughts and attachments,they cannot realize it.”

With this,the Buddha Day Lamp Lighting Opening Ceremony and Buddha Bathing Ceremony concluded successfully.

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More photos:https://thanhsiang.org/ch/node/6995
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