To commemorate the great compassion of Guanyin Bodhisattva in relieving the sufferings of all beings, Than Hsiang Temple in Penang held a series of activities from August 1 to 2, 2026 (the 19th and 20th days of the sixth lunar month) to honor "Guanyin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day."

On the morning of August 1, devotees presented pure offerings to honor the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Venerables led the congregation in the Grand Offering Before the Buddhas (Fo Qian Da Gong). Following the ritual, everyone followed the Venerables for the dedication of merits.

At 8:00 PM that evening, a physical group cultivation session of the Universal Gate Chapter (Pu Men Pin) was held in the Da Bei Dian. Devotees chanted in unison, their voices echoing through the hall. Through the collective power of cultivation, merits were dedicated to all sentient beings in the Dharma Realm, wishing them freedom from suffering and the attainment of happiness.

On August 2, the Transmission of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony took place in the Da Bei Dian. Before the ceremony commenced, Sister Sai Hong and Sister Siew Ling briefed the preceptees on Buddhist etiquette. They personally demonstrated how to prostrate, make half-bows, and pay respects, enabling first-time preceptees to enter the shrine hall with a respectful and proper mind.

Amidst the chanting of Buddhist melodies, the Venerables led the preceptees in singing the Incense Praise (Lu Xiang Zan) and chanting the Great Compassion Mantra (Da Bei Zhou). Following this, Venerable Zhen Sheng, the Abbot of Than Hsiang Temple, delivered a compassionate Dharma discourse to the preceptees.

In his discourse, the Abbot emphasized that the Three Refuges and Five Precepts are the fundamental foundation of Buddhist cultivation, the very first step into Buddhism, and the cornerstone of all precepts. The Three Refuges take the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha as the ultimate direction of life. The Five Precepts (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants) regulate one's actions, speech, and thoughts to avoid falling into lower realms and to cultivate wholesome roots.

The Abbot also mentioned that many people hesitate to take refuge out of fear that they must become vegetarians afterward, which is not the case. Taking refuge is a confirmation of faith, whereas vegetarianism is a lifestyle habit; there is no mandatory connection between the two. Though seemingly basic, the Three Refuges and Five Precepts are actually the steps to Buddhahood. Receiving the precepts is not a restriction, but a protection! It protects us from falling into evil realms, ensures our physical and mental freedom, and ultimately leads us to Nirvana.

Upon the conclusion of the discourse, Venerable Zhen Sheng personally presided over the ritual, transmitting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts in strict accordance with Buddhist regulations. Preceptees prostrated with utmost sincerity and vowed to practice accordingly. Witnessed by the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and spiritual friends, they officially became disciples of the Triple Gem, planting pure seeds of Bodhi for their spiritual journey.

This series of activities for Guanyin Bodhisattva's Enlightenment Day not only provided devotees with an opportunity to remember the Bodhisattva's compassion on this auspicious day, but also established right understanding and right views through the transmission of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, inspiring all to practice the Dharma in their daily lives.

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