PASADENA, CA — Four major Buddhist organizations—the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Holy Miracles Temple, Hongfa Temple, and Sanger Mission—recently held a joint Dharma Assembly at the Grand Hall of Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Namo Amitabha Buddha, the Lord of the Western World of Ultimate Bliss.
The assembly was presided over by Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda, Vice Chair of the W.B.A.H. and a Holy Virtuous One of Gold Button Grade II. Hundreds of devotees from across California and overseas attended the ceremony.
The assembly officially commenced at 10:00 AM. Inside the Grand Hall, the sounds of bells, drums, and rhythmic chanting filled the air, creating a solemn and serene atmosphere. Led by Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda and Venerable Ruohui, Abbot of Hua Zang Si and Hongfa Temple (a Holy Virtuous One of Gold Button Grade I), the monastics and Rinpoches guided the congregation in prostrations and the sincere recitation of the Amitabha Sutra.
Following the recitation, a Grand Offering was performed. Incense, flowers, lamps, fresh fruit, and various offerings were presented before the Buddha. With pure and respectful hearts, the faithful prayed for all sentient beings to be free from suffering and attain happiness. The organizers stated that beyond celebrating the Holy Birthday, the merits of the sutra chanting and offerings were dedicated to world peace, the cessation of war, social harmony, and the longevity, health, and spiritual growth of all beings.
The Compassionate Vows of Amitabha Buddha
According to Buddhist scriptures, Namo Amitabha Buddha is the “Amitabha Buddha of the West” among the Five Dhyani Buddhas and is a disciple of the primordial Buddha, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha. During his past cultivation, Amitabha Buddha made 48 Great Vows to deliver sentient beings from the sea of suffering to the Pure Land. Upon the perfection of his vows and attainment of Buddhahood, he established the pure and majestic Western World of Ultimate Bliss. He is currently the Lord of that realm and the Head of the Lotus Section of the Vajrayana teachings.
During an interview, Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda remarked:
“Today, we gathered to recite the Amitabha Sutra and pray for blessings. The devotees showed great sincerity in their chanting and repentance, expressing deep gratitude for Amitabha Buddha’s salvation. We should emulate the vast compassion of Amitabha Buddha and all Buddhas of the ten directions. We pray that Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Namo Amitabha Buddha, and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless the world with peace and prosperity, protecting all beings from disaster.”
Bhikkhuni Zhengqin of Hongfa Temple shared her reflections on cultivation, noting that after facing many hardships in life, studying the true Buddha Dharma provided her with inner peace. She highlighted the book Learning from Buddha as a “treasured guide” that offers clear direction for practitioners.
Another attendee, Ms. Wu Guangling, shared that over ten years of practice have taught her to face life’s challenges with equanimity. She quoted an ancient virtuous saying to describe her mindset: “Face negative karmic effects with composure, while planting good causes as if treading on thin ice.”
Jon, a first-time attendee, was moved by the experience:
“Seeing everyone chanting so sincerely was impressive. I’ve never chanted with so many people before, and I hope to have the chance to attend such an assembly again.”
As the assembly concluded, the monastics sprinkled holy water over the crowd, blessing them with longevity and wisdom. The organizers noted that the event not only allowed the faithful to draw closer to the Dharma but also united the community in a spirit of goodness. The W.B.A.H. expressed gratitude to all participants and encouraged everyone to integrate the Buddha’s teachings into their daily lives to contribute to social harmony and world peace.
Peace LiLy 