Anniversary – Peace LiLy

Photo Courtesy: Benevolence Temple (The Benevolence Temple held a Dharma assembly to commemorate the Enlightenment Day of Shakyamuni Buddha. Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters presided over the Dharma assembly.)

The Benevolence Temple, located in Las Vegas, hosted a series of Dharma assemblies and retreats from January 2 to January 11 to commemorate the Enlightenment Day of Shakyamuni Buddha and the anniversary of the Temple. Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, led the congregation in a group study of the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, revered as the Pope of Buddhism. Hundreds of participants from around the world attended this significant event.

This ten-day celebration features a variety of Dharma assemblies and spiritual practices, including a group study of the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, one-day Zen sessions, the Grand Diamond Gem Repentance Ceremony, and life release rituals. Each day’s program begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m., providing participants with an immersive experience of the Temple’s tranquility and a temporary escape from worldly concerns. Lay practitioners also participate in the Temple’s daily routines, such as morning and evening chanting and dining ceremonies, offering them a glimpse into the essence of temple life.

The special one-day Zen session took place on January 4, 2025. Prior to the session, all participants were required to study Announcement No. 40 of the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, which details the “Great Dharma of Zen Practice” taught by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to a group of cultivators in March 2013. This Dharma provides a clear understanding of Zen’s standard and proper practice, addressing key questions such as: What is Zen used for? Why should one practice Zen? What is the ultimate goal of Zen practice? More than one hundred Venerables, Dharma Masters, Rinpoches, and lay practitioners from the United States, Canada, Germany, mainland China, Thailand, Taiwan, and other countries and regions participated in this transformative experience.

The event took place in the Mahavira Hall of the Temple and featured ten meditation sessions: five sitting and five walking meditation sessions. Each sitting meditation lasted thirty minutes and an hour, with walking meditation sessions interspersed to maintain balance and flow. This arrangement allowed practitioners to sustain a steady rhythm and deepen their daily mindfulness. Two key roles were essential to the success of the event: the host and the discipliners. The host guided participants through the schedule and explained Zen practices’ rules and key aspects. The discipliners, equipped with a disciplinary board, patrolled the venue to gently correct participants if they became drowsy, slouched, or caused unnecessary noise, ensuring the sanctity and focus of the practice were upheld.

Photo Courtesy: Benevolence Temple (The Benevolence Temple held one-day Zen sessions)

After attending the event, a university scholar shared that she traveled more than ten hours and took three flights to attend the blessing ceremony and participate in the grand event. Having never practiced group meditation before, she was initially worried that she would struggle to sit still for an extended period. However, the outcome was both unexpected and extraordinary.

Thanks to the supportive group atmosphere, nearly all participants completed all ten sessions, overcoming the physical discomfort of sore feet and backs. By the end of the day, many reported experiencing a profound sense of Dharma joy. Dharma Master Zheng Da expressed her delight with the positive feedback from attendees. She hinted that longer Zen retreats, ranging from three to seven days, may be organized to encourage deep meditation and personal growth.

Dharma Master Zheng Da also inspired the group with H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s teachings: “No matter what Zen Dharma you practice, you cannot deviate from cultivation. That is why you must go online and learn Buddha Master’s teaching of ‘What Is Cultivation?’ Furthermore, you must carry out that teaching in your daily lives. Only then will your practice of Zen truly succeed.”

Photo Courtesy: Benevolence Temple (The walk session in the Benevolence Temple’s one-day Zen sessions)

In addition to the one-day Zen event, the group study of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s teachings offered clear guidance, helping disciples cultivate the correct views and understanding.

Published by Joseph T.

Soruce of the article : The Benevolence Temple Celebrates the Renunciation of the Shakyamuni Buddha and the Anniversary of the Temple

San Francisco Hua Zang Si Temple Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Charity Event: “Love Without Limits” Donation Drive Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (The Hua Zang Si Temple held a Dharma Assembly to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha)

The San Francisco Hua Zang Si Temple, inaugurated on December 26, 2004, upholds and promotes the genuine teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the incarnation of the primordial Buddha, and the World-Honored Shakyamuni Buddha, extending boundless compassion and kindness to all beings.

Guided by the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Hua Zang Si Temple has actively participated in various charitable activities for many years, including organizing New Year entertainment events in nursing homes, assisting with hospital relocations, providing food relief to disaster-affected areas, and holding garage sales, with all proceeds donated to vulnerable groups. The temple expressed their hope that this spirit of helping others will continue to flourish: “In acts of kindness, seeds of virtue grow, a family that sows goodness finds happiness in full flow.”

San Francisco Hua Zang Si Temple Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Charity Event: "Love Without Limits” Donation Drive — Photo Courtesy: Natty Kao (Nuns from Hua Zang Si Temple and volunteers from the Dharma-Protecting Fellowship of Hua Zang Si donated items to San Francisco Marin Food Bank.)

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Hua Zang Si launched a month-long charity drive titled “Love Without Limits” in November, supporting animal rescue centers, homeless and low-income families, and local food banks. On the morning of December 15, a Dharma Assembly was held to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha, praying for world peace and the well-being of all people. The afternoon featured a 20th-anniversary performance and raffle, attended by nearly 300 people.

By December, Hua Zang Si had collected a total of 812 items, categorized into three main types: 241 animal supplies, including dog collars, walking harnesses, pet carriers, and disposable puppy pads; 211 baby and cookware items, including baby bottle drying racks, baby bodysuits, air fryers, and cookware sets; and a total of 2,265 pounds of food, including rice, pasta, and other food items. On December 11, nuns from Hua Zang Si Temple and volunteers from the Dharma-Protecting Fellowship of Hua Zang Si delivered these items to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), and the San Francisco Marin Food Bank.

As the first cage-free rescue organization in the U.S. and California’s first nonprofit dedicated to rescuing senior dogs, Muttville has rescued nearly 13,000 senior dogs over the past 17 years, providing support for about 100 senior dogs each month. The generous donations from Hua Zang Si were gratefully received, greatly aiding in the care and rehoming efforts for these senior dogs.

The San Francisco Marin Food Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger in San Francisco and Marin counties, distributed over 60 million pounds of food this year, thanks in part to Hua Zang Si’s year-end support. In these regions, one in five people faces food insecurity, and the temple’s contributions have significantly bolstered the food bank’s efforts. The donated food from the temple will be utilized in various community programs, including after-school programs, Boy and Girl Scouts, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those in need.

The Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), a renowned family support center in the U.S, serves over 4,000 vulnerable families each year, particularly aiding mothers seeking assistance during pregnancy and parenting. The temple’s donations have significantly enhanced HPP’s ability to support mothers and children facing life challenges.

On the afternoon of December 15, the 20th-anniversary celebration was held in the main shrine of Hua Zang Si, featuring live performances of several classic philosophical songs with lyrics written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, cello performances of various songs, a mesmerizing Tibetan dance, and an exciting raffle with numerous prizes. The event provided a visual and auditory feast for nearly 300 attendees. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt group sing-along of “Buddha Holding My Hand,” bringing the 20th-anniversary festivities to a perfect close.

Looking ahead, Hua Zang Si will continue to serve as a beacon of love and care within the community. They hope more people will join in these acts of kindness, creating a warm, loving, and harmonious society together.

The above article is from the World Reporter, December 23, 2024.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/01/08/san-francisco-hua-zang-si-temple-celebrates-20th-anniversary-with-charity-event-love-without-limits-donation-drive/

Share this:

Share this: