As the Enlightenment Day of Guanyin Bodhisattva falls on August 5th, 2023 (the 19th day of the 6th lunar month), Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou held a Refuge Ceremony in the Zhizhi Hall in commemoration of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s attainment of enlightenment. The Abbot of Lingyin Temple Venerable, Master Guangquan presided over the ceremony and conferred the Three Refuges upon over eight hundred faithful followers from all over the country.
As the chanting of the incense praise filled the air, Venerable Master Guangquan, holding incense, paid homage to the Buddha and ascended the Lion Throne. The Refuge Ceremony proceeded in strict accordance with the proper sequence, including requests for refuge, the abbot’s teachings, supplications, repentance, taking refuge, making vows, giving admonitions, and dedication of merits. The participants listened attentively with devout reverence, and the atmosphere at the ceremony was solemn and extraordinary.
Venerable Master Guangquan delivered a speech to the participants, emphasizing that the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha possess immeasurable virtues and thus are the objects of faith and reliance for Buddhist disciples. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is a significant event on the path of cultivation, marking a new starting point for learning the Dharma and awakening to the meaning of life. It signifies our determination to follow the teachings of the Three Jewels as a guide for our lives and practice, serving as a major turning point in our lives. Venerable Master Guangquan also expressed his hope that after the refuge ceremony everyone would cultivate compassion, inclusiveness and gratitude, uphold the traditional values of patriotism and devotion to the religion, and actively help maintain the image of Buddhism so as to proactively benefit the larger society. He encouraged everyone to soften their hearts and minds and make positive contributions to the well-being of all beings and to the dignity of the nation.
Venerable Master Guangquan’s heartfelt teachings, along with the melodious chanting of the Buddhist masters, allowed the assembly to feel the blessings and inspiration from the Three Jewels that pervade all directions. The Refuge Ceremony concluded successfully with the collective recitation of dedication verses by the participants.
