As the Renunciation Day of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva falls on November 2, 2023 (the 19th day of the 9th lunar month), Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou held the Three Refuge Ceremony and the Abbot Venerable Master Guangquan was invited to confer the Three Refuges upon the congregation.
At 9 o'clock in the morning, the ceremony officially began with the sound of the bell and the chanting of the Dharma at the Zizhu Square of Lingyin Temple. Representatives of the disciples for the Three Refuges, led by the guiding Buddhist master, went to invite Venerable Master Guangquan.
Venerable Master Guangquan offered incense to the Buddha, ascended the Lion Throne, and explained to the congregation the significance of the Three Jewels and the related matter of taking refuge in them. He asked the congregation, "Can you understand? Can you uphold the teaching?" The congregation listened attentively to the Master's instruction and answered, "We can understand" and "We can uphold the teaching."
The Refuge Ceremony proceeded in strict accordance with the proper sequence, including supplications, repentance, taking refuge, making vows, etc. Guided by the Buddhist masters, the congregation followed the Buddhist ritual and accepted the Three Refuges in their hearts and planted the seed of Buddhahood. The ceremony ended perfectly with the congregation chanting the verses of dedication of merits together.
