On November 2 (the 19th day of the 9th lunar month), the Renunciation Day of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou successfully concluded the 2023 Water and Land Liberation Dharma Assembly for the salvation of all beings.
Around 1 o'clock in the afternoon, as the sound of the Dharma drums resonated and the chants filled the air, the Buddhist masters, holding censers and banners, set off from the Mahavira Hall and escorted the sacred procession. They proceeded to the paper-made ferry to the Western Pure Land at Zizhu Square, where they placed the upper and lower plaques of the Inner Altar, along with the twenty-four seats and tablets for the deceased, into the paper-made ship. The ship, which symbolizes the gratitude and aspiration of all beings, was slowly ignited. With this procedure of bidding farewell to the deities and ancestors, the Water and Land Liberation Dharma Assembly achieved perfect merits and virtues and came to a successful end.
The 2023 Water and Land Liberation Dharma Assembly lasted from October 27 to November 2 (from the 13th day to the 19th day of the 9th lunar month), dedicating salvation to all sentient beings of ten directions in their three lifetimes. With the blessings of all Buddhas and the protection of the heavenly beings, the attending Buddhist masters displayed compassion and diligence, while the volunteers and lay Buddhists offered sincere support. The seven-day event was conducted solemnly and joyously, bringing Dharma bliss to both humans and deities. May the perfect merits and virtues achieved from this water and land liberation ceremony be dedicated to the deceased for liberation and rebirth in the pure land, and to the living for the dispelling of disasters and the extension of life, as well as the increase of blessings and wisdom.
May there be timely winds and rains, the absence of calamities and disasters, peace and happiness for the people, world peace and prosperity, the shining glory of the Buddha's teachings, and the perpetual turning of the Dharma wheel!
