On October 27, 2024 (the 25th day of the 9th month in the lunar calendar of the Year of Jiachen), the Water and Land Dharma Assembly at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou concluded successfully with the sending off of the sacred offerings.
At around noon, as the sound of the Dharma drums resonated and the sutra chants filled the air, the Buddhist masters departed from the Mahavira Hall, carrying incense burners and banners, to escort the sacred offerings to the paper-made ferry. They placed the offerings, including the upper and lower plaques of the Inner Altar, twenty-four seat tablets, and the tablets of the deceased who were recommended for liberation, into the paper-made ship one by one. The ship, symbolizing the aspirations for the benefit of all beings, the repayment of kindness, and the attainment of Buddhahood, was then gently set alight, marking the perfect completion of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly.
Since October 21 (the 19th day of the 9th month in the lunar calendar, the Renunciation Day of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva), Lingyin Temple has held the 2024 Water and Land Dharma Assembly to liberate all sentient beings of ten directions in their three lifetimes. With the blessings of all Buddhas and the protection of all heavenly beings, the attending Buddhist masters displayed compassion and diligence, while the lay Buddhists and volunteers wholeheartedly supported the event. Over the course of seven days, each session of the Buddhist rites was conducted solemnly and in accordance with the Dharma, bringing bliss to both humans and deities. May the extraordinary merits of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly be dedicated to the deceased, granting them liberation from suffering and rebirth in the Pure Land! May the living be free from calamities, live long, and grow in blessings and wisdom! May there be peace and happiness for the people, world harmony, shining glory of the Buddha’s teachings, and the continuous turning of the Dharma wheel!
