On February 6, 2025, the ninth day of the first lunar month in the Year of the Snake, coinciding with the birthday of the Buddhist Dharma protector Śakra (Śakro devānām indraḥ), also known as Dìshìtiān in Chinese, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou held a Chinese new year offering ceremony. This event was dedicated to praying for the illumination of the Buddha's light, the protection of celestial beings, national prosperity, and the happiness and well-being of the people.
At four o’clock in the morning, the ceremony officially began, gathering all the Buddhist masters at the Mahavira Hall. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Venerable Guangquan, the abbot of Lingyin Temple, offered incense and paid homage to the Buddha. The assembly followed the ceremonial procedures to invite the Three Jewels and the celestial beings to descend upon the altar and to graciously accept the offerings. With this offering to the Buddha and the celestial deities, we sincerely pray that the Dharma protectors from all directions uphold the Buddha's teachings, protect the righteous Dharma, and show benevolence towards all sentient beings. May goodness be nurtured, evil be held accountable, and our country be graced with lasting peace and stability!
