On November Third, the first day of the tenth month on the lunar calendar, Lingyin Temple held and completed the ceremony for taking refuge in Triple Gem with over 250 lay followers of Buddhism. Participants lined up in ceremonial formation by 9:30am in a joyous atmosphere with crisp autumn breeze.
Venerable Weina reviews the rituals and etiquette with the group.
Entrance ritual for receiving Abbot Guanquan
Abbot Guangquan's incense offering and talk.
Converting disciples in grand ceremony ritual and listening in during Dharma talk.
Of the many Temple volunteers attending to the group.
Everyone received morning evening recital sutra and Dharma beads.
At 10:30am, the grand ceremony began with the ritualistic entry of Abbot Venerable Guangquan and the Abbot addressed the crowd beginning with the essence of the Triple Jewel. The triple Jewel, jewel symbolizing the rarity and exquisiteness of the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha in our worldly existence, hence the character "Jewel". Spiritual refuge is the most dependable shelter in our quest of life--devotion to Buddhism (to convert)--with the Triple Jewel as utmost sincerity and trust for the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
In Abbot Venerable's compassionate address, he made the fundamental distinction between Buddhist refuge in Triple Jewel and being a disciple of a master. To be a disciple of a master usually attributes to learning an art-form or skill, whereas Triple Jewel is a quest for spiritual security and shelter in life. The Buddhist seeks to understand life and cosmos through Dharma as one can systematically understand and cultivate under Dharma, rid the unnecessary sufferings, end the cycles of life and death, and validate the Bodhi.
Abbot Guangquan's valued guidance for taking refuge in the Triple Jewel is to understand the teachings of the Buddha. Upon converting to Buddhism, follow and embrace the traditions of Buddhism, respect all monastics of Buddhism, all laity, with a common heart. Work hard and gain wisdom steadily while being well-grounded as individuals, and spread the Bodhi heart. The Abbot led the group in reciting the Four Great Vows (四弘誓愿), “众生无边誓愿度，烦恼无尽誓愿断，法门无量誓愿学，佛道无上誓愿成。”在光泉法师引领下，皈依的三宝弟子在佛前响亮地发“四弘誓愿”. The traditional act of oath thundered through the dignified atmosphere concluding the most important decision in worldly life.
The Four Great Vows
1. Sentient beings are infinite, as a bodhisattva, I vow to liberate them (by sharing the Dharma with others, we are skillfully planting the seeds of enlightenment in all beings).
2. Desires and afflictions are inexhaustible, as a bodhisattva, I vow to cease them (to realise we are all deluded).
3. The Dharmas are boundless, as a bodhisattva, I vow to practice and to transcend them (to have the wisdom to dispel all illusions).
4. The Buddha’s Awakening is ultimate, as a Bodhisattva, I vow to attain it (Buddhahood as the absolute attainment).
