The Refuge-Taking Ceremony took place at the Grand Buddha Hall, and was conducted personally by DDM Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong.

Watched by their families and the DDM monastics , the devotees pronounced their wish to take the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, or the Triple Gem as their spiritual guide, protector and refuge. This act of taking refuge means that the devotees have vowed to live their daily lives guided by the principles and teachings of the Buddha.

The Abbot President encouraged every new follower to take the Dharma as their reference and source of knowledge in dealing with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life.

They should also look for guidance in the Dharma to help them maintain a good and healthy balance between mind and body in order to have peace and serenity in their life.

After the ceremony, the Abbot President led all present in prayers for the earthquake victims in Sichuan Yaan district of mainland China and for the victims of the Boston terrorist explosion in the USA.

(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)