The event was organized in memory of Venerable Master Sheng Yen – celebrating his boundless compassion and his great vows that have inspired society towards stability and peace. It also aimed to encourage more people to follow the path that Master Sheng Yen had taught and to accumulate good merits through the practice of the Dharma.

The ritual was initiated amidst the solemn chanting of Buddhist scriptures, while monastics lit the individual white candles held by each devotee.

Then, it was followed by Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong’s Dharma talk where he said that he was looking forward to seeing every Buddhist follower tackle life’s problems using Dharma wisdom and serving those who are suffering with the greatest compassion and tolerance in their hearts.

This dual effort will help in the accumulation of merits and greater wisdom. He believed that if society could truly follow and be inspired by the teachings of Master Sheng Yen and the Dharma, then all would certainly be peaceful, one’s mind would be calm, and the body would be more at ease.

The event ended with all participants slowly circling the Grand Buddha Hall while making vows as they recollected the teachings and shining example of Venerable Master Sheng Yen.

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