On the 30th day of the seventh lunar month (September 21, 2025), Than Hsiang Temple held the Filial Piety Dharma Assembly in the fifth-floor hall. From early morning, devotees and volunteer bodhisattvas began arriving. Devotees engaged in practices such as paying homage to the Buddha and offering LED lights, while volunteers prepared offerings and arranged fruits.

At around 9:00 AM, the Buddha-name recitation commenced, led by the brahma voice group, and continued until 10:40 AM. At 11:00 AM, the sangha members guided everyone in chanting the noon offering before the Buddha and performed the dedication and transference of merits to both the Longevity Altar and the Pure Land Altar.

At approximately 1:00 PM, the Three Sessions Pure Land Chanting Dharma Assembly commenced both onsite and via YouTube livestream. Prior to the assembly, the emcee gave a brief address, rejoicing in everyone’s participation and encouraging reflection on parental gratitude. The emcee also conveyed guidance from Most Venerable Wei Wu, reminding participants to approach the Dharma assembly with the right mindset. The assembly then formally began.

After the first session concluded, Venerable Zhen Ru delivered a Dharma talk, explaining the true meaning of the Ullambana Festival and the significance of the Three Sessions Pure Land Chanting. The Dharma talk concluded with a quote from Master Sheng Yen: “The Three Sessions Pure Land Chanting assembly uses the Dharma to liberate departed sentient beings, enabling them to hear the Dharma teachings, attain release from samsara, and be reborn in the Pure Land. Also, those who participate with sincerity not only benefit the deceased but also gain profound merits.”

At 4:00 PM, the second and third sessions continued. Before the conclusion of the chanting, the “Sending Off the Sages” ritual was held, respectfully sending the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas back to the Pure Land—symbolizing that all beings in the six realms are liberated and reborn in the Pure Land.

The Dharma Assembly successfully concluded at 6:20 PM. The emcee wished everyone growth in their wholesome roots, good progress in their spiritual practice, abundant Dharma joy, peace, and auspiciousness. Amitabha.

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More photos: https://thanhsiang.org/ch/node/6681
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