To celebrate the Enlightenment Day of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, Than Hsiang Temple held a series of celebratory activities on October 25 and October 28 to commemorate Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s spirit of great compassion and relieving suffering upon hearing the cries of all beings.

On October 25 (the 16th day of the ninth lunar month) at 2:30 PM, Than Hsiang Temple conducted a Three Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony in the Great Compassion Hall. Devotees with sincere aspirations came forward to receive the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, sincerely repenting before the Buddha and vowing to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, laying a solid foundation for their path of learning and practicing Buddhism.

During the ceremony, Venerable Zhen Ru gave a compassionate teaching to the three ordinands, explaining the significance of taking refuge in the Three Jewels and observing the Five Precepts. The Three Jewels comprise the Buddha (the fully enlightened one), the Dharma (the teachings that cut off defilements), and the Sangha (the monastic community that propagates the Dharma). Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha serves as the initial step in learning Buddhism and a safeguard for liberation. The spirit of the Five Precepts lies in "refraining from all unwholesome deeds," encompassing no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no false speech, and no intoxicants. Observing the precepts is not only a way to respect the rights of others, but also a means to cultivate mindfulness, eradicate greed, and attain true freedom.

Taking refuge and receiving the precepts is not merely a ceremony, but a solemn vow and commitment regarding one’s life direction. Guided by the Venerable, the ordinands reverently completed the refuge and precept ceremony, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in their lifelong spiritual practice.

October 28 (the 19th day of the ninth lunar month) was the actual day of Guan Yin Bodhisattva's Enlightenment Anniversary. At 10:45 AM, the congregation gathered at the Great Compassion Hall for the Grand Offering Before the Buddha, offering incense, flowers, lamps, and fruits with deep devotion. Amid the solemn chanting and rituals, they paid homage to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas with wholehearted reverence, reflecting on the profound grace of the Three Jewels. Later at 8:00 PM, a group recitation of the Universal Door Chapter (Pumen Pin) was conducted. The Universal Door Chapter expounds the vast vows and compassionate deeds of Guan Yin Bodhisattva in saving sentient beings. Through the collective chanting, the congregation commemorated the Bodhisattva's great compassionate power to relieve suffering upon hearing cries, aiming to emulate the Bodhisattva's spirit of compassion, equality, and altruism.

From the Three Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony on October 25 to the Grand Offering and Universal Door Chapter recitation on October 28, the celebratory activities at Than Hsiang Temple for Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Anniversary concluded successfully in a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.

May everyone not only commemorate Guan Yin Bodhisattva on this special day, but also practice the Bodhisattva's compassionate spirit in daily life. By applying the Dharma to everyday actions—treating others with compassion and handling situations with wisdom through both smooth and adverse conditions—may we safeguard wholesome thoughts and practice diligently in every present moment.

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More photos:
part 1 ：https://thanhsiang.org/CH/node/7196
part 2 ：https://thanhsiang.org/CH/node/7197
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