Event Blog

DDM’s 6th Transmission of the Bodhisattva Precepts concluded at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York on May 19, 2013. The “Transmission of the Bodhisattva Precepts” is a ceremony under which participants vow to undertake various precepts and vows to purify themselves and benefit other sentient beings (for a more detailed explanation, please visit DDM’s webpage). We are delighted to have transmitted the Bodhisattva Precepts to over a hundred practitioners coming from various locations across Canada and the United States, as well as from countries as far as Croatia and Switzerland. Venerable Guo Dong, Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain, ac companied by Venerables Guo Qi and Guo Xing, presided over the transmission ceremony with the assistance of the monastics and volunteers from DDMBA and its chapters. more

This year, Buddha’s birthday May 12th happened to fall on the second Sunday of May, which was Mother’s Day. Chan Meditation Center held a series of events to celebrate this special day. In the morning before the Buddha’s Bathing Ceremony started, there was a refuge taking ceremony led by Abbot Venerable Guo-Xing. Seven people took the refuge on this special day. It was a meaningful choice to take the refuge on Buddha’s Birthday; it symbolizes that we can all become Buddha once we are awakened to our own Buddha nature. Ven. Guo-Xing explained the meaning of taking the refuge and the five precepts. After taking the refuge, the newly registered Buddhists showed great joy when Fashi congratulated them and encouraged them to participate in Dharma practices. more