The 2024 Ullambana Festival was held in the Joy Garden of Toronto Bodhi Meditation. Thousands of lamps and lotus memorial tablets were placed in front of the Buddha at the ceremony. Under the light of the Great-Vow Earth Store (Ksitigarbha) Bodhisattva and the protection of the Yama Brother and Sister, it was solemn and magnificent!
In the middle of the hall, six six-meter-high giant thangkas specially blessed and consecrated by the Grandmaster JinBodhi were enshrined. Everyone present were awestruck by the solemn Buddha thangkas and put their hands together to worship!
The ceremony began with the explanation of the “The Ullambana Sutra” by Grandmaster JinBodhi, allowing participants to understand the origin of “Ullambana Festival” and why we should accumulate merits for our ancestors. Afterwards, everyone chanted while circling around the giant thangka to receive Buddha light.
Then the Director presided over the sprinkling of pure water and the offering of food, wishing that all beings in the netherworld could receive Buddha’s blessing and be liberated. With gratitude to their ancestors and repentance for all the lives they had harmed, participants sincerely chanted the Earth Store Bodhisattva’s Heart Mantra, praying that Buddha light would illuminate all darkness and confusion, liberate all sentient beings of affinity, and keep them away from the sufferings of hell, and dwell in the auspicious Buddha realm.
Finally, under the great energy blessing of Grandmaster JinBodhi’s chanting “The Call”, the Director struck the singling bowl and Dharma drum. The clear chimes and the deep sound of the drum dispelled all evil spirits, leaving only peace and beauty for all the guests and friends. Guests at the scene responded strongly and shared the magical effects of the energy blessing: Flora: “The pain in my left arm has completely disappeared!” Emily: “The pain and numbness in my feet have disappeared, and I can walk freely!” etc.
The blessing effect of the compassionate energy of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas amazed the guests!
At the completion of the ceremony, everyone lined up in front of the Buddha with gratitude and reverence to offer incense, and receive the five-colored grains, five-colored bracelet, and energy water blessed by Buddha light. It was a joyous and blissful sight to behold!
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