The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Dharma Assembly was held in the Sakyamuni Buddha Hall of Holy Miracles Temple. Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee
To honor the Holy Birthday of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Buddhists and local residents converged at the Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, California, for the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Dharma Assembly. Held on March 17, 2024, within the Sakyamuni Buddha Hall, this event was a collaborative effort between the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Holy Miracles Temple, and Sanger Mission.
Presided over by the Abbess of the Hua Zang Si Temple, Ruzun Ruohui, and jointly guided by Dharma Master JueHui and Dharma Master MiaoKong, the assembly brought together a congregation of holy gurus, eminent monks, dedicated monastics, and others. Their shared purpose was to pay homage to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, whose boundless compassion and loving kindness have been a beacon of hope for countless beings throughout the ages.
The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Dharma Assembly was held in the Sakyamuni Buddha Hall of Holy Miracles Temple.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, also known as Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva in Chinese, is revered for profound compassion and unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings. According to Buddhist scriptures, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva attained Buddhahood eons ago and is known as Zheng Fa Ming Ru Lai, the Correct Dharma Realization Tathagata. Through sacred vows and bodhicitta, the Correct Dharam Realization Tathagata manifests as a Bodhisattva to extend aid to those in need and save sentient beings from suffering. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva expounded one of the most influential Buddha Sutras – “The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra,” which encapsulates the profound wisdom of the Buddha, illustrating the meaning of prajna.
While honoring Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s great compassion, sovereign wisdom, profound power, and benevolence, the assembly also reflected on the significance of bodhicitta, as elucidated by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in the Sutra – “What is Cultivation.” He imparted, “The broad meaning of bodhicitta encompasses all of the Mahayana Dharma related to saving living beings out of great compassion and the causes leading to attaining the stages of enlightenment of a Bodhisattva.” This essence of conduct rooted in compassion deeply resonated with the attendees, reinforcing their dedication to selflessness and enlightenment.
The assembly witnessed the recitation of passages from “The Lotus Sutra’s Universal Gate Chapter on Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva,” a revered text extolling the virtues and profound wisdom of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Participants engaged in practices such as meal offerings to the Buddhas, seeking blessings for happiness, auspiciousness, and the enhancement of fortune and wisdom. The gathering also collectively expressed their aspirations for the endurance of world peace, the cessation of calamities, while invoking prosperity, good health, and longevity for all.
As incense wafted through the temple and chants echoed in the halls, attendees were reminded of the profound teachings of compassion and empathy advocated by Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The ceremony served as a reminder of the transformative power of faith, uniting individuals from all walks of life in celebration of the Dharma.
