On January 21, 2024, it was the happiest day for Bodhi practitioners, as it marked the birthday of Grandmaster JinBodhi, the founder of Bodhi Meditation. Thirty-three years ago, Grandmaster JinBodhi began spreading the Dharma, using his compassion, profound teachings, great vows, and foresight to bring hope, faith, courage, health, happiness, and wisdom to countless people, enabling them to change their destinies and be reborn. Disciples and followers in New York expressed deep gratitude to the Grandmaster from the bottom of their hearts and celebrated his birthday by fulfilling his lifelong wish of helping sentient beings achieve enlightenment.
The aim of Bodhi Meditation is to bring health and happiness to sentient beings. This event was especially unique as it hosted the first-ever Health and Happiness Carnival, with the hope that more people could joyfully establish a connection with Bodhi Meditation, transcend suffering, and attain a beautiful life. The activities took place simultaneously at two locations: the Meditation Center and the hotel across the street.
At the Meditation Center
Early in the morning, volunteers, under the guidance of the Center Director, expressed gratitude for the Grandmaster’s teachings and blessings, and recited “Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Golden Words” with full enthusiasm and readiness to serve the incoming guests joyfully.
Inside the spacious Medicine Buddha Hall, red prayer cushions were already arranged in front of the Grandmaster’s portrait, the Medicine Buddha, the Lotus-Holding Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Heavenly-Wealth Yellow Jambhala, and the Enlightenment Stupa, creating a pure, solemn, and warm atmosphere!
Shortly after 10 o’clock, the first wave of visitors arrived, exchanging smiles and greetings, creating a harmonious atmosphere!
The “Ritual Handwashing” station was particularly popular! The first stop for guests after registration was to wash away one of their bad habits. From toddlers to octogenarians, everyone had a habit they wanted to change, and the blessings of the Buddha allowed us to transform into a better version of ourselves!
At the entrance to the Medicine Buddha Hall, flowers bloomed in abundance, as if knowing their purpose, they vied for attention, eagerly awaiting the chance to be offered to the Buddha by those with affinity.
The guests who are familiar with our events directly chose their favorite flowers and offered them to the Buddha. Many first-time attendees listened patiently as our volunteers explained the significance of offering flowers to the Buddha. They carefully selected the most beautiful flowers which caught their eyes, because offering flowers to the Buddha in celebration of Grandmaster JinBodhi’s birthday is the most beautiful expression!
In front of each Buddha statue was a pure land. Each guest unconsciously softened their footsteps, either respectfully bowing, quietly waiting, or offering their respects to the Buddha statues, feeling the compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in their hearts!
It was most delightful to see the more elderly dharma sisters and brothers, as well as those who were unable to return to the Meditation Center frequently, all returning home on this auspicious and grand day! They devoutly paid their respects, expressing gratitude to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and even more gratitude to the Grandmaster for his compassionate teachings, which changed their destinies! We respectfully wish the Grandmaster good health, smooth propagation of the Dharma, and a happy birthday!
Some guests came with three generations of family members. When paying their respects to the Buddha, although the children’s gestures were not perfect, their earnest appearances surely received smiles of affection from the Grandmaster and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas! Some guests came in groups with their friends, especially one group of friends who said they came today to wish Grandmaster JinBodhi a happy birthday, all dressed in red to symbolize joy and good luck! Ah! The Grandmaster must surely be delighted by this gesture!
Young students also came together. They stood at the edge of the area for paying respects to the Buddha, full of curiosity and slightly reserved, neither leaving nor approaching. Our volunteer immediately understood: these children need a little push, don’t they? “Children, please come with me to pay respects to the Buddha!” While paying respects, the volunteer prayed to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: “Please bless these children with wisdom, success in their studies, and a bright future!” As they respectfully paid their respects to each Buddha and Bodhisattva, the children were serious and respectful, and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were delighted! The children also smiled at each other with joy!
In front of the testimonial poster, one guest couldn’t help but say to their friend, “Wow! Her back pain has actually gone! Does that mean there’s hope for mine too? I need to consult a volunteer about the courses.”
In the center of the Medicine Buddha Hall, Grandmaster JinBodhi’s guidance for the 12 Zodiac Horoscope for 2024 was displayed. Guests wandered back and forth, taking photos with their phones, scanning QR codes to download the forecast. Occasionally, someone exclaimed, “Wow! My fortune is good this year! My child’s love life is flourishing this year, haha!” Some were delighted, while others worried. There were guests in a hurry: “In my family, three out of four have their zodiac signs in conflict with the Tai Sui God! What should I do? I need to consult a teacher!” Then they hurriedly lined up!
The “Physiognomy and Health” poster also stood prominently along the path that guests must pass, reminding them to reflect on themselves and not to ignore the signals their bodies are giving them. Health is crucial! Some guests pointed at themselves in the mirror: “Wow, this bluish-white area on my nose bridge, turns out it’s related to liver and gallbladder issues? I need to consult a teacher about this!” Others said, “The spots on my face are related to the kidneys? I need to ask a teacher to clarify!” “Oh my, there are lines between my eyes and even on my ears, are those signs of heart disease? I didn’t feel any issues with my heart! Is it true? I must be more careful in the future… Oh my, I better seek some guidance from a teacher, this is a matter of health!” With various concerns like these, more and more people sought guidance from the teacher, and queuing became necessary!
Moreover, who doesn’t have indecisive matters at home? Who doesn’t have desires that have not been fulfilled? Seeking marriage, seeking children, that’s why the queue for our Bodhi Divine Oracle has never stopped! When sentient beings sincerely pray, the Grandmaster and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will surely respond!
After receiving guidance, some guests returned to respectfully worship in front of the Buddha, expressing gratitude to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and gratitude to the Grandmaster! Some directly signed up for upcoming courses, while guests who have their zodiac signs in conflict with the Tai Sui God happily lined up at the Light Offering counter to light the Tai Sui lamp. The items blessed by the Grandmaster can dispel evil spirits and enhance the fortune of the year. With such good things, they felt joy and worry-free, how could they not be proactive?
At the exit of the main hall, our “Taishang Laojun” also waited respectfully. The purified water blessing activity has always been popular among the guests! With a heart full of gratitude and joy, they respectfully received the purified water blessing from the ” Taishang Laojun”, eliminating obstacles and purifying body and mind!
The dining area was also bustling with people, everyone tasting various delicacies prepared by the food and beverage team, meticulously following Grandmaster JinBodhi’s recommended recipes, and much as they were full, they couldn’t help returning for second servings.
At the Hotel
The event started promptly at ten o’clock. Despite the freezing weather and biting wind outside, soon after ten o’clock, the venue was filled with warmth from the enthusiastic guests.
At the reception area, three large rainbow-colored balloon arches greeted the guests, along with our enthusiastic volunteers and adorable mascots.
In the gaming area, various challenges awaited everyone, from tossing sandbags, ring toss, shoe kicking, hands-legs-and-brain games, shooting, basketball, dancing, to a toddler play zone. Winners of the games could exchange their stamps for prizes. Everyone was very eager, often seen queuing up to play games. Guests who successfully completed challenges felt a sense of accomplishment: “Wow! I didn’t know I could do that!” It feels like we’ve all returned to our childhood!
The snack and beverage area was always bustling, with a variety of drinks, snacks, and the aroma of popcorn wafting from afar. Everyone enjoyed chatting while eating and drinking, feeling relaxed and at ease.
In the cupcake decoration area, delicious cupcakes adorned with creative decorations were almost too pretty to eat!
The face painting area, skillfully managed by the young volunteers, brought smiles to the faces of every participant; and the balloon animals made by the volunteers were irresistible to the children.
The fun photo area allowed families and friends to capture their best memories together!
There were also interesting stalls offering auspicious items for the Lunar New Year, exquisite handicrafts, cute accessories, and various health-related gadgets.
There were also precious and exquisite health teas personally crafted by Grandmaster JinBodhi, carrying the Grandmaster’s love and blessings.
The stage was particularly lively, with the spin wheel always bringing surprises to everyone.
Various interactive games attracted enthusiastic participation from the guests. Some particularly enthusiastic guests kept coming up on stage, and they were encouraged to give others a chance.
One of the highlights was everyone experiencing the “Energy Bagua Aerobics” taught by Grandmaster JinBodhi. Men, women, young, and old, exercised together for better health! This was the most popular segment, and the participants filled the venue. The heightened enthusiasm even prompted us to lower the heater’s temperature several times.
At half past three in the afternoon, the event concluded successfully, and the guests left with laughter, prizes, and the happiness gift boxes bearing the message “Grandmaster JinBodhi Loves You.” Reluctant to leave, they were already looking forward to the next event!
The New York Bodhi Meditation Center’s Lunar New Year activities bring you auspiciousness, prosperity, longevity, health, and happiness!