Return to the Meditation Center for Group Practice, Gratitude and Repayment, Wishes and Blessings
On July 30th, fellow practitioners who have benefited from Grandmaster JinBodhi gathered joyfully at the Meditation Center to express their gratitude to the Grandmaster.
The Center Director led all volunteers in offering incense to the Buddha and reciting the “Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Golden Words” with full positive energy, marking the start of today’s celebration.
“Grandmaster, I Love You” Gratitude Cards
The practitioners returned to the Meditation Center early, writing down their gratitude on cards and personally offering them to the Grandmaster!
Together, they watched a video of the New York Bodhi Meditation Center’s celebration of the Grandmaster’s 32nd anniversary. The joyful smiles of fellow practitioners in the video expressed genuine gratitude and happiness from within. The attendees at the event were also moved by this sense of happiness and joy!
A Determined Aspiration
Because of the Grandmaster’s compassionate endeavors over these 32 years, many of us enjoy health and happiness today! The Center Director reminded everyone of the importance of perseverance and determination in practice. On the occasion of the Grandmaster’s anniversary of propagating the Dharma, we, the benefiting disciples, should examine our goals and aspirations. We should learn from the Grandmaster’s determination and perseverance to solidify our path of practice, allowing our aspirations to shape our future!
Questions and Discussions
Sister Hong Yu raised a question, expressing her fear of making vows because making vows often leads to encountering more obstacles than usual. The teacher shared personal experiences to inspire everyone, emphasizing that making a vow is just the beginning, and fulfilling the vow requires persistence. Making a vow determines your future actions, and if virtues are lacking and energy is blocked, obstacles can arise. Therefore, virtues are the foundation of our practice. Encountering obstacles after making a vow can lead to breakthroughs and the swift elimination of accumulated negative karma. The listeners found this inspiring and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of aspirational practice.
Encouraging the Volunteers
The Meditation Center also rewarded and praised the volunteers who lovingly support the Center. Their selfless dedication and heartfelt contributions are in alignment with the Grandmaster’s intentions. They received the Grandmaster’s auspicious card of a portrait when Grandmaster first started propagating the Dharma. They are: Fu Cui, Kun Fu, Fu Cha, Yue Qun, Qing Fen, Rong Ning. They are exemplars for us to learn from. Learning Buddhism is a matter of affinity, and being able to serve at the Meditation Center is a blessing. Therefore, we should treasure this opportunity to propagate the Dharma.
Sincere Chanting of Avalokiteshvara’s Holy Name
The practitioners chanted Avalokiteshvara’s holy name sincerely and joyfully to express gratitude to the Grandmaster and to sing praises.
Lotus Dragon Head Lamps
The teacher shared a pair of exquisite lotus dragon head lamps, bestowed by the Grandmaster’s compassion upon the New York Bodhi Meditation Center. When the lamps are lit, the Medicine Buddha Hall shines with the great energy of Grandmaster JinBodhi. It blesses all attendees, fellow practitioners, and guardians of the Dharma center, praying for everyone to receive the blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, as well as the auspicious protection of the Grandmaster.
Bodhi Meditation Easeful Bagua
Everyone followed the video of the Bodhi Meditation Easeful Bagua, enjoying how the Grandmaster shares the beauty and love of the world with us. This inspired us to spread love and expand its reach, embodying the true essence of practice.
A Hymn to the Buddha
Finally, everyone sincerely sang the “A Hymn to the Buddha” song to honor the Buddha and praise the Grandmaster, concluding the morning’s celebration. Prayers were made for the Grandmaster’s swift return to New York, for his health and successful Dharma propagation, and for Bodhi Meditation to benefit more beings.
People embraced each other, conveying heartfelt blessings.
The congratulatory cake symbolized our joyful hearts. As we enjoyed it, sweetness filled our hearts.
The volunteers prepared a rich lunch, all recipes shared by the Grandmaster: Himalayan Cold Noodles, Cholesterol-Reducing Cabbage, Dampness-Expelling Three-Bean Drink, Energy-Boosting Pu-erh Tea, Bodhi Liver Detox Tea. While relishing the food, everyone felt the Grandmaster’s love.
Second Half: Practical Cultivation
After lunch, everyone stayed for afternoon practical cultivation! In the Medicine Buddha Hall, they practiced Medicine Buddha’s Meditation of Greater Illumination. In the Guanyin Hall, they practiced the Energy Bagua.
Lastly, with pure hearts, devoid of desires, everyone sincerely chanted to Avalokiteshvara’s holy name!
The Bodhi Meditation has reached its 32nd year, thanks to the Grandmaster’s compassionate beliefs and unwavering dedication to helping others. May everyone remember the initial aspiration they made, place the Grandmaster in each of our hearts, and spread the seeds of compassion and the energy of love to everyone around us.
Remembering the Grandmaster’s kindness, everyone dwelled in the light, spending a day in happiness and joy!
For more photos, please go to New York Bodhi Meditation Facebook Page：