August 3rd of every year is a joyous celebration for all Bodhi disciples and practitioners. It is because of Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Dharma teaching that tens of thousands of families have benefited and their fortunes have been transformed. Grandmaster followed Buddha’s wish to practice the bodhisattva’s path in this world. On this exceptionally auspicious day, the New York Bodhi Meditation Center disciples gathered online together to express their gratitude and to commemorate Grandmaster’s grace and blessings.
Prior to the event, the volunteers sincerely kneeled down before the Buddha, waiting for the Center Director’s lead. Everyone recited “Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Golden Words” in unison. Everyone’s voices reverberated in the Medicine Buddha Hall, fully demonstrating the Bodhi disciples’ unity.
The two hosts for the event started with a sharing of their gratitude for Grandmaster. In a relatively short 30-year span, Grandmaster JinBodhi has spread Dharma worldwide. As the internet becomes more accessible to more people, tens of thousands of people with affinity have received auspiciousness and happiness through this modern medium.
Sisters Rong Xi and Chi Huan also shared their sentiments on re-reading the chapters “Return” and “Paradise” from “The Buddhist Robes.” They expressed their gratitude and longing for Grandmaster. We are grateful to Grandmaster JinBodhi for leading us out of confusion, directing us to our path towards home and teaching us that paradise is what we perceive in our heart.
When “A Grateful Heart” was sung, everyone’s sincere and deep gratitude was evident.
The Center Director first shared with everyone Grandmaster JinBodhi’s auspicious energy blessing and encouraged all to think about their own aspiration for self-cultivation. Grandmaster’s 30 years of Dharma teaching is for one purpose – to lead us, the fortunate sentient beings, to brightness, to regain health and to find purpose in our lives. This purpose has remained unchanged for 30 years. The Center Director also guided everyone to realize that the second half of our life has just begun. He encouraged all to accept Grandmaster’s love and light to obtain health and happiness in life.
Those present placed their palms together respectfully to sincerely chant to Avalokitesvara.
Some of the attendees also shared their own benefits and gratitude towards Grandmaster JinBodhi.
Sister Chi Juan said that prior to coming to Bodhi Meditation, her body was devastated by illness. Ever since coming to the Center, Chi Juan’s body and mind has been restored, and she experienced the joy of volunteer work.
Sister Kun Xian shared the course of her divorce. As a result of learning at Bodhi Meditation, she let go of resentment and escaped from tragedy. She has found her path towards happiness in life.
Sister Ru Mian also expressed sincere gratitude towards Grandmaster JinBodhi. She learned to let go of the issues which had bothered her for 30 years. She forgave those who had hurt her. Because of pain caused by blockages in her body, at one point, Ru Mian had to use 36 pain relief patches on her body to relieve the pain. All this changed after she encountered Bodhi Meditation. It is Grandmaster JinBodhi’s compassion which softened Ru Mian’s heart. She learned tolerance and now understands causality. Ru Mian can now embrace happiness.
Sister Chi Bu described her physical and mental condition before she met Bodhi Meditation. She had a bad temper because of insomnia and a weak immune system, which strained family relationships. It is because of Grandmaster JinBodhi’s teachings that Chi Bu has become healthy. She understands that because she learned how to be grateful, her life has changed.
The dharma sisters who shared their experience all made a vow to pass on this wondrous method which can heal one’s soul, and to share Grandmaster’s compassionate love with more people in need.
Finally, through Grandmaster’s video “Blessing in the Sunshine,” everyone once again received Grandmaster’s compassionate blessings, bringing the “Grandmaster JinBodhi’s 30th Anniversary of Commencing Dharma Teaching” Gratitude Sharing event to a successful completion.
Many practitioners who visited the new Center for the first time had their pictures taken in front of the Dharma image of Grandmaster JinBodhi.
Practitioners prepared and offered Grandmaster JinBodhi delicious food, auspicious cakes, noodles, longevity buns, and dumplings to show their respect and gratitude.
From August 1st through August 3rd, a small tent was set up in front of the Center to distribute the blessed five-grain rice packets that were offered before Buddha to receive blessings for the prior seven days. Hundreds of packets were given out to passersby, who were fortunate to receive this auspicious blessing and learn about Bodhi Meditation.
Gratitude to all the staff and volunteers who made this event possible. Gratitude to Grandmaster JinBodhi for his constant compassion and care over the past 30 years. Wishing Grandmaster good health and happiness always.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.