On July 21st, under a clear blue sky, the New York Bodhi Meditation Center held a ceremony to commemorate the Enlightenment Day of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
The Medicine Buddha Hall on the second floor was serene and solemn, with abundant offerings of fruits on the altar. The meditation teachers respectfully presented the “Seven Treasures,” symbolizing the devout offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from all beings.
Volunteers, full of spirit, chanted Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Golden Words, praying for the blessings of the Buddha’s light and a successful ceremony. They prepared joyfully to welcome all guests.
As more and more guests arrived, the volunteers at the reception on the first floor greeted them with warm smiles.
In front of the statues of the Blessings and Wisdom Thousand-Armed Guanyin and the Lotus-Holding Guanyin in the Medicine Buddha Hall, different wish-fulfilling vases were placed on the offering table. Guests sincerely worshiped, prayed earnestly, and offered the most beautiful flowers to the Bodhisattvas! With the compassionate smiles of the Bodhisattvas and the blessings of the Buddha’s light, the wish-fulfilling vases were filled with flowers, and may the guests’ wishes be fulfilled!
The ancient Enlightenment Stupa is majestic and sacred. Guests circumambulated the stupa amidst the sound of Buddha’s name, grateful for the Buddha’s compassionate teachings and protection everywhere, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha and become kind and compassionate people!
At 10 o’clock, the ceremony officially began! The main hall was packed, with over a hundred guests sincerely offering incense and paying homage to the Buddha under the guidance of the Center Director. The entire process was sacred and solemn, expressing respect and gratitude to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
The Center Director provided the guests with insightful guidance, inspiring them to recognize their troubles and attachments, seize opportunities to make amends for past harms, and cherish and appreciate everything they have. With a heart of repentance and gratitude, everyone sincerely chanted the holy name of Guanyin Bodhisattva under the Director’s lead!
The compassionate sound of the Buddha’s name resonated, as if Guanyin Bodhisattva was right in front of us. Each sincere call was a plea for the Bodhisattva’s forgiveness for past harms and for letting go of inner attachments. Some guests shed genuine, remorseful tears. The most sincere gratitude and heartfelt repentance connected them with the Buddha at that moment! The compassionate blessings of the Bodhisattva were everywhere. As the guests continued chanting, they felt lighter in body and mind, with even their ailments disappearing!
Grandmaster JinBodhi’s wise and compassionate teaching, “The Bodhisattvas Bless Us in the Ways That Suit Us Best,” used real stories to enlighten the guests about accepting the present, finding contentment in simplicity, and understanding the importance of accumulating merits and virtues. The Bodhisattva gives the best! The participants seemed to have an epiphany, feeling more transparent in body and mind, and understanding what is truly good for them.
Testimonies of Benefits
Several sisters joyfully shared their stories of receiving extraordinary blessings and protection from offering to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Sister Chi Chun offered the Four-Arm Guanyin Bodhisattva Thangka, communicated with and prayed to the Bodhisattva, and successfully passed two job interviews splendidly.
Sister Chi Huan offered and prayed to the “Heavenly Wealth” Yellow Jambhala, fulfilling her wish to move out of her current place. Her daughter bought a new place and invited her to move in together.
Sister Hong Gong offered to the “Heavenly Wealth” Yellow Jambhala, received great blessings from the Bodhisattva, and fulfilled her wish to obtain business insurance with a saving of $20,000.
Sister Kun Xian guided a friend in making light offerings and reciting the Six-Syllable Mantra, and offering to the Blessings and Wisdom Thousand-Armed Guanyin. Her friend recovered from severe depression and was reunited with his family as desired.
Each sister’s sharing vividly confirmed the true and unfailing compassion and protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, deeply touching the guests and boosting their confidence!
Before the ceremony ended, the meditation teachers performed a blessing with the Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue for the guests, who respectfully and devoutly received the great blessing from the Bodhisattva!
This auspicious ceremony concluded successfully, but the compassion and love of the Bodhisattva continue.
Guests eagerly signed up for classes, made light and Buddha offerings, hoping to seize the opportunity to change their destinies and seek a brighter future.
May the Buddha’s light shine everywhere, blessing all guests with auspiciousness and happiness for their families!
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.