On May 31, 2025, Bodhi Meditation New York hosted a special Dragon Boat Festival celebration, attracting nearly 150 new and returning practitioners. Everyone gathered to enjoy a warm and joyful time together filled with the fragrance of sticky rice dumplings, heartfelt blessings, and dharma bliss. The Meditation Center became the coziest spiritual haven of early summer.
Heartwarming Opening · Holiday Blessings and Word-Guessing Fun
The event began with the host offering sincere wishes, hoping everyone enjoys peace, well-being, and increased blessings and wisdom this Dragon Boat Festival. This was followed by a lively game of charades, “You Act, I Guess,” where performers enthusiastically used full-body gestures, filling the room with laughter and joy. Each participant also received a fragrant sachet as a gift.
Compassionate Teachings · Spiritual Blessings to Nourish the Heart
Attendees respectfully listened to the compassionate teachings of Grandmaster JinBodhi. At this auspicious moment of the Dragon Boat Festival, everyone felt the guidance of wisdom and the blessings of compassion, gradually experiencing inner peace and brightness.
Blessing with Purified Water · Sincere Prayers for Auspiciousness
Next, the group recited the Heart Mantra of Padmasambhava together, praying to dispel obstacles and welcome auspiciousness. As everyone chanted with sincerity, the teacher compassionately performed a purified water blessing, showering sweet nectar on all, wishing to purify afflictions and illuminate body and mind.
Joyful Interaction · Opposite Movements Game Sparks Laughter
A fun and relaxing game of “opposite movements” followed, bringing bursts of lighthearted laughter. Everyone released stress and reconnected with their inner child.
Real-Life Testimonials · Grateful Witness to the Benefits of Meditation
Sister Zhaodian joyfully shared how she benefited from meditation:
Thanks to attending the Health and Happiness Retreats and the Chanting Retreats, her facial paralysis improved by 90%; her 20+ year pollen allergy disappeared; and her over 10-year-old knee degeneration pain was also cured. Her child used to suffer from anxiety, but after she dedicated merits on his behalf, she clearly felt her child becoming calmer. The child’s business, which hadn’t been doing well, began to flourish after she made offerings to the Yellow Jambhala.
These miraculous benefits of meditation and dharma manifested in her and her family, inspiring everyone to sign up for classes at the Meditation Center.
Dragon Dance for the Festival · Joyful Birthday Celebration Warms the Heart
Three practitioners delivered a heartfelt dragon dance performance, “The Dragon Dance of Enchantment” — graceful movements expressing happiness and joy. Amid this festive moment, a special birthday celebration was held for those born in May. Everyone sang together and offered blessings, experiencing love and togetherness in a heartwarming and cheerful atmosphere.
Fragrant Dumplings · Vegetarian Lunch for a Festive Reunion
Everyone enjoyed loving handmade sticky rice dumplings and a delicious vegetarian lunch, thoughtfully prepared by the Meditation Center as a gesture of care and support. Guests shared warmth through laughter and exchanged insights over fragrant tea, creating a cherished and unforgettable Dragon Boat Festival memory.
Blessings Always · Until We Meet Again!
Thank you to all volunteers and guests for participating. May the joy of this gathering stay in everyone’s heart, and may every blessing become a warm light in daily life. You’re always welcome to come back!
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.