​DDM Sydney Chapter Held Its First "Earth Store Dharma Assembly for Expressing Gratitude in Ullambana Festival" Group Practice

On August 18^th, 2024, – the 15^th day of the seventh lunar month which marks the Ullambana Festival in Chinese communities – Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) Sydney Chapter held its first "Earth Store Dharma Assembly for Expressing Gratitude in Ullambana Festival" group practice, which attracted more than 20 participants. The event was held at the Buddhist Library in Sydney, with the aim of praying for blessings for ancestors, deceased family and friends through reciting the Earth Store Sutra, as well as for the well-being of loved ones. 

Under the guidance of DDM monastic members, the group practice event was arranged by volunteers, who vowed to recite the Earth Store Sutra two months prior to the event to ensure the smooth functioning of the event. On the day of the group practice, a statue of Earth Store Bodhisattva (aka. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva) was enshrined in the altar and flowers and fruits were offered to grace the venue. The timekeeper welcomed the participants and introduced Earth Store Bodhisattva, as well as the merits and benefits of reciting the Earth Store Sutra. During the recitation, everyone followed the DDM monastic members to chant in unison the Earth Store Sutra, the Praise of Earth Store Bodhisattva, and the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva. The sound of their chanting lingered in the room, engendering a solemn and concentrated atmosphere at the venue.

During the event, the participants not only had the opportunity to set up the memorial tablets for deliverance as well as make offerings to the Three Jewels, but also watched a video featuring Master Sheng Yen introducing the three scriptures on Earth Store Bodhisattva, which explained in plain words the Earth Store Bodhisattva's profound vows and methods of practice. Many of the devotees who came into contact with Earth Store Sutra for the first time said that they were deeply moved by Earth Store Bodhisattva's compassionate aspiration. In addition, they felt both their demeanors and mind became more collected as they concentrated on reciting the scriptures.

At the end of the event, the devotees exchanged their feelings about the group practice and expressed their gratitude for the blessings from Earth Store Bodhisattva, which made the event successful. The volunteers also mentioned that they have experienced many incredible causes and conditions throughout the preparation for the event. They believed that this solemn and extraordinary group practice would mark an important milestone in the history of DDM Sydney Chapter.



Photos and original Chinese text / Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter
Translation / Li Siang-ling
Editing / Keith Brown, YKL