Abbot President Arrives in Vancouver to Propagate Buddhism, 34 Followers Take Refuge in the Three Jewels

On the morning of July 19, Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) Vancouver Centre organized a "Praying for Blessings and Refuge Taking Ceremony". DDM Abbot President Ven. Guo Huei personally led 34 participants in officially taking refuge in the Three Jewels and Five Precepts. Among them, the eldest was 81 and youngest was 8 and 10 years old, with two western followers. With simultaneous Chinese-English interpretation, the solemn and touching Ceremony was witnessed by over 80 audiences. A Pray for Blessings Dharma Assembly lifted the curtain on this Refuge Taking Ceremony. Everyone piously recited "The Mantra of Great Compassion" and "Heart Sutra", and chanted the "Guanyin Verse" and the Holy name of Guanyin Bodhisattva, praying for peace and blessings to all sentient beings.

In his Dharma Talk at the Refuge Taking Ceremony, the Abbot President said, "to take refuge is to come home, returning to the house of the Three Jewels, reverting back to our intrinsic Buddha-nature." Just like a boat plowing through raging waves in a vast open sea, without a compass to navigate, disorientation is almost inevitable. Taking refuge is the setting of our life course's bearings and backup support. It not only entitles us to attain Buddhahood in the future, but also to reap the benefits of our Dharma practices in this lifetime, thereby bringing peace of mind and body. The Abbot President went on to illustrate the meanings of repentance, taking refuge, making vows and the Five Precepts respectively. He used an analogy "rinsing the utensils before using them for a meal" to clarify the process of repentance to first cleanse our body and mind, in turn open up our minds for Buddhadharma to permeate and nourish our lives; taking refuge is to officially register ourselves as orthodox Buddhist disciples, henceforth uphold our support for the Three Jewels, learn and practice Buddhadharma, and never quit or harbor second thoughts.

When speaking about the Four Great Vows, the Abbot President analyzed the four levels of vexation. The core of vexation is our innermost thoughts, surrounding which are our worries related to physical and social problems. Meanwhile, the outer surface is shrouded by the conflicts between man and the natural environment. Through the learning and practice of Buddhadharma, we can identify our vexations, proceed to subdue them, and pacify our body and mind. He also explained that the Five Precepts are the fundamental guides to creating a peaceful and stable life. In addition, they provide a safety net for maintaining the harmony of both our family and society.

A long time Chan practitioner, Western follower Ben Vahabpour participated in a 7-day Chan Retreat at the Centre in April this year, and experienced an intense response to Master Sheng Yen's Chan teachings. Following that, he participated regularly in the Sunday Chan meditation group practices, and enjoyed listening to Ven. Chang Wu's interpretation of "Master Yongjia's Song of Enlightenment". On this occasion, he decided to renew his vows to take refuge in the Three Jewels. In addition, throughout the Ceremony, he gave his full attention to the Abbot President's talk on the Precepts, respectfully worshipped and recited the Precepts, and filled himself up with Dharma happiness.

Young follower Cheng Yin turned to Buddhadharma in search of inner peace, found Dharma Drum Mountain through the internet, and went on to sign up for the Buddhist Learning Class. She recalled being invited to work as a volunteer in the canteen kitchen, received praises for her delicious native dishes from the Venerable, who eventually guided her towards joining in the Centre. Later, due to familial matters she had to return home and was forced to take a break from the Buddhist learning class, during which she went through some of life's hardships. Nonetheless, the Venerable's reminders echoed constantly in her mind. Having experienced the impermanence described in Buddhadharma, she cherished even more the opportunities to practice upon her return to Vancouver, stating, "Buddhadharma has lit up a light in my heart, I hope to pass it on to the next person."

After the completion of the ritual, the Abbot President told everyone that Dharma Drum Mountain is an organization committed to purifying our minds and bringing stability to our communities. He encouraged everyone to return to the Centre regularly for the cultivation of blessings and wisdom; dedicate time, energy and professional knowledge to assist the Venerable propagate Buddhadharma and benefit sentient beings; and, in the process of performing volunteer services, attain personal growth while helping others. As the Ceremony came to a successful end, the Abbot President presented everyone with a mahogany souvenir, signifying the beautiful blessing of the "power of great aspiration".




Original text in Chinese: Dharma Drum Mountain Vancouver Centre 
Photos: Dharma Drum Mountain Vancouver Centre 
Translation: 張振郁 (Cheng-Yu Chang)
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL