Transforming Filial Remembrance into Vows and Practice During Qingming Festival– Vancouver Devotees Participate in Kṣitigarbha Dharma Assembly

Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre held a "Qingming Repaying Kindness Kṣitigarbha Dharma Assembly" from April 3 to 5. The event guided participants in the practice of the Kṣitigarbha Dharma method, encouraging them to cultivate gratitude and repay kindness while honoring their ancestors. The merits generated were dedicated to ancestors of past generations, present family and friends, and all sentient beings in the three realms, with prayers for social harmony and world peace.

The assembly opened on the afternoon of April 3 with a sprinkling ritual. Venerable Chang Wu (常悟法師), Director of the Centre, led the assembly in chanting the sacred names while sprinkling purified water to cleanse the space. This also helped settle and calm the participants' bodies and minds, thereby creating a pure and dignified atmosphere for the two-day practice. On the morning of April 4, the main program began. Venerable Chang Si (常嗣法師) gave a Dharma talk explaining that the Kṣitigarbha Sutra originated when Śākyamuni Buddha ascended to the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven to teach the Dharma to his mother. Being able to hear and recite this sutra today is a rare karmic blessing. Venerable Chang Si encouraged participants to arouse diligence and gratitude, as well as to ground their practice in the bodhicitta that benefits both self and others. In addition to praying for parents, family, and friends, practitioners were encouraged to learn from Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva's compassionate vows and actions to liberate sentient beings, express gratitude to the Three Jewels, and dedicate aspirations for all sentient beings in the Three Realms to be free from suffering and attain happiness.

During the assembly, the main hall was filled to capacity, with over 280 participants in attendance. Everyone joined in repentance, chanting, and dedication of merit under the guidance of the monastics. The sound of sutra recitation and sacred names helped focus the mind, while the collective practice created a solemn and dignified atmosphere. On April 5, Venerable Chang Wu (常悟法師) offered a Dharma talk based on the Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Fundamental Vows Sutra, explaining the essential approach of this practice: "entering through faith and guiding conduct through vows." Venerable Chang Wu pointed out that the Kṣitigarbha Dharma method not only benefits the deceased and ancestors, but also helps modern practitioners stabilize body and mind, as well as cultivate filial piety, gratitude, and altruistic aspiration. Through sutra recitation, name chanting, offerings, and prostrations, participants transformed their remembrance during Qingming Festival into the strength to care for all beings and to practice the Bodhisattva path.

At the conclusion of the assembly, participants left the hall feeling warm, grounded, and at peace. Their minds were clear and settled, and they gained renewed confidence in diligent practice. They also looked forward with joy to integrating the Dharma into daily life, participating in group practice at the centre, and continuing on the Bodhisattva path.




Original text in Chinese: Bao Liang (包亮)
Photos: Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown