Hui-Ying Lo
In 2025, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Jeweled Repentance Dharma Session began on April 6th. At CTTB, it runs for four weeks (April 6 to May 4). At CDR, due to other scheduled events, this dharma event was condensed into three weeks (April 6 to April 27). Some practitioners who completed the CDR session proceeded to CTTB for the final week’s session. This auspicious convergence is truly rare and precious!
Most of our Gold Wheel Temple friends are blessed by the proximity to CDR. They attended the repentance session at CDR. The session started with Dharma host Dharma Master Gwei leading the assembly, accompanied by cantor Dharma Master Shr’s clear, resonant chanting of the Buddha’s name. With each chanting, all participants bowed sincerely to each Buddha. Among us were many eighty-year-old seniors—and some even older. They may be advanced in age, but their sincerity in bowing to the Buddhas never wavered abated. It’s truly touching!
Within the last twenty-some years, Dharma Masters Gwei and Shr, together with a handful of monastics, have quietly and painstakingly refurbished aging structures within CDR one after another. Dormitories were upgraded to accommodate the needs of seniors, providing them privacy in a safe and comfortable setting. On top of all provisions, seniors’ quarters are located conveniently within two-to-three minutes’ walk from the main Buddha Hall. All participants are delighted with such accommodation. Their praises are endless. Dwelling peacefully in the wayplace, everyone stays focused on bowing to the Buddhas. Some attendees participated in the entire dharma session; some participated partially. Nonetheless, everyone sincerely and earnestly bowed to the ten thousand buddhas, dispelling the ten thousand obstacles, perfecting the merit, increasing blessings and wisdom!
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The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Venerable Master Hua’s Entering Nirvana. On June 1st, CTTB will hold a dharma session commemorating this event. On May 18th, Gold Wheel Temple will commemorate this event in advance by hosting the Avataṃsaka Repentance and the Grand Special Meal Offering. For decades, disciples have never forgotten our Master’s deep Dharma kindness. Hence, every year they attend the Master’s nirvana commemoration.
This year has presented a rare opportunity. CDR’s nirvana commemoration is set for May 31st. After Gold Wheel Temple’s May 18th dharma event, Dharma Masters Gwei and Shr wisely proposed that Gold Wheel Temple’s laity charter a coach for a pilgrimage to CDR on the afternoon of May 30th to join CDR’s May 31st Nirvana Commemoration and Special Meal Offering. Then, proceed to CTTB in the early hours of June 1st, to participate in CTTB’s Nirvana Commemoration, to pay respect to the relics and participate in another Special Meal Offering. Three consecutive nirvana commemoration dharma events—truly a once-in-a-lifetime alignment!
Although many attendees are seniors and advanced in age, their gratitude to our Master and the cherished memories they treasure sustained them in these exhausting trips. Even on the return trip, they completed twenty-one recitations of the Great Compassion Mantra and the evening liturgy on schedule. They felt no weariness! Their hearts brimmed with fulfillment; happy to have completed this meaningful mission. We can say that everything was laid out for the best.
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