DDM Blesses Fifty Six Couples
What a blessing day! 56 new couples tied the knots at the 12th Buddhist Wedding Ceremony on 20 January, 2007 at Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education in Jinshan. Venerable Master Sheng Yen delivered his warmest blessing to all couples on this auspicious day, which according to Chinese Lunar Calendar, would bring about good luck and prosperity.
Although the weather was chilly and wet in Taipei, the 56 couples, their relatives and friends gathered in the Grand Buddha Hall before 8:00am for the ceremony, which was scheduled to commence at 9:00am. The ceremony began with chanting of Buddhist scriptures by all participants. The pleasant and blessing sound of chanting soon permeated throughout the DDM World Center for Buddhist Education.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen, Venerable Guo Dong, the Governor of Taipei County, Chou Hsiwei, the President of General Association of Dharma Upholder at DDM, Chen Jianan, and the Vice Chairman of Kuomintang Party, Wu Pohsiung were present at the ceremony. Together they delivered their warmest blessings and best wishes to these new couples.
After presiding the transmission of the Triple Jewels, Venerable Master Sheng Yen warmly congratulated each and every couple for forming a Buddhist family and encouraged them to make a vow in front of the Buddha of not acting in any heartbreaking manners, such as quarrel, divorce and physical violence.
The Master explained that heartbreaking acts could only add more ingredients to the creation of social unrest and bring about negative impacts on children. He therefore encouraged every new couple to raise their children well in the future, which will give rise to family happiness and social harmony.
Venerable Guo Dong, the Abbot President of DDM also said that DDM World Center for Buddhist Education has become the center for people to learn the Dharma and enjoy the Dharma joy in northern Taiwan. "DDM sincerely welcomes everyone to come back to DDM any time and be close to the wisdom of the Buddha."
Finally, the Abbot President of DDM wished that 2007 will bring "Harmony, Respect and Peace" to every couple. "Harmony brings everyone peace and happiness. Respect makes every path a smooth one."
The ceremony ended with group photos and lunch at the dinning hall.
Since 1994, 511 couples have tied the knots as Buddhist family at DDM. The Buddhist wedding ceremony is available to everyone and participation is entirely voluntary. DDM also provides lectures on how to build a peaceful and harmonious family to all participants.
(Reported and photos taken by Jin Yang/edited by Tan Trieu)
