2018 Chinese New Year Festival at Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre
On Sunday, February 18, 2018, Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre (DDVC) hosted a Chinese New Year Festival open house. This is the fourth year that we have celebrated this event. This celebration, which is carried out in English, is intended to give all of our neighbours from the mainstream Canadian community a chance to learn about Chinese culture and Chan teachings in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Numerous volunteers donated their time and energy to prepare for the big day, putting up decorations and preparing performances and activities. The night before the event there was a big snowfall, but the weather did not seem to discourage people from attending the event. Over the day, we welcomed several hundred guests of all ages and backgrounds.
The festival kicked off at ten o’clock in the morning. The Director of DDVC, Venerable Chang Wu, gave the opening statement and there was a drum performance by a family of the father and his two daughters. In the morning, there were meditation workshops in the Chan Hall and children’s crafts in the rear of the Center. After a delicious vegetarian lunch, the highlight of the afternoon was a Chan tea ceremony, along with Chinese musical instrument and drumming performances. The event concluded at 2:30 in the afternoon.
At the closing of the event, everyone gathered together in the Chan Hall and prayed for good health, prosperity, peace and joy of all beings.
Texts: Paul Hancock
Dharma Drum Vancouver Center