If we are able to survive, live in peace and free from disturbance, and follow and practice the Dharma well, we should be thankful to the many people who help and support us. That is why Buddhism teaches us to repay four types of kindnesses: the kindness of parents, the kindness of the Three Jewels, the kindness of one’s country, and the kindness of other sentient beings. Some people also count the kindness of teachers.

Given the vague, confusing semblance of Buddhism which prevailed in Taiwanese society at that time and which had long been prevalent among ordinary Chinese laypeople, my efforts were directed at explaining and clarifying what Buddhism really is. (Quoted from Master Sheng Yen )

Great Compassion Water and Land Dharma Service (shuilu fahui 水陸法會) , also known traditionally as the “Grand Rite of Providing Universal Deliverance and Food and Dharma Offerings to the Holy and Ordinary Beings of Water and Land Sharing the Same Dharmadhātu (法界聖凡水陸普度大齋勝會) ”, is a practice method in Chinese Buddhism. It is considered the most grand and elaborate Dharma assembly in this tradition.

Since they live with themselves all the time, ordinary people think they know and understand themselves best. However, very few realize that they live outside rather than inside their mind. Indeed, very few can live within their mind. Since their living needs come from the outside, they misconstrue that vexations and troubles originate from the outside. Therefore, they endlessly pursue the outside environment while also resisting it. Proud people inflate themselves and want to control the environment. And those who lack confidence feel incompetent and insignificant like a fly, a parasite, or a grain of sand in the vast ocean; they too pursue the outside...

The contents of different repentance rituals are compiled based on different Buddhist sutras. Repentance rituals can serve as a way of practice, help one cure one's karmic illness and achieve peace of mind when facing karmic obstacles or receiving karmic retribution.