Inauguration of DDM Ontario Buddhist Association’s New Center
A blessing ceremony to signify the cleansing of mind and monastery as well as the Medicine Buddha Ritual was held at the new center of DDM Ontario Buddhist Association (DDMOBA) on October 25, 2014. The opening ceremony of this new center was hosted by Ven. Guo Xing, the Abbot of Chan Meditation Center (CMC), on October 26, 2015; at 10 a.m., Ven. Guo Dong, the Abbot President of DDM, and Huang Chu-chi, the vice president of Dharma Drum Mountain Fellowship, unveiled the new Buddha statue. This opening ceremony and the subsequent carnival themed “Protecting the Spiritual Environment” were attended by Ambassador Rong-chuan Wu, who is also the Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto as well as approximately 100 devotees.
In his speech, the Abbot President indicated that this new center could only be successfully constructed through the aspiration of devotees to propagate the Buddha Dharma in order to benefit more people; this new center will enable more people to learn and practice the Buddha Dharma, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society. In addition, DDM will always exist as long as everyone works towards DDM’s objective of “Uplifting the character of humanity and build a pure land on earth”.
The Abbot President also encouraged devotees to further develop their wisdom and compassion; use their wisdom to guard against delusion and their compassion to help others; mindfully cultivate right speech, mind and conduct through the Buddha Dharma and meditation. Moreover, he advised everyone to appreciate their past, cherish the current moment of happiness, live in the present, have the right view and right intention to repay the kindness of our parents, the earth, the Three Jewels and all sentient beings in addition to aiding those suffering in hell as well as the realm of Tiryagyoni and Preta. Only with these in mind will the use of this new center be meaningful.
DDMOBA will offer more comprehensive Buddhist education in the future as well as strengthened ties and cooperation with local communities with the aim of bringing peace to these communities. Please go to http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca/ for more information about DDMOBA and the new center.
(Translated by Tom Hsieh/Edited by Leefah)