DDM Nung Chan Monastery Celebrates 2015 Yuanxiao Festival
DDM Nung Chan Monastery celebrated the first full moon of the year of the Goat with an event themed “An Evening of Moonlight, Water and Nung (Agriculture) Chan (Zen)” on March 5, 2015. This event started at 6:30 p.m. with scarlet lanterns adorning the silver and white wall that is inscribed with the Diamond Sutra. The illumination of the Diamond Sutra by these lanterns, together with the gentle drop of light drizzle on the Water-moon pool provided an atmosphere full of blessing and joyfulness on this last day of celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Lantern riddles, prayer rituals and Tangyuan (a glutinous rice dessert) were among some of the activities organized. In addition, 10 interactive stalls were set up to for participants (about 500 of them) to make educational crafts such as Led lanterns. These activities provided a fun and interactive way to spend a joyful and peaceful Yuanxiao Festival.
In addition, “little-star lanterns” made from paper and LED bulbs were distributed to participants, particularly children. Xuei Bing Jun who attended this event with his daughter indicated that these adorable lanterns are very popular with children in addition to being eco-friendly and requiring little storage space; participating in the Prayer Ritual as well as receiving the blessing of Buddha and Bodhisattvas gave him a sense of peace as well.
Commenting on the large number of parents who attended this event with their children, Ven. Guo Yi, the Director of DDM Nung Chan Monastery, indicated that Dharma Drum Mountain and its affiliates always strive to organize events and activities suitable for families, particularly on special holidays such as the Lunar New Year, the Yuanxiao Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, just to name a few. In addition, she wishes everyone a blessed year of “Great Light” and indicated that visitors are welcomed at any other time to experience the Buddha dharma.
(Translated by Tom Hsieh/Edited by Leefah)