Master Sheng Yen Blesses 64 New Couples for Peace & Harmony
On the morning of 6 January 2008, Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) hosted the 13th Buddhist Wedding at the DDM World Center for Buddhist Education in Jinshan Township, Taipei County.
Sixty four new couples made their vows to truly practice the Dharma in their daily life as they tied the knots with the blessings of their relatives, Venerable Master Sheng Yen, Venerable Guo Dong, the Abbot President of DDM as well as other honored guests in the Grand Buddha Hall.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen said in the blessing remarks that the couple is the fundamental unit of "Family Ethic", one of the Six Ethics that he has been actively promoting for the peace and harmony of the society. Interaction between husband and wife is thus based on the ideas of 'duty' and 'respect', rather than the debate of 'equality'.
"The love and selfless care between the couple would be hampered if one pays too much attention to how much the other has offered. On the other hand, the family will naturally be in peace and harmony if both focus on the 'contribution' and 'service' they could offer to each other without any selfish excuses."
Venerable Guo Dong encouraged every couple to treat each other with mutual care, understanding, respect and trust. "The family will certainly remain in peace and happiness if these precious values are fully practiced."
Taipei County Magistrate, His-Wei Chou, not only presented his warmest blessings, but also shared his experience that "only love and tolerance could make the other party happy and bring about peace and harmony in the family". He encouraged one to always reflect upon oneself: "Have I given my spouse enough love and tolerance?"
In line with the idea of 'uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth', DDM has hosted Buddhist weddings since 1994. Its solemn, peaceful and simple weddings blessed by the Three Jewels have been popular amongst young couples and have gained high recognition in the society.
(reported by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
