Venerable Guo Dong Prays for Cyclone-hit Victims at Vesak Ceremony
On the morning of 11 May 2008, the Anhe Branch Monastery of Dharma Drum Mountain in Taipei hosted the Vesak Ceremony at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. The Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong, the Sangha community and the new-elected Vice President, Vincent Siew, were all present at the assembly to pray for cyclone-hit victims in Burma and to celebrate the Vesak Festival.
Following an introduction on Vesak , Venerable Guo Dong asked every participant to pray for those who died in the devastating cyclone Nargis which hit Burma on 3 May, so that they may rest in peace. This is a compassionate action being put into practice, exemplifying Venerable Master Sheng Yen's idea of "uplifting the character of humanity and building the pure land on earth".
Although Venerable Master Sheng Yen could not be present at the scene personally, the Abbot President delivered the Venerable Master's warmest blessing to all the parents in celebration of Mothers' Day. He also wished that everyone would make good vows for the good of society.
Mr Vincent Siew echoed Venerable Master Sheng Yen's great compassion in saying that if everyone would make good vows and actually practice the Six Ethics of Mind in our daily life, the Taiwan society would become much better.
At the Vesak Assembly, Anhe Branch Monastery prepared many programs for participants to feel a sense of Dharma joy, such as bathing the little statue of the Buddha, vegetarian foods and musical performances.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
