Nung Chan Monastery celebrates Vesak Festival
On the morning of 10 May 2008, Nung Chan Monastery of Dharma Drum Mountain hosted a 'gratitude' themed celebration as part of the annual Vesak Festival. Despite the inclement weather on the day, devotees and their family and friends arrived in strong numbers for the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. This was done as a blessing for all parents and in recognition of practitioners' vows to purify their minds.
The party also featured many other fun activities to cater for people of all ages including dancing, karaoke, puzzle games and healthy vegetarian food. In celebration of Mother's Day, many children wrote their loving blessings on cards and hung them on the Wishing Tree, symbolizing their wishes of peace and happiness for their parents. Free medical advice and services for elderly people living in the vicinity of the monastery were generously provided by staff from local clinics and hospitals.
The Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong, delivered a compassionate blessing to the attendees, paying tribute to all volunteers for their works. The Abbot President, on behalf of Dharma Drum Mountain, wished everyone a meaningful, educational and happy Vesak Festival.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)