Nung Chan Monastery hosts the 2009 Refuge-Taking Ceremony
On the morning of 20 September 2009, Nung Chan Monastery of Dharma Drum Mountain hosted the 2009 Refuge-Taking Ceremony. Over a thousand people registered to formally make vows to become followers of the "Three Jewels" in Buddhism.
Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong said that many were inspired to take refuge in the three jewels upon witnessing the wisdom of the Dharma, through the work of compassionate people who volunteer to alleviate the suffering of others. With this latest group of people to take refuge, Taiwan will become an island full of blessings.
In addition, the Abbot President stressed that because of the impermanence of life, one must try to understand the meaning of life and cultivate oneself to extend virtue to every corner of society. By doing this, society will advance toward the ideal of building a pure land on earth.
Finally, the new followers were encouraged to emulate the compassionate spirit of Guanyin (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) by treating others with honour and with Dharma wisdom. Then, society would be more peaceful and one would naturally be at peace in the mind.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team )