From December 13 to 15, Vancouver Fo Guang Shan held the Amitabha Buddha Ceremony to celebrate Amitabha Buddha’s birthday. Over three days, more than 900 attendees participated in the intensive chanting practice, filling the temple with the resonant recitation of Buddha’s name and creating a solemn and serene atmosphere.
December 15 marked the third day of the ceremony, coinciding with the lunar calendar’s 15th day and the month of Amitabha Buddha’s birthday. The temple prepared longevity peaches (shoutao) to share with devotees. During the three days, Abbess Venerable Chueh Chu, shared the methods and significance of the practice of chanting Buddha’s name, explaining how to cultivate focused and undistracted mindfulness in the practice.
Participants were encouraged to observe noble silence throughout the three days, immersing themselves in the sacred environment to eliminate distractions, settle their minds, and deepen their joy in chanting.
To support the practitioners, the temple prepared different refreshments each day. One day, following the guidance of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, steamed buns were served to ensure that everyone was well-nourished and energized for practice.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants took home the lotus-shaped offering lamps that had been lit in front of the Buddha. These Amitabha lamps symbolize boundless light and serve as a blessing for the new year, bringing hope for a bright path ahead.