Repentance Service of Emperor Liang

The Background: This repentance service was attributed to Emperor Wudi, the first emperor of the Liang Dynasty. During his reign, he adopted Confucian values in governmental affairs and embraced Buddhism. He banned the sacrifice of animals and was against execution of human beings. During his life, he received the Bodhisattva precepts.

The Legend: According to the legend, the empress was reborn in the woeful state of a huge snake because of her negative karma. She appeared in Emperor Wudi’s dreams, begging him to save her from this woeful state. The Emperor sought advice from Venerable Bao Zhi, who together with many high ranking monastic members wrote a ten-chapter repentance book for the Emperor to help relieved the suffering of his wife. It describes the empress’ transformation and the deeds performed by Emperor Wudi as well as the prostrations to a number of Buddhas.

The Practice: After performing the Repentance Service by reciting the ten chapters, the empress again appeared in Emperor Wudi’s dreams to thank and inform him that she was then reborn in the heavens. Today, the recitation of the book is a major repentance service for dedicating and sharing of merits with all beings.

We will be having this repentance service from 23 to 25 July 2010. We warmly welcome your participation and contribution to this Dharma assembly. For details, kindly download: Emperor Liang 2010

Ullambana Festival

Ullambana is the festival of deliverance, and advocates and reinforces the concept of ‘filial piety’. The word “Ullambana” translates into ‘deliverance from suffering’ and specifically refers to salvation that is granted to the tormented souls in hell.

The Buddhists observe this festival in the 7th lunar month based on the story of Maudgalyayana and his mother. Maudgalyayana performed the act of compassionate filial conduct and brought salvation to his ancestors.

The Monastery will chant ‘The Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’ daily from 10 August to 4 September 2010. The closing ceremony and the Liberation of the Hungry Ghosts will be held on 5 September 2010. For details, kindly refer to Ullambana Festival 2010