On the journey back to the peaceful land of Saha, hundreds of devout Buddhist practitioners, both male and female, gathered at Dai Tung Lam Sen Pagoda to practice Pure Land meditation during the occasion of the Full Moon day in January, which took place from February 3rd to 5th, 2023 (the 13th to 15th day of the first lunar month in the Year of the Cat). 

In the solemn and peaceful Buddhist space, each beat of the Prajnaparamitahridaya drum echoed throughout the universe, penetrating all realms of existence. The sound of the bell and the drum reached the hearts and minds of those who aimed for spiritual elevation and benevolence. This sound carries immense power and authority, helping the mundane beings awaken and the practitioners to advance further on the path of enlightenment. It is both a sound that awakens all deluded minds and a harmonious sound of peace and serenity.  

The resounding echo of the crimson bell

Calls upon those in delusion to awaken and be free

The scent of the Bodhi tree fills the air

As the pure sound of the bell leads the way to the flower bank

In Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra, it is said, "Bodhisattvas in this world possess virtues that cannot be found in other realms", which are lofty virtues that sentient beings should aspire to. However, living in this realm of the five turbidities, due to external influences, our desires and attachments are easily aroused, and afflictions and karmic obstacles are easily generated. We live in the Dharma-ending age, and cultivating the mind is like being in the middle of a river, not only with water but also with large waves. How can we stay firm in the face of these surging waves, and avoid sinking with even a slight distraction? 

Dai Tung Lam Hoa Sen only creates the conditions for the Buddhist disciples to cultivate together, practice the teachings of Pure Land, and attain the good fate. However, if they do not establish a strong aspiration or have a great determination, it will be difficult to maintain a steadfast and unwavering mind on the path of cultivation, seeking to be reborn in the Pure Land. Aspiration must be courageous, and determination must be resolute. Aspiration must be great and steadfast to help cultivate determination, for where there is aspiration, there will surely be determination. With a sincere and diligent heart, and an unceasing effort to study the Buddha's teachings and recite his name, one's accumulated karmic obstacles will gradually diminish, and only by being reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss can one truly carry over residual karma and advance towards Buddhahood.


These are also the words of wisdom that Master Tuong Van (the founder and builder of Dai Tung Lam Hoa Sen) sent to all Buddhists regarding the joint retreat of the Lunar January Full Moon at the ashram, encouraging everyone to be diligent in their practice, to remain steadfast in the Buddha's teachings, and to always maintain the "Bodhi mind" so as not to forget their original intention and return to the shore of the Ultimate. 

We can offer the sincere results of our practice as an offering to the Buddhas, but the most precious offering is to recite the Three Jewels with the utmost sincerity and proficiency. During each practice session, the entire temple recites six sutras in reverence to the Buddha. The sound of these recitations is filled with limitless merit and boundless power, capable of saving beings, purifying realms, and awakening the senses. Even if there were countless obstacles and trials, one could not fully express the power of this sound. It awakens and invites all sentient beings, both those who are connected and those who are not, to listen to the teachings of the sutras and recite the name of the Buddha together.

Deeply believing in the Buddha's teachings shows the way

With one mind, recite the Buddha's name, and the Western Pure Land will manifest before us

After the period of intensive practice, all the people turn their full merit and blessings towards the Three Jewel: the Buddha, the Bodhisattvas, the venerable Patriarch Amitabha Buddha, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, and all the compassionate beings who support all sentient beings with love and impartiality, including the Seven Patriarchs and all our relatives from countless past lives. May all wandering souls throughout the universe be guided to the Pure Land by the Dharma gate of Ultimate Bliss, escape the cycle of birth and death, and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

May Dai Tung Lam Hoa Sen pray that the Three Jewels protect all people, so that they will always be steadfast and determined on the path to non-self and enlightenment!