Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
July 19, 2023

On July 9th, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Houston held the "Offering to the Sangha Dharma Service 2023" at the Main Shrine of Chung Mei Buddhist Temple (I.B.P.S Houston). Approximately 150 devotees participated in the event.

The offering ceremony was grand and peaceful. The President of BLIA Houston, Gu Meixiang, and 16 BLIA executives offered incense. Representatives from the volunteer, protector, receptionist, and youth groups presented food, tea, fruits, and snacks to venerables. The representatives of the BLIA Houston's directors offered gifts and monetary donations to venerables, while the Three Acts of Goodness Children's Class presented flowers.

Representativespresented food to venerables. photo／The Life News Agency

Representativespresented tea to venerables. photo／The Life News Agency

After the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures, Chung Mei Buddhist Temple is no longer restricted this year. The fortunate attendees of the Dharma Service had the opportunity to enjoy delicious vegetarian meals in the Main Shrine while listening to the venerables give teachings in the form of forum, where they answered questions.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, has been organizing the Offering to the Sangha Dharma Service at Fo Guang Shan since 1973, as introduced by Venerable Jue Fa, Superintendent of Chung Mei Buddhist Temple.

Venerable Jue Fa gave a teaching that individuals who have or have not learned Buddhism may respond differently when facing various situations. Those who have not learned the Dharma may lack careful observation and self-awareness when facing difficulties, leading to negative emotions. On the other hand, those who have learned Buddhism may also experience emotions, but once the situation has ended, they can review and improve themselves.

Venerable Jue Fa pointed out that whether those chooses to renounce or to be lay practitioners, they must rely on the Dharma to navigate through life. Venerable Jue Fa stated that Buddhism relies on the support of devotees and expressed gratitude for the devotees' support. Venerable Jue Fa hoped that the merits generated from the event could be dedicated to the Dharma protectors, making devotees and their families peaceful and auspicious.

Venerable Jue Fa, Venerable Jue Miao, and Venerable Ru Wu come from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India, respectively. They delivered vivid, witty, and humorous speeches, sharing their personal experiences and the circumstances that led them to renounce under the guidance of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Miao Han introduced the origin of the Offering to the Sangha Dharma Service, while Venerable Yi Song encouraged volunteers to serve for the temple.

Devotees happily participated in the Dharma service. photo／The Life News Agency

Devotee Zhang Wenling expressed that the sincere sharing of the venerables about their decision to renounce made her understand that they too had contemplated and experienced confusion. To renounce may be a decision made in a single thought, but in the following two or three decades, regardless of the difficulties they encountered, the venerables uphold the ways of a monastic, practicing diligently even in the face of challenges and hardships. While reciting the "Ullambana Sutra," Zhang Wenling was moved by the story of "Maudgalyayana rescuing his mother," and burst into tears. She also expressed her wish for the well-being and happiness of her parents in this life and in other lives.

Chung Mei Buddhist Temple held the Dedication of Merits Dharma Service in the afternoon, reciting the "Eighty-eight Buddhas Repentance" to dedicate blessings to devotees and their families. The event was coordinated by President Zhao Xu of BLIA Houston Chung Mei subchapter, under the guidance of Venerable Jue Fa and with the assistance of all volunteers, showcasing the great results of collective cooperation.