May 14 was truly an auspicious day. The sky was clear, the spring breeze was refreshing, and flowers were in full bloom! After more than three years since the outbreak of the pandemic, New York Bodhi Meditation Center held its first event outside of the Center: the Bathing the Buddha Blessing Ceremony!
Early in the morning, volunteers arrived at the venue with joy and happiness. Teacher Guan Shan, the Director of the New York Bodhi Meditation Center, led everyone in lighting incense and paying homage to the Buddha. Everyone recited Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Golden Words and elevated their minds and spirits to serve all the guests who were about to arrive.
Guests arrived eagerly at the venue.
With a ladle of pure water, they bathed the statue of the Buddha, cleansing their own body and mind from impurities, dispelling disasters, and obtaining auspiciousness!
In front of the ancient thangka depicting “The Life of Sakyamuni Buddha,” all devoutly worshipped, admired, and expressed gratitude for the birth of the compassionate Buddha who brings liberation to the world.
After the start of the ceremony, several brothers and sisters shared their personal experiences, telling us how Bodhi Meditation’s practices bring genuine health and happiness.
Sister Zheng Xuejin suffered from insomnia for more than twenty years, unable to sleep through the night. She also had severe migraines for forty years, which would confine her to bed for several days, unable to do anything. However, since she started practicing Energy Bagua just a few months ago, her insomnia has completely disappeared, and her migraines have greatly improved! She joyfully invited everyone to learn Energy Bagua as soon as possible.
Brother Huang Chen had been tormented by severe pollen allergies for 7 to 8 years. Every year from March to May, he would cough severely at night and couldn’t sleep, waiting for the dawn. He also had sensitive eyes that would sting and tear up when exposed to light. After attending a Stress Relief class and an Energy Bagua class, and practicing daily for just over two months, both of these conditions that doctors could not cure completely disappeared! He exclaimed that he should have come to learn earlier, as it would have saved him from taking so much medication and enduring so much suffering!
Sister Su Yayu was diagnosed by doctors with cervical spondylosis and degeneration of the heel joints. She joined an 8.5-Day Health and Happiness Retreat and practiced meditation every day. Surprisingly, the aging and degenerative conditions that would only worsen over time actually reversed. She conservatively stated that she was 95% better and would continue to persevere in her meditation practice.
During the ceremony, we attentively listened to the compassionate teachings of Grandmaster JinBodhi. Using simple and understandable language, Grandmaster taught us to understand the Buddha, approach the Buddha, and learn from the Buddha’s compassion. We should strive to become compassionate individuals, using compassionate words and virtuous actions to nurture our compassionate hearts, as it is not easy to sustain over time the little compassion we have acquired.
Guided by the Center Director, we sincerely chanted Sakyamuni Buddha’s name together, praying for ourselves, our loved ones, and all sentient beings in the world who have a karmic connection with us. May the Buddha’s light shine upon everyone, granting them health, happiness, and auspiciousness!
The Director also conducted a powerful energy blessing for all the guests, and many people at the venue expressed that their pain had lessened or even disappeared.
Sister Yang Liunian happily shared that her leg pain disappeared after the blessing. Previously, she couldn’t lift her leg due to a surgery, but after the blessing, she could easily raise her leg high.
Sister Ji Lanlan shared that she had suffered from pain at the back of her head for over twenty years, but after the blessing, the pain was reduced by more than half! All the guests were happy for those who benefited from the blessing.
With the song “A Hymn to the Buddha,” we expressed our gratitude and admiration for the Buddha and Grandmaster. Human life is precious, and the compassionate Grandmaster JinBodhi always wants us to live this life to the fullest. We also need to exert more effort ourselves to achieve health and happiness!
Finally, the emcees introduced various enriching meditation courses offered by the Meditation Center in the near future, sincerely hoping that everyone would make effort for their own health, reducing illness and increasing joy!
The ceremony concluded successfully, and the guests immersed themselves in the Buddha’s light, receiving auspiciousness and brightness, and obtaining a new life full of kindness and compassion! The guests returned to the Center with joy to enjoy a wonderful lunch. Around 20 guests registered for courses on the same day, showing their willingness to invest time and effort in their health. Gratitude to Grandmaster for this chance to worship the Buddha together and receive blessings for ourselves, our families and the world.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.