Ceremonies | Guang Huan Mi Zong

Spectacular Buddha’s Birthday Celebration

On April 8^th of the Buddhist calendar, Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, founder of Guang Huan Mi Zong Buddhism, held a Spectacular Birthday Celebration for Shakyamuni Buddha in the magnificent Goddess of Mercy Temple located in Amsterdam, New York.

Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi made his opening speech: “The birth of Shakyamuni Buddha 2,500 years ago ignited the whole world. He renounced his throne, and abandoned all his possessions in order to pursue the path of Enlightenment. His whole life was light for the liberation and salvation of human beings.”

After that, Holy Master had his disciple, with a walking stick and a bowl, demonstrate the style that Shakyamuni Buddha’s followers used in that era for disseminating the message of brightness. “We pay our highest tribute to the Buddha to commemorate his profound compassion, and we should follow his example to help others, to let them have the chance to attain achievement through cultivating the Dharma.” said Holy Master.

Holy Master emphasized world peace, human health, and religious harmony can eventually be achieved one day, through diligent endeavor.

The opening performance was a fantastic lion dance, featuring unique and powerful movements. The project “International Lion Dance Performance Training for the Youth” launched by World Culture and Art Association Inc. offers young people innovative lion dance training, to express creativity and freedom. Dancing lions are the symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune, which bring excitement and joy to the audience and the entire celebration.

A Marine and Buddhist monk made a speech to thank Holy Ziguang Shang Shi for helping him restore his health and guiding him find the direction of life. He sang a song in Chinese, expressing the wish for all those who are seeking a home for their souls could return to where they belong.

Two young Mormons on mission were invited onto the stage and sang a beautiful hymn. They expressed their desire of cooperating in the mission of religious harmony.

The exquisite dance of “Thousand-arm Goddess of Mercy” reflected the compassion and love of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Gods for human beings. The guests were amazed by the wonderful performances including Buddhist mantra chant, Chinese martial arts, folk songs and dance.

The celebration was followed by a ceremony of bathing the baby Buddha statue in the Five World Buddhas Temple, and ended with a dinner buffet serving delicious eastern and western food in the picturesque Western Shrine.

The Power of Supreme Inner Fire Practice

The profound and deep “Inner Fire Practice” (“Tummo” in Tibetan) is the unique treasure of Supreme Dharma. It is the foundation to obtain great achievement. However, it is hard to find true instruction from an authentic master nowadays.

For those who desire to learn the Inner Fire Practice, here comes good news: the Inner Fire Practice is now imparted in the Western Shrine by Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, who is the Vajra Guru mastering all teachings of exoteric and esoteric dharma.

During the Dharma Vanishing Era, while the H1N1 flu appears in Asia again, “the worst flu season in a decade” is occurring in the US with a soaring death toll. When the old era is transitioning into a new one, a natural and holistic way to prevent viruses and eliminate epidemics is needed. In order to help his followers relieve their flu symptoms and prevent the further spread of the virus, Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi taught the first level of secret “Inner Fire Practice” to his students in the Five World Buddhas Temple.

“Inner Fire Practice”, is derived from Guang Huan Mi Zong Nine Vehicle Great Perfection Esoteric Dharma. The theory behind it is profound and deep. In brief, it is to light the spiritual fire inside a human body to eliminate bad energy. Nowadays, only Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi can teach the true instruction of it to those who have affinity.

Sitting on the sacred Mandala Dharma Altar, the Honored Holy Master imparted the truth of the universe to his followers: getting sick is the appearance of bad karma. One can practice Inner Fire and keep promoting Dharma to eliminate bad karma.

Holding the unbreakable Vajra and powerful Dharma Bell, the Honored One taught the hand gesture and mantra of supreme Inner Fire Practice to his followers. With Holy Master chanting the secret mantra, holy fire was summoned in his hand, and then the spiritual fire began to burn inside practitioners’ bodies. Started as a spark, actually this Inner Fire can expand as big as the universe. From the heat of this supreme fire, all viruses were turned into ashes, and only pure positive energy remained.

After eliminating epidemics, the Five World Buddhas Temple was covered in pure Buddha light. With divine Mandalas floating in the sky and wonderful music to be heard, the Temple resembled the Western Pure Land.

While all viruses, epidemics and bad karma were burning into ashes during the Inner Fire Practice, only pure positive energy was left in practitioners’ bodies. They were all grateful for being able to encounter this precious chance; one in countless eons of existence.

Guang Huan Mi Zong Christmas Celebration

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On December 24^th 2012 Guang Huan Mi Zong and Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi held a fabulous Christmas celebration in the majestic Goddess of Mercy Temple located in the city of Amsterdam, New York. The main event of the evening was a fantastic stage show featuring cultural and artistic performances blending Eastern and Western culture.

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Days of preparation went into decorating the venue, rehearsing the performances, and preparing the food that was served after the show. Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, and the students, preachers, and volunteers of Guang Huan Mi Zong worked tirelessly to renovate and redecorate the Goddess of Mercy Temple. Bright new lights illuminated the main hall of the temple and the magnificent Goddess of Mercy statue that looks over it. Chinese and Buddhist statues and artwork were mingled with Christmas lights, strands of tinsel shaped like Santa Claus, and other cheerful Christmas decorations.

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On the day of the celebration dozens of guests crowded into the hall. There were attendees from around the world, Chinese and Americans, Buddhists, Christians, and agnostics, whites, Asians, African and Native Americans, young children and the elderly. The crowd was a truly diverse group, representing Guang Huan Mi Zong’s mission of peace and harmony among all nations and religions in the world.

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The evening opened with a short speech from Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi expressing friendship and welcoming to the guests and commemorating the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Following the speech was the first performance: an enormous Chinese lion stalked through main hall of the temple giving a ferocious display to the sound of gongs and drums. Fortunately, the powerful lion was tamed by the serene blessings of the Holy Master and the lion offered its prostrations before the Holy Master and the statue of the Goddess of Mercy.

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Next came an assortment of joyful singing, dancing, and musical performances, celebrating peace, life, and the harmony of all beings.

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Chinese carolers sang American Christmas songs and an American Marine performed a song in Chinese he wrote himself to dedicate his gratitude for the blessing of the Holy Master.

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Chinese opera, Buddhist holy music, and Christmas carols echoed through the temple to the delight of the audience. Chinese drums mingled with an African djembe played by an American guest.

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The glittering Guan Yin Bodhisattva blessed the attendees with her dance of one thousand hands and Santa Claus arrived with his elves and reindeer to give gifts of candies to the guests.

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An energetic display of Chinese Kung Fu blending graceful punches and kicks with whirling swords and spears was concluded with the demonstration of Tiger Claw style by a Chinese Kung Fu Master and his American student.

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The final act of the night was the performance of the dancing team to the music of “Gangnam style” The dance team invited the attendees up to the stage, and all the whole audience rushed to the stage to in a climax of peace, joy, and friendship expressed through music and dancing.

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After the last performance the Holy Master gathered the audience and performers together and gave his blessing and gifts of chocolates and flowers.

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Finally everyone headed to the refreshment table to enjoy delicious desserts and snacks and each other’s company. Many of the guests wrote letters to share their gratitude for a wonderful evening.

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Edward a Native American Faithkeeper wrote: “very beautiful performance, with beautiful spirituality. I came close twice to tears of joy, everyone was wonderful and the Spirits were very high, I felt very welcomed.”

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Nick, a local student who gave a drum solo during the performances wrote: “Thank you very much for letting me be a part of your celebrations. You are all doing such a wonderful thing for this community and it fills me with joy being a part of it. Thank you for always greeting me with open arms and much Love!”

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Nick’s friend Cory wrote: “This was my first time here and it was great. I am planning on coming back to learn more about the culture and practices. I meditate and I would love to learn how to better myself as a human. I feel it is a Great Thing that the Master is doing by spreading this way of thinking. Thank you for being open to share your way of life.”

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A Modern Day Noah’s Ark

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– The Compassionate Ship of Deliverance

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When the great Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, stood in the Great Brilliance Hall, and announced with his penetrating voice that the New Noah’s Ark had been built in the Western Shrine, the good news echoed around the world. The new Noah’s Ark is so majestic that it transcends thought and imagination; people can hardly find words to describe it. The ark emits great boundless light in the quiet night sky. It is like a shining pearl that illuminates the whole universe.

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Holy Ziguang Shang Shi carried out sacred teachings on the incredible miracles taking place, and instructed sentient beings with penetrating words about the various social phenomena that go against the heavenly principles.

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The Holy Master stated the new Noah’s Ark is a project for the Dharma Vanishing Era. The purpose of its birth in the Western Shrine is to save people with affinity and help people to escape from disasters. It is the will, the mercy and providence of the Buddha. It is a blessing for every earthly creature. It is the good luck given to people with affinity!

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At present, tragedies and conflicts frequently occur; people’s morality deteriorates. A man, a group or a country is often shortsighted and blinded by temporary interests. They do destructive deeds, laying the foundation for disasters on the earth and bringing countless potential calamities to future generations. With the endless emergence of phenomena that are against the way of nature, the new Noah’s Ark carries a special mission in the present era. It shines a bright light for people’s enlightenment and provides a sanctuary for wandering souls before the date predicted in Mayan prophecy. The Holy Master called it a ferry of compassion due to its shape and spirit. It is not only a refuge to escape from disasters; it also leads to true illumination and happy rebirth.

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The earth is merely a speck of dust within the boundless universe, even more so human beings. In general, people are still short-sighted. Many people lose their direction; they cannot distinguish between true and false, right and wrong. They can’t find the way out. They can’t breakthrough themselves.

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People who go astray need the guidance of Ziguang Shang Shi in order to free themselves. The grand emergence of the new Noah’s Ark offers an opportunity for these people. Their body and soul as well as their vision and intellect will reach new heights. An unprecedented state of being will arise.

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Located at the top of the Western Shrine, the new Noah’s Ark always shines with bright light, a beacon of hope for the earth and its people.

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Consecration Ceremony of Goddess of Mercy Temple in New York City

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On July 28, 2012, Holy Ziguang Shang Shi, came in person to the Goddess of Mercy Temple in New York City, and presided over the grand opening ceremony. The good news caused a sensation in New York. Destined beings have come from all over the world to decorate the new Goddess of Mercy Temple, and waiting outside the temple for the auspicious time of Holy Ziguang Shang Shi’s arrival was an excited crowd.

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All the Gods, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas gave their blessings to the people with affinity. Inside the magnificent temple, wonderful scents filled the air, many beautiful flowers floated down from the sky. A group of Dakinis and Heavenly beings were performing the Vajra Dance, and there were many heavenly voices singing.

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Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin Bodhisattva brought a pair of lively golden lions, dancing with glittering bodies. They respectfully saluted Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi and seemed to be unwilling to leave at the end. Their wonderful performance added a great sense of vitality and joy to the celebration. Laughing and smiling with affection, everyone was filled with joy and elation.

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At an auspicious time, the representative of the Five World Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of Ten Directions, honorable Holy Ziguang Shang Shi consecrated the statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Inside the main hall emitting radiant golden light, Guan Yin Bodhisattva was very happy, smiling, and compassionate for all, giving the gift of supreme blessing.

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The Goddess of Mercy Temple consecration was an unforgettable day. compassionate Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi gave blessing to the people with Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s willow nectar and taught them “One Day, Two Practices, Three Chantings Health Dharma”. Holy Master mercifully revealed: “Anyone who learns this method, has the opportunity to receive the right Dharma, has the opportunity to learn Buddhist Dharma; anyone who can practice according to this method, has the opportunity to escape trouble, and enter the bright path leading to happiness and hope. As long as you keep on practicing, you can change your previous karma.” Those destined beings present at the ceremony received the inconceivable, refreshing, relief for their body and mind, the abundant joy of dharma, gave their thanks and showed their gratitude.

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The consecration ceremony of the Goddess of Mercy Temple in New York City, and the presence of the Preachers from the Western Shrine give sentient beings a place to worship Buddha, seek Dharma, listen to Dharma, and cultivate, and give the opportunity to accumulate immeasurable merit. The opening of the Goddess of Mercy Temple in New York City is a brilliant milestone in the history of the development of Guang Huan Mi Zong, which creates significant foundation for the gathering the sons of Buddha in the West.

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Cassandra