Events | Guang Huan Mi Zong

Guang Huan Mi Zong Christmas Celebration

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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

[break]

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.

[break]

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.”

[break]

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!”

[break]

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.”

[break]

A Modern Day Noah’s Ark

[break]

– The Compassionate Ship of Deliverance

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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!

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

Unprecedented Soul-Releasing Dharma Convention

The seventh day of Zhong Yuan, the Ghost Festival in Chinese tradition, fell on September 6^th,2012, or July 21^st of the Lunar Calendar. It was the last day that the doors of hell were open; the great Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, compassionately held a grand Dharma Convention for people to pray, eliminate misfortunes and to release souls from suffering. The ceremony was held at the majestic Five World Buddhas Temple at the Western Shrine. In this Ceremony, the Holy Master offered unprecedented almsgiving.

Holy Master’s Profound Instruction and Soul-releasing for Ancestors of Achievers and People with Great Merit

The soul-releasing ceremony began with the merciful Holy Master beating the sacred drum, for all ancestors of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Great Achievers and people with great merit. This was to release their souls from suffering in hell, so as to enter the Pure Lands of the Buddha Worlds.

The thunderous drumbeat reverberated through space and boundless worlds, shocking the Three Thousand Galaxies. The Five World Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from Ten Directions were all present. They waited upon Holy Master with great respect and praised the Holy Master’s incredible merit. Hundreds of thousands of incarnations of the Goddess of Mercy flew through space to lead the dead to various Buddha Worlds.

The honorable Holy Master sat upright on the Nine-tier Mandala Altar; sparkling clouds of bright lights surrounded his body. He delivered the Buddhist teachings to people with affinity, and to immeasurable Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Nagas and Guardians, and other beings. Then he disclosed the meaning of Seven Lives and Soul-releasing. The Holy Master taught the secrets of Soul-releasing and allowing the dead to rest in peace, and revealed the past-life foundation for achievements as well as the rules of heaven and the spiritual world, offering attendees inspiration and deep insight.

The Holy Master told the story how the Buddha helped the souls of his own mother and the mother of Venerable Maudgalyayana to be released from Hell. He claimed that supernatural power is unable to eliminate the karma of ancestors. Meanwhile, the Holy Master once again reminded people of the purpose of coming to this world, and demonstrated how to start a thriving career so that people could attain achievement.

“The beginning of the soul-releasing is the beginning of a change of luck,” said the Holy Master.

Magical and Spectacular Scenes in the Soul-releasing Ceremony

In front of the statue of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the God of the Earth, eighteen preachers stood regally in two lines. The great and merciful Holy Master beat the drum and led preachers to chant the supreme soul-releasing Mantra sincerely, for the attendees’ parents for seven lives, generations of ancestors, karmic creditors, deceased friends and relatives, as well as the wandering souls killed in disasters and beings which are under severe torture in hell. Thus, they received a tremendous almsgiving.

When preachers chanted mantras, it seemed as if golden seed words flowed out from their mouths, echoing the drum beaten by the Holy Master. The great power and magical effects of the Soul-releasing Ceremony were shown. Hundreds and thousands of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s emanations were spreading over the boundless hells, to enlighten and save beings, and to perform the great vow he made before the Buddha. Hell’s door gradually opened. It was gloomy and bottomless inside. The Holy Master’s sacred power was manifested when the gold and silver ingots, which were made by preachers as they chanted mantras, suddenly burnt into flames.

Countless tortured souls across the Space Realm all turned into tiny shining stars and flew back to hell. They obtained the precious chance for reincarnation. The ghosts who had long been suffering in hell were relieved from their penalties and expressed endless gratitude to the Holy Master.

Attendees heard the sorrowful cry of their ancestors, and saw that their ancestors were guided by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. All those ancestors showed tearful thankfulness for the Holy Master. The dead souls of attendees’ ancestors of seven-lives sincerely made offerings to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with treasures which preachers chanted mantras over. Their karma was resolved immediately, in the Holy Master’s thunderous drumbeat and secret mantras. Causation of the past was changed. Those who had done some good deeds could go to heaven, and penalties for those with evil karma were reduced.

Donating Everything and the Manifestation of St. Mary

An American artist, Ina, attended Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi’s health dharma class two years ago. Ever since then, she had various benefits. Being grateful to the benevolence of the Holy Master, after her sister’s death, she hired a lawyer to draft a will donating all her possessions to Guang Huan Mi Zong. She went to the Soul-releasing Ceremony and prayed for Holy Master’s help, wishing that her sister’s soul could go to heaven.

During the Soul-releasing Ceremony, Ina was sincere enough to connect with the message. She witnessed a magical scene. Surrounding by red light, St. Mary led her sister, who was a Catholic before death, to Heaven. Ina’s wish came true. She burst into tears with the deep love for her sister, and claimed once again that she would donate all her belongings to Guang Huan Mi Zong, including her house, her store and her business, to show her gratitude to Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi.

In this last day of the Ghost Festival, the endless number of ghosts and wandering souls returned to where they should be. Those that should be in hell returned to hell; those that should be in heaven were led to heaven. With infinite thankfulness of the attendees, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, deities, ghosts and other beings for Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, the grand Dharma Convention drew to an end.

Consecration Ceremony of Goddess of Mercy Temple in New York City

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

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.

[break]

Cassandra

Guang Huan Mi Zong Health Dharma Convention in New York City

[break]

In order to speed up the pace of spreading Buddhism, to reduce the frequency of disaster on Earth, to save more destined beings from misery, the World Honored One, Holy Ziguang Shang Shi, once again responded to the invitation to come to New York City on July 26, 2012, and held a Guang Huan Mi Zong Health Dharma Convention to give alms to the people of New York City with Health Dharma.

[break]

The destined people traveled from all over the world came and gathered in the venue, praying sincerely for Dharma, including the Abbot Xiu Jue of Pu Zhao Temple and his disciple, who hoped to realize the true meaning of Buddhism and to improve their physical health, They were eagerly awaiting to listen to the superb Buddha sound of Holy Ziguang Shang Shi.

[break]

The Great World Honored One Ziguang Shang Shi shone like the sun, sitting on a magnificent, mandala Dharma altar. The Holy Master began to compassionately reveal the karmic origins of being born in this world through a simple and yet profound philosophy.

[break]

He pointed out the importance of spiritual cultivation and the secret of longevity. The Holy Master advocated doing good deeds to earn merit, and also compassionately giving alms and seeking the path of Buddhist Dharma, the path for destined beings to breakthrough all obstructions, achieve the mission of their lives, transform their destiny, and become truly awakened.

[break]

The World-honored One said: “The essence of Buddhist dharma can transform life and death, to transform life and death is to transform destiny.”

[break]

From the compassionate almsgiving of Dharma from Holy Ziguang Shang Shi, many participants received unimaginable and miraculous results.

[break]

Full of excitement, Ms. Zeng came to the stage to express her gratitude to Holy Ziguang Shang Shi. She was a former athlete of the Chinese national team, but because of her extensive training in water she contacted rheumatism. This caused extreme pain in her hips and made walking exceptionally difficult. Her condition had suddenly gotten worse and she was unable to walk or sleep at night, and standing up was very difficult and painful.

[break]

She was limping when she came, but after listening to the first Dharma speech of Holy Ziguang Shang Shi, she felt powerful energy going from the top to the bottom of her body, she felt cold air continuously discharged from the soles of the feet, and afterward she could walk briskly without pain.

[break]

Miss Liu, the successor of famous Ping-Pong player Zhuang Zedong, and the World Table Tennis Champion, currently serves as a table tennis coach. Miss Liu has always been in pursuit of the true essence of Buddhist Dharma. Coming to the Guang Huan Mi Zong Dharma convention, she felt a deep connection to the Dharma. Her right elbow, had multiple injuries, the doctor said that if it is injured again, she will not be able to play table tennis ever again.

[break]

While practicing Guang Huan Mi Zong Dharma, Miss Liu felt her right elbow throbbing. She understood this was coming from the compassionate blessing of Holy Ziguang Shang Shi’s Buddha light when healing her body. Afterwards she was pleasantly surprised to find her right elbow was completely relaxed and it could move freely.

[break]

An elderly woman expressed her gratitude for Holy Ziguang Shang Shi’s compassion after the meeting. When she came, her throat was painful and hoarse, but after the Dharma convention the pain was gone and her throat felt healthy again.

[break]

One after another, many of the participants enthusiastically enrolled in the five-day Health Dharma classes, and with this the Dharma convention came to a happy conclusion.

[break]