(Los Angeles News) On January 29, the first day of the Lunar New Year, the World Buddhist Headquarters, Shengji Temple, and Shengge Lecture Hall jointly held the "Yisi New Year Blessing Ceremony" at the famous Buddhist temple Shengji Temple in Pasadena, praying for national peace and stability, and the elimination of disasters.
The ceremony was presided over by the abbot of Huazang Temple, Jin Gao, and gathered devotees from all over the United States to welcome the new year and pray together for good fortune in the coming year, with all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bestowing auspiciousness.
The New Year Blessing Ceremony was presided over by the abbot of Huazang Temple, Shih Ruo Hui Ru, gathering devotees from all over the United States.
Recently, the United States has experienced frequent natural disasters, from California wildfires to a once-in-a-century snowstorm along the Gulf Coast, with widespread impacts. As a well-known Buddhist sacred site in the area, Shengji Temple has long been dedicated to promoting the true teachings of the Third World Buddha, and adhering to the altruistic principles of the Buddha. This New Year disaster relief blessing ceremony prayed for all beings affected by disasters and property losses in the disaster-stricken areas through a series of solemn Buddhist rituals.
On the day of the ceremony, Shih Ruo Hui Ru led the devotees in reciting scriptures, offering lotus lamps, fresh flowers, and blessing bags, and conducted multiple Buddhist rituals. Shih Ruo Hui Ru specifically called on everyone to come to Shengji Temple to chant scriptures and pay homage to the Buddha, expressing respect and gratitude to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, which would bring blessings and fulfill their wishes; but it is important to remember the teachings of the Third World Buddha to benefit all beings, especially in Southern California, which has suffered from wildfires and needs support from all aspects. The World Buddhist Headquarters, in conjunction with various temples and organizations, has already donated money and supplies, and the activities are ongoing, welcoming everyone to join in the good deeds.
Devotees offering lotus lamps, fresh flowers, and blessing bags.
This New Year event is not only a blessing ceremony but also a platform for promoting communication and shared practice among devotees. Devotees from different backgrounds gathered together to share their journeys through the common language of Buddhism, enhancing mutual understanding and support.
The temple stated that the Shengji Temple New Year blessing activities will take place from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year (January 29 - February 2), welcoming the public to come to the temple to pay homage to the Buddha, make offerings, and pray for themselves and their families, experiencing the solemnity and peace of Buddhist teachings. On the morning of the Lantern Festival (February 12), they will lead devotees in reciting the "Lotus Sutra, Guanyin Bodhisattva's Universal Gate Chapter," praying for the King of Great Compassion, Guanyin Bodhisattva, to eliminate disasters for all beings. The public can receive blessing bags from the offerings made on the first day of the Lunar New Year, increasing blessings and wisdom.
Shengji Temple New Year blessing activities, where the public comes to the temple to pay homage to the Buddha, make offerings, and pray for themselves and their families.
In addition to holding the ceremony to pray for beings suffering from climate and wildfire disasters, the World Buddhist Headquarters also initiated a donation appeal, providing information on urgent rescue organizations in need of donations for the California Los Angeles wildfire disaster on its official website, allowing the power of kindness to flow to where it is most needed.
Shengji Temple expressed hope that through this Yisi New Year disaster relief and blessing ceremony, every participant can welcome the new year with blessings and hope, and also wish for the disaster situations in various regions to be controlled soon, for damaged houses to be repaired and rebuilt quickly, allowing the affected people to live in peace and restore their previous prosperity and happiness.