[October 29th, Los Angeles News from the America-China Joint News Agency] In order to follow the compassionate teachings of the Third Dharma King Dorje Chang and Shakyamuni Buddha, and to express gratitude for the great compassion and blessings of the Bodhisattvas, the World Buddhist Headquarters held a "Buddha's Liberation Day" liberation ceremony on Saturday, October 29th at 9:30 am on the waterfront of the Maryandell-Luval Province Bay in Los Angeles. The ceremony was presided over by Ven. Ruohui Ruozhu, the abbot of Huazang Temple, and led by Ven. Zhengda, the vice chairman of the World Buddhist Headquarters and honorary chairman of the International Buddhist Sangha Association, as well as Ven. Juehui, the abbot of the Holy Grace Lecture Hall and Bodhi Monastery, and other holy and eminent monks. Hundreds of Buddhists from various states in the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan participated in the event.
The "Buddha's Liberation Day" liberation ceremony was hosted by Ven. Jinkou, the abbot of Huazang Temple. (Provided by the organizer)
The World Buddhist Headquarters is a non-profit religious organization established in the United States. It has numerous Buddhist branches, associations, Buddhist learning centers, temples, practice centers, and Dharma centers worldwide. The purpose of the establishment of the World Buddhist Headquarters is to spread the pure and supreme Buddhist teachings and Dharma sounds of the Third Dharma King Dorje Chang and Shakyamuni Buddha to Buddhist believers, advocate for the public to practice kindness, compassion, abstain from evil, and engage in virtuous deeds, and to selflessly contribute to the nation and society, making the world full of kindness and auspiciousness.
On October 29, 2009, after performing auspicious Buddhist rituals, the Third Dharma King Dorje Chang led his disciples to release sentient beings on the spot, and designated this day as Liberation Day. Since then, Buddhists around the world have referred to this day as "Buddha's Liberation Day" and not only release sentient beings to save them at any time and place, but also organize liberation activities on this day.
The Buddha teaches us that all sentient beings possess Buddha nature and are our relatives. Therefore, when sentient beings are in danger, we must rescue them. In the Buddhist scriptures, there are many records of Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples liberating and protecting sentient beings. The Buddha admonished his disciples not to harm even the smallest ants or mosquitoes, let alone kill sentient beings. Therefore, the first precept in the Buddhist Five Precepts is to not kill, and it is also important to actively release and protect sentient beings. The great monks and virtuous ones of Buddhism in all generations have followed the teachings of the Buddha and vigorously promoted the precepts of not killing and releasing sentient beings. Due to the law of cause and effect, refraining from killing and engaging in liberation will naturally bring us the karmic rewards of increased blessings and longevity, freedom from disasters, recovery from illness, and liberation from various difficulties.
Ven. Ruohui emphasized in an interview, "Our act of releasing sentient beings is not limited to a specific day or location, but according to the teachings of the Third Dharma King Dorje Chang and Shakyamuni Buddha, whenever and wherever we see sentient beings in fear and distress, we must rescue them. Therefore, for any living being, we must buy them from the imminent danger of being harmed or killed and release them into a suitable ecological environment, allowing them to regain their freedom and be free from fear. This is based on our compassion and empathy, giving happiness to sentient beings and alleviating their suffering."
Countless fish on the verge of death return to the ocean and gain a new life. (Provided by the organizer)
The World Buddhist Headquarters specifically calls on the public to comply with local government regulations when releasing sentient beings. It is important to release sentient beings in accordance with the Dharma, and there are many details to consider in order to achieve a successful and meaningful release. In summary, the focus is on caring for and benefiting sentient beings, so it is necessary to have the correct method in order to avoid counterproductive effects and losing the meaning of liberation.
The Uboldi couple from Las Vegas also expressed, "We have participated in several liberation activities organized by the World Buddhist Headquarters. The headquarters always cooperates with local government regulations and pays attention to releasing sentient beings in accordance with the Dharma, allowing life to return to the ocean. We feel that it is meaningful, especially when we personally release fish back into the ocean and see them freely swimming, we truly feel the compassion of Buddhism and a deeper understanding of the value of freedom and life."
Through this liberation ceremony organized by the World Buddhist Headquarters, in addition to allowing life to return to nature through the act of releasing sentient beings, it is hoped to inspire the concept of "equality of life, compassion without killing" among the public. The merit of liberation is dedicated to all sentient beings, wishing them to be free from suffering, hear the true Dharma, be free from calamities and difficulties, and attain complete blessings and wisdom, national peace and stability, and world peace!