The birthday of Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin Bodhisattva) falls on April 4 (the 19th of the second lunar month) this year. A solemn ceremony of refuge in Triple Gem was held at Lingyin Temple. Over 470 Buddhist believers from across the country assembled at the Dharma Hall to attend the ceremony conducted by Abbot of Lingyin Temple, Venerable Master Guangquan.

At 9:30 am, the Buddhist believers who came for conversion to Buddhism gathered at the Dharma Hall and listened attentively to Master Songrui, who patiently explained the rituals and rites of conversion to them. At 10:30 am, Venerable Master Guangquan was warmly welcomed by the assembly, to whom he explained the meaning of refuge in Triple Gem—the three Jewels of Buddhism in which Buddhists take refuge and seek guidance, i.e. Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. He emphasized that Buddhist disciples should hold dear the Triple Gem so as to be empowered from the spirit of benevolence, gratitude and inclusiveness. He also encouraged everyone to be devoted to the study and practice of Buddhism after conversion in their daily life and work. After the speech by VenerableMaster Guangquan, the the Dharma Hall filled with new converts was also filled with Dharma bliss following such a grand ceremony.

Ritual of formally requesting the presence of Venerable Master Guangquan to the ceremony

Worshiping the Buddha

Venerable Master Guangquan giving dharma talk

The ceremony of refuge in Triple Gem

New converts filled with Dharma bliss