October 12, 2014 (19th of the 9th lunar month) was the anniversary of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s conversion to Buddhism. On such a crisp autumn day with the aroma of Osmanthus fragrans, the air was filled with joy and ease and Venerable Abbot Guangquan hosted the ceremony of Triratna (Triple Gem) for over 300 pious Buddhist believers.

At 8:30 in the morning, the Buddhist believers who came for the conversion gathered in the Dharma Hall of Lingyin Temple and listened attentively to Master Changfa, staff of Lingyin’s Guest House, who patiently explained the rituals and rites of conversion to the audience, for instance, the right way to worship and how to make hand gestures of putting palms together. At around 10:00, Venerable Abbot Guangquan was invited by the audience to head for the Dharma Hall, where he enlightened the audience before the conversion by explaining the meaning of Triratna ---- the three things that Buddhists take refuge in and look toward for guidance, i.e. Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Conversion to Buddhism symbolizes the most sincere trust in Triratna, through which one finds their path to the true meaning of life.

　　Venerable Abbot Guangquan then expounded on the importance of mind. On the one hand, mind refers to one’s state of mind, the adjustment of which is essential in the pursuit of Buddhism. It is encouraged that after conversion one always look into themselves and make good adjustments of their state of mind with the help of Buddha Dharma. We should follow the Noble Eightfold Path (right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration) to lead us to the cessation of suffering and the achievement of self-awakening. On the other hand, mind refers to the Bodhicitta (mind of enlightenment), which leads us to awakening and compassion for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Audience listening attentively to the worshiping rituals and rites

Master Changfa modeling the right way to wear a Buddhist robe to the audience

On the way to inviting the venerable master to host the conversion

Venerable Abbot Guangquan offering incense

Venerable Abbot Guangquan explaining the meaning of Triratna

Disciples listening to the preaching from venerable masters

A little Buddhist disciple

Disciples receiving their conversion certificates

Cessation of suffering in the sea of bitterness and a new start to find the path toward enlightenment