Repentance Ceremony on Sep. 30th Goat Year

 Being a learner of Buddhism, he or she has to clearly know what significant points are in Buddhism, which might make progress in practice.

 The first feature: Buddhism doctrine considers the Four Noble Truths as the foundation. These are four things of real truth: Dukkha (suffering), Samudaya (the cause of suffering), Nirodha (the cessation of suffering) and Marga (way to end suffering).

 The second feature: The concept of happiness. "Happiness" is mostly defined in terms of achieving what to desire, but comparative happiness is still composed of hidden seeds of anxiety and distress. The notion of happiness in Buddhism, however, is attained enlightenment, no longer clinging to pain in the universe.

 The third feature: The law of Cause and Effect. The law helps people to live orderly, peacefully and love each other much more. Moreover, the law of Cause and Effect helps people to be less superstitious.

 The fourth feature: the leniency in Buddhism. Buddhism with compassion and tolerance to all living things are willing to forgive those who repent when they make a mistake.

 The fifth feature: Non-discrimination in society. Although Indians emphasize caste issue, Buddhism demolishes the old-fashioned and contemporary thought, affirming that human beings have the same nature to enlightenment and liberation.

 The sixth feature: Buddhism and the feminine gender. Buddhism evaluates the position and role of women in society. The establishment of nuns and the enlightenment of the prime of nuns prove that women also have achieved the same enlightenment as men.

 The seventh feature: The spirit of nonviolence. This is an extremely important and typical point. With immeasurable and boundless love, Buddha appreciates the spirit of nonviolence and advises us to scatter compassion to all living things.

 After the sermon, the whole assembly entered the retreat as usual.

 Here are the images recorded from the ceremony: