The candle lighting ceremony commemorating Buddha Amitabha at Dong Cao Pagoda - Thanh Hoa in 2021

On Dec. 19th, 2021 (Nov. 16th, LC), Dong Cao pagoda solemnly organized the candle lighting night to celebrate Amitabha Buddha birthday in the "Seven-day Retreat towards Amitabha Buddha 's Birthday in 2021". Currently, the Covid-19 epidemic is still very complicated; therefore, the ceremony is only organized in attendance of pagoda's members.

In the reverent and quiet atmosphere at 7 pm, the mass respectfully welcomed the presence of the Sangha to witness the ceremony. Three times of Prajnà bells grumbling, the Sangha is step by step in their righteous mind towards the main hall.

After stating the reason, introducing attendees in the ceremony by MC Quynh Anh; on behalf of the Organizers, Buddhist Lien Hong delivered the opening speech of the ceremony. All  practitioners direct their minds to the statue of Amitabha Buddha to offer incense for Him.

The most important moment is the light-transferring. Junior Thich Tam Hung, Abbot of Dong Cao pagoda lit candles from Junior Thich Tam Kinh, Abbot of Tay Khanh pagoda in Thai Binh, was received from the Buddha's altar and then the light spread to every line of Buddhists. That action is to transfer boundless wisdom and compassion, shining in the mind of each person, bringing them back to their gentle and pure nature. Candlelight is lit to dispel the darkness of suffering and ease the sorrows of human life.

In those sacred moments, the mass gathered together towards the platform to chant the Buddha's praises, recite the 48 vows and recite the Buddha's name.

Preaching dharma to the ceremony, Junior Thich Tam Kinh had a speech to listeners about The practice method of Pure-Land practitioners, is a unanimous mind to recite the Buddha's name with three blessings of pure karma. These are the main conditions for sowing good causes, merit and blessings, so that they can be reborn in the Pure Land in the future.

The ceremony ended with the image of a magical, shimmering candle lit area, a sacred space offered to Amitabha Buddha.

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