In the spirit of gratitude and grace of Buddhists in general and Buddhists who are practicing the Pure Land sect in particular, every lunar November, Dong Cao Pagoda decorates the rostrum, hangs lights, arranges flowers to give tribute to Buddha Amitabha.

 

In the cold weather, the Buddha's disciples, Junior Abbot and Buddhists far and near completed the stages for the flower ceremony to commemorate Amitabha Buddha. On the evening of January 3rd, 2020 (Nov. 21th, Mouse Year), in the atmosphere filled with nation-wide Buddhists' joy towards Buddha Amitabha's Birthday celebration, Dong Cao Pagoda held the flower lantern rite commemorating the Amitabha Buddha. In profound and sacred respect, a great number of Buddhists gathered at the pagoda to attend this ceremony.

After the musical performances from singers in the local and neighbouring provinces led by MC Quynh Anh;  at 19: 30 pm, three series strong and moving Pragna bell and drum sound officially started the ceremony, welcoming every single step of mindfulness of the monks towards the rostrum.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Junior Thich Tinh Hai - members of the Director Board of Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha/ VBS in Thanh Hoa Province, Abbot of Linh Ung pagoda; Junior Thich Nhan Toan, Abbot of Thien Huong pagoda, Thanh Hoa Province; Junior Thich Quang Dao, Abbot of Bai Nai pagoda, Thanh Hoa Province; Junior Thich Tam Kinh - Abbot of Tay Khanh Pagoda, Thai Binh Province; Junior Thich Tam Luat - monks of Hoang Phap Monastery, HCMC;  Junior Thich Tam Hung, Abbot of Dong Cao pagoda, Head of the organizers in the rite.

After a moment quietly towards the Amitabha Buddha is the introduction of reason and program, the participants demonstrated by MC Quynh Anh in a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Then, on behalf of the organizers, Buddhist Lien Thanh addressed the speech to open the flower lantern ceremony commemorating Buddha Amitabha.

Then, the respectable monks together with the participants fell on their knees, solemnly crossed their hands, their soul and mind fixed on the Buddha's statue to carry out the offering ritual directed by Junior Thich Tam Hung.

After the quiet moments passed, the main part of the ceremonial night began.  The respectable monks and the whole audience gravely lit the candles of wisdom and mercy, praying for a peaceful world where happy people will be dwelling.  In light music, Junior Venerable Thich Tam Hung received the light from the Buddha's altar and passed it on to the Junior Venerable Abbot and the monks and finally to the Buddhists.  'Candles light candles, minds spread mind' - the candles symbolize wisdom and the truth, dispelling ignorance; the candles of compassion, shining people's life, lighting belief and hope.

Under the sky filled with millions of sparkling stars, the light from hundreds of candles entwined with spreading of smoke brought about a peaceful and wholesome atmosphere in the mundane world.

On behalf of the  Board of Director, Junior Thich Tinh Hai had a dharma talk to the Buddhists. He preached the meaning of Faith, Practice and Vow as the essential factors of the practitioner of reciting Buddha's name. Since then, we practice and create the Pure Land right now in the present moment so that everyone is happy and in the future let go of being born in the West. At the end, Ven. praised the spirit of propaganda and protection made by the Abbot and Buddhists, holding a meaningful festival for many people. May the mass try to spread this spirit to all over the world, especially the homeland of Thanh Hoa.

The ceremony ended in joy for all the attendants.

The record photographs are as follows: