Dear all,

 

After a long period of preparation, the 10,000 candles of Loving-Kindness have finally been lit under the radiant light of the full moon of lunar July, in celebration of Ullambana (Parents’ Day). The candles shimmered with a mystical glow as the flickering flames appeared to dance in a mesmerizing display. Their warmth blended seamlessly into the boundless space as the resonant, melodic chants echoed far and wide.

 

“May our teachers, ancestors, and parents be filled with love, tolerance, and forgiveness, blessed with abundant health, peace, happiness, and tranquility. May they be free from illness in body, and free from afflictions in mind. May they experience peace and happiness each day, untroubled by any obstacles.

 

May all sentient beings be free from enmity and harm, find peace and happiness, be free from suffering, and avoid harming one another. May they be generous and compassionate, live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, and maintain peace and happiness within themselves. For all sentient beings who are suffering, may their suffering cease; for those in fear, may their fears subside; and for those in sorrow, may their sorrow be relieved.”

 

As the chants came to a close, the lotus flower formed by the 10,000 candles seemed to shine even brighter.

 

At the heart of the construction site for the Ancient Sacred Buddhist Scripture Stupas Dhammacetiya stands a grand lotus platform with a diameter of 90 feet (27 meters): “The 27-meter diameter of the lotus corresponds to number 9, representing the nine virtues of the Buddha.” The platform features 24 petals symbolizing 24 Conditional Relations, arranged in 3 layers representing the Triple Gem—Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom—with 8 petals in each layer symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path. The ten thousand candles represent the power of a Buddha radiating across 10,000 worldly realms, and the light of the candles symbolizes wisdom.

 

How wondrous and unique this is! We are fortunate to have this human life, to encounter the Buddha’s teachings, and to follow and practice the righteous Dhamma. Even more so, we are blessed with favorable conditions to come together and spread the light of Loving-Kindness and Wisdom to our ancestors, parents, and all sentient beings through this Shine with Loving-Kindness festival. All of this is due to the Buddha’s virtues that guide us to righteous lives. May all sentient beings learn compassion, cultivate pure faith, and create a world of peace and prosperity.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

Achieving a festival filled with joy and happiness required a long and dedicated preparation process involving monks, nuns, lay devotees, and numerous volunteers—crafting wax, pouring candles, designing, printing, fundraising, setting up tents, decorating, cooking, cleaning, and much more. Additionally, sponsors like Isingtec, Phở Real, and AKL Entertainment made significant contributions to enriching the festival. The countless efforts and heartfelt contributions from lay devotees who supported each candle have led to an accomplishment beyond expectations.

 

On behalf of the festival organizing committee, we extend our deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors, volunteers, and lay devotees near and far.

 

May your sincere prayers be fulfilled as you wish.

 

Namo Buddhāya,
On behalf of the Dhammacetiya Organizing Committee,

 

Bhikkhu Paññākāra Tuệ Nhân

 

 

 

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The raffle draw results of Shine with Loving-Kindness Festival at Hương Đạo Buddhist Temple on August 17, 2024.

 

 

 

Light up 10,000 candles and draw prizes from ticket(s) purchased for one or more candles.

 

Time: August 16-18, 2024
Venue: Chùa Hương Đạo, 4717 E. Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76105
Purpose: Fundraising for the construction of essential facilities including the kitchen, activities hall, classroom, rooms for meditators, and a memorial hall for the departed.

 

Please note: The lighting of 10,000 candles will be on Saturday, August 17 and Parents’ Day (Vu Lan) will be on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Obtaining raffle tickets is a way to contribute to fundraising and to have a chance of winning prizes. Purchase online at

 

https://allevents.in/fort%20worth/shine-with-loving-kindness-new-date-updated/800026112236257
Search for: Shine With Loving-Kindness, in the city of Fort Worth

 

or please contact

 

Nun Hạnh Nhiên (214) 404-6711
Jenny Thanh (469) 888-9009
Sophia Xuân Mai (415) 871-8771

 

Email: info@dhammacetiya.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#huongdao #dhammacetiya #sbsstupas #buddhist #thapsangtutam #shinewithlovingkindness #vulan #parentday