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Words of Wisdom

Lamp Offering

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Words of Wisdom

Giving praise to others help eliminate impure speech. Rejoicing in others’ success or good deeds overcomes our jealousy. If we all uphold pure speech, learn from and commend others’ merits, and practice charitable giving and kind words, our society will be filled with harmony. 

—Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh

(For more words of wisdom)

讚歎，能夠滅除我們的口過；隨喜，能夠去除我們的嫉妒心。假使每個人都能淨守口業，多觀察、學習別人的優點，多稱讚他人的長處，常行布施、愛語，這個社會就能充滿和諧。

—惟覺安公老和尚法語 

The Diamond Sutra Ceremony

On Sunday, November 19 from 9:30 am to noon, Buddha Gate Monastery invites you to participate in our monthly ceremony and chant the Diamond of Perfect Wisdom Sutra. Chanting the sutra and prostrating to the Buddha allow us to repent our misdeeds, purify our karma, receive Buddha’s blessings, and be in touch with our Buddha nature. Join us for a free vegetarian lunch immediately following the ceremony. 

Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Ceremony

 Two-Day Chan Meditation Retreat

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傳遠／總監 （English is pending)

這次參加梁皇寶懺時，起了個念頭，懺悔心要誠，消業效果方彰。可是如何忖度自己對懺悔有多真誠呢？自己從這兩點自我要求：

1. 真誠心可以表現在全程參與（拜懺或義工）。這段時間，生活中以參與梁皇為第一優先。非萬不得已，絕不缺席。

2. 拜懺當中，身上總會有痛和酸。把克服酸痛看做是懺悔誠意的具體表現。將酸痛觀想成只是一粒沙，克服它將會滅除恆河沙的諸業障。如此觀想，更令自己安住當下，真誠懺悔。

這次梁皇會上，不禁再度生起深深感恩導師惟覺安公老和尚，設立佛門寺，引導我們入佛門正法。參與佛門寺的各種活動，落實修行，就是報導師的恩。

傳遠合十

Darlene 傳領／研經班／副會長

It was the vision and compassion of Grand Master Wei Chueh, that we have Buddha Gate Monastery, and are able to once again hold this age old repentance ceremony. There was excitement “in the air” and much Chan joy. The assembly wanted to be there and participated sincerely. The monastic and lay disciples, who served to make this event happen, had different areas of expertise yet all elements came together harmoniously. Our practice was deepened as we became aware of and adapted to changing conditions. The thought that went into the preparation of the altar, reflected the beauty and light of my True nature, that realization, being the ultimate repentance. Amituofo, Chuan Ling

Mary 傳皓／研經班／照客組長

The Buddha said, “people have twenty kinds of difficulties:
It is difficult to encounter the Buddhist Sutras and it is difficult to meet the right learned teacher.” With gratitude these are two of the difficulties we do not have. We are here at Buddha Gate Monastery, learning the Buddhist Sutras, learning the Dharma from Grand Master Wei- Chueh’s words of wisdom and teachings, the Abbess and Dharma Masters. We must practice diligently to try and repay the kindness of Grand Master. Grand Master has given us clear instructions on how to practice. Protect and support the monasteries, share the Dharma with others, deepen our cultivation through merits, wisdom and meditation and practice the Bodhisattva Way. To take on infinite suffering and impart great joy to all. Grand Master said with great vows we can overcome all obstacles.

Prior and during the 2016 Liang Huang Repentance Ceremony and 2017 New Year Ceremony I was inspired and moved by the diligent practice of the Abbess, Shifus, volunteers and participants. The ceremonies took place over eight days but preparations started much earlier. Many hours went into the preparation for the ceremonies on many levels with so many details that required attention. We must practice more diligently to show our gratitude, support and protect the monastery and Sangha. The Dharma Masters vows are great and they practice tirelessly to make sure we have a place to learn Buddha’s teachings and practice The Way.

During the ceremonies it was very meaningful to observe everyone practicing together. While practicing with like minded people the assembly comes together in a very special way. As the connection increases to the Buddha Dharma so does the connection between participants. During the Liang Huang Ceremony we make Repentance through chanting the Buddha’s and Bodhisattva’s names, chanting the Repentance Liturgy and making prostrations. We repent for past misdeeds for ourselves, parents, families, ancestors and all sentient beings. We make sincere repentance to eradicate negative karma and obstructions for all. Through making repentance we cultivate compassion. There are so many sentiment beings suffering in all of the realms we must do all we can to help relieve their suffering.

During the 2017 New Year Ceremony we made light and flower offerings to the Buddha on behalf of ourselves and all sentient beings so that the light of wisdom may dispel the darkness of ignorance. We chanted the Diamond of Perfect Wisdom Sutra which Buddha explains and teaches us the Truth and how to practice. The Abbess gave a Dharma talk where she shared Grand Masters instructions how to practice, where our focus should be, to practice diligently and the meaning of striking the New Year Bell. I was very moved when she explained the sound of the striking bell increases the awareness for sentiment beings in all of the realms. It has been deeply moving and inspiring to have been able to participate in such worthy Dharma events. I am truly grateful to be a part of the Chung Tai World and Buddha Gate Monastery.

Amitofo,　Chuan Hao

Sue 傳倫／研經班／副會長

For the last 10 years I have been grateful to be able to participate in the Liang Huang Jeweled repentance ceremony. This ceremony from the preparation, to the ceremony of the 10 scrolls, to the New Year celebration lets me see how important it is to come together to create an environment for all to practice and through participation can make positive changes.
Over the years of volunteering, acolyting, and playing drum and bell , I realize how important the details of preparation is to see a harmonious outcome. From paying attention to details of the acolyte schedule to preparing liturgy for drum and bell all make a difference.
Within this ceremony there is opportunity for me to pay homage to the Buddha’s, clarify and cleanse my mind, and deepen my understanding for repentance. To realize what is happening to me good or bad, easy or difficult, I have to embrace it and keep practicing the Bodhisattva path. To cherish this time to review myself from this past year, to recall situations I wish I could have done differently and make amends. To let go of burdens of regret and focus on setting a good cause.
I consider being a part of the acolyte team and drum and bell team a blessing. And this year I was amazed by our new and young members of the acolyte team how they blossomed and worked harmoniously together. They exemplified Grand Masters teaching of Harmony. There was always kind words of support, trust and sincerity and lack of ego throughout the week. These teachings helped build a solid and committed acolyte team.
I am forever grateful to Grand Master for his wisdom and compassion. And for the Abbess and all the Dharma masters for their continued compassionate support and guidance.
Amitofo,
Chuan Lun

Hsin-Yeh 法筵／中級禪修班

Even on top of my senior year workload and college applications, the last thing I needed was more stress. But I still signed up to help out for this ceremony as an acolyte and emcee.

The stress mostly came from being unfamiliar with the procedures. For I have only ever attended one ceremony and been an acolyte for another before. However, I cannot feel more blessed to have the opportunity to work with other acolytes, all of whom were so willing to teach and guide me. I learned the power of dedication; I also learned my capacity–and how far beyond it I can go–to devote myself to something so rare, magnificent, and wholesome.

My time spent learning and working here seems all the more valuable. From this experience, I am inspired by everyone’s effort and will continue to support the monastery in any way I can.

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定遠/傳遠/總監

這次參加梁皇寶懺時，起了個念頭，懺悔心要誠，消業效果方彰。可是如何忖度自己對懺悔有多真誠呢？自己從這兩點自我要求：

1. 真誠心可以表現在全程參與（拜懺或義工）。這段時間，生活中以參與梁皇為第一優先。非萬不得已，絕不缺席。

2. 拜懺當中，身上總會有痛和酸。把克服酸痛看做是懺悔誠意的具體表現。將酸痛觀想成只是一粒沙，克服它將會滅除恆河沙的諸業障。如此觀想，更令自己安住當下，真誠懺悔。

這次梁皇會上，不禁再度生起深深感恩導師惟覺安公老和尚，設立佛門寺，引導我們入佛門正法。參與佛門寺的各種活動，落實修行，就是報導師的恩。

Darlene 傳領/研經班/副會長

(譯文）佛門寺因惟覺老和尚的遠見與慈悲而建立，也因而能再次啟建歷史悠久的梁皇寶懺法會。法會的氛圍啟迪人心又充滿法喜。大眾無不虔誠發心與會。出家師父與在家居士們同心協力，分工合作而圓滿法會。修行得以深化，就在我們警覺並隨順因緣無常之時。能起佈置佛龕的這念心，就是自性之光，自性莊嚴，這個領會即是究竟的悔悟。

Mary 傳皓/研經班/照客組長

(譯文）佛言:人有二十難。
「得睹佛經難，會善知識難」。感恩我們並沒有這兩種難。我們在佛門寺聽經聞法，學習惟覺老和尚的智慧及法語、也向住持法師和諸位師父學習。我們一定要勤於修行，以報老和尚慈悲之恩。 老和尚明確地指示了我們修行的方法:護持道場、弘揚佛法、並藉由福德、智慧和禪定來深化修行、行菩薩道。我們要能拔苦與樂。老和尚說過，發大願就能克服一切障礙。
2016年梁皇寶懺與2017年新春祈福法會之前和進行期間，住持法師、諸位師父、義工和與會大眾的勤勉啟發並感動了我。法會為期八天，但準備工作很早就己展開。法會各各面向的細節需要花很多時間留心準備。我們應該更勤於修行，才能表達我們對道場和法師的感謝與護持。法師們有弘大的誓願，不辭辛勞地確保我們能在此學佛修道。
法會期間,大眾以相同的理念，殊勝的方式一齊發心，這樣的共修別具意義。隨著大眾與佛法的相應逐增，與會大眾彼此也深結法緣。 梁皇寶懺法會當中我們稱誦佛菩薩的聖號、讀誦懺文、跪拜。我們為自己、父母、家人、歷代宗親和一切有情眾生過去所造的罪業懺悔。我們至誠懺悔，希望為一切眾生消除惡業與障礙。藉由禮懺，我們長養慈悲心。法界無數眾生身陷諸苦，我們必須盡力幫助他們解除苦惱。
在2017年祈福法會中，我們為自己及一切眾生於佛前供燈、供花，祈願智慧的光可以照破黑暗無明。我們禮誦金剛般若波羅蜜經，佛經中解釋了真理和實踐的方法。住持法師在開示時向我們提示了老和尚的教誨、修行的重點、期勉我們精進，並說明新年叩鐘的意義。當住持法師說到鐘聲是為了警醒十方法界眾生時，我十分感動。能夠參加如此莊嚴的法會，讓我深獲感動與啟發。很慶幸自己是中台禪寺和佛門寺的一份子。

Sue 傳倫/研經班/副會長

(譯文）很幸慶過去十年來能夠參加梁皇寶懺法會。從籌備、禮懺十卷、到新春祈福法會，使我瞭解齊心協力創造因緣讓大眾共修是如此的重要，而參與法會更能帶來正向的轉變。
多年來出坡、做心燈、執寶鐘鼓，我體悟到周詳準備對於成果圓滿的重要性。從注意心燈流程到準備寶鐘鼓儀軌，每個環節都具影響力。
法會讓我有機會表達對佛的崇敬、澄清淨化我的心、深化我對懺悔的瞭解。我體悟到一切發生在自己身上的事，不管好壞、不論難易，我都必須接受它，並持續修行菩薩道。珍惜這個機會反省過往，回憶種種應該用不同方式面對的境界，並且悔改。放下懊悔的重擔，專注於創造新的善因。
我認為能在心燈與寶鐘鼓團隊是一種福報。今年我要讚嘆心燈新進成員的成長與和諧共事。他們體現了老和尚「對人以和」的教誨。一週以來團隊成員間只有支持、信任、與至誠的對話，不見自我，建立了堅實、有擔當的心燈團隊。

天蕙/法順/研經班

來到佛門寺半年多，覺得這兒才是家。起初只想靜靜上課、出坡，對於法會意興闌珊。一、二個月前，見師父們廢寢忘食地籌辦梁皇寶懺法會，十分不捨，於是投入了法會工作。這八天，慈悲喜捨的願力及不思議功德在道場普遍示現，心中的慚愧和感恩與日俱增。弟子謹遵師囑，要守護道場、隨順勤習、落實弘法，不負三寶慈光加被之恩。

為開/法開/高級禪修班

這次法會讓弟子體會到能夠花時間與精力積福德，其實已經是一個非常難得的福報。第二天做心燈時，膝蓋與腳跟都開始疼痛，時時刻刻等待著可以坐下來，放鬆雙腿的時候。不過，每當有機會參與拜懺時，發現用心地禮拜佛就是最好的休息，藉由每一拜，同時也加深了對三寶的恭敬心與信心。希望一切眾生都能世世與佛法相遇、離苦得樂、行菩薩道。

欣曄／法筵／高級禪修班

(譯文）雖然作業和申請大學的壓力已快破表，我仍每天擔任法會的心燈或司儀。
法會壓力的主因是不熟悉流程。以往我只參加過一次法會、做過一次心燈。但很幸運地能跟樂於引導我的心燈們合作。我感受到了奉獻的力量，也發現自己可以為了殊勝、莊嚴的善法發揮潛能。
花時間在道場學習和出坡最為值得。大眾的投入激勵了我，我將繼續盡己所能護持道場。

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