2024 Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple Amitabha Dharma Service

Amitabha Dharma Service

The Amitābha Sūtra teaches that if one is able to be mindful of Amitābha Buddha, and keeps that mindfulness in thought without interruption from one to seven days, one will be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss at the end of one's life. Thus, the Amitābha Dharma Service is a weeklong session of Buddha-name recitation to actualize the teachings in the sūtra.

In Chinese Buddhist monasteries, reciting Amitābha Buddha's name is seen as a form of meditative concentration. Through verbal recitation, we can focus our minds on Amitābha Buddha and his virtues, thus generating a state of concentration similar to silent meditation. With each recitation of the buddha's name, we also invoke our inherently awakened nature.

While we recite and resolve to be reborn in the Buddha's Pure Land, we also remind ourselves that this world we live in can also be a Pure Land. In addition to practicing during the service, we must also live as a Bodhisattva and build a Pure Land here on earth.

2024 Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple Amitabha Dharma Service

2024 Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
Amitabha Dharma Service

As the birthday of Amitabha Buddha approaches, Hsi Lai Temple will conduct an annual “Amitabha Dharma Service” from December 22~29, 2024. According to the sutras, “Reciting the Buddha’s name gains limitless merits; making a full bow to the Buddha eradicates endless unwholesome karma.” The merits of reciting the Buddha’s name are truly auspicious because it helps people realize their intrinsic Buddha nature, eradicate defilements and be reborn into the Western Pure Land.

During the 7-day service, participants are encouraged to chant the Amitabha Sutra, and to recite the Buddha's name at home as additional practice. At the conclusion of the service, an “Amitabha Triple Contemplation Service” will be conducted on December 29 at 1:30 PM. The merits of this Dharma Service will be dedicated to the departed loved ones of participants to reborn into the Pure Land, and to wish world peace and good health of all humankind. All are welcome to attend and share in the joy of the Dharma.

We wish everyone good health and auspiciousness!

Yours in the Dharma,
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple