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On May 11, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held the "2024 Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts" ceremony, which was attended by over 200 participants. The youngest participant was just 4 years old, and the oldest was 92. For the first time, the ceremony combined lectures with the Three Refuges and Five Precepts ceremony into a single day, drawing enthusiastic participation from the devotees.
The Chinese courses featured lectures by Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, on "Explaining the Precepts," and Venerable Hui Ren on "Understanding the Ordination Monastery." The English courses were taught by Venerable Miao Hsi, Director of Buddha’s Light Publishing, on "Understanding the Three Refuges and Five Precepts," and Venerable Hui Cheng on "Understanding the Ordination Monastery."
Venerable Hui Dong explained that relying on the Triple Gem can awaken wisdom and that holding precepts protects oneself, restrains negative thoughts, and leads to liberation from suffering. Quoting Fo Guang Shan's founding master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, he encouraged everyone: "Taking the Five Precepts is like planting seeds in a field of blessings. Even without seeking benefits, many advantages naturally come, bringing endless merits. From the perspective of benefiting others, the Five Precepts purify the mind. One person upholds the precepts, one person benefits; ten thousand people uphold them, ten thousand people benefit."
The ceremony officially began with Venerable Hui Dong presiding, as over 200 people gathered in the Main Shrine. After the ceremony, Venerable Hui Dong congratulated everyone on successfully taking refuge and receiving the precepts, officially becoming disciples of the Buddha. He reminded everyone to rely on the Triple Gem, constantly examine their hearts, and eliminate mental pollution.
Logan Guilbert-Neal, a local devotee and volunteer who has been serving as a Shrine Attendant in the English Dharma service at Hsi Lai Temple for nearly a year, expressed great joy in receiving the precepts for the first time. He mentioned that he previously studied the scriptures alone but now feels part of a big family, practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings together with other precept recipients, learning and encouraging each other.
Another local volunteer, Graciela Rodriguez, shared her experience of renewing her precepts. She joyfully noted the positive changes in her life, becoming more peaceful and harmonious with those around her. She felt very fortunate to have been initially attracted by the beauty of Hsi Lai Temple and later participating in its activities, experiencing significant internal and external transformations.
Tao Liu, who came from mainland China to attend the Fo Guang Shan North America Water and Land Dharma Service, stayed to renew the precepts with her son Liangyu Liu. Reflecting on the changes brought by receiving the precepts, they both felt deeply moved. Previously, they were often intolerant of each other, frequently arguing or giving each other the silent treatment. Since taking refuge and receiving the precepts, and practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in daily life, their relationship has transformed significantly, leading to mutual understanding and tolerance.
Aaron Ong, a youth from San Francisco's San Bao Temple, found the Triple Gem and Five Precepts ceremony to be well-organized, experiencing the vastness of the Dharma. He expressed his commitment to continuously understand and practice the Buddha's wisdom throughout his life.
(Photos by Chihcheng Chang)
