On Feb. 10, 2024, 9:00am–1:00pm, Ocean Sky Chan Monastery will hold the Chinese New Year Blessing Ceremony to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva will be chanted in the ceremony, followed by Grand Meal Offering to Buddhas, Blessing Ceremony, and the Striking of the Monastic Drum and the Bodhi Bell. We shall dedicate all merits towards the attainment of blessings and longevity. We shall also pray for world peace and prosperity for all nations.
From 1:00–5:00pm, the monastery shall open Ten Auspicious Gateways to the Mind—Find the Precious Jewel of One’s True Nature. This activity will go on for 1 week (2/10–2/17), allowing people to broadly cultivate merits. We pray that everyone finds their own precious jewel of inherent nature.
We welcome everyone to visit the monastery to pay respect to the Buddhas, make offerings to the Three Jewels, and cultivate both blessings and wisdom. At the same time, we also pray that all of our undertakings for the coming year be favorable and that all our loved ones be spared from harm.
The blessing activities are as follows:
| Date/Time | Blessing Activities |
|---|---|
| Feb. 10 9:00am–1:00pm | Chinese New Year Blessing Ceremony Vegetarian lunch is offered for all participants. |
| Feb. 10–Feb. 17 10:00am–5:00pm | Ten Auspicious Gateways to the Mind—Find the Precious Jewel of One’s True Nature 1) Auspicious Draw—Get the Jewel map. 2) Incense Offering—A sincere mind is the most auspicious. 3) Repentance and Making Vows—Cleansing the impurities of the mind. 4) Lamp Offering—The lamp of wisdom forever shines. 5) Flower Offering—When the mind flower blooms, one sees the Buddha. 6) Wishing Wall—The power of a sincere wish can ensure success. 7) Offering to Enlightened Sages—A clear mind brings blessings. 8) Buddhist Images—Mind-Transforming Treasures. 9) Bell Striking—The bodhi enlightened mind lives for eternity. 10) Blessing Pouches—Dharma Joy in the Zen Mind |