On April 23, 2023, we had our first auspicious Taking Refuge Online ceremony for the year. This was also the very first online ceremony hosted by Global Meditation Center New York (part of Dharma Drum Retreat Center), after previous sponsorship ended last year.
As more and more worldwide practitioners understand Why Take Refuge in the Three Jewels, we had a group of ten (10) fellow Chan practitioners from Australia, Brazil, Singapore, across the United States, and Puerto Rico.
Here are couple of their heartwarming words of sharing , to “share the precious forward” for practitioners coming in the future:
from Ramon:
My decision to take Refuge in the Three Jewels and the Five Precepts on Sunday, April 23, 2023, in order to continue the Dharma teachings as a Buddhist. Has been one of the most important decisions I have made in my life. The experience has been special and gratifying for me, even more so that my son also took part in the ceremony while he was in another room in the home. Seeing my son on the screen while we were doing the ceremony made the moment more special, I can't describe it. I know this is a beginning, but it is the vehicle that leads you to walk towards the path of knowledge and understanding in order to be a better human and making others perceive it and also follow the path.
Thanks to the Venerable Guo Yuan, Warren and all those who in one way or another make it possible for the Refuge ceremony to be held virtually, since not all of us have the facilities to do it in person. The ceremony was carried out masterfully by the venerable and the instructions were clear and precise.
from Silviu:
I am very delighted to have been born during a time and within a realm wherein one can connect with authentic Chinese Buddhist masters and practitioners online. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and the support of Ven. Guo Yuan whose wisdom and compassion are immeasurable. Thank you Warren for making this possible and for staying in touch through the process. Master Sheng Yen was one of the utmost talented and dedicated Bodhisattvas of our era. I have worked with “The Method of No Method” and have been practicing the Huatou method based on his volume “Shattering The Great Doubt” for a while now. When I saw this offering, I felt honored and drawn to apply. I feel humbled and inspired to be a minuscule part of the Dharma Drum Mountain community. Blessings to all.
For more information or to apply for the next Taking Refuge Online, please visit here.
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More Sharing from Others: