北加州「萬佛聖城」，為慶祝成立二十週年，將於七月四日至七日，一連四天舉行佛教文物、經書義賣活動。義賣所得悉數充作，萬佛聖城「建設工程基金」。
萬佛聖城占地四百八十八英畝，約有兩百多甲。原為，加州「州立療養院」。一九七○年代，因嚴重缺水，由當時的州長，雷根下令關閉出售。一九六七年，由上宣下化老和尚購得，成為北美第一座佛教大叢牧林，接納各方有心修行人士前來供修。
宣公上人購下之後，很快就找到充足的水源，一時傳為美談。多年來宣公上人在萬佛聖城，教化無數中西方佛子，與不同的宗教人士溝通交流。而萬佛聖城嚴持戒律的家風，為佛教界，樹立起修行的典範。
今年，萬佛聖城堂堂邁入第二十週年，雖然開山祖師，宣公上人已圓寂一年，但萬佛聖城提倡戒律與苦修的家風，依然延續，為有心修行的人士，提供一片人間的淨土。
目前萬佛城正舉行「二十週年回顧與瞻望」展覽。展出內容計有萬佛聖城二十年來的大事記，宣公上人生平事跡。萬佛城的修行、譯經、與辦教育等各項志業。除了有照片陳列與文字說明之外，每逢週末並有錄影帶播放。 |
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In order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, there will be a four-day Buddhist Book Show at the City from July 4 to 7, 1996. All proceeds will go to fund the construction work at the City.
Over 200 of the 488 acres of the City was originally a State Hospital. Due to a severe water shortage in 1970, the then California Governor Reagan ordered the hospital to be closed down and sold. Venerable Master Hua bought it in 1976 and it became the first major Buddhist Way-place in North America open to all who wish to cultivate the spiritual path.
Shortly after purchasing the site, the Venerable Master located an abundant water source there. Over the years, the Master taught countless Western and Asian Buddhists at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and hosted exchanges with various religious groups. In its strict observance of the precepts, the City is a model for Buddhism.
Although the Venerable Master, who founded the City, passed into stillness a year ago, the City continues to uphold its traditions of strict precepts and ascetic practice as it enters its 20th year. It is a Pure Land in the world for people who want to practice seriously.
A 20th Anniversary Exhibit which covers major events at the City, the Venerable Master's life, cultivation at the City, and various projects such as the translation of the Buddhist canon and education is currently set up at the City. The exhibit includes photos, literature, and videotape viewing. |
