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6-5-2005於聖荷西金聖
寺吳泊道 英譯
在一個初夏清明、風和日麗的早晨，來自不同地方、不同年齡層的上人弟子齊聚於金聖寺大佛堂，舉行感恩懷念宣公上人十週年的紀念法會。首先大家以靜默一分鐘來表達對師父的懷念，接著播放師父與聖荷西信眾聚會的錄影帶，我們看到師父與許多在家弟子的對話。全片師父強調家庭和諧對社會安定的重要，他老人家指出：現在社會上離婚比結婚多，都是因為夫妻不能相敬如賓，陰陽不能調和所致，所以父不父、子不子、夫不夫、妻不妻，孩子不能成為社會的棟樑，甚至長大後，到處燒殺搶劫，成為社會的禍害。師父不但給大家上了一堂人倫的教育，也敲醒人們心中的警鐘。（按﹕ 現今社會墮胎率亦比出生率高）
接著一位法師說一往事：上人早期在辦理中華民國戶籍資料登記手續時，有人問他學歷之事，上人回答：學歷 ─「華嚴大學」。另一位法師為我們開示：只要大家至誠懇切，用功修行，師父無時無刻都與我們同在。一位參與攝影的居士和一位信眾同時提到：上星期在「回顧上人一九八八年亞洲弘法」的法會中，一位法師提到上人的悲心時，出現光影投射到法師身上不可思議的現象。以下是一些居士上台與信眾報告感恩的心得與經驗之要目﹕
果建──感恩師父闡示「無我、不爭」的道理，教導我們在學佛的路上邁出第一步。
果安──強調我們很幸運能得到師父的正法教誨。
果光──敘述皈依師父之後，認識佛法的過程，及師父教化的深遠影響。
果善──認為我們要躬行實踐師父「六大宗旨」，才能脫離六道輪迴。
果儀──表示我們要不與人爭，要多讚歎別人。
童居士──敘述師父如何於默默之中，幫助朋友解決他的困難。
果霞──感激師父對她及親人所施與的恩澤。
果儀(美國女弟子) ──述說早期和室友跟著師父學習佛法的經驗。
最後進行傳供儀式及午齋。午齋之後，法師為我們開示師父難以理解的方便教化，和弟子們不可思議的感應。每一個人都有他的因緣，所以感應都不一樣；正所謂「因病施藥，因材施教」。法師開示之後，又有居士們作如下的感恩心得報告﹕
果南──提到學佛之後，兩次對他個人影響重大的經驗：在車毀人安的大車禍，和公司裁員的前一天晚上，師父都在夢中為他開示。
果馨──談到師父兩次救了她母親，以及在萬佛城廚房工作，師父為她們開示「多做少說」的道理。
里奇──跟大家分享學佛的心得，就是：每天臨睡之前，恭誦師父的兩首偈誦﹕「一切是考驗，看爾怎麼辦；覿面若不識，須再從頭煉」，「真認自己錯，莫論他人非；他非即我非，同體名大悲」。
今天每個人都抱著對師父萬分感恩的心情來參加法會，彼此互相砥勵。從大家的不同體驗，我們也更能體認師父的偉大和慈悲；對於師父莫大的恩澤，弟子們唯有以躬行實踐師父的教化，以回報於萬一。
沙加緬度法界聖城
比丘尼恆茂 文
凌峰 英譯
從五月十五日至六月十一日，法界聖城舉行一年一度的萬佛寶懺法會；法會因緣可說是很難得，因為這是宣公上人特別允許，可以和萬佛聖城同步舉行萬佛寶懺的唯一分支道場。資深比丘尼恆良法師及恆是法師放下道場的雜務事，應邀從百忙中來領眾拜懺；十多年來，這是她們第一次能夠專心從頭拜完一萬一千多尊佛。法界聖城當家師恆貴，也是第一次圓滿拜完萬佛。為滿足當地信眾的心願，週一至週五，法會在晚上舉行；而週六和週日，則拜整天。
因緣殊勝故，拜懺信眾比往年多很多；尤其維那法師如天籟般的美妙梵音，大眾拜得很法喜。在第一個週日，就有人聞到陣陣香味；也有人原本有很多煩惱、無明火，結果拜完當天回到家，頓覺個人身心輕鬆自在；更有八、九位發心在拜完的第二天，於清晨四點，搭大巴士專程到萬佛聖城，求受三皈、五戒，讓自己在菩提大道上更邁前一大步。
 在六月十一日圓滿日當天，同時舉行沙加緬度地區第一次傳供大典，以紀念宣公上人涅槃十週年。一星期前，發心的義工拜懺完留下參加講習，法師以一個真實故事來勉勵大家：參加法會，義工最重要是能以恭敬心、孝順心來護持此大典。信眾都很誠心，在當天清早六點半，就把供品送到廟上，七點鐘準時參加法會，圓滿萬佛寶懺。傳供計有珠寶、香、花、燈、塗、水果點心等108道。因為得到消息的信眾，都紛紛趕來表達孝順心意；所以除了這108道，遠遠超出預計之供品，在小佛堂擺滿了二張長桌。
上人是一位真修實證的得道高僧，他的願力廣大，大慈悲普度，感化無數眾生願意改往修來；所以即使他已涅槃十週年，感念他法乳之恩的人，與日俱增，源源而來。
馬利蘭華嚴精舍
仁德 文
馬利蘭州的「華嚴精舍」為紀念上人涅槃十週年，信眾在法師帶領下恭誦《大方廣佛華嚴經》八十一卷一部。法會於六月四日（週六)上午開始，每日分三段進行：上午七時至十時卅分；下午一時至四時卅分，上、下午各有半小時靜坐，下午誦經之後「往生堂」回向；晚課六時至七時，之後立即開始誦經至八時卅分。一日誦經最多達十一卷，直至十一日晚間圓滿。十二日上午，禮拜「華嚴懺」並傳供，約有150位信眾參加；分支道場在法師人數有限的條件下，能舉辦如此精進法會，可說真是不容易!信眾既霑法益，更以此紀念並感恩上人一生辛勞弘法利生於萬一。
萬佛聖城
仁德 文
凌峰 英譯
紀念宣公上人涅槃十週年之法會，於2005年六月十二日星期日在萬佛聖城舉行；參加的四眾弟子，總計超過一千五百人。
為配合紀念上人涅槃十週年之活動，一年一度的萬佛寶懺今年改變慣例，延至佛誕日次日（五月十五日）才開始，至六月七日圓滿，共計廿三天；海外許多上人的弟子，從馬來西亞、歐洲、香港、加拿大與臺灣等地，於釋迦牟尼佛聖誕前，便分批抵達聖城。倍於平時的義工，迅速的發揮了作用；能夠在聖城培福，使他們樂不可支！浴佛大典於五月十五日上午八時在大帳蓬舉行，是日天氣陰涼，截然不同於前數日的炎炎夏日；或者這是龍天護法對道場的護持、對信眾的疼惜？
由於參加者眾多，佛殿、祖師殿都客滿了；權宜之計，是特別在此二處，各增加二個擴音器，以便利人人能清楚聆聽佛號。萬佛寶懺是禮拜《佛說佛名經》，其中共有一萬一千多尊佛；每日早晨七時開始，首先供花、陳大願；接著是一天的禮拜，約計可拜五百多位佛；下午到「往生堂」迴向後，續誦〈卷九〉─這是諸大菩薩行道時，捨施身家性命的事蹟，可以惕勵末法時代的眾生；到五點鐘，這一天的禮拜就暫告結束。這是萬佛聖城每年上半年的招牌大法會，參加者非常誠心，並與大眾分享感應與心得；本刊將陸續予以刊登，以饗讀者。
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June 5, 2005 at Gold Sage Monastery
English translated by Peter Wu
On a clear, bright early summer morning, people of different ages and from various places—all disciples of the late Venerable Master Hua—gathered at the big Buddha Hall in Gold Sage Monastery to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Master’s entering Nirvana. A Dharma assembly was held in remembrance of him. In the beginning, everyone observed one minute of silence. Next, they played a video about Venerable Master Hua—his conversations with the lay disciples in the San Jose area. The Master emphasized the importance of harmony in the family and how it deeply influences the structure of society. He indicated that nowadays more people are getting divorced than married. It is because the husband and wife do not respect each other—yin and yang aren’t in harmony. That’s why fathers don’t act like fathers; children do not behave like children; husbands aren’t like husbands; wives aren’t like wives. The outcome is that children cannot grow to be pillars of society. The worst case is if they grow up to rob, kill, and become vicious criminals. The Master gave a lesson on human relationships and alerted us to its importance. [Note: At present, the abortion rate is higher than the birth rate.]
A Dharma Master related a story about the Venerable Master. One time, while the Master was in Taiwan, he was asked where he got his education in order to register for residential records. He replied, “Flower Adornment University.” Only if you’re a Buddha or Bodhisattva from the Flower Adornment assembly can you make such a statement. Another Dharma Master encouraged us that as long as we’re sincere and cultivate diligently, the Master will always watch over us.
One of the laypeople in charge of taking pictures and another Dharma friend related a story that took place a week before. While a Dharma Master was relating the great compassion of Master Hua when he was propagating the Dharma in Asia in 1988, suddenly, a light came down from the sky and shined directly upon her.
The laypeople shared the following insights and stories:
1. Guo Jian thanked the Master for his teaching of “no self and no fighting”— the first step in learning Buddhism.
2. Guo An emphasized that we are very lucky to have encountered the proper teaching of Master Hua.
3. Guo Guang spoke of his learning and gradual understanding of the Buddhadharma, and of the profound influence of Master’s teaching on him after he had taken refuge with Master.
4. Guo Shan observed that we have to practice Master Hua’s Six Principles so that we can leave the turning wheel of the six paths.
5. Guo Yi commented that we shouldn’t fight with others. We should praise others more.
6. Laywoman Tong described how Master Hua helped solve her friend’s problems without her friend knowing.
7. Guo Xia thanked the Master for helping his family members and relatives.
8. Guo Yi (a longtime disciple of the Master) related how she and her roommate studied Buddhadharma from the Master in their early years.
What followed was a “passing the offerings” ceremony. After the lunch, a Dharma Master spoke of how Master Hua used expedient means to teach and transform disciples, and their inconceivable responses. Everyone has their unique causes and conditions so their responses differed, as in the saying “Medicines are dispensed according to the illness just as methods of teaching are adapted to fit the learners’ potentials.” Afterwards, more laypeople shared their thoughts:
Guo Nan related that after he studied Buddhism, he experienced two major incidents: a car accident and a big company layoff. In both cases Master Hua appeared in his dream to instruct him.
Guo Xing realted how the Master taught her to recite Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s name, and that this had saved her mother twice. One time, while working in the kitchen at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the Master spoke the Dharma of “Do more and talk less.”
Richard said that before he goes to sleep, he recites the two of Master Hua’s verses: (1) “Everything is a test / To see what you will do. / If you can’t recognize it, / You’ll have to start anew.” (2) “Truly recognize your mistakes, / Don’t discuss the faults of others. / Others’ faults are just my own. / To be one with all is great compassion.”
Today, everybody came with a sense of profound gratitude toward Master Hua and encouraged each other. From each individual’s experiences, we learned more about Master’s magnanimity and compassion. In order to truly repay the Master’s kindness, we disciples should really put his teachings into practice.
The City of the Dharma Realm
By Bhikshuni Heng Mao
English translated by Ling Feng
The annual Repentance before Ten Thousand Buddhas was held at the City of the Dharma Realm (CDR) from May 15th to June 11th. This is the only branch monastery that received special permission from Venerable Master Hua to hold the Repentance before Ten Thousand Buddhas simultaneously with the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Dharma Masters Heng Liang and Heng Shr, senior nuns under the Venerable Master, set aside their many monastic responsibilities and made time in their busy schedules to come here and lead the repentance. For both, this is their first opportunity in more than a decade to bow to the more than eleven thousand Buddhas, bowing the repentance from start to finish. It is also the first time Dharma Master Heng Gwei was able to participate in the entire repentance. To satisfy the wishes of the local laity, the Repentance was conducted at night Monday through Friday, and all day long on weekends.
Because of the special circumstances, many more laypeople participated this year. With the fine voices of the cantors, everyone in the Dharma assembly was infused with the bliss of Dharma as they bowed. Some smelt a rare fragrance during the first weekend. Others, who started out afflicted and upset, felt refreshed and peaceful by the end of a day’s bowing. Eight or nine people took a bus to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to take the Three Refuge and the Five Precepts, leaving at 4:00 a.m., the second day after finishing the repentance. These people have taken a big step forward on their Bodhi Path.
On June 11th, the final day of Repentance, the ceremony of Passing the Offerings was held in Sacramento for the first time, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Master Hua entering nirvana. One week before the ceremony, the volunteers stayed for classes after bowing and a Dharma Master encouraged them with a true story, to let them know the most important thing as a volunteer is to contribute to this ceremony with a respectful and filial heart. The laity very sincerely brought offerings to the temple at 6:30 a.m. and participated in the Dharma assembly at 7 a.m. to finish the Repentance before Ten Thousand Buddhas. There were 108 items of different offerings to be passed around, such as jewels, incense, flowers, lamps, powered incense, and fruits. Many laypeople also made offering to express their filial piety and these offerings, in addition to the 108 offerings that were passed around, filled two long tables in the small Buddha Hall.
The Venerable Master Hua was a lofty Sanghan of genuine cultivation and enlightenment. His vows are vast and great and he has saved many and moved limitless beings to reform their past faults and cultivate goodness from now on. Thus, even though he entered nirvana ten years ago, the people who have gratefully benefited from his Dharma teaching increase in number day by day.
Avatamsaka Vihara, Maryland
By Ren De
To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Venerable Master’s Nirvana, Avamtamsaka Vihara held a Dharma session to recite the eighty-one rolls of the
Avatamsaka (Flower Adornment) Sutra. The session started in the morning of June 4. Each day the recitation was from 7:00-10:30 a.m., 1:00-4:30 p.m. (with a half hour meditation break halfway through each period) and 7:00-8:30 p.m. A transference of merit was performed at 4:30 p.m. and the Evening Recitation was 6:00-7:00 p.m. each day. Up to eleven rolls were recited each day, and the entire sutra was finished on the evening of June 11. On June 12, an Avatamsaka Repentance Ceremony was held, followed by a great Meal Offering. Given that only a few Dharma Masters were stationed in the monastery, it was no easy feat to hold this vigorous session! Lay disciples participated in the recitation and about 150 people attended the ceremony on June 12. The faithful gained the benefit of Dharma as they sought to repay the kindness of the Venerable Master for his lifelong dedication to propagating the Dharma and benefiting living beings.
The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
By Ren De
English translated by Ling Feng
The 10th Anniversary of Venerable Master Hua’s Nirvana was commemorated on June 12th (Sunday) at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB). More than 1,500 disciples attended.
 In order to accord with the activities scheduled for the 10th Anniversary of Master Hua’s Nirvana, the annual Repentance before Ten Thousand Buddhas was moved to start the second day after the Buddha’s birthday (May 15th) and end on June 7th, a total of 23 days. Group after group of the Venerable Master’s overseas disciples arrived at CTTB from Malaysia, Europe, Hong Kong, Canada, and Taiwan before Shakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday. The volunteers, who were twice as numerous as usual, kept things running smoothly. They were very happy to have the opportunity to plant blessings at CTTB. The ceremony of Bathing the Buddha was held at 8 a.m. on May 15th. That day was cool, a refreshing change from the hot summer weather a few days earlier. Perhaps the Dharma-protecting dragons and gods were showing their support for the monastery and their concern for the faithful.
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時值三壇大戒戒期，戒子們全程參加，因為天氣變化的關係，感冒流行，女眾戒子只一人倖免；患者發燒、咳嗽，還得摒息拜佛，可謂非常難受。可是所有戒子們仍抖擻精神，難忍能忍，毫不退卻，拜完全程；其精進精神，令人感佩！
維那師們輪流上陣，以不同調子唱誦；其旋律之莊嚴優美，足以震聾發聵。今年參加的，西方人和以英語為母語的人士，比往年要多；足見「懺悔則安樂」，此法門亦逐漸被西方人認同，這真是佛教修行中很重要的一環。為利佛法在西方大行其盛，希望有人發心將《佛說佛名經》譯成英文；讓〈萬佛寶懺〉與〈慈悲三昧水懺〉、〈藥師懺〉和〈梁皇寶懺〉等，將來都能在法總的道場，一一被介紹給西方人。(按：圓滿日晚間的大眾心得感應報告中，有一西方女戒子提到已經有人發願要將佛名經翻成英文。)
拜懺期間，早晚課因為人數多，造成繞佛的困難；隊伍繞行至「延生堂」及「祖師殿」，再折返佛殿，三處連成一氣，如此方才完成。晴日時，晚課則在佛殿外繞念；滿城絢麗多姿的花朵，隨著微風輕輕搖曳，流芳四溢的同時，彷彿也在念佛、念法、念僧。
每天午齋時，都播放上人有關「萬佛寶懺」的開示；晚間聽經時間，聽完上人錄音帶開示，也有法師和佛友說法；大眾還觀賞了一片溫哥華「金佛寺」新製作的光碟片「我從虛空來」，內容是介紹上人的生平與行誼。
 宣公上人涅槃十週年法會，於六月十二日上午六時五十分，以三步一拜的朝山活動首先展開；參加人數約一百五十人，朝山者齊心禮拜，動作整齊，音聲令聞者不禁肅然起敬，更發菩提心！早上八點卅分，法會在大帳蓬開始；接著禮拜上人、繞舍利塔，然後是佛前大供。大供共計備有108道佳餚名點，超過千五百位四眾弟子，以最虔敬心，在佛前大傳供；全場秩序井然，氣氛莊嚴。參加者非常誠心，許多甚至於與上人緣慳一面，全憑著對他老人家的信心與景仰，而來禮敬；事後，有人表示見到圓光，有人見到上人跏趺坐在佛前。
午後的三皈五戒在佛殿舉行，男女眾約有五、六十人，或新成三寶弟子，或續受五戒；可謂在菩提道上，更邁進一步。放生儀式則是在「福居樓」後的空地舉行，見到奪籠而出的鳥禽重獲自由而振翅高飛，大眾無不滿心歡喜。
在拜懺期間，廚房工作人員並未增加；為供應齋飯，每日全天候服務；而為準備紀念法會的傳供佳餚與大眾食物，更是連日起早貪黑，忙得不亦樂乎！典座法師設想周到的座桌與供菜方式，確實造福大眾，免除大眾等待取食之苦，功不可沒。
歲月如梭，上人涅槃匆匆已十年；而弟子對上人的懷念，不曾或減，回「家」來禮敬我們慈悲的大家長的，反逐年增加。這場如法的佛事，終於在大眾法喜充滿中圓滿結束了；未結束的是：上人弘法利生的精神與志願，仍待四眾弟子努力發揚；未來譯經、教育與建設的工作，仍需四眾弟子精誠團結！
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Due to the large numbers of people, the Buddha Hall and the Patriarch Hall were both packed. Two speakers were installed in each location so everyone could hear the Buddhas’ names clearly. The Repentance before Ten Thousand Buddha consists of bowing to the
Sutra of Buddhas’ Names Spoken by the Buddha. There are more than 11,000 Buddhas in this Sutra. The ceremony started at 7:00 a.m. every day with the offering of flowers, the making of great vows, and then bowing to five hundred some Buddhas each day. In the afternoon the assembly goes to the Rebirth Hall to do the transference ceremony and then back to the Buddha Hall to read and chant the Section 9, which describes the past deeds of those great Bodhisattvas who renounced their wealth, their family, parts of their bodies such as their hands or eyes, or their lives. This section of text can really inspire beings in the Dharma Ending Age to cultivate. The repentance ceremony ended at 5 p.m. each day That is the annual trademark CTTB Dharma session for the first half year. The participants are very sincere and articles of their responses and insights will be published in future issues.
Since the Repentance took place during the training period for the upcoming Threefold Ordination, the preceptees participated in the whole session. Due to the fluctuating weather, nearly everyone came down with the flu; only one female preceptee was spared. Despite having a hard time trying to suppress their high fevers and coughing so they could continue bowing, the preceptees stayed in good spirits and endured the unbearable—they were not daunted in the least and managed to finish the whole session. Their vigor is truly admirable!
The cantors took turns and recited using different tunes. Their solemn and beautiful chanting could have resonated with and inspired even the deaf. There were more Westerners and English-speaking participants this year, indicating that Westerners are gradually accepting this practice, and also showing that “upon repenting of one’s offenses, one will be peaceful and happy again.”
This is a very important practice in Buddhism. To facilitate the spread of Buddhism in the West, we hope someone will translate the
Sutra of the Buddhas’ Names Spoken by the Buddha into English, so that it, along with the Repentance of the Water of the Samadhi of Kindness & Compassion, Medicine Master’s Repentance, and Emperor Liang’s Jeweled Repentance, can be introduced to Westerners at the monasteries of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. [Note: Actually on the evening that the Repentance concluded when people were sharing their insights and experiences, a Western preceptee mentioned that someone has already vowed to translate this Sutra into English.]
During the Repentance, the large number of participants made it difficult to circumambulate in the Buddha Hall during the morning and evening recitations. Thus people filed to the Long Life Hall and the Patriarch Hall, then returned to Buddha Hall to finish the circumambulation. On sunny days, during the evening recitation, the assembly circumambulated outside the Buddha Hall, in the open air. The blooming flowers gently danced in the evening breeze, their scent perfuming the air as they seemed to chant the Buddha’s name along with the assembly, while being mindful of the Dharma and the Sangha.
During lunch, the Venerable Master’s instructions on the Repentance before Ten Thousand Buddhas were broadcast in the Dining Hall. In the evening sutra lecture, after listening to the Venerable Master’s sutra explanations, Dharma Masters and laypeople spoke Dharma too. We also watched a new DVD titled “I came from empty space” made by Gold Buddha Monastery in Vancouver, Canada. The DVD gave a brief introduction to the Venerable Master’s life.
The Ceremony Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Venerable Master Hua’s Nirvana started at 6:50 a.m. on June 12th with a three-steps-one-bow pilgrimage. About 150 people bowed sincerely and stayed in neat formation. Their voices inspired passersby and listeners to bring for the
bodhi resolve. The Ceremony started at 8:30 a.m. in the big tent, and consisted of bowing to the Venerable Master, circumambulating the Sharira Tower, and performing the Passing of Offerings, in which 108 offerings were sincerely passed around by more than 1,500 disciples. Although many of the participants had never met the Master, they still came to pay their respects out of faith and admiration! Some said they saw a circular light or the Venerable Master sitting in full lotus in front of the Buddha.
The Transmission of the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts was held in the Buddha Hall in the afternoon. Nearly sixty people either became new disciples of the Triple Jewel, or received the Five Precepts, taking a big step forward on the Path to Bodhi! The Liberating Life Ceremony concluded near the Tower of Blessings building. It is always a joyful sight to see the caged birds fly out to freedom with wings flapping.
The number of people working in the kitchen did not increase during the Repentance. The staff worked day and night to serve three full meals a day and prepare the dishes for the Passing of Offerings Ceremony. The kitchen manager designed a new method of serving meals and a new seating arrangement, which makes it possible for everyone to get the food right away and not have to wait in line.
Time flies! It’s already been ten years since the Venerable Master entered Nirvana. His disciples’ fond memories of him have not diminished; on the contrary, the people who return “home” to pay their respects to this great Father have grown over the years. Although the Ceremony ended with the assembly filled with Dharma joy, there is no end to the Venerable Master’s spirit and determination to propagate the Dharma and benefit beings. This spirit will rely on the fourfold assembly’s efforts to sustain, and the future work of translation, education and construction will hinge on their sincerity and unity!
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