Thousand Buddhas Dharma Assembly(Temple Retreat)

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Thousand Buddhas Dharma Assembly(Temple Retreat)

February 21 @ 8:00 am - March 23 @ 5:00 pm

Thousand Buddhas Dharma Assembly

  • Date: February 21–23, 2024 (Wednesday to Friday)
  • Location: Mahayana Temple Retreat
    710 Ira Vail Rd, Leeds, NY 12451

Repentance Through the Thousand Buddhas: Purification and Merit Accumulation

The practice of paying homage to the Thousand Buddhas is a profound Dharma method that enables practitioners to repent for past misdeeds, purify negative karma, and accumulate immeasurable merit through the recitation of the sacred names of the Thousand Buddhas. As stated in the Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas, “Unwavering in repentance, one shall surely attain Nirvana.” This reminds us that, through sincere repentance and diligent practice, we can transcend the binding forces of karma and move toward liberation.

From time immemorial, sentient beings have been trapped in the cycle of suffering due to ignorance and the accumulation of impure karma. Through the power of venerating and reciting the names of the Thousand Buddhas, we can rely on the infinite compassion and wisdom of the Buddhas to resolve the entanglements of karma. Moreover, by making vows to abandon wrongdoing and cultivate virtue, we open the path to enlightenment. The Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas highlights that hearing the names of the Buddhas inspires diligence and liberates beings from the sea of suffering, freeing them from envy, attachment, and worldly distractions to achieve inner peace and clarity.

The Profound Merit of the Thousand Buddhas Repentance

The Buddha taught, “One recitation of the Buddha’s name increases immeasurable blessings; one prostration eradicates sins as vast as the sands of the Ganges.” This teaching emphasizes the boundless merit of venerating the Buddhas. When faithful practitioners sincerely pay homage to the Three Jewels and recite the names of the Buddhas, they can dissolve countless lifetimes of karmic afflictions and accumulate immense merit and wisdom. A single Buddha name or prostration can eliminate karma as vast as the sands of the Ganges; how much more significant is the merit when collectively reciting and prostrating before the Thousand Buddhas?

Participating in the Thousand Buddhas Repentance ceremony brings countless benefits: the removal of karmic obstacles, the growth of merit and wisdom, clarity of mind, and the resolution of afflictions. It also facilitates physical and emotional healing, harmonious relationships, family well-being, safety in daily life, and the fulfillment of aspirations. This is not only a purification of body and mind but also a profound connection with the Buddhas.

The Background and Significance of the Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas

The Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas, also known as the Compilation of the Supreme Merits of All Buddhas, was translated during the Liang Dynasty (502–557 CE). It includes three primary scriptures: The Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas of the Adornment Kalpa of the Past, The Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas of the Auspicious Kalpa of the Present, and The Sutra of the Thousand Buddhas of the Constellation Kalpa of the Future.

The sutra enumerates the names of Buddhas from the past, present, and future, encouraging practitioners to engage in repentance and to accumulate virtuous deeds. Its core teaching is that reciting the names of the Buddhas inspires sincere repentance, helping practitioners attain the boundless lifespan and infinite merits akin to those of Amitabha Buddha. The sutra serves as a guide for practitioners to purify karma, develop virtue, and move closer to liberation.

The Purpose and Aspirations of the Ceremony

The Thousand Buddhas Repentance ceremony is not merely a ritual but a rare and precious opportunity for practitioners to connect deeply with the Dharma. Through this practice, participants purify their inner defilements, release worldly attachments, and pray for the blessings of the Buddhas. The ceremony allows practitioners to generate merit and dedicate it to the well-being of all sentient beings, ensuring the endurance of the Dharma in this world.

Through the collective effort of veneration and recitation, we aspire for the Dharma to flourish, karmic afflictions to be eliminated, wisdom and merit to increase, and for the living to find peace and prosperity. We also dedicate merit to the deceased, wishing them liberation from suffering and attainment of rebirth in pure realms.

Such a rare and auspicious opportunity should be cherished by all practitioners. May all who participate in the Thousand Buddhas Repentance ceremony achieve boundless merit, receive the blessings of the Buddhas, be freed from suffering, and gain an increase in wisdom and happiness.

 

Details

Start:
February 21 @ 8:00 am
End:
March 23 @ 5:00 pm

Open Hours

8:30am - 5:30pm EST
Every Day

Contact Us

133 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002
Tel: (212) 925-8787
Extension 110 or 103

2025. All Rights Reserved.

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