On the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, known as the "Buddha's Joyful Day," the southern Shaolin Temple in Putian resounds with clear chimes and the sound of Sanskrit music, solemnly initiating the construction of the Yulan Basin Offering and the Three Time Sutra Ceremony. Good faith lay people from all over the world gathered in the the Shakya ManiHall to attend this grand gathering of filial piety and gratitude.
At around 9am, the Ullambana Offering Ceremony officially began. On the altar of the the Shakya ManiHall, there are five flavors, five fruits, clean bowls, fragrant lanterns and candles on display. Master Yancheng, the main monk, put on clothes and held equipment, and led two groups of people to devoutly recite the "Buddha Speaks on the Book of Ullambana". The sound of sutras resounded loudly throughout the hall, and the disciples knelt down and bowed obediently, confessing their parents' karma with the utmost respect and offering sacrifices to the merits of the monks from all directions. They returned to their parents in this world for blessings, longevity, and peace, and the seven generations of ancestors were able to overcome hardships and find happiness.
At 14:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., the meditation and transcendence meeting was held in the the Shakya ManiHall. Vena raised his voice, and the clear and distant chanting of Sanskrit began. The crowd followed the text and recited the name of Buddha according to the Amitabha Sutra, praying and repenting. The ceremony is divided into three parts, and the master monk teaches the deceased the principle of "the three no differences among sentient beings of the heart and Buddha", urging them to let go of their obsession, believe in happiness in their hearts, and live in a pure land.
The entire ceremony will last until evening, and the monks and laypeople will devoutly focus on practicing merit and returning to the sentient beings in the Dharma realm throughout the day. Through this unique opportunity, I pray for the benefits of both the underworld and the sun, and together we will attain enlightenment.
