
2022 Annual Lamp Offering
Kindle the light before the Buddha,
Extinguish the burning in your heart,
With Great Perfect Wisdom, I vow
To shine on all that is dark.
有智慧的人,就能照破愚癡黑暗。所謂「千年暗室,一燈即破」,不是以電燈來照破黑暗,而是以智慧之燈照破愚癡迷惘。佛法告訴我們,心就是法界,心黑暗,整個法界都黑暗。善與惡都在這念心,只要念頭一轉、心燈一照,過去幾十年、幾百年、幾千年的黑暗立刻消失得無影無蹤。
“A room lies in darkness for a thousand years; a single light dispels its darkness in an instant." The wise are able to shatter the darkness of ignorance and confusion, not by an electrical lamp, but by the light of wisdom. The Buddha Dharma teaches us that our mind is the Dharma Realm; a dark mindset fills the entire Dharma Realm with darkness. There is both good and evil in our mind; however, within a single thought, the mind is enlightened, and the darkness of tens, hundreds and even thousands of years will be dispelled without a trace.
惟覺安公老和尚法語Wisdom Words from Grand Master Weichueh
Lighting the lamp signifies enlightenment and wisdom. Offering the lamp to the Buddha not only honors the Buddha, but also helps us to awaken our luminous Buddha nature. With the Buddha’s wisdom and merits lighting our way on the Path, may we realize the Bodhisattva’s spirit within ourselves and illumine all those around us.
According to the Buddhist scriptures, one can obtain many benefits by making a Buddha lamp offering: good health, clarity of vision, purity of mind, freedom from fear and worries, patience and gentleness, perfection of wisdom, extinction of ignorance, and attainment of Buddhahood.
We may also dedicate the merits towards harmony in the home, peace in the world, and enlightenment to all. You can light a lamp in your name (or a name of your choice) for a period of one year. This is a great opportunity for us to clear away karmic obstacles, support the precious teaching of the Dharma, and honor the Buddha. Let us all participate in this illuminating and worthy endeavor.
If you would like to register for Lamp Offering for the year of 2022 (from Jan.1, 2022 thru Dec. 31, 2022), please fill the registration form below, or contact us via email: buddhajewel@ctzen.org.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization. All classes and events are free of charge. Your generous donation is tax deductible and will help us serve the community better. A receipt will be mailed or handed to you promptly. Thank you for your support.