Mr. Paul wrote to us:
To the City and the World:
Buumon Temple Blossoms Again for the Community
What I saw when I arrived at the Temple in Port Arthur opened my eyes wide. I had to keep them wide open for the next three days to take in all of the visual stimulation from the gardens and the friendly throngs who came to see them.
From the beginning of the Wesak ceremony; when the seventy monks and nuns came into the main sala to the accompaniment of loud gongs and a voice announced in stentorian tones each of their names and titles; my senses were completely taken up with the event. The quality of the energy present in the room; the sound, color and movement, all made an impression that I can still see in my mind’s eye. It is unforgettable.
As impressive as the sights and sounds were, they must be seen in light of the equally commendable and impressive work of scores of Temple and community volunteers who donated countless hours of hard work and energy to make the event the tremendous success it was.
The Wesak ceremony has a profound Buddhist celebratory and symbolic meaning. Coming as it did after the destruction and demoralization that followed the hurricane Rita; it also stands as a symbol of the indomitable spirit and energy of the people of all faiths who live in this Gulf community.
The participation in the Wesak celebration of representatives of different faith traditions and of political and judicial offices also showed a cooperative spirit the community can call upon as needs arise.
I would like to say a few words about the venerable ordained female and male Sangha members who were present. These gloriously robed figures were impressive as they entered the room not only because of the bright colors of their robes and the dignity of their carriage. They came one day, lent their spiritual energy to the event and left the next day. This is a tremendous logistical feat both for them and the Temple. And it was worth it. To paraphrase Bhikkhu Bodhi: They represent the Third Jewel of Buddhism necessary for the complete transmission of the Dhamma. They wear the robe of the Buddha and obey the rules of the monastic code. They symbolically represent the ideal of complete renunciation, and may be seen as a reflection of “Nirvana in the midst of Samsara”. The monk’s life points others in the direction of renunciation and eventual liberation. And, they are “the field of merit for the world’, which enables devout lay people to acquire the merit that supports their search for Nirvana.
I feel very fortunate to have participated in the religious and community energies of the Wesak celebration.
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