According to what is explained at the poster found at kmspks, which is adapted from the book of "Be A Lamp Upon Yourself": "In this ceremony, the devotees usually line up before sunrise to meditatively circumambulate the perimeter of the temple, bowing once every 3 steps, while chanting mantras or the name of the Buddha in praise of Him.Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualised to stand before one's palms, which open to receive His teachings.
The open palms also symbolises lotuses (our minds) blossoming into purity. (Though lotus flowers' roots are in the "mud of defilements", they blossom untainted.)
Every prostration is thus the paying of respects to the Buddha (or the countless buddhas & Bodhisattvas).
This practice helps to purify the mind, humble the ego, and lessen obstacles along the spiritual path as one repents past misdeeds and aspires towards spiritual improvement.
With mindfulness of one's body, speech, and mind during the practice, concentration and calmness can be attained.
As the ceremony is long, it reminds one of the long and difficult journey towards Enlightenment. But it also serves to remind us that as long as we are determined, all difficulties can be overcomed. Perseverance in completing the practice despite its difficulties also helps to strengthen our faith in the Buddha and His teachings to lead us towards Enlightenment.
The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one advances on the journey towards Enlightenment."
For past years, I had always attended the Light Transference Ceremony at Spore Buddhist Lodge , however, this year, I attended kmspks' which was held on a weekend, if that is similar route for 3 Steps 1 Bow Ceremony, it is really indeed challenging.
For the simplier ceremony of Light Transference, the feeling is already "great", I can now better appreciate if the right mindset could be adopted as per explained for the ceremony, the X-factor that attract people attend the ceremony year after year...Amituofo...
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*3 Step 1 Bow Ceremony*
In this ceremony, the devotees usually line up before sunrise to meditatively circumambulate the perimeter of the temple, bowing once every 3 steps, while chanting mantras or the name of the Buddha in praise of him. Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualised to stand before one's palms, which open to receive his teachings. The open palms also symbolises lotuses (our minds) blossoming into purity. (Though lotus flowers' roots are in the "mud of defilements", they blossom untainted.)
Every prostration is thus the paying of respects to the Buddha (or the countless Buddhas & Bodhisattvas). This practice helps to purify the mind, humble the ego, and lessen obstacles along the spiritual path as one repents past misdeeds and aspires towards spiritual improvement. With mindfulness of one's body, speech, and mind during the practice, concentration and calmness can be attained.
As the ceremony is long, it reminds one of the long and difficult journey towards Enlightenment. But it also serves to remind us that as long as we are determined, all difficulties can be overcome. Perseverance in completing the practice despite its difficulties also helps to strengthen our faith in the Buddha and his teachings to lead us towards Enlightenment. The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one advances on the journey towards Enlightenment.
🙏Amituofo🙏
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