Light Transference Ceremony 传灯 2010

This year, I changed venue again for the Light Transference Ceremony. :-)
Every temple has its own culture of conducting the ceremony.
To cool the excited lot, Venerable Bodhi wanted us to start the ceremony with 3 deep breathe to settle down our mind &
Yes, we were led by the Venerables to sing the all favourite tune of Om Mani Padme Hum & Namo Shakyamuni Buddha using the Liang Huang Bao Chan's lively tune. :-)

Next, Venerable explained the meaning of the ceremony (Pardon is sought for any incompleteness or wrong recall) :
Besides what we always know that Light represents Wisdom that dispels darkness of ignorance, a lighted lamp also gives out Warmth just like Warmth that we experience from the Compassion of the Buddha.

Light & Warmth from the Lamp/candle radiates just like Wisdom & Compassion of the Buddha.

They remind us of the qualities of Buddha & again, we are to learn from Him & apply in our daily lives.
How? One with wisdom & compassion will try to achieve Win-Win situation in our daily tasks.

Without wisdom, we may just always think that our views are always the best & ignore others';
Without compassion, we do not put ourselves in others' situation & may just carry out things only to our advantage & harm others to achieve our objectives.

However, it doesn't mean we have to be submissive & give way everytime without thought as that is just suppressing ourselves and unhappiness will eventually erupt.

A person with wisdom & compassion will strive to always review the situation and be receptive to ideas for evaluation & to put oneself in another 's shoes to evaluate what's the best way that objectives are achieved & both sides are happy.

Another valuable lesson learnt!
May All have the Wisdom & Compassion to live our daily lives.
May All Be Well & Happy! :-)

Light Transference Ceremony 传灯

According to the Singapore Buddhist HandBook, devotees hold a lighted candle after sunset, as they pace around the perimeter of a temple or a holy object in walking meditation in this ceremony. Mantras or Buddha's name are chanted while doing so. The ceremony represents the passing of the light of wisdom (sharing of truth) to every direction of the world to dispel the darkness of ignorance. On a personal level, it has the significance of lighting one's inner lamp of wisdom...

Light Tranference Ceremony at Singapore Buddhist Lodge

Devotees offering lights to the Buddha at end of ceremony

Reflection of Standing Amitabha Buddha with interior of Main Shrine

It is a wonderful evening with good weather for the ceremony. Also unique chance to have above 2 pictures taken of the Buddha with the 2 banners reflecting His name: "Amitabha Buddha" and reflection of "Compassion Light radiates" :-)