Spring Avatamsaka Sutra Recitation and Cultivation Dharma Service for Ching Ming
Ching Ming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) is a traditional Chinese Memorial Day to commemorate the deceased family members and friends. Accordingly, ABLS will host the “Spring Avatamsaka Sutra Recitation and Cultivation Dharma Service for Ching Ming”, continuing our One-Month Intensive Practice schedule (please refer to the attached timetable for details). The practice will take place from March 22 to April 19, 2026. Each evening session will include the recitation of one chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra. On April 17 at 4:00 PM, the Liturgy of Medicine Buddha will be held to pray for the health, longevity, and prosperity of the living. On April 18 at 4:30 PM, the Liturgy of Amidabha Buddha will be conducted to transfer merits to the deceased, with the aspiration that they may be freed from suffering and attain rebirth in the Pure Land. On April 19, the final day of the program, the Dedication of Merits will be held, followed by the burning of Ching Ming blessing tablets.
Every Sunday (9:00 – 15:30), all are cordially invited to join us inside the Buddha Hall without the need for prior appointments. For those planning to stay for the afternoon service, we offer a complimentary lunch. Please bring your lunch box and utensils.
Additionally, from Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 – 16:00), visitors are welcome to come inside the Buddha Hall on their own. Evening Liturgy (16:00 – 17:00) is open for participation from Monday to Saturday.
Please note that the lecture series Understanding Buddhist Precepts will be held every Saturday from 14:00 to 16:00 on the 2nd floor of the Buddha Hall, beginning March 14. The lecture series A Concise Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenmentwill be held every Tuesday from 19:00 to 21:00 via Zoom, beginning March 31. Expounding on the Inquiry of the Bodhisattvas Chapter from the Avatamsaka Sutra continues to be hosted on ZOOM, as before.
For those wish to make offerings to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, support the temple, make light offerings, or set up blessing plates for the living or the deceased, feel free to register in person or call the office (408-942-0874) during our regular hours (9:30 – 16:00 Tuesday to Sunday). Alternatively, you can send your requests by mail, email at info@huayenusa.org ,or reach out to us through our official website at https://www.huayenusa.org/contact-us. We will be glad to be of further assistance.
Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva’s Birthday Celebration Dharma Service
On April 5, 2026 (Sunday), ABLS will observe the Birthday of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva. The celebration will commence at 9 AM with the Liturgy of Guanyin Bodhisattva, where the assembly will recite the Avalokiteshvara Mantra (incantation), Heart Sutra, Universal Gate Sutra. Following this, Abbess Ven. Tian He, will provide an insightful introduction to the practice of Guan Yin Dharma. The Food Offering Ceremony will be conducted at noon. Resuming at 1:30 PM, participants will engage in the chanting of the Cundī Sutra, Cundī Mantra, followed by Eighty-Eight Buddha Repentance, and Meng Shan Food Bestowal Ceremony.
Bathing the Buddha Celebration Dharma Service
On May 24, 2026 (Sunday), ABLS will host a gathering to celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha’s birthday. Starting at 9 AM, there will be the Shurangama Mantra (incantation) Chanting and the Liturgy of Shakyamuni Buddha. Abbess Ven. Tian He will then offer an insightful introduction to Shakyamuni Buddha’s practice and aspirations. The Food Offering Ceremony is scheduled for noon. Resuming at 1:30 PM, the assembly will engage in the chanting of the Aspiration of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra and Avatamsaka Syllabary. For evening recitation, there will be Eighty-Eight Buddha Repentance, Meng Shan Food Bestowal Ceremony and dedication of merits to all.
