Qing Ming Filial Gratitude Ceremony
清明孝親感恩法會

The Qing Ming Festival (清明節) is synonymous with the observance of All Soul’s Day in Philippines. It is a traditional Chinese activity, which falls sometime in April, when people and their families sweep the tomb of deceased relatives, or dedicate a memorial ceremony for them.

Every year, Ocean Sky observes the Qing Ming Festival by promoting the spirit of filial piety, and holding a gratitude memorial ceremony for all our ancestors. This year, 2012, The Sutra on the Profound Kindness of Parents and the Difficulty in Repaying Them (佛說父母恩重難報經) was chanted. All merits earned were dedicated to our deceased loved ones, so that they could eradicate their karmic obstacles in whatever realms they are in, be free from suffering, and realize their True Minds. This is the true Buddhist way of observing Qing Ming.

Mother’s Day Celebration 母親節

In Ocean Sky, Mother’s Day, which is the 2nd Sunday of May, always falls around the time of the Bodhi Star Summer Camp. So, every year, the celebration of mother’s love and sacrifice is held together with the Summer Camp completion ceremony. This year, 2012, the Bodhi Stars chanted The Sutra on the Profound Kindness of Parents and the Difficulty in Repaying Them (佛說父母恩重難報經), as an offering of thankfulness to all the parents who attended the completion ceremony with their children.

After the chanting, the children led their mothers to take a seat in front of the Chan Hall, offered their summer camp works of art as gifts, and then lovingly fed their moms chocolate cookies. After the simple ceremony, mother and child openly exchanged messages with each other. With the impromptu expressions of love and support, not a few dry eyes were left in the Chan Hall. It turned out to be a very meaningful celebration of Mother’s Day.