Joyful Gathering for Dragon Boat Festival

On Sunday, June 1st, 2025, 108 Dharma friends gathered at DAMI Long Island Temple to joyfully celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. Many parents brought their children to join the festivities. The Venerable Abbot of the temple personally selected gifts for the little ones, whose radiant smiles and innocent laughter added warmth and delight to the solemn occasion.

Following the purification ceremony held the previous day, the temple was bathed in golden sunlight. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, with clouds gently drifting overhead. Cameras captured countless orbs—some dazzlingly white, others like golden disks, densely scattered and too numerous to count. It felt as if the human world had transformed into a pure land, filled with the blessings and joyful energy of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

The temple radiated the essence of a pure land—lush greenery, blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze created an atmosphere of serenity and harmony. The air was infused with sacred joy, as if one had stepped into a realm untouched by worldly worries.

A solemn Haiqing Robe Ceremony was also held. In Buddhist tradition, the Haiqing (sea-blue robe) symbolizes both reverence and disciplined practice. Ancient monastic communities likened the robe to the vast ocean: “Hai” (sea) represents the boundless and inclusive, and “Qing” (blue) symbolizes deep cultivation and refinement. Receiving a Haiqing is considered a rare and precious blessing from lifetimes of cultivation. Many young practitioners were fortunate to receive a robe this time, and they were reminded to cherish this rare opportunity.

Later, the Circumambulation of the Buddha began. The procession stretched across half the temple’s courtyard, with Dharma friends respectfully walking in unison. With each step and every recitation of the Buddha’s name, the entire temple was immersed in the luminous radiance and compassion of the Buddhas.

At noon, a warm and comforting lunch was served. Steamed buns, fresh fruits, and vegetables delighted everyone’s palate. Some attendees shared that the taste reminded them of meals from 30 years ago—familiar, fragrant, and full of heartfelt memories. Before eating, all joined in chanting to express gratitude, bringing a sense of calm and clarity to the body and mind, and nurturing both blessings and wisdom.

After lunch, five young Dharma practitioners voluntarily served as tour guides, leading fellow attendees through various parts of the temple—from the front courtyard to the inner halls, from meditation rooms to garden spaces. Every brick and tree, every corner of the temple, was brought to life through their detailed and heartfelt narration. They shared not only the history and spiritual significance of each space but also their own personal stories of building and growing with the temple alongside the Venerable Abbot and volunteer community. Towering cypress trees, flourishing ginkgo groves, apple and persimmon trees heavy with fruit—autumn promises a bountiful harvest. Inside, murals of the Pure Land, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Great Compassion Mantra, the Auspicious Sutra, and the Ten Small Mantras brought to life a realm of tranquility and sacredness.

Their words, filled with sincerity and love, were more than just explanations—they were expressions of responsibility and belonging. One visitor remarked with admiration:

“What impressed me most were the young Buddhist disciples. They generously and enthusiastically introduced every corner of the temple. Through them, I saw hope, courage, and the strength to carry forward the Dharma. Their dedication made me reflect on the opportunities for practice I once missed.”

This day of collective practice was more than just a festive gathering—it was a historic moment. The temple’s flourishing state stands as a powerful declaration:
The shadows that once tested our faith will eventually dissipate.
The obstacles that once resisted the path will inevitably fade.
This reunion is a symbol of triumph and a profound affirmation of the Dharma’s continuity.
From enduring decades of trials to carrying forward a lineage that spans millennia, this sacred land now firmly bears the weight of faith and the foundation of spiritual cultivation.

Even as time flows on,
the beauty of this place endures—
and the spirit here remains forever young.

May we diligently cultivate virtue, concentration, and wisdom. Let us treasure this precious time, honor the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and walk the path with no regrets—for our youth, our faith in the Dharma, and the Triple Gem