Nan Hua Temple recently hosted a refuge-and precepts-taking ceremony for the 18 new devotees who decided to dedicate themselves to the beliefs of Buddhism. The masters at the temple were touched by the enthusiasm of the new devotees and organised this ceremony especially for them, so that they can become Buddhists under Fo Guang Shan (Taiwan-based parent organization of Nan Hua Temple).
Before the ceremony, a Buddhist master explained to the devotees what it means to take refuge in the Triple Gem (or Three Refuges: Buddha, Dharma & Sangha) and follow the Five Precepts (Buddhist Code of Ethics. commitments to abstain from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication, and also some of the other disciplines relating to Buddhism. The prestigious ceremony then began with the abbot of the temple, Venerable Master Hui Fang, taking the devotees through the vows and other rituals that represent spiritual purity and enlightenment.
Among the new devotees were five South Africans who have been participating in the Buddhism Courses that are offered by the Pu Jue Temple in Johannesburg – a branch of the Nan Hua Temple. Other new devotees were all members of the Johannesburgdivision of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) - a community of all devotees who took refuge under Fo Guang Shan.
Lee, one of the new devotees, said: “I want to learn more about myself through the teachings of Buddhism and by following of the precepts, to help me lead a more peaceful & happy life, so that I can spread happiness to everyone around me.”
Among the new devotees were five South Africans who have been participating in the Buddhism Courses that are offered by the Pu Jue Temple in Johannesburg – a branch of the Nan Hua Temple. Other new devotees were all members of the Johannesburgdivision of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) - a community of all devotees who took refuge under Fo Guang Shan.
Lee, one of the new devotees, said: “I want to learn more about myself through the teachings of Buddhism and by following of the precepts, to help me lead a more peaceful & happy life, so that I can spread happiness to everyone around me.”
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