In celebration of Amitabha Buddha’s birthday, Fo Guang Shan Chicago held an “Amitabha Dharma Service” on January 4, 2026, with over 160 participants attending. Amidst the solemn chanting of the Buddha’s name, the assembly collectively expressed gratitude for Amitabha Buddha’s compassionate vows.
To prepare for this auspicious day, volunteers meticulously decorated the shrine, hanging banners featuring Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy of Amitabha Buddha and setting up a symbolic lotus pond. During the service, the assembly recited the Amitabha Sutra, complemented by meditation and silent chanting, focusing on the sacred name of Amitabha Buddha to experience the clarity and peace of the Pure Land practice.
Buddhist scriptures state: “Reciting the Buddha’s name once can extinguish sins as numerous as the sands of the Ganges; prostrating once can increase immeasurable blessings.” The core of the service was to honor the Great Vows of Dharmakara Bhikkhu, who achieved the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, opening the door to liberation for all beings. Head Priest Venerable Yung Han led the assembly in reading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “A Prayer to Amitabha Buddha” and Master Lianchi’s “Western Land Vow of Aspiration,” praying for the removal of afflictions and the attainment of enlightenment. The temple also specially prepared “Compassion Buns” for the community lunch, honoring the FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s compassionate wish for everyone to be well-fed.
During the final session in the afternoon, the Head Priest gave a talk on the structure and meaning of the Amitabha Sutra. She explained that the phrase “Thus have I heard” represents the authentic transmission of the Buddha’s teachings and described the Pure Land as a place where the landscape itself proclaims the Dharma. Furthermore, she referenced Japanese research on water crystals to encourage the integration of “Dharma in Daily Life,” using a pure mind to address afflictions. She reminded the assembly that rebirth in the Pure Land requires good roots, blessings, and causal connections, emphasizing that the “dedication of merit” is an indispensable part of cultivation.
In the sharing session, youth member Bo-Qiao Wang expressed gratitude for the causes and conditions that allowed her to participate in the service in the United States. She noted that chanting brought her inner stability, evoking the peace and happiness of visiting temples during her childhood. Xiao-Kai Chen shared that following the monastics in chanting and meditation made him feel physically and mentally at ease. Kevin Fung particularly thanked the temple for its simultaneous translation services, which enabled those from different linguistic backgrounds to hear the Dharma. Phoebe Cai and Undarmaa praised the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, which made them feel at home. Finally, Fo Guang Shan Chicago announced that the “Approaching the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas” course series will begin on January 11, encouraging BLIA officers to continue their diligent practice.