To celebrate the birthday of Medicine Buddha, the Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple held the “Medicine Buddha Dharma Service and Mindfulness Health Day” on November 16, with over 200 participants. The day’s cultivation centered on the theme of “Combining Action with Concentration.” The morning session featured Buddha image tracing and 3D puzzle assembly to foster awareness through action, while the afternoon was dedicated to sutra chanting and learning about inner strength and mindfulness through the Dharma.
During the morning session, Venerable Miao Wei guided the Buddha image tracing, reminding participants that the focus of practice is not the artistic quality of the drawing, but whether one maintains awareness and concentration with every stroke. She noted that if one only seeks to finish the task, it becomes difficult to develop a consistent habit of mindfulness. Head Priest Venerable Yung Han led a “Meditation in Motion” session using 3D puzzles of the FGS Main Shrine. She emphasized that spiritual practice should be “refined through action and nurtured in stillness,” using the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness” to guide the assembly in stabilizing their bodies and minds.
Steve Haverkos, Superintendent of the BLIA Chicago Chapter, described the power of collective cultivation as a radiance that shines like Buddha’s light. Dr. Meng-Shuo Shen, a pediatrician, shared that research indicates cancer patients who incorporate mindfulness practice show better physical and psychological indicators than those receiving only conventional treatment. This confirms that practices such as sutra chanting and Buddha’s name recitation can enhance the well-being of people today. Participant Hai Yin shared the insight that “when affairs do not enter the mind, illness does not enter the body,” while Hui Wang spoke from personal experience on how mindfulness meditation, a light diet, and professional medical treatment complement one another.
From the focus required in tracing and the awareness in movement to the wisdom gained from the scriptures, the entire day’s program returned to the core theme of “Physical and Mental Health.” Between moments of movement and stillness, the participants found stability and strength, experiencing methods of self-healing and clarity within the great vows and light of Medicine Buddha.