Sutra Transcription and Gratitude: Fo Guang Shan Chicago Celebrates 60th Anniversary and Mother’s Day
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of Fo Guang Shan, the Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple hosted a Sutra Transcription Dharma Service on May 10, Mother’s Day. Through sutra transcription, group cultivation, and expressions of gratitude, the assembly prayed for social harmony and world peace.
In her spiritual message, Abbess Venerable Yong Han pointed out that sutra transcription is not only a personal practice but also an important way to show gratitude for the Buddha’s blessings and to honor Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She added that the collective merit would be dedicated to all mothers as a gesture of filial gratitude. To begin the service, the assembly listened to a recorded lecture by Venerable Master Hsing Yun on the essentials of the Heart Sutra. Guided by Venerable Yong Han and Venerable Miao Wei, devotees then focused mindfully on transcribing the sacred text. With every stroke of the pen, they settled their minds, experienced the tranquility of the Dharma flowing into their hearts, and dedicated the merits toward global stability and the well-being of all sentient beings.
The subsequent group cultivation service saw the assembly prayerfully chanting sutras and reciting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “A Prayer for Our Mothers” in both English and Chinese. Accompanied by the Sounds of the Human World song “A Life of Gratitude,” they prayed for the Buddha’s blessings upon all mothers, wishing them freedom from illness and affliction, as well as longevity, health, and joy.
The concluding segment of the event unfolded in the spirit of “Zen in motion.” The temple screened an animated short film titled Ten Things Mom Says Most Often, which used everyday moments to depict the selfless and profound nature of maternal love, moving many attendees to tears. Afterward, the atmosphere shifted from emotional to joyful with interactive games like rock stacking, a 60th-anniversary puzzle challenge, and a ping-pong ball catching game. Guided by Venerable Yong Han, children pinned “Best Mom” brooches onto their mothers, and husbands pinned “Best Wife” brooches onto their spouses, honoring and thanking the women who anchor their families.
To wrap up the event, the assembly offered lamps before the Buddha to pray for blessings. Venerable Yong Han and Venerable Miao Wei then personally presented carnations to every mother, bringing the celebration to a close amid warm and auspicious blessings.