The initiation ceremony is an ancient and sacred ritual, used to bestow spiritual power upon something or a certain place, to protect, bless or purify its energy. In traditional Chinese culture, initiation ceremonies are widely used in Buddhism, Taoism and folk beliefs. It embodies a unique religious understanding of life and the universe, and is a form of communication between humans and deities.
In modern society, initiation ceremonies are also applied in business, family and personal contexts.
The following will detail the process of the initiation ceremony.
1. Preparation:
Choosing an Auspicious Day: The temple will select an auspicious day for the consecration, usually during the Buddha's birthday or on important Buddhist festivals, in order to achieve the best auspiciousness.
2. Purification of the Altar:
The venue (the main hall where the ceremony is held) needs to be thoroughly cleaned and arranged in advance. Then, with the help of willow branches, the Great Compassion Water is sprinkled to symbolize purity and solemnity.
3. Preparing the Items:
· Buddha statues / sacred objects: The Buddha statues or sacred items that need to be enshrined are placed in the center of the main hall, covered with red cloth.
· Offerings: Prepare incense, flowers, lamps, water, fruits, etc. for offerings.
· Ritual objects: Prepare symbolic tools such as mirrors, brushes, vermilion, etc.
4. Formal Ritual Texts and Incantations:
This is the most crucial part. The entire process is solemn and respectful, with melodious chanting of Buddhist music.
Invitation (Invitation): The presiding monk leads the monks in chanting sutras, inviting all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and celestial guardians to descend to the assembly hall, offering compassionate blessings.
Chanting of Texts and Incantations (Chanting Sutras and Mantras): The monks chant together (such as the "Heart Sutra", "Great Compassion Mantra", "Ten Lesser Mantras", etc.), using the power of Buddhism to purify and bless the venue and objects.
5. Mirror Reflection:
Using a mirror to reflect natural light onto the face of the Buddha statue symbolizes cleansing away impurities, awakening wisdom and light, and illuminating all beings. It also represents blessings and prayers.
6. Dedication of Merit:
All the merits gained from chanting scriptures and performing rituals are dedicated to all the donors who contributed, participated, and praised sincerely. We pray that everyone may have increased blessings and wisdom, and enjoy good fortune and happiness.
7. After the Ceremony:
Wearing or Enshrining: After the ceremony, your items have been completed with the blessing. Please treat them with reverence:
· Wearing items: Remove them during bathing or sexual activities and place them on a clean elevated surface.
· Enshrined items: Should be placed in a clean and quiet place at home. After the ceremony is initiated and activated, the process of making requests for blessings and wishes can begin. The content of the prayers can be for health and safety, career success, family harmony, and so on. During the process of making requests for blessings and wishes, it is important to sincerely express one's desires while also having an attitude of gratitude.
Summary in one sentence: The essence of the initiation ceremony is to use the power of Buddhism to conduct an "activation ceremony" for a Buddha statue or an object. Its sacredness stems from the blessing of Buddhism and the devout faith of the believers.
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