2025-07-06 Celebrating the Enlightenment Day of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva: Fo Guang Shan Miami Holds Diligent Sutra Copying Practice

To celebrate the Enlightenment Day of Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva, Fo Guang Shan Miami held a “One-Day Diligent Sutra Copying Practice” on July 6, 2025. Nearly sixty devotees of diverse ethnicities and ages gathered at the temple. Guided by Venerable Ruyuan, participants reverently copied passages from the Great Compassion Repentance. With each mindful stroke of the brush, they sought to embody the compassionate vows of Guanyin Bodhisattva, repent past misdeeds, and make fresh vows for spiritual cultivation.

Before the practice began, Venerable Ruyuan carefully explained the procedures and methods of sutra copying, then led the assembly in meditation to settle the mind and emotions. He encouraged everyone: “Sutra copying is not merely writing—it is a dialogue with one’s own heart. Through mindful practice in each stroke, we connect with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, awakening inner clarity and compassion.”

To maintain the temple’s atmosphere of purity, the session was observed in complete silence. Participants focused intently in stillness—some non-Chinese speakers, though unfamiliar with the language, respectfully traced the scriptures with sincerity, showing reverence for the Dharma and a spirit of learning. From elderly practitioners to school-aged children, and even many parents with their children, the scene was both warm and inspiring.

At noon, devotees partook in the traditional monastic dining ritual, experiencing the discipline and solemnity of Buddhist mealtime practice. In the afternoon, Venerable Ruyuan led “running incense walking meditation” (paoxiang) outdoors, harmonizing body and mind through movement and stillness while maintaining mindfulness.

The event concluded with a dedication of merit, during which Venerable Ruyuan led the chanting of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Prayer for Those Who Copy Sutras and Hear the Dharma.” He reminded the assembly: “Cultivation is about cultivating oneself. Sutra copying is about following the guidance of your own heart, and learning to become the master of yourself.” He encouraged participants to make sutra copying a part of their daily practice, aligning with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and realizing their inherent nature.

Participants eagerly shared their experiences. Sister Wu Suzhen said: “Every stroke reminded me to stay focused. This calm concentration is the most precious gift that sutra copying has given me.” Sister Yu Meifeng shared: “Sutra copying taught me the importance of perseverance. Though my hand grew sore and my mind wavered, when I calmed down and wrote with focus, clarity naturally arose within.”

The event concluded successfully, leaving everyone filled with Dharma joy. Many expressed their determination to continue sutra copying as a daily practice—maintaining a pure space within their busy lives, embodying Guanyin Bodhisattva’s great compassion, cultivating blessings and wisdom, and nurturing the bodhi mind.