By Gold Buddha Monastery
Sunday, January 26 – 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
In cultivation there are 84,000 kinds of dharma practices, and hand-copying sutras is one of them. Sutra copying can help us focus our minds, nurture our characters, and open our wisdom. The Bodhisattva Asanga once said:
“There are five benefits from hand-copying a sutra:
(1) One can draw near to the Tathagata;
(2) One can gather in and gain blessings and virtues;
(3) Praising the Dharma is also cultivating;
(4) One can receive offerings from heavenly beings;
(5) One can eradicate offenses.”
In 2006, Gold Buddha Monastery started the tradition of sutra copying or also known in Chinese as “First Stroke of Auspiciousness, Sutra Copying for Blessings”. This event is held on Chinese New Year Eve from 1:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon. All those who participated brought forth their earnest sincerity to hand-copy sutras. Up until 2011, participants have copied several sutras such as “The Heart of Prajna Paramita Sutra”, “Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra”, “Great Strength Bodhisattva’s Perfect Penetration Chapter”, “The Avatamsaka Sutra Preface”, “The Sutra of the Eight Awakenings of Great Sages”, “Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra”, “Medicine Master Sutra”, and “Shurangama Mantra Verses by Venerable Master Hua”.
May the merit and virtue of hand-copying sutras, Be universally transferred to all beings in the Dharma Realm to attain Bodhi fruition. May all attain bliss and leave suffering, Bring forth Bodhi resolve and accomplish the Buddha Way.