The Bodhisattva Precepts Recitation Ceremony & Amitabha Chanting Service

The Bodhisattva Precepts are called the “Great Precepts of a Thousand Buddhas” in the Brahma Net Sutra. This means that all sentient beings, all bodhisattvas, and even all Buddhas themselves become enlightened only because they uphold and practice these precepts.

At Dharma Drum Mountain, the version of the Bodhisattva Precepts was created by Master Sheng Yen. He based it on the ancient scriptures and writings of past Buddhist teachers, adapting it to fit the needs of modern life while preserving the bodhisattva spirit. The content is concise, but filled with meaning.

This ceremony helps those who have already taken the Bodhisattva Precepts to regularly reflect on them, check whether they’ve broken any of the precepts, and if they have, immediately confess and repent. This keeps the mind and heart pure and strengthens one’s commitment to the path. Even those who haven’t formally taken the precepts can attend the ceremony to build a strong connection and prepare to receive them in the future.

Chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha helps us develop compassion, a sense of shame and humility, gratitude and willingness to repent, help others, and transfer of merit to others. These mental qualities form the foundation for becoming a Buddha, practicing bodhisattva path, and creating a pure land within our own hearts. They are also the key conditions for being reborn in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land in the West.

In daily life, it’s important to apply these teachings by working to create a “Pure Land on Earth”—a world that is more kind, peaceful, and free from harm. This includes doing good deeds and avoiding harmful actions.

As Master Sheng Yen once said:
“All of us who come to learn Buddhism or chant the Buddha’s name already have good roots. Those without good roots wouldn’t feel drawn to this practice at all.”

It’s important to stay focused on the sound and meaning of the Buddha’s name. This helps keep your thoughts steady, clear, and connected to the present moment. When each recitation is done mindfully, with full awareness, each thought becomes pure and brings you closer to awakening.

【Date】3/16、4/20、7/6、8/17、10/5、11/16、12/7（日）

【Time】10:00 am – 12:00 pm

【Notes】

• No prior registration required
• Please wear the ceremonial robe. Those who have received the Bodhisattva Precepts, please also wear your Bodhisattva sash.
• If any family member of a participant has passed away within the last 49 days, you may fill out the merit transfer form on-site and join the chanting session together.