On October 13 and 14, 2024, I, along with over 100 brothers and sisters from the Compassionate Service Society across the United States and a few other countries, had the opportunity to attend the World Peace Gathering organized by the Compassionate Service Society of Taiwan. This is the second time the Mandala Dharma Assembly has been held in Taiwan, and this year, for the first time, it featured a focus on the Altruistic Leave-Home program, with about 50 novice monks and nuns from Taiwan participating. The assembly took place at the International Sports Center in Kaohsiung, a large building with two opposing halls separated by a wide corridor. The hall on the right served as the main hall where the teacher gave teachings and guided the audience in practice, while the left hall was dedicated to the Mandala ceremony.
As I stepped onto the steps leading into this center, I felt as though I was entering a different realm. Echoing from the main hall were sounds blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and English, mixed with laughter, creating a lively atmosphere that reflected the joy of the Mandala festival. Everyone’s face radiated happiness, as if preparing to welcome something wondrous. Indeed, Mandala is a marvelous and superior teaching, a focal point for the spiritual energy of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and sentient beings. It is also a method of practice that helps beings in both the visible and invisible realms transition from darkness to light, capable of transforming ordinary consciousness into the consciousness of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
The World Peace Gathering in Kaohsiung, though smaller than the annual World Peace Gathering in California, shares similarities in both form and content, reflecting the spirit of the Compassionate Service Society. The decorations inside and outside the two halls, along with the lighting design, were a perfect blend of technique and artistry. For instance, outside the halls were long banners advertising the Assembly, beautifully draped over the columns. Even though I couldn't read the Chinese text, I felt a warm and gentle invitation to the public, as reflected in the images presented. These large and small banners were adorned with colors and the seed syllables of the Four Lotus Flowers, conveying the teaching method of the Mandala Assembly, grounded in the practice of the Lotus Hand.
Outside the main hall were tables set up for registration, blessings, and offerings, as well as sales. All these tasks were handled by the dedicated volunteers of the Compassionate Service Society in Taiwan. I recognized that the culture of the Compassionate Service Society, which the teacher has cultivated over many years, was prominently displayed at the Assembly. This culture embodies compassion in the mission of service. Aware that my group and I were strangers in both language and culture, the volunteers worked tirelessly to assist us with kindness and openness. The differences in language and unfamiliarity in culture were met with empathy, sincerity, and the connection of shared spiritual intent.
The Mandala in Kaohsiung was set up to accommodate around 400 people, similar to previous Mandalas in Anaheim or Long Beach, California. From the colors and shapes that formed the Mandala to the neatly arranged cushions and offerings for the attendees, everything was artistically organized. I was reminded of the term "scalable," which is a distinctive feature of the Mandalas organized by the Compassionate Service Society. Depending on the needs and circumstances, a Mandala can expand, as the one in Anaheim can host over two thousand people, or contract, as in the case of the Mandala in Kaohsiung. Although the sizes differ, the setup is consistent, reflecting the philosophy and practice of Mandala based on the teachings of the Avatamsaka Sutra.
In this Mandala, Kwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva served as the main spiritual leader. At the center of the Mandala was a statue of Kwan Shr Yin, the Thousand Hands, Thousand Eyes Bodhisattva, seated on a pillar of light. With a sophisticated lighting system, attendees could feel the radiant energy emanating from the statue and the pillar, symbolizing the Bodhisattva’s power to dispel the darkness of karma. I thought that if everyone’s mind focused on this central point of the Mandala, sincerely practicing, concentrating in meditation, and reciting mantras with dedication—combined with the diligent efforts of the monastic community and the virtues of Teachers Thầy Hằng Trường, Thầy Hằng Đức, Sogan Rinpoche, and other monks—the spiritual energy of the Mandala would be immensely powerful.
On a wall of the hall behind Thầy, there is a large image of Kwan Shr Yin with 42 Eyes of Compassion projected. The image is very large, with vibrant colors. Sitting on a white lotus, each hand holds a precious dharma. Kwan Shr Yin embodies the beauty of an ancient Buddha, dignified and noble, yet her face is exceptionally gentle and transcendent. Surrounding her are countless clouds filling the sky, along with the various symbols of the Avatamsaka Sutra manifesting on the clouds, creating a mystical atmosphere. I feel as if I and the audience are being nourished by the nectar rain from those dharma clouds.
The chanting of the mantras in this Mandala session is also very special. Previously, the chanting was in a monotone tone, neither rising nor falling. But this time, the chanting is melodious, depending on the meaning of each lotus associated with that mantra. As I chant the mantras, I feel my consciousness rising with the following emotions:
- Jewel Chest: The seed syllable YA lies beneath my seat (in the subconscious region). Therefore, the beginning of the mantra "Syi To Yu Yi, Shr Pan La Ye" consists of very low notes to express the depths of our consciousness. This is the fertile ground of virtuous roots, where all the merits from many past lives are accumulated. The latter part of the mantra "Om, Wa Dz La, Bo Shr Jye Li, Jye Nang Syin, La Hum" has higher notes to indicate that the power of YA and this mantra can gather merits and virtuous roots, elevating our consciousness from darkness to light.
- Sweet Dew: The seed syllable SA is on my head. Therefore, the beginning of this mantra consists of very high notes "Su Lu Su Lu, Om Su Lu Su Lu," while the rest "Bo La Su Lu, Bo La Su Lu" is chanted in a lower tone, gradually descending and becoming lighter "Su Lu Su Lu Ye, So Po Ho." When reciting this mantra, my consciousness flows like a stream of nectar gently, continuously flowing from above and spreading everywhere, unhindered.
- Blue Lotus: The seed syllable THA is on the left side. The way this mantra is chanted is fascinating: “Li To Yun. Om, Jr Li Jr Li, Wa Dz La, Bu La Pan To, Hum, Pan Ja.” The rhythm is very harmonious, filled with a sense of urgency. Emphasizing the word “Hum” creates a powerful and determined resonance. This mantra expresses a rejection of greed and material desires, awakening our inherent true nature. Thus, our consciousness remains open, transforming the desire to possess into the spirit of giving. Practicing THA means cultivating the act of giving and continuously sharing.
- Red Lotus: The seed syllable KSA is behind me. The mantra “Bo To Mo Jye Syi To Ye, Om Sheng Jr Li So Po Ho” is repeated twice. The first time features high notes, ending on the highest note to convey strength and resolve. The second time has similar high notes, but ends lower, symbolizing the conclusion of one cycle and the beginning of another. The chant instills a sense of joy, enthusiasm, and determination. As what lies behind us often represents darkness—specifically the shadows of anger and resentment—we need determination and effort to shine the light and transform that darkness. The way this mantra is recited encourages positivity and focus in this endeavor.
- Purple Lotus: The seed syllable SVA is on the right side. The chant “Fo La She Ye, Om Sa La Sa La, Wa Dz La Jya La, Hum Pan Ja” appears to consist of a single steady to, lacking the high or low notes found in other mantras. The gentle rhythm of the Purple Lotus mantra aligns our consciousness with an easy-to-follow melody, expressing openness and freedom. The Purple Lotus dissolves emotional debts, allowing for a lightness that opens the heart to resolve tensions in relationships with others.
- White Lotus: The seed syllable GA is in front of me. The recitation of this mantra is particularly special. The full mantra: “Jye meng, Om, Wa Dz La, Wei La Ye, So Po He” is repeated three times, with each iteration featuring a different version of “So Po He.” However, the chant flows easily, with a relaxed and rhythmic quality. When chanting this mantra, my spirit rises with excitement and optimism, reminding us to be present in the moment while looking toward the future with an open and positive mindset.
- Thousand Petals Lotus: The seed syllable YSA emerges from the crown of my head. The chant “Pu To Ye, Om Wa Dz Li Ni, Wa Dz Lan Yi, So Po Ho” is repeated twice and includes several rising and falling notes. The chant reflects the profound mission of a Bodhisattva. At the beginning of our path, we leave behind the ordinary world, the delusions of the ego, to reach the home of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—the home of non-dual true mind. Yet, upon reaching this second home, we do not stop; we continue to the next home, which is the selfless service to sentient beings. Just as the Thousand Petals Lotus rises higher and expands, the Bodhisattva path is one of ongoing evolution.
In the solemn, tranquil atmosphere of the Mandala, my consciousness immersed in each mantra. The unique and engaging recitation captured my attention completely, allowing me to forget the current space and the discomfort in my body from sitting still for so long. I felt a lightness in my body and peace in my heart. I listened to the clear sound of my own chanting merging with the chants of the teacher and everyone present.
It was miraculous to see 400 people from various countries, speaking different languages, yet the sound of the mantra remained unified, harmonizing in a collective resonance. At that moment, worldly language faded away, leaving only the language of transcendence. Although there were 400 unique individuals, in the magical space of the Mandala, the differences of ordinary beings transformed into the essence of true nature or Buddha nature. In my mind, there was no thought other than the images of the seed syllables.
I felt a wondrous space and a profound stillness enveloping the hall as the chanting concluded. A deep, solemn silence filled the air, as if I and the entire assembly were in the presence of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas at that very moment. I knew that the Mandala had achieved its purpose, as we and the assembly had returned to the home of the Buddhas, the home of the Non-Dual True Mind.
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