VOWS THAT ONE CAN MAKE DURING THE CHONG YANG FESTIVAL
Caller: Master, is Chong Yang Festival, the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, a day to show our respect and filial piety to our parents? Is it particularly effective to pray for the longevity of our parents if we perform life liberation on their behalf on this day?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is in fact beneficial to the elderlies. During the Chong Yang Festival, Bodhisattvas and Dharma Protectors will visit the human realm. Many of the Bodhisattvas, with purview over heaven, the old and aged, and those diligent Buddhist practitioners, will be present. Thus, it is very good to make vows during the Chong Yang Festival.
What are these vows? You can make the vow to be diligent and hardworking in your cultivation. If you are a filial person, you can vow to be more filial to your parents. You can express your heartfelt vows to Bodhisattvas.
Caller: I see.
Master Jun Hong Lu: I am not asking any of you to do anything for me. Let me tell you a story. In the past, the monastics in the temples would make certain vows to their masters or elders. For example, “I am willing to do something, or willing to follow in the footsteps of our Master, etc.” In fact, such vows engender great merits.
Caller: I see. Is it particularly good if we can make a vow to honour Master and revere your teachings during the Chong Yang Festival?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Well said. You are absolutely right. During the Chong Yang Festival, you can make the following vow.
“I will follow Guan Yin Bodhisattva and stay diligent in my spiritual cultivation. Guan Yin Bodhisattva is the beacon of light in my life. I will adhere to the teachings of Guan Yin Bodhisattva and transcend the cycle of rebirth in this lifetime!”
Obviously, it’s best not to make this vow if you are unable to fulfil it.
Alternatively, you can make this vow:
“I will always worship Guan Yin Bodhisattva. I will follow the ways of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, cultivate my mind and learn Buddhism diligently, besides propagating Buddhism.”
If you can make such a vow during the Chong Yang Festival, you stand to gain merit points from Dharma Protectors.
Source: Shuohua20171027 00:58, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program