Q: Master Lu, I have a question. On the first day of Chinese New Year, can I go to several temples to offer incense and make vows? All these temples have the statues or portraits of the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva. I make the same vows at each temple. According to our customs, we always drop by several temples to pay our respect.
A:
- It is good to pay respect to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas at temples.
- It is good to pay respect at temples where Buddhas and Bodhisattvas visit, but it is not desirable to pay respect at temples where Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not visit.
- It is best to go to the same temple regularly to pay your respect, and follow Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s instructions to practise Buddhism diligently.
- Most importantly, you should perform recitation, make vows, perform life liberation, as well as cultivate your mind and practise Buddhism diligently in your daily life. Only then will Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless you.