Coinciding with the Guan Yin Bodhisattva Festival on the 19th day of the 6th lunar month, Sau Seng Lum Buddhist Temple held the Lamp Offering for Blessing event. On that day, a solemn sea of lights and colourful flowers filled the Thousands Arm & Thousands Eyes Guan Yin Hall in the temple.

The Guan Yin Bodhisattva Festival promotes the compassion and spirit of dedication of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, inspiring devotees to learn the spirit of compassion, mercy and salvation from Guan Yin Bodhisattva, who listens to the cries of the world and rescues beings from suffering and difficulties. The celebration also encouraged devotees to practice generosity, bestowing others with faith, joy, hope and convenience in their daily lives, thereby rescuing beings from the sea of suffering and afflictions.

On this auspicious day, devotees lit the heart lamps in front of the statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, praying for the great compassionate and merciful Guan Yin Bodhisattva to shower the nectar throughout the three thousand realms. At the same time, they pray for the world to be free from natural disasters, human calamities and wars, wishing for the peace and well-being of all sentient beings.

By offering lamps to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, devotees learn to practice generosity and care for the welfare of others through the compassion of the Bodhisattva, recognizing that all sentient beings possess the Buddha’s nature. Through constant self-reflection and introspection, they continually purify their thoughts, allowing the nourishment and sustainment of a lasting benevolent heart and seek to dissolve all afflictions and obstacles through the compassionate spirit and wisdom of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Cultivating a compassionate heart towards sentient beings, even with a single thought of compassion, makes one an embodiment of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Becoming the embodiment or representative of Guan Yin Bodhisattva in life to help beings in suffering and afflictions is a proactive method of liberation. Through practical actions, one can comprehend and experience Bodhisattva’s profound wisdom and immense compassion, fostering a compassionate heart and enlightened mind.