Return the Heart to Amitabha, Walk the Path of Compassion — The Autumn Three-Day Buddha Recitation Retreat at Amitabha Village Concludes Successfully
From October 8 to 10, 2025, the North American Amitabha Village Autumn Three-Day Buddha Recitation Retreat (Fo San) concluded successfully in an atmosphere of solemnity and purity.
During the three days of collective practice, under the compassionate guidance of Venerable Shang Wu Xia Yue and the resident monastics of Amitabha Village, participants focused wholeheartedly on reciting the Buddha’s name. Their minds became unified, filled with joy and peace in the Dharma.
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Each morning, as the temple bell sounded, everyone entered the hall in orderly harmony—bowing to the Buddha, chanting sutras, and reciting the sacred name in a calm and dignified atmosphere. Venerable Shang Wu Xia Yue delivered gentle yet profound teachings on the essence of Buddha recitation, reminding everyone to let go of scattered thoughts and to base their cultivation on faith, vows, and practice, allowing each recitation to arise sincerely from the heart.
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The sound of “Amitabha” rose and fell like ocean waves, day and night without pause, enveloping the entire Amitabha Village in tranquil, mind-collecting Buddha tones—peaceful and serene.
In one Dharma talk, the master said:
“Reciting the Buddha’s name is cultivating the mind; when the mind is pure, the environment becomes pure.”
Through three days of diligent cultivation, participants not only nourished body and mind but also strengthened their faith and vows. Some felt deep repentance and gratitude while chanting; others rediscovered long-lost peace and gentleness. Though only three days, the retreat helped everyone reconnect with their inner purity and strength.
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On October 11, Amitabha Village held a solemn Three-Session Blessing Ceremony. Under the guidance of Venerable Shang Wu Xia Yue and the resident Dharma masters, the assembly chanted the Buddha’s name and sutras together, dedicating their merits with pure minds to world peace and the happiness of all beings.
The ceremony was serene and dignified—the continuous sound of Buddha recitation and melodious chanting inspired reverence and inner calm. Through this collective practice, participants deeply experienced the Buddhist spirit of “benefiting oneself and others”—purifying the mind through recitation and creating boundless virtue through dedication.
This day’s event not only continued the pure energy of the three-day retreat but also deepened the spiritual atmosphere of Amitabha Village.
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On October 12, the village hosted a Dharma Sharing Session. Participants gathered to share experiences, encourage one another, and rejoice in the Dharma. During the session, Venerable Shang Wu Xia Yue gave a teaching on The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, emphasizing their importance on the path of cultivation—especially the first vow, “To pay homage and respect to all Buddhas.”
The master explained that true homage is not merely a physical bow, but a deep respect and mindfulness from the heart. When we approach all beings with humility and reverence, we are paying homage to all Buddhas; when we nurture gratitude and respect in daily life, we are practicing the Bodhisattva conduct of Samantabhadra.
This teaching touched many participants deeply, reminding them that genuine cultivation is not limited to temples, but found in every thought and every action—beginning with respect and fulfilled through compassionate vows, each step leading back to awakening and kindness.
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After several days of cultivation and learning, all activities concluded harmoniously. A peaceful and grateful atmosphere filled Amitabha Village, along with heartfelt appreciation for the selfless contributions and dedication of the volunteers.
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May everyone take the Buddha’s name as their constant companion, nurture compassion in their hearts, keep every thought pure, and let the lamp of wisdom shine forever bright.