On the morning of November 20, 2024 (Canada local time), a historic milestone for Buddhism in Canada took place—the consecration ceremony of the Ksitigarbha Hall at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, Canada. This Tang-style wooden structure, at one time destroyed by a fire, has risen from the ashes. Its rebirth not only signifies the profound heritage of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism in North America, but also showcases the majestic and radiant spirit of Buddhism to the world. Over 500 attendees, including Buddhist elders, eminent and distinguished monks, devotees, and supporters from all over the world, gathered to witness this historic moment.
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Congregation of Eminent Monks at the Solemn Ceremony
The 102 years old founder of Cham Shan Temple, Venerable Master Sing Hung, personally attended the consecration ceremony to perform the blessing. The ceremony was presided over by many distinguished monks, including Venerable Dayi , President of the Buddhist Association of Canada and the abbot of both Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada and Cham Shan Temple; Venerable Hui Siong, President of the World Buddhist Sangha Council; Venerable Chao Chu, President of the Los Angeles Buddhist Union; Venerable Bo Yu, abbot of the Fu Sien Tong Buddhist Temple in Toronto; Venerable Kuan Yun, President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association; Venerable Chao Fan, abbot of New Jersey’s Fuhui Temple; and Venerable Thich Hue Minh, abbot of Vietnam’s Cam-Lo-Vuong Buddhist Community Temple. Eminent monks and elders from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, and other countries were also in attendance.
Notably, 11 monks from Shanghai’s ancient Longhua Temple travelled all the way to Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada to participate in the series of consecration ceremonies for the sacred statues in the Ksitigarbha Hall. Their presence enhanced the ceremony with a profound sense of traditional Buddhism.
Cleansing of the Worlds by Purified Water
The Dharma ceremony began solemnly with the chanting of the words which can be translated as: “with purifying water from the willow branch, blessings are sprinkled across the three thousand worlds.” The presiding monks led the devotees in prayers, wishing for peace and safety of all beings, and tranquility in all the Dharma realms. The atmosphere was solemn and awe-inspiring, with the resonating sound of sacred chanting filling the air of the Wutai Buddhist Garden in Canada.
Risen from the Ashes to Bear the Sacred Duty
As one of the four Buddhist gardens being developed in Canada, the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden has attracted considerable attention since the project’s inception. This temple complex includes the Main Dharma Hall, the Hall of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the Ksitigarbha Hall, and the Manjusri Hall. It aims to be a project that integrates religion, culture, and tourism. Over the course of more than a decade of phased construction, various companies and workers from China have contributed to the project. Despite facing numerous challenges, the project has progressed steadily.
However, on the afternoon of July 24, 2022, a sudden fire engulfed the nearly completed Ksitigarbha Hall, causing immense heartbreak and casted a dark cloud over the Garden’s construction progress. Yet, this disaster did not shake the faith and determination of those involved. With much support and assistance from everyone, rebuilding efforts were swiftly initiated. On September 21, 2023, the Ksitigarbha Hall, risen from the ashes, held the beam-raising ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the reconstruction process.
Today, the light of Buddha shines brightly over Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada by the congregation of eminent monks from all over the world. The Ksitigarbha Hall, a symbol of Buddhist spirit and great heritage, stands before the world as a sacred place for all beings to strive towards kindness and seek the Dharma.
In his speech at the consecration ceremony, Venerable Dayi said: “At this solemn and auspicious moment, we have gathered together to witness the opening ceremony of the Ksitigarbha Hall at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, Canada. This is a day of profound significance, an important milestone for Buddhist culture in North America, and a symbol of the spiritual refuge and blessing of every devotee. The successful completion of the Ksitigarbha Hall is made possible through the selfless contributions and hard work of many people. I would like to sincerely thank all the donors and supporters. Your compassion and faith have allowed us to have such a meaningful ceremony today. This is a precious place where we can all practice and pray together. Every donation and every act of kindness fuels our drive to continue developing the Buddhist cause. Your good deeds will transform into boundless merit and wisdom, spreading throughout the world and benefiting all beings.”
The grandeur of Tang-dynasty style architecture
The Ksitigarbha Hall covers an area of 5,000 square feet, and its design follows the traditional Chinese Tang-dynasty style architecture. Eight “lotus pillars” stand majestically, resembling the Buddha’s light that protects all beings. Inside the hall, the lifelike statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva emits a tranquil glow, much like a beacon that illuminates the hearts of devotees. This statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva seems to embody boundless compassion and wisdom, bringing a sense of inner peace and serenity to all those present. The Ksitigarbha Hall is not only a spiritual refuge for devotees, but also a sacred place for the dissemination of Buddhist culture. Everyone who sets foot in this pure land can sense the solemnity and sanctity of the Buddha’s teachings.
With the conclusion of the consecration ceremony, the Ksitigarbha Hall is now officially open to the public. Devotees can visit to pay their respects, pray for blessings, and experience the profound depth and compassionate spirit of the Buddhist culture. The reconstruction and consecration of the Ksitigarbha Hall not only represents a positive collective response to disaster, but it also marks a pivotal moment in the development of Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada. It stands as a testament to the unity and collective effort of the Buddhist community in Canada, heralding a bright future for the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden.
Cultural Exchange and Sharing of Wisdom
The Wutai Shan is dedicated to becoming the global hub for Buddhist cultural exchange. Through ongoing cultural and academic activities, Wutai Shan attracts Buddhist practitioners and scholars from around the world to share and spread the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism. Activities such as meditation retreats, Buddhist cultural exhibitions, and cultural festivals not only enrich people’s cultural lives but also promote mutual understanding and respect among different cultures. Additionally, the establishment of the Buddhist College aims to cultivate Buddhist talents with an international perspective, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and highlighting the unique charm and inclusiveness of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism.