Bodhi Hut: hey thanks for your offer =) the problem is that I
have commitment at my buddhist org during vesak day every year,
that is why i'm looking for other days besides vesak that have this
3-step-1-bow..
Hi you can try out 3 step 1 bow on vesak day, the
atmosphere could be different than the one not carried out in
vesak day. Maybe you can try it next year or next next year..
I think Guang Ming Shan organise this 3 step 1 bow for
volunteers becos the volunteers could be busy on vesak day
itself so will miss out the ceremonies.
See if you have the affinity to attend the 3 step 1 bow..
Amituofo
What
is the 3 step 1 bow Ceremony all about?
Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualised
standing upon one's open palms which symbolise lotuses (that denote
purity). Every prostration is thus paying respects to the Buddha or
the countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of every direction. This
practice helps to purify the mind, humble the ego, and lessen
obstacles along the spiritual path as one repents past unwholesome
deeds of body, speech and mind, and aspires towards spiritual
improvement. It is also an occasion to express gratitude to the
Buddha for His compassion.
Concentration and calmness can be achieved as one becomes
constantly mindful of the processes of the body, speech and mind
during the practice. Unanswered spiritual questions are sometimes
answered as one enters deep concentration and realises the roots of
the problems.
As the ceremony is lengthy (taking slightly more than two hours)
and over undulating land of different surfaces, it reminds one of
the long and difficult journey towards Enlightenment. However it
also serves to remind us that as long as one has determination, all
difficulties can be overcome. Perseverance in completing the
journey despite its difficulties also strengthens one's faith in
the Triple Gem to lead us towards Enlightenment.
The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the
light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one
advances on the spiritual path towards Enlightenment. Participating
in this special event, among others, on the holy Vesak Day is
considered very meritorious. It is extremely difficult to describe
the spiritual joy one feels upon completion of the ceremony,
receiving the blessing of cool holy water being sprinkled upon the
head by the Sangha. It is an experience that one has to go through
to fully appreciate it!
http://tewem.tripod.com/Pg_Bud_3Step1Bow.htm