The 8th day of the twelfth lunar month is the day of Buddha’ s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree through 6-year ascetic practices. Buddhist temples will give Laba porridge to sentient beings on the 8th day of the twelfth lunar month every year to mark the day of Buddha’ s enlightenment.

In the morning, master Yanliang, head of the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center, burned incense and presided over the dharma assembly, and then together with believers and students, devoutly prayed for the elimination of the epidemic as well as blessed good weather for the crops and the public peaceful and safe.

Master Yanliang give Laba porridge to everyone after the prayer. People enjoyed porridge and shared dharma joy and the bliss of Chan together.

Cooking porridge to pay respect for Buddha and giving porridge to be attached to people were very popular among temples around the country after Buddhism was introduced to China. People usually think that they will be blessed by Buddha and increase happiness and wisdom after enjoying Laba porridge of temples. (Edited by Zou Xiang and pictures from the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center)