August 31, 2012 (the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month) was Ullambana Dharma Assembly, the traditional festival of Buddhism. Australian Shaolin Cultural Center held two-day Ullambana festival and praying Dharma Assembly. Master Yankuo, Yanye, Yanchao and Yanlan led all the Buddhism believers to attend the grand and solemn Dharma Assembly devotionally and instructed that people should always keep a grateful heart in order to release souls of the dead from purgatory. Mr. Gramm, former chairman of Australian Buddhist Association and Master Shi Yuanzang, board chairman of Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Melbourne attended this Dharma Assembly as well.

Praying Dharma Assembly

Had lunch together

During the activities, Australian Shaolin Cultural Center also held Dharma Assembly named “Light the Heart” for light passing on and calligraphy competition. Master Yankuo indicated that light passing on was actually to pass on an eternal truth, pass on an honorable wisdom and a compassionate spirit.

Dharma Assembly for light passing on

At last, masters and students of Australian Shaolin Cultural Center demonstrated the fantastic Shaolin Kungfu and Chan meditation for the public and rewarded the outstanding students who performed well in calligraphy competition.

Demonstrated Shaolin Kungfu

Chan meditation

Master Yankuo rewarded the outstanding students

Group photo